Psychiatrists in California
Salim El Sabbagh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist and graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and New York University (NYU). After graduating as chief resident, I went on to pursue a fellowship and work in the public sector serving those most in need. My clients often include those that have been struggling with difficulties that impair their day to day function, leaving them unsatisfied, unhappy or struggling with inner turmoil or anxiety. My clients will often seek out and benefit from therapy, coaching, medication or a combination of the above. Please don’t hesitate to reach our for a free initial phone consultation.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist and graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and New York University (NYU). After graduating as chief resident, I went on to pursue a fellowship and work in the public sector serving those most in need. My clients often include those that have been struggling with difficulties that impair their day to day function, leaving them unsatisfied, unhappy or struggling with inner turmoil or anxiety. My clients will often seek out and benefit from therapy, coaching, medication or a combination of the above. Please don’t hesitate to reach our for a free initial phone consultation.
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Spirituality Psychiatrists
What should I expect from therapy that incorporates a focus on spirituality?
Spirituality can mean different things to different individuals, depending on their experiences, beliefs, and life histories. Some individuals focus on strengthening their belief system, while others experience spirituality in secular ways, such as through meditation, yoga, or by spending time in nature. Clients can expect a therapist to help guide and grow their spirituality through any of these techniques, encouraging the individual to cope with the challenges they face and develop strategies to build resilience and purpose to improve their outlook in life.
What are the most common treatments that include spirituality?
There are several treatments that incorporate spirituality. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) helps a person examine and reframe their negative thoughts and behaviors. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focuses on emotional acceptance and psychological flexibility. Existential therapy is most often used to address anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, questions of identity, and feelings of purposelessness and existential dread. Transpersonal therapy focuses on a client’s spirituality and meaning in life and may incorporate techniques including meditation, visualization, hypnotherapy, dream analysis, and or breathwork.
Can therapy incorporating spirituality help atheistic or agnostic individuals?
Yes. For non-believers, spirituality can offer benefits including a greater sense of connection to others and to the natural world. An interest in spirituality may also spur individuals to pursue mindfulness practices, or to contemplate their purpose in life and how to achieve it.
How effective is spirituality as a therapeutic remedy?
Research suggests spirituality is generally beneficial for individuals. It is correlated with better health habits, such as less substance use, and an improved capacity to cope with stress and other mental health challenges. Increased spirituality can lead individuals to become more empathic and less materialistic, as well.