Find a Therapist in San Fernando, California.

My clients often find me easy to talk to and say they feel comfortable with me, trusting quickly. This can make the psychotherapeutic process easier and more effective for my clients, especially if they are nervous or don’t know what to expect. Therapy with me can range from just talking casually with each other, leading to insights, increased self awareness, and processing through emotional issues, or it could be more intensive deeper therapy like EMDR.

People go to therapy to address a problem that is distressing them and causing interference in a significant aspect of their life (work, social life, interpersonal relationships, sleep, etc.) After the immediate problem is resolved or significantly reduced, most of my clients continue to stay in therapy because they have started noticing a change in themselves that they like! To me, therapy isn't just about reducing symptoms. It is about much more. It's about experiencing meaning in life. It's about connecting with the best version of ourselves and knowing that person is there within us. That's true self-confidence. My clients tend to tell me they feel more "whole". That's therapy to me.

My approach to therapy incorporates the belief that the way people function, behave, think, feel, and relate to others is impacted by their life experiences. As children (and even in adulthood) we learn about ourselves and the world around us from the experiences we have. The choice to come to therapy is a courageous one rooted in a decision to explore how past (and/or current) experiences may be contributing to current challenges. I work with my clients to help them increase overall wellness and life satisfaction by exploring past experiences, current challenges, and how their choices, actions, and beliefs can be used to promote healing.

Having the desire to deeply experience, explore, and feel our emotions that are related to both present and past circumstances is at the core of the process. Unexamined feelings can often lead to negative feeling or experiences which their cause is not understand. The process of understanding one’s feelings and emotions allows us to grow. Psychotherapy can awaken us to discover the real reason we choose our behaviors.

My approach to psychotherapy does not involve years of talk about issues until the client reaches a "catharsis," and suddenly is cured. It is more of a collaboration and involves the client to engage in his own therapy. We look for solutions, rather than talking about "problems" endlessly. As a person-centered therapist, I believe an authentic, respectful and caring relationship with the client fosters growth and self-actualization. The use of cognive-behavioral methods, allows us to look for underlying beliefs the client may have about his place in the world, and unrealistic thought patterns, such as "all-or-nothing" thinking. These can be redirected to provide positive outomes.

Dr. Levine is one of only 5% of all clinical psychologists holding Board-Certification (ABPP) & has over 30 years of experience, having previously served as the Chief of Psychology at Mt Sinai Medical Center in NY and then as a Psychologist at UCLA Medical School. He then completed a 2-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy at Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia. He will answer the phone (323-417-2325) personally with no receptionist or secretary to deal with! Or, simply email him at BHpsychologist@gmail