Dementia Therapists in Encinitas, CA
I have specialized in working with families of aging or chronically ill patients, specifically patients with dementia and brain injury.
Caring for loved ones with dementia can be extremely challenging and stressful. The patient will do better if the caregiver can learn about available resources and know they are not alone in the process.
I have specialized in working with families of aging or chronically ill patients, specifically patients with dementia and brain injury.
Caring for loved ones with dementia can be extremely challenging and stressful. The patient will do better if the caregiver can learn about available resources and know they are not alone in the process.
We understand that many people are worried about their memory, attention, or other thinking abilities, or they may be concerned about a family member or loved one.
Our comprehensive assessments are designed to understand each unique person's background and life situation, and we create an individualized evaluation to address your specific concerns. We specialize in assessments for dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lewy Body, vascular), stroke, concussion / brain injury, or brain tumor, as well as ADHD, etc.
We understand that many people are worried about their memory, attention, or other thinking abilities, or they may be concerned about a family member or loved one.
Our comprehensive assessments are designed to understand each unique person's background and life situation, and we create an individualized evaluation to address your specific concerns. We specialize in assessments for dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lewy Body, vascular), stroke, concussion / brain injury, or brain tumor, as well as ADHD, etc.
I can help answer questions such as "Do I have memory difficulties
I offer specialized non-invasive testing to evaluate your brain functioning, for example 1) If you have difficulties with your cognitive/thinking skills, 2) What diagnosis may best explain your cognitive/thinking symptoms, and/or 3) Offer specific recommendations based on your personal test findings. I also offer cognitive rehabilitation and therapy.
I can help answer questions such as "Do I have memory difficulties
I offer specialized non-invasive testing to evaluate your brain functioning, for example 1) If you have difficulties with your cognitive/thinking skills, 2) What diagnosis may best explain your cognitive/thinking symptoms, and/or 3) Offer specific recommendations based on your personal test findings. I also offer cognitive rehabilitation and therapy.
EMDR Therapist for High Performers & Athletes -
From the outside, it may look like you have it all together—but internally, do you struggle with anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or pressure to constantly perform? Have your usual coping strategies stopped working? Do you feel emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or stuck in patterns that are impacting your relationships, confidence, or ability to be present.
I work with high performers and athletes using a trauma-informed approach and EMDR therapy to help clients process underlying experiences, feel CALMER in the body and mind, and reconnect with themselves.
EMDR Therapist for High Performers & Athletes -
From the outside, it may look like you have it all together—but internally, do you struggle with anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or pressure to constantly perform? Have your usual coping strategies stopped working? Do you feel emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or stuck in patterns that are impacting your relationships, confidence, or ability to be present.
I work with high performers and athletes using a trauma-informed approach and EMDR therapy to help clients process underlying experiences, feel CALMER in the body and mind, and reconnect with themselves.
I am an experienced psychotherapist/psychoanalyst who works with individuals providing guidance, support and encouragement in response to life's challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to increase self awareness and insight, to cope with stress more effectively, to feel better and to lead healthier and happier lives. I work with people coping with trauma, major life transitions, relationships, divorce, parenting, grief, communication skills, stress management, young adult issues, as well as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and other disorders. My work focuses on people's strengths.
I am an experienced psychotherapist/psychoanalyst who works with individuals providing guidance, support and encouragement in response to life's challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to increase self awareness and insight, to cope with stress more effectively, to feel better and to lead healthier and happier lives. I work with people coping with trauma, major life transitions, relationships, divorce, parenting, grief, communication skills, stress management, young adult issues, as well as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and other disorders. My work focuses on people's strengths.
I understand that life is hard. I view mental health from a medical lens, which includes mind, body and spirit. When you catch a cold, you support the immune system and medicate the symptoms. When we encounter challenging life circumstances like a new role as a parent or a caregiver, a loss, or an opportunity- the learning curve is steep. As a therapist, I work to understand the what, with empathy and respect. I work collaboratively, validating and acknowledging the resources available, whether they are within you or in reach. If you are feeling trapped, stuck, helpless/hopeless in your circumstances, I want to help find a way out.
I understand that life is hard. I view mental health from a medical lens, which includes mind, body and spirit. When you catch a cold, you support the immune system and medicate the symptoms. When we encounter challenging life circumstances like a new role as a parent or a caregiver, a loss, or an opportunity- the learning curve is steep. As a therapist, I work to understand the what, with empathy and respect. I work collaboratively, validating and acknowledging the resources available, whether they are within you or in reach. If you are feeling trapped, stuck, helpless/hopeless in your circumstances, I want to help find a way out.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct legal / forensic / psychological evaluations for court and provide expert witness testimony. I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct legal / forensic / psychological evaluations for court and provide expert witness testimony. I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I work with older adults facing cognitive changes, Veterans navigating civilian life, adult children managing caregiving, and Asian Americans untangling the layered stress of identity and intergenerational history.
I bridge your lived expertise with clinical science, balancing concrete Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills with deep exploration through Emotionally and Meaning-Focused Therapies. You never have to choose between honoring your culture and asking for help, apologize for lingering grief, or wait until things feel "bad enough" to prioritize your well-being.
I work with older adults facing cognitive changes, Veterans navigating civilian life, adult children managing caregiving, and Asian Americans untangling the layered stress of identity and intergenerational history.
I bridge your lived expertise with clinical science, balancing concrete Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills with deep exploration through Emotionally and Meaning-Focused Therapies. You never have to choose between honoring your culture and asking for help, apologize for lingering grief, or wait until things feel "bad enough" to prioritize your well-being.
Neurofeedback is able to help children, teenagers, and adults who have experienced Trauma, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), ADHD and Anxiety disorders as well as a variety of other mental health symptoms. Neurofeedback, also called EEG Biofeedback or brain training, helps train your brain to self-regulate and correct issues that impact your optimal functioning. A self-regulated brain improves the functioning of the central nervous system, mental performance, emotional regulation, and physiological stability. A dysregulated brain has difficulty calming down at appropriate moments, adding physiological symptoms.
Neurofeedback is able to help children, teenagers, and adults who have experienced Trauma, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), ADHD and Anxiety disorders as well as a variety of other mental health symptoms. Neurofeedback, also called EEG Biofeedback or brain training, helps train your brain to self-regulate and correct issues that impact your optimal functioning. A self-regulated brain improves the functioning of the central nervous system, mental performance, emotional regulation, and physiological stability. A dysregulated brain has difficulty calming down at appropriate moments, adding physiological symptoms.
Healing isn’t about quick fixes or temporary relief—it’s about building a deeper relationship with yourself and learning to face life with presence, honesty, and compassion. It means meeting pain not as an endpoint, but as a doorway to deeper understanding and transformation—a space where the wound, as Rumi said, may be the opening to the light. I offer a safe, collaborative space to explore root causes and support lasting change. My holistic approach honors the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit, and we work together to foster clarity, wholeness, and purpose.
Healing isn’t about quick fixes or temporary relief—it’s about building a deeper relationship with yourself and learning to face life with presence, honesty, and compassion. It means meeting pain not as an endpoint, but as a doorway to deeper understanding and transformation—a space where the wound, as Rumi said, may be the opening to the light. I offer a safe, collaborative space to explore root causes and support lasting change. My holistic approach honors the deep connection between mind, body, and spirit, and we work together to foster clarity, wholeness, and purpose.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct legal / forensic / psychological evaluations for court and provide expert witness testimony. I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct legal / forensic / psychological evaluations for court and provide expert witness testimony. I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I can help because I have over 25 years of experience in psychology but more than twice that as a caring human being striving to find my own way. I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, in prisons and in private practice, with people with all kinds of psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety and Schizophrenia. Equally important than any experience I might bring to the therapy session, I bring compassion, empathy and an understanding that we're all just doing the best we can.
I can help because I have over 25 years of experience in psychology but more than twice that as a caring human being striving to find my own way. I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, in prisons and in private practice, with people with all kinds of psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety and Schizophrenia. Equally important than any experience I might bring to the therapy session, I bring compassion, empathy and an understanding that we're all just doing the best we can.
More Therapists Nearby
One of my specialties, is working with care-givers who have had a family member diagnosed with dementia.
I have provided individual and group treatment for people who are grieving over 35 years. I am Certified in EMDR and IADC ( Induced After Death Communication). Both modalities are both extremely helpful when dealing with complicated or traumatic death. As a result of therapy, people often have a new and different relationship with the person who died.
One of my specialties, is working with care-givers who have had a family member diagnosed with dementia.
I have provided individual and group treatment for people who are grieving over 35 years. I am Certified in EMDR and IADC ( Induced After Death Communication). Both modalities are both extremely helpful when dealing with complicated or traumatic death. As a result of therapy, people often have a new and different relationship with the person who died.
I address goals for thinking skills (e.g., memory, attention) using an evidenced-based cognitive rehabilitation program called CogSMART.
I'm a licensed clinical neuropsychologist. My professional background is with people rehabilitating from illness or injury, and with those facing declining health (as themselves or their caregivers) due to brain disease. Such conditions can affect individuals, as well as couples and families. Common goals include assessing or improving thinking skills and emotional resilience, while adapting to unexpected changes in physical/mental abilities. I work with you to clarify values and develop new cognitive and emotional skills that allow you to be resilient to injury, illness, stress, and discomfort.
I address goals for thinking skills (e.g., memory, attention) using an evidenced-based cognitive rehabilitation program called CogSMART.
I'm a licensed clinical neuropsychologist. My professional background is with people rehabilitating from illness or injury, and with those facing declining health (as themselves or their caregivers) due to brain disease. Such conditions can affect individuals, as well as couples and families. Common goals include assessing or improving thinking skills and emotional resilience, while adapting to unexpected changes in physical/mental abilities. I work with you to clarify values and develop new cognitive and emotional skills that allow you to be resilient to injury, illness, stress, and discomfort.
Worked with the developmentally disabled, dementia patients and severely mentally ill adults.
A person seeking my psychotherapy services is looking to be accepted for who he or she is. To be able to express their thoughts and feelings freely without fear of being judged. Clients looking for ways to cope with anxiety, depression, stress on relationships or identity issues will find comfort in my company. Those that are creative and willing to try new things will appreciate my interest and passion for art and music. Anyone ever curious about Art Therapy will learn some basic skills and activities and have the benefit of my training and experience working a variety of populations in different settings. Now using teletherapy.
Worked with the developmentally disabled, dementia patients and severely mentally ill adults.
A person seeking my psychotherapy services is looking to be accepted for who he or she is. To be able to express their thoughts and feelings freely without fear of being judged. Clients looking for ways to cope with anxiety, depression, stress on relationships or identity issues will find comfort in my company. Those that are creative and willing to try new things will appreciate my interest and passion for art and music. Anyone ever curious about Art Therapy will learn some basic skills and activities and have the benefit of my training and experience working a variety of populations in different settings. Now using teletherapy.
I specialize in working with neurocognitive disorders, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's, and others.
Welcome! I imagine you have found my profile because you are going through grief, illness or tragedy. I am glad you are here taking the first steps towards support. I specialize in working with grief, loss, end of life issues and chronic illness. Grief therapy can look many different ways, and I tailor the experience of therapy to my clients unique needs. My top priority is that you feel safe in therapy and have space to feel and express your grief openly. I use many modalities to assist my clients in working through grief, including EMDR therapy (eye movement therapy) which is an evidence based treatment for trauma and grief.
I specialize in working with neurocognitive disorders, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's, and others.
Welcome! I imagine you have found my profile because you are going through grief, illness or tragedy. I am glad you are here taking the first steps towards support. I specialize in working with grief, loss, end of life issues and chronic illness. Grief therapy can look many different ways, and I tailor the experience of therapy to my clients unique needs. My top priority is that you feel safe in therapy and have space to feel and express your grief openly. I use many modalities to assist my clients in working through grief, including EMDR therapy (eye movement therapy) which is an evidence based treatment for trauma and grief.
Of course, there are parts of you that are grateful you can show up every day to take care of your loved one, but your zest for life is getting worn down from the constant demands and changes with dementia.
As a psychologist, I offer online therapy, no need to drive to another appointment. We'll get clear on your challenges. We'll practice how to deal with what is within your control to change, and with what is not. We'll build a wealth of resources to help you feel more present as a caregiver, and, importantly, as an individual, spouse, parent, and friend.
Of course, there are parts of you that are grateful you can show up every day to take care of your loved one, but your zest for life is getting worn down from the constant demands and changes with dementia.
As a psychologist, I offer online therapy, no need to drive to another appointment. We'll get clear on your challenges. We'll practice how to deal with what is within your control to change, and with what is not. We'll build a wealth of resources to help you feel more present as a caregiver, and, importantly, as an individual, spouse, parent, and friend.
As an LMFT with 20+ years of experience devoted to working with folks throughout their lifespan, I help clients find the preferred stories of their lives. I provide an open, all-inclusive spirit where change can be realized, strengths are celebrated and a warm and welcoming space awaits. I lean on a solution-focused lens to guide our dialogues and am informed by my mindfulness training to support you in leading a more balanced and healthy life. I bring a non-pathologizing, non-hierarchical perspective, where individual differences, diversity, and alternative ways of being are honored.
As an LMFT with 20+ years of experience devoted to working with folks throughout their lifespan, I help clients find the preferred stories of their lives. I provide an open, all-inclusive spirit where change can be realized, strengths are celebrated and a warm and welcoming space awaits. I lean on a solution-focused lens to guide our dialogues and am informed by my mindfulness training to support you in leading a more balanced and healthy life. I bring a non-pathologizing, non-hierarchical perspective, where individual differences, diversity, and alternative ways of being are honored.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby Dementia Therapists Searches for Encinitas
- Carlsbad
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Oceanside
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Temecula
- Vista
Dementia Therapists
Can dementia patients benefit from counseling?
Dementia patients can often benefit significantly from counseling. While neurologists typically treat dementia itself, counselors provide crucial emotional support for patients and their families. Therapists specializing in dementia can help clients navigate aging, end-of-life issues, social isolation, sleep challenges, and grief. They can also assist clients in adapting to the disease by addressing caregiving concerns and supporting family members. Counselors will often also collaborate with a patient's neurologist or other medical providers to manage dementia symptoms and medication needs.
How can you tell if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's?
To determine if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's disease, there are several signs and diagnostic methods that medical professionals use. Early signs of dementia often include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and challenges in completing familiar tasks. Diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's requires a comprehensive approach, as there is no single definitive test, and initial diagnosis can sometimes be difficult as symptoms tend to worsen progressively over time. To make a diagnosis, medical professionals typically use a combination of methods, including standardized questionnaires and cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, psychiatric evaluations to understand mental health status, brain scans to look for physical changes in the brain, as well as other medical tests to rule out other conditions.
What are the first-line treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but catching the disease in its early-to-moderate phases can be beneficial in order to initiate first-line treatments to help manage symptoms. Medications such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are examples of cholinesterase inhibitors that are commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, working with a therapist or social worker can also often help patients with the disease address common behavioral and lifestyle concerns, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep problems, social support, and housing changes.
When to seek treatment for Alzheimer’s?
It’s best to seek treatment at the first signs of Alzheimer's. Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory problems, such as forgetting appointments or directions, as well as trouble concentrating, paying attention, retrieving words, and carrying out daily household tasks. An early diagnosis can help people slow the progression of the disease with medication and plan for the future in terms of housing, social/caregiving support, and finances.