Find a Therapist in Westmont, California.

Dr. Sobo integrates traditional psychodynamic psychotherapy with progressive psychotherapeutic interventions such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness training. These techniques help to treat the effects of patients presenting problems as well as traumas. Patients learn to facilitate emotional and cognitive processing, as well as cultivate self-awareness of inner body sensations. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy has been reported to reduce symptoms of PTSD, nightmares, panic attacks, and hyperarousal, while providing tools to help increase feelings of safety and a sense of control over one’s self.

I truly believe psychotherapy provides a healing, transforming relationship that will ultimately empower you to make long-lasting life changes. One main goal in my personal therapeutic approach is to fundamentally change the struggle you likely have with your thoughts and feelings, so you can be free to experience a better quality of life. I tend to utilize a variety of therapeutic frameworks to conceptualize and fit your specific needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Relational Therapy, Family Systems, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

I believe in creating an atmosphere in therapy in which you can feel safe and comfortable with me so that you can share what is bothering you without judgement. Clients give me feedback that I am warm, caring , humorous, and easy to talk to. I believe that successful therapy also involves learning new skills and learning to think differently about your life or whatever is bothering you. To achieve this, I often encourage between sessions "homework" to accelerate therapeutic progress.

My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental place where I can help my clients reach their full potential by processing feelings (past and present issues), improving communication, and exploring family issues that may be a barrier to success. I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families with various issues including: Depression, Anxiety, Communication, Coming Out Issues, Increasing Intimacy, Sexual Identity, Attention Problems, Self Esteem, Anger Management, Addiction Issues, Bereavement, Relationship Issues and Trauma.

Psychotherapy is primarily about creating a safe place to be open with your thoughts and feelings. When you can be understood in what you are experiencing a new connection. In this process of connecting healing occurs. We change when we are understood. The therapy relationship is such a place where you can be more fully understood. As this occur's, new energy and hope emerges. We are set free to live our authentic and unique self.

As a psychotherapist, it is my belief that by entering therapy, a client is entering a journey of self exploration that leads to personal growth and fulfillment. I believe it takes courage and strength for an individual to accept the challenges in their lives and take steps toward health and happiness. I am a directive therapist who educates, teaches, and instill insight for my clients that enhances their relationship within themselves and with others. I guide clients in obtaining insight as to sources that hinder their potential for happiness as well as provide coping mechanisms and tools clients can utilize to manage their emotional challenges.

Are problems from your past creating issues for you today? Do you need help learning more constructive ways to deal with life's challenges? Do you feel stuck in the same unhealthy patterns, and can't find your way out of them? If this sounds like you, I'd like to help. I am committed to creating a place where you feel safe to heal, and uncover emotional wounds and memories, so that you don't continue with self-defeating, maladaptive behaviors.

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.

I like to ask good questions rather than solutions. I am a professional collaborator. When it comes to anxiety and trauma, there are practical tools I use to help clients relieve their nervous system. I use deep brain-based work called brainspotting. In my talk therapy, I like to use the foundation of narrative therapy to help clients feel dignified and learn to use their values to help carry them forward. Its the best of both worlds using a processing technique and another technique that requires thinking. I use all areas of the brain.

If your young adult is feeling isolated and alone, I can help them explore the circumstances that have led them to this place in their life. Sometimes healing is derived from simply gaining understanding of how their life experiences have impacted them and shaped who they are. I can help your young adult examine how their early childhood experiences have influenced the lens through which they currently view the world. I can also help them evaluate any rules they made up about the meaning of life. Together, we can design a new and more fulfilling story for their future.

Abby provides comprehensive psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families seeking deeper understanding, healing, and growth. Her integrative, trauma-informed approach blends psychodynamic, relational, and evidence-based modalities tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions, Abby creates a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore their experiences, strengthen emotional resilience, and develop lasting change. Her work is grounded in empathy, clinical expertise, and a deep respect for each person’s journey.

The most important indicator of success in therapy is the therapeutic relationship. From the moment we meet, we will build the trust and rapport which will crucial to your success in therapy. I use a variety of approaches including attachment, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy in my work to help my clients attain their goals of maximum well being. My clients are wonderfully individual, so I base my orientation on their insight and understanding of their situation.

My approach to psychotherapy is mostly relational. I take a family systems approach that addresses relationships in my clients' lives and improves their functioning for better health and happiness. Clients under my care learn how to unilaterally improve the functioning of a relationship through boundaries and self-confrontation. The result is individuals and relationships that thrive.

I am a psychodynamic trained therapist. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a form of depth psychology and is similar to psychoanalysis. It is also known as insight-oriented therapy and focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The goals are for a client to become self-aware and understand the influence of their past on their present behaviors. The psychodynamic approach enables the client to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past dysfunctional relationships.

Are you interested in getting relief and finding solutions? Would you like to feel good about your life and relationships? I use empirical research and science across multiple disciplines to show clients just like you how you can get real-world, tangible, time-tested, and long-lasting, results that lead to optimal mental and relational health. Mental and relational health is not just a reduction in symptoms and problems. Instead, they are increases in self-control and empowerment, as well as acceptance, freedom, kindness, compassion, safety, and understanding - for yourself and others.

The unconscious always wins. Often times we think we know why we do what we do---but we don't. The opportunity cost of not knowing can be huge. In my work I help clients get to the bottom of why they are doing what they are doing. When we have the insight, we can make new choices. Maybe you're dealing with a big decision in your career or relationships, maybe you struggle feeling confidence or self esteem. Whatever the case may be--I'm here to help.

Finding the right therapist is vital to the growth and healing of the individual. My goal is to uncover what my clients need and find ways to help them activate this within session and within their lives. I am very active, encouraging, using humor and stories or videos to help them reframe the areas were they are stuck or confused. My goal is to help them see that the tapes that they believe are no longer helping them and to give them the freedom to see themself with new eyes.

I am broadly trained in Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic therapy. As needed, I will utilize and borrow from various other approaches including ACT, CBT, and art therapy amongst others. I believe to create lasting change, it is necessary to discover the roots of the underlying problem. We will then create and utilize the tools required to bring about change.

Psychotherapy is when an individual has mental health support from a therapist for emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy has the potential to help reduce undesirable symptoms and at times eliminate them. The goal of treatment would be to focus on individuals symptoms and create goals with the therapist support to then gradually increase overall well being of individual.

Ask yourself, when was the last time I invested in me, my own well-being and overall health? Psychotherapy offers you the opportunity to express your unspoken fears and worries in a healthy way while learning insight as to the causes of the underlying issue. While supported by your therapist, you have the opportunity to explore and process the impact of life events (ie., childhood experiences/relationships, major life changes such as marriage, birth of a child, divorce, loss of a loved one, and current relationships) in a non-judging environment that will afford you the opportunity to improve your overall level of functioning.

I take a strengths based, humanistic, person centered focus toward psychotherapy. This allows us to approach your issues directly based on your experience with the issues you are facing. Beginning with your strengths, we will look at how you have managed the issues so far focusing on what has worked and expand on these options. At times you may be challenged and confronted with difficult yet realistic options for change. I work to provide positive feedback and encourage you to consider new techniques which may be just a little bit outside of your comfort zone. Through discussion in an open, honest, safe and supportive environment, we will work toward your growth toward your goals.

Psychotherapy can be a life-transforming experience. While it can help you to identify your problems and figure out ways to cope with them, therapy is much more than just problem-solving and symptom reduction. It can also help you identify and correct destructive patterns of thinking and behaving that may be impeding your growth. The possible benefits of psychotherapy are endless. They include increased self-awareness and self-esteem, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilled life. The foundation of good therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. It is essential that you find someone with whom you feel a comfortable connection. Your therapist should create a safe, accepting, positive environment where you can explore even...(view profile to read more)

The fact that you are considering psychotherapy shows that you are taking a powerful and courageous step towards enriching your life. I specialize in providing psychotherapy in an empathic, stimulating, and collaborative environment that will help you heal, grow, and find fulfillment in your life. Together we will explore your unique personal circumstances and come to understand how these circumstances have effected and continue to effect your life. Ultimately, we will explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that you can heal and grow.

Processing and validating experiences with a trusted professional can facilitate healing. Therapeutic relationships provide an opportunity for self-reflection, connection, and growth. Increased self-awareness can benefit our relationships, decision-making skills, and overall well-being. I am committed to supporting your individual process and maintaining a safe, non-judgmental environment.

I'm a seasoned licensed individual therapist with a focus on how relationships shape our personalities and overall mental health. I use a comprehensive blend of therapeutic approaches including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and Object-Relations Psychotherapy. Tailoring to the unique needs of individuals seeking personal growth, I empower clients to explore underlying patterns and emotional complexities. With an empathetic and goal-oriented perspective, clients find a path towards self-awareness, emotional balance, and confidence. My deep commitment to individual well-being positions me as an ideal guide for those seeking to transform and enhance their lives in therapy.