Alcohol Use Therapists in Eagle Rock, CA

In 2012, Dr. Ron Kaufman leased his first BrainPaint® computer in hopes of overcoming career-ending pain. Two months later he was fully ambulatory. He decided to see what it might do for others. He helped a veteran overcome 35 years of severe PTSD, (his psychiatrist halved his meds, then halved them again). His two sons learned were able to discontinue their ADHD medications. Their cousins enjoyed similar results. Because of his successes with neurofeedback, Dr. Kaufman opened clinics where others could enjoy the benefits of psychotherapy and neurofeedback treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, chronic pain and substance abuse.

I believe that a profound desire lies within each of us to thrive and live to our highest potential. I view therapy as a collaborative journey which encourages self-awareness and self-acceptance through the process of being present. In my work I seek to help my clients bring compassionate attention to the various dimensions of their emotional experience, may it be boundless joy or deep sadness. As we become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we are better able to navigate through struggle and uncertainty.

I offer client-centered therapy in Eagle Rock and in Old Town Pasadena. Guiding principles are: that one always remains the expert on one's own life, that people have the internal resources to overcome their "stuck-ness," and that a collaborative therapeutic relationship is the key to encouraging positive change and more meaningful living. While I deal with a wide range of client issues, most of my clients are high-functioning or gifted intellectually and/or artistically. I use Rogerian, Experiential Focusing, Gestault, Attachment Theory, and Existential concepts and methods, working with clients to help them maximize their personal freedom and growth.

I believe in therapeutic conversation; I am not the 'expert' on your life; you are that expert. My expertise lies in facilitating dialogue that looks at the obstacles currently blocking your preferred vision for your current and future self. My ultimate quarry is change: not just the hoped for differences you may want from your partner, your job, your family, but the changes from within that you must incorporate. The old adage really is true: you can only change yourself. Truly effective therapy happens when you are honestly ready to tackle the person in the mirror.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, your past, your present, or your future, you don’t have to do it alone. A shift in perspective can profoundly affect how we feel and what we are able to do, or stop doing, in our lives. Talking with someone who is both objective and 100% on your side can help you see things from a new angle and move forward in new ways, with someone who cares standing behind you.

Finding the right therapist is an important step toward healing, self-acceptance, and personal growth. I help clients achieve balance; improve relationships; and live with greater integrity, creativity, and spirit. My clinical approach is devoted to providing holistic treatment that incorporates emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal solutions, tailored to the specific needs of my clients. I will help you identify and work through challenges so that you may find deeper meaning and purpose in your life.

I have over a decade of training and experience providing therapy to children, adolescences and adults. I believe that people have a great deal of resiliancy and strength and that there are times in our lives that we need help to uncover and remember how strong we are. I work with people to uncover their own strengths to help themselves out of any situation that arises in their lives. I have a great deal of experience in treating trauma related disorder such as depression and anxiety.

Whether your struggle is deeply rooted or a temporary challenge, my role as a therapist is to create a safe space for exploring solutions and finding peace. It is possible to create a life you love with the life you have; let me help you. I also have personal and professional experience with the NPE (non-parent expected, or non paternal event) experience and am extremely comfortable, confident, and empathetic while treating those who have had shocking DNA discoveries. EMAIL IS BEST WAY TO INITIATE COMMUNICATION WITH ME! I am not taking on couples/marriage counseling at this time.

My name is Katie Szymanski (she/her/hers) and I am an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Eagle Rock, LA. I work with children, teens, adults, and families. I specialize in trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and creative and career blocks. I work with teens and children to help give tools and strategies for dealing with life's tough stuff and by giving them a place to be themselves and talk about difficult feelings.

As a post modern thinker, I believe that each person has the skills and strengths to create an affirmative narrative, that is not based on negative self-talk or unproductive messages. I like holding conversations that will spark curiosity and explore opportunities to author your new stories.

People come to me when they feel overwhelmed by their emotions, stuck in spirals of anxiety, depression, or trauma responses. I provide one-on-one, couples, and group therapy to help people explore their identities and relationship issues so that they can overcome the walls they have unintentionally created that may be shutting others out. I tend to work best with those who are curious about themselves and eager to grow.

Everyone does the best they can with what they possess. However, life poses substantial struggles that can lead to a state where change is necessary. It is usually a difficult thing to seek assistance, however, it is an act of courage and humility rather than that of weakness. Seeking to find solace, relief, and understanding is human. Overcoming the barriers that block us from connecting to others is the first step in change. I look forward to being present and participating in your journey of understanding, of change, of acceptance, of integration; of reclamation of self.

This world can be a lonely and overwhelming place. Therapy provides a space to process the chaos of life while deepening your relationships - with yourself, with others, with the unknowable. When we allow ourselves to be truly seen and accepted, healing can begin.