Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Encinitas, CA

The therapeutic relationship can be an invaluable opportunity to foster growth, take intelligent risks, and rewrite unhelpful narratives. Often the most important and difficult changes in life are internal. Moreover, the most critical changes can begin with the acceptance of a painful reality. Sometimes it is helpful to explore these realities with a supportive individual who has some distance from the situation. I find the most successful clients are curious about their own beliefs and feelings. While they want to be challenged, they also believe in the necessity of self-compassion.

As a psychotherapist, I use a holistic approach that blends clinical research with Eastern wisdom. I have trained extensively for a decade with renowned Psychiatrist, Dr. Jeffery M. Schwartz in his Four Step Method, which combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with the Buddhist principle of Mindfulness. Although, the Four Steps was originally created to treat OCD , my recent collaboration in the advancement of the Four Steps has shown that it is also successful for various circumstances including anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction, and eating disorders. My work is highlighted in Dr. Jeffrey M. Schwartz's new book, "You Are Not Your Brain".

If you're suffering from depression, traumatic memories, anxiety, or OCD , Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT) can restore your effectiveness in the world and the balance in your life. I developed ImTT while working at Camp Pendleton Marine Base because I needed a treatment that could release the most intense pain, terror, and memories without the person having to experience the feelings or relive the memories. The result is that ImTT treatment enables a person to live without self-consciousness and fear -- spending more of their life in the "creative zone."

We are an outpatient practice specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for anxiety, stress, and related problems. We provide cutting edge, empirically supported treatments in a warm, empathic environment. We currently offer treatment for stress, anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, OCD , PTSD, social anxiety, phobias, medical conditions, life transitions, and other life difficulties resulting from these problems. Our therapy is solution-focused and helps clients reach their full potential and improve quality of life.

I know searching for a therapist can be difficult and commend you on taking this first step. Hopefully this page gives you a sense of whether we might be a good fit. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY32423) specializing in the treatment of anxiety (e.g., Generalized Anxiety, OCD , Social Anxiety) and depression. I have expertise in exposure therapies, including ERP, and mindfulness-based interventions. Many of my patients are also struggling with the downstream effects of anxiety and depression such as poor sleep, relationship difficulties, and healthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g., exercise, diet, substance use).

Relying on more than 15 years of clinical experience, I treat depression, anxiety, and addictions, among other issues. While I utilize evidence-based treatments, I practice from a client-centered perspective. My approach rests on compassion, as I fundamentally practice from a humanistic slant. I go to great lengths to avoid the type of stigmatizing language that especially plagues the addiction industry. There are no "addicts."

Dr. McKnight uses a bio-psycho-social model which looks at how biological, psychological, and social (or interpersonal) processes interact in each individual's life. She notes that “Wellness involves the mind and the body”. Her work incorporates how your unique personality and past experiences have influenced your life and how you view the world, as well as what is currently keeping your problems from being resolved and how to get past them. Her goal is to tailor an approach that works best for each unique individual through a collaborative discussion of your goals and needs.

Working through difficult experiences and emotions can be challenging. It can be even harder to make desired changes in ones life when certain patterns have been established for so long. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and supported throughout this process. By creating a comfortable and lighthearted environment, individuals, families, and couples are able to gain some reprieve from the difficulties they are experiencing. This allows change to begin to occur in the lives of my clients.

Whether you've had a long struggle with your emotions, or just want a little help overcoming a recent difficulty, finding the right person to help makes a big difference. We believe in combining compassion and empathy, with therapies that have been proven to work by clinical researchers. We teach children, teens, and adults effective skills for changing behaviors, and provide the support and encouragement needed along the way. Through this process, you can overcome feelings of depression, isolation, shame, and fear while also building confidence in your strengths and gaining tools to overcome future challenges.

I believe the most important component to successful therapy is trust and connection between the client and his or her therapist. It is my intention to build a trusting relationship and to embark on a collaborative journey with each client. My passion is working with people to help them overcome obstacles, to enable them to reach and maintain goals to live a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. I am an empathetic listener, compassionate and sincere in my desire to be of service by creating a safe environment for clients to explore ideas, to feel empowered and to practice new skills.

I offer a customized approach to all my clients and do not limit myself to one type of treatment modality. I limit my client load in order to provide my clients with more personalized care. My clients are afforded a customized psychological evaluation tailored to answering specific referral questions. With this unique approach, every client will be able to reach their treatment goals more efficiently, by getting the results they want faster. In my concierge counseling practice, I offer extended time in sessions, weekend appointments, mobile visits, phone sessions, priority email reply and feedback.

As a board certified Cognitive Therapist by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy with extensive training at the Beck Institute, we will work with you to establish attainable goals, teach you how to use specific tools and gain the skills necessary to achieve and maintain your goals. This is a collaborative process that is tailored to you and your needs. Most importantly, we will provide support and guidance along the way. To learn more about CBT and our practice call anytime.

We all have suffering in our lives-- it's part of human experience. Too often, however, there is a layer of unnecessary psychological pain caused by unconscious defenses. We often resist painful feelings and the realities they point to. When we get stuck in our resistance we get emotionally sick and our suffering increases. I work together with patients to honestly and compassionately untangle, face, and accept the truths they've tended avoid on their own.

I am an intuitive coach and spiritual guide. My work combines my background and training in counseling and psychology with intuitive guidance to help clients heal, grow, and realize their full spiritual and personal potential. For years, I have supported children, teens and adults in connecting with their spiritual wisdom and enhancing all aspects of their lives. I can teach you how to tap into your inner resources, and help you to find strength, clarity and growth through your life’s challenges. I help you in healing your deepest hurts and connecting with your own inner healer.

Are you finally ready to take control of your life? Are you ready for support? Maybe you're experiencing new challenges or changes in your life. These experiences don't have to rob you of your sense of joy. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing space where we can develop a trusted bond. My holistic approach allows me the flexibility to adapt to your specific needs.

Are you struggling to work through personal or relationship issues you've been unable to resolve on your own? Are you finally feeling ready to address the anxiety and/or depression that has been holding you back from life? There is no reason to feel alone or stuck; it is possible to work through these issues, and to feel happy again. I have experienced much success helping my clients resolve their issues, while creating a nurturing and safe environment. I incorporate humor and friendship in my practice and have found this helpful in furthering the progress and positive therapeutic experience.