I provide an environment that is empathetic, warm, compassionate & enthusiastic - an environment that facilitates personal change and growth. Since relationships & communication are central to so many of the issues we face, I specialize in Imago Therapy, the revolutionary relationship counseling techniques of Dr. Harville Hendrix. With Imago our issues and conflicts aren't the problem, they're the solution: they're signposts pointing the way toward healing the true, underlying causes. Imago teaches you how to safely explore these deeper emotional undercurrents together, so that your disagreements can actually become opportunities for greater intimacy, as you learn about each other.

Life is weird. It’s stressful, complicated, confusing, and painful, there’s no doubt. There’s something beautiful about being human and having a human experience with emotions. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to acknowledge the pain you are in, it can feel like no one understands, you may feel stuck in attaining the life you desire, or that your fears and worries stop you from reaching your goals. We're all imperfect, and often find ourselves in a dark space, and that's okay. It’s where the beauty and humanness of us lies. Sometimes we need help embracing who we are. Asking for help can be scary and daunting, but I am here for you!

I am honored to have my clients invite me to join them in a deep and caring search into their lives, personalities,challenges and dilemnas they face.Our focus is to work together in a respectful, open approach to provide help, relief, understanding and change toward goals of greater health, internal peace, satisfaction and connectedness.Psychotherapy was developed so that we wouldn't have to face our fears alone, without knowledge and the opportunity to learn emotionally and to improve our capabilty to deal with ourselves, the world and the people in our lives.Let me join you.

Life can be difficult. Often, we are faced with issues and circumstances that can be challenging at best, and most of us were not taught the skills to help us successfully navigate through our experiences. We feel the pressure to please others while forgoing our own needs & feelings. We all want to feel more joy in our lives, but we don't always know how to achieve it.

What is holding you back from living your most fulfilling life? Fears, depression, anxiety, panic, hopelessness, trauma, childhood wounds still lingering? I am here to lead you on a journey of self discovery and healing. I view therapy as a collaboration and as a therapist I am an active participant and guide. While I have worked with many different types of clients and mental struggles, I sub-specialize in mind body/ neural circuit disorders such as chronic pain, IBS, fibromyalgia, fatigue, and female chronic pain syndromes. I am fascinated in neuroplasticity, how our brains can change, and how we can heal from these syndromes!

I have been licensed for 12 years, and have worked with various populations. I am a client-centered behaviorist; meaning I help people change behaviors by presenting them with coping strategies and communication skills to help deal with life on life's terms. I use my experience, as well as professional life as a special education teacher for the last 22 years, a 40 year marriage, and 33 years of a personal 12-Step Program to guide my theoretical orientation to help change distorted thinking into positive choices. I listen with empathy, and offer suggestions for hope and change. .

Everyone feels stuck in life sometimes. Perhaps you are unsatisfied with a current relationship or you are not doing what you want to in terms of your career. Maybe you are experiencing a life transition such as the death of a loved one or a big geographical move. You have the solution within you. My job is to work in collaboration with you to uncover that solution and put it to work for you.

David Rubin, Ph.D. draws on 25 years of experience in private practice, universities, clinics and agencies in serving his clients. His work is goal oriented, collaborative, direct, and always empathic. David listens carefully to the adults, couples, adolescents and children whom he serves, responding to every client with the therapeutic approach appropriate to their needs. What distinguishes David both as a psychotherapist and a human being is his commitment to his own personal development which informs every session.

Beginning therapy can be one of the most difficult things we do. It can also be the most rewarding. It is stepping into the unknown and taking an unfamiliar path to a destination that may seem completely out of reach. Therapy is a journey and I will be your travel companion. It is my firm belief that as humans, we just want to be seen and heard. In my practice, I strive to create an environment that is safe, nurturing and most importantly, free of judgement so that I can both see and hear you.

I specialize in non-monogamous, kink, sex worker, and LGBTQ communities. Growth occurs in an atmosphere of respect, compassion and a belief in the human capacity for healing, change and reparation. My approach emphasizes insight, emotional healing, and empowerment to help you reach you highest potential and develop a more gratifying life. Couples/Relationships: Both Imago and Emotionally Focused Therapy heavily influence my work to encourage the strengthening of trust, mutual respect, understanding, intimacy and love. We will work together to untangle confusing thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns to rediscover your capacity to make meaningful choices that are right for you or your relationship.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."- Kierkegaard. Are you feeling stuck and unable to move forward from unhealthy behaviors, maladaptive patterns, negative thoughts and feelings, anxiety or stress? Do you wish your life was more fulfilling, better or different than it is but struggle to make a change? I understand how scary and challenging it can be to take that first step. However, I also believe that achieving an adequate, satisfying, and productive life with the right support is possible. Together we can explore the underlying reasons that are holding you back and identify new ways of coping.

Perhaps, the essence of all your mental and emotional pain lies in your inability to love yourself. Thus, it's important to uncover all barriers within yourself that prevent you from achieving this. I highly value creating a safe space for improving self-worth. There are no easy answers, only profound opportunities to explore the unresolved questions. I'm interested in understanding what continues to hold you back in life and invested in guiding you towards greater balance, meaning, creativity, and authenticity.

I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.

Ever wonder... "why is this not working?" Do the most important relationships in your life feel fractured & in a negative loop? Seeking therapy is one of the most personal & intimate decision you can make. Just thinking about it brings images of vulnerability, couches & long sessions of talk. Everyone has a view of what it is, but only your experience matters. Therapy is your time to decide what's most important & begin your healing process. It challenges you, comforts you, & frustrates you. Together, we find your inner strength & replace broken patterns with healthy ones. Only you can decide if now- is he right time.

Are you looking to overcome a substance use disorder or any kind of addictive behavior (e.g. food addiction). Do you feel like you have tried so many times to be sober but just can't understand why you keep relapsing? My approach to treating these disorders is holistic but also can work with the 12 step model. I look at what may be driving this behavior the "underlying core issues" rather than focusing on symptoms alone. I do not see clients who are actively using drugs or alcohol. I am able to counsel family members of addicts.

Do you ever feel like others don’t understand what you’re going through? Have others responded to your attempt at being heard by letting you know why you shouldn’t think or feel that way? If so, you probably know, as I do, that this is extremely unhelpful. That’s why my primary goal as a therapist is to listen and understand with you, in an attempt to make sense of whatever’s going on.

It is better to call me than using email. I have worked with men and women, from young adults to the elderly, and individuals who have come from all walks of life. My background has been psychodynamic, where one's early upbringing, culture, and environment are explored along with the persons present day struggles and concerns. I also have experience with cognitive behavioral treatment as well as mindfulness and relational therapy. Because everyone is unique, I like to provide the kind of treatment that will be most beneficial for those I meet. I take most PPO insurance as well as fee for service.

I am a licensed therapist practicing in Encino, CA. My primary focus is on individuals, couples, and children coping with depression, anxiety, relationship issues and the impact of separation or divorce. I've worked as a mediator, evaluator and expert witness for the Los Angeles Superior Court for 16 years. I have years of experience helping individuals and families going through crises. I also provide Coparenting counseling, reunification therapy, marriage and divorce counseling. I specialize in working with adolescents, empty nest issues and coping with a loved one who lives with a psychiatric disorder.

An act of transformation begins with the acknowledgement that you have begun to "outgrow" your current self and present circumstances. Change and transition can be daunting. But the transformation to your best self is profound, and typically life altering. Whether the transition you are facing is a shift in relationship (divorce, loss of a friend/family member, new parenting, or "empty nest" parenting), a job/career change, college entry, or simply growing up from an adolescent to an adult, I am here to encourage and support, as you navigate your challenges.

Is anxiety, depression, or trauma holding you back from being your true self? Do you feel stuck in managing difficult life transitions? Now, every little thing becomes super overwhelming. Those negative experiences reopen old wounds and cause new ones. You tried burying your pain hoping it would go away. You feel lonely and tormented. You feel exhausted, stressed, and angry all the time. You wonder how much more you can take. You are unsure of who or where to turn for help. In the midst of this painful journey, you do not have to go through it alone.