Find A Psychologist in Pasadena, CA.

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, panic, stress, and OCD. Since 1988 I have helped hundreds of people free themselves from these conditions and returned to living productive, fruitful lives free of fear. If you suffer from Panic Disorder, please know that it is REAL, and it is TREATABLE. As the Director of CHAANGE, I use this program in my treatment of the anxiety disorders. There is help available, so be hopeful. You may also visit my podcast at Life Free of Anxiety. (lifefreeofanxiety.com)

To strengthen my role as the Executive Director of the La Vie Counseling Center I received advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy from the Southern California Psychoanalytic Institute because of my interest in getting to the roots of the problems that drive people to therapy. I have studied and practiced an in-depth approach to psychotherapy for over 20 years and have written books that have sold over a million copies and been translated into several languages. My desire is to not only help people feel better, but help them get better and live that way daily. I love going to work each day, because helping people live healthier lives makes me a better person in the process.

I am a Professional Psychologist specializing in the treatment of trauma, depression, grief, and adjustment, as well as Psychological Testing and Assessment, amongst others. My approach is Psychodynamically/Psychoanalytical oriented, with the expansion into other areas, such as ACT, CBT, art therapy, where needed and appropriate. In a safe and non - judgmental environment, we explore the underlying root or roots of your problems and seek out new directions.

There are many different types of therapists out there, with a variety of specialties, levels and types of training and experience. Trying to understand these differences and finding the type of therapist that is right for you can be confusing and sometimes frustrating. A Psychologist is a mental health professional who has an earned Doctoral Degree and passed the most rigorous professional training and licensing requirements in the field. These professionals most typically focus their practice on talk or behavioral therapies and have the widest variety of and deepest understanding of and training in therapeutic techniques. Psychologists are capable of working with the widest variety of issues including the most complex and challenging types of mental health issues.

Relative few psychologists focus on and specialize in the relationship side of emotional struggles. Depression, anxiety and loneliness have relationships components and those components are important to address. It can also be valuable to see a psychologist when dealing with marriage issues, couples issues and family issues. Dr. Brainerd is a Certified Imago Therapist and has developed both a website and an APP to help in relationships. He also periodically presents workshops for couples.

As a psychologist, I strive to combine a comfortable and engaging therapeutic relationship with the most proven and effective therapy interventions and assessment tools. I work hard to develop an individualized and flexible plan that can be applied and adapted to a wide range of problems. Additionally, I provide comprehensive and individualized psychological evaluations that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as learning disability and ADHD evaluations, psychoeducational and psychosocial evaluations, and diagnostic clarification.

As an experienced psychologist, I value psychotherapy that addresses the whole person. My goal is to help people overcome difficulties, reach their potential, and effect real and lasting change. As a certified Mindfulness-Based therapist, and guided by the principles of neuroplasticity, I help clients mindfully navigate symptoms of physical illness, pain, depression, anxiety, grief, and anger through mindfulness interventions, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic and attachment-based therapies, and skills-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It takes courage to face our difficulties and ask for help. Together we can find strategies to help you feel better and develop the life you want to live.