Therapists in 90265

I help people find relief from the effects of trauma. That is just the fancy Greek word for wound, and we all get wounded in various ways at all stages of life. The worst part of trauma is that it teaches us things: things about our worth and value, our safety, who to trust (or not), and what we can expect the future to hold. These learnings will always be limiting, and they will have the ability to commandeer the nervous system to make sure nothing like that ever happens again. If you are held back by poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, things can change no matter how long the problem has been going on.

It takes time to choose the best therapist for you. When you're ready, let's talk and see if we might be a good fit. I appreciate the importance of this process, which is why I offer a free phone consultation to address any questions or concerns you may have prior to scheduling an appointment. Consider me a resource- even if we don't end up working together. Remember, life can be much more than survival. Change is closer than you may think. Keep reaching out.

The Pointe Malibu is committed to helping you with your chronic pain, suffering, and substance use. Our staff, headed by Dr. Mel Pohl, with extensive experience in the treatment of chronic pain and co-occurring disorders, implements holistic programs that heal you as a whole person. Working under the umbrella of our comprehensive Integrated Care Alliance, we utilize a dedicated team approach to your recovery. We offer world-class Medical, Clinical and Holistic services to individuals experiencing Substance Abuse and/or Dependence disorders, Mental Health Disorders, and Personality Disorders.

Justin Leitstein is a marriage and family therapist. The Malibu-based psychotherapist and former director of two acclaimed treatment centers works with individuals, couples, and families. Justin has an established reputation amongst many treatment professionals for providing instrumental therapeutic results for a wide range of challenges. He draws upon his refined therapeutic resources to deliver customized treatment programs for individuals and families.

My practice focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families who are suffering from emotional or physical pain or the aftereffects of trauma. We help them resolve the traumatic experience, as well as its consequences (e.g. physical pain, stress, disability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, medication dependence, isolation, etc.) Although many of our patients have not responded well to prior therapies, we've had outstanding success in helping them move from feeling a severe loss to finding a new and positive beginning. We love to work with people who are ready to change and eager to learn how to do it.

The clients I see in my practice range in age from 11-80. While each individual has their own story, there are common threads that seem to run through all of us. These threads include loneliness/isolation, anxiety about the future, addiction, the aftermath of heartbreak/loss, work/money stress, longing to understand one’s past, even worry over the ever-changing state of the world. These and other issues, while painful and often confusing, are actually the materials that create change and growth. This is the therapeutic process.

When I begin a session with a new client, I want to present myself as a real person. I want to create a situation where the client feels comfortable being him/herself and communicating whatever is going on. I will observe closely, being as present as possible. I will listen carefully and respond when appropriate. I may ask questions or make interpretations about what we talk about, but most importantly I want the client to feel free to say whatever is on his/her mind. I want to establish a trusting relationship so we can begin to work on this person’s issues.