Psychological Testing and Evaluation Therapists in Corte Madera, CA

I am a licensed psychologist who works with teens and adults to address Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Relationship Issues, Infertility, Postpartum Issues, ADHD and learning disabilities in both therapy and testing. My therapy clients are individuals seeking to improve their overall functioning through exploring and identifying personal patterns so they can learn to make more successful choices in their lives. Through helping clients develop healthy coping and decision making skills, I aim to instill a long lasting sense of well-being.

I provide individual psychotherapy to older adolescents and adults using primarily cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based strategies. I specialize in working with individuals who experience anxiety, self-judgment, depression, life transitions, or obstacles that may keep them from experiencing greater ease, joy, and alignment in their lives. I also provide psychological and psychoeducational assessments to children and adults to better understand their learning or psychological profile and to receive services that will help them reach their full potential.

Everyone needs help in life now and then. I work collaboratively with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, to identify and solve the difficulties they are facing. I am direct, compassionate, and use my sense of humor in helping people to make changes in their life. In our work together, we can get you back on track to accomplishing your goals. I have experience and success in treating: anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship problems, trauma, drug and/or alcohol abuse, anger problems, bipolar disorder, self-harming, diverse clients, and academic problems. I use evidence based, effective approaches such as CBT, EFT, Family Systems, and EMDR.

At the Bay Area Center for ADD/ADHD we work collaboratively as a group to provide the most effective treatment possible. We have psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and an educational therapist to help develop the best treatment for you. Who provide up-to-date evidence-based, effective treatment.

Because childhood and adolescence are such fragile stages of life, treating emotional and behavioral problems quickly and efficiently is essential. I join forces with you to resolve your children’s problems through expert assessment and carefully designed treatment plans. I begin this process by offering you a free personal consultation by phone to discuss your concerns and possible evaluations/interventions.

Childhood, adolescence, and early adult years are times of great potential. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities that inevitably arise as young people move through these foundational stages of development. I work creatively with clients to optimize growth and learning, offering solutions to challenges that arise for individuals, between family members, within peer groups and at school.

I work collaboratively with patients in individual therapy and while conducting neuropsychological, psychodiagnostic, and psychoeducational assessments. I provide information regarding patients' limitations, capabilities, cognitive functioning and diagnostic considerations. My interests and experience have contributed to my specializing in diagnosing and treating neuropsychological and educational disabilities (including ADHD/ADD) as well as working with individuals experiencing mood, adjustment and anxiety disorders. I assist people in the development of academic, professional and personal skills and the building of confidence in order to support reaching their highest potential. I provide behavioral pain management and work with patients who are adjusting to various disabilities.

THERAPY IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE SELF... The person that is most dependent on you is your future self. We don't often think of ourselves in this way, but the decisions we make as we move through our lives affect everything that comes after. This is why it is crucial that we treat ourselves with the same kindness and generosity we would show to anyone we dearly love. Often, our decisions are informed by old patterns of which we are not aware, and which were formed when we were quite young and lacked capacity for perspective or reflection.

To others, it seems like you have it all. But underneath lives a different story. Despite your outward success, you feel haunted sometimes by feelings of failure, conflict, self-doubt. At certain moments, a gnawing sense overcomes you, telling you: Something is not right. You've made changes but somehow still end up in the same unsatisfying patterns, repeating the same unhelpful behaviors -- feeling more and more alone. You want to understand your patterns and your past so you can create a different future. You want to learn to feel differently about yourself and how you relate with others. You want to find a different way.

Sometimes when we are feeling down we mask our pain with a smile. We do this because it is easier to pretend everything is okay, not realizing it’s okay to not be okay. Understanding that, I create a safe space by establishing boundaries, offering hope, and skilled guidance to explore these issues. My goal is to provide knowledgeable, individualized, compassionate care in a supportive, client-centered therapeutic environment; while providing knowledge and resources to empower clients to live their best life! I’m Dr. Laura Petracek, a Clinical Psychologist and author with over 30 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy.

When your child or teen is having a tough time, all you want is for them to feel better. You want them to feel happier, calmer, and able to manage whatever life throws at them. You need a therapist who understands your unique child as well as the challenges you face as a parent, who can teach important skills with humor, patience, and compassion to help your child cope with big emotions now and in the future. If you are concerned that your child has a learning disability or autism, I offer assessment that focuses on their strengths and how to support them in all environments.

You may be here because you have unanswered questions or concerns about your child. You may be wondering if your child's development is on track. You may have concerns about their ability to focus and be successful in school. Your child may be struggling in their social relationships or you may be struggling to manage their challenging behaviors. As parents, it is heart-wrenching when we realize our children are struggling and we don't know how best to support them.