Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Mid City, Los Angeles, CA

Healing. Self-Love. Boundaries. Fulfillment. Balance. Such popular terms associated with therapy, yet abstract concepts often presented as answers to a difficult time you may be going through. In an age and culture that endorses digestible content and immediate self-gratification, the reality that what we are looking for is actually a subjective, experiential process can be overlooked, diminished, and/or forgotten. Though not readily apparent, growth happens in discomfort and pain can be a compass.

With over 10 years of mental health clinical experience, Ms. Vivas, delivers strength based psychotherapy specializing in adult mood disorders-specifically depression and anxiety. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT ), Ms. Vivas is passionate about delivering strength based services aimed at improving the quality of life of her patients.

​I work towards supporting my clients in developing insights, overcome obstacles, and uncovering the version of themselves they seek to find. I understand that in the face of challenges, this becomes an incredibly daunting task. I offer a non-judgmental and compassionate space for clients to feel heard and understood. I work with individuals, couples, and families dealing with anxiety, OCD, personality disorders, relationship issues, and life transitions. I utilize DBT , CBT and ACT along with Narrative Therapy, and Family Systems approaches, incorporating behavioral techniques as needed.

Ready to Reset & Discover? Finding the right therapist can be daunting. While making that decision, consider this! Darick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in addiction, trauma, family systems and interpersonal relationships while meeting the client "Where they are". He utilizes understanding and compassion, while encouraging you to push your limits, learn and grow. He utilizes a variety of intervention models designed to treat you as an individual; Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT ), Mindfulness, Sober Coaching and being a Sober Companion, both therapy supported.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Kern County. I have treated both adults, adolescents, and couples who have struggled with depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, bipolar, ODD, and relational stressors. I also enjoy working with transitional youth between the ages of 16-21yrs old assisting with goal setting and developing meaningful living. I further have experience working with clients on spiritual and faith matters.

I value the importance of having a therapeutic relationship. I support them by providing education, coping strategies, and grounding techniques while guiding my clients toward healing and awakening. I have extensive knowledge of the principles and techniques of mental health counseling and I am someone who can talk to people about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment.

I think of my therapist role more as that of an ethical partner, coach, and cheerleader with relevant expertise. Together, I work with my clients to discover the why, what, and how of their current struggles and a path to recovery – not in the service of problem-solving (although we do a lot of that!) but to help them build lives that are more meaningful, enjoyable, and sustainable. I balance nonjudgmental validation (no shame, no blame) with proven change strategies (tools to think, act, and ultimately feel differently). This synthesis between acceptance and change is the centerpiece of the modalities in which I specialize.

My therapeutic approach has been mainly trauma-focused. I have experience working with severe symptoms in clinical and group settings, I have experience leading both PHP and IOP groups for adolescents and adults in which we followed an evidence-based program. The program included meditation, art therapy, drum therapy, and yoga in addition to group therapy. I often use principles of Dialectal Behavioral Therapy ( DBT ), especially the focus on distress tolerance to help with teaching patients and clients skills to manage stress in intense situations.

I consider my style to be a delicate balance of easy-going and down-to-business. One of my goals is to create an atmosphere where you can show up as your authentic self. Only then, will we know what path to take in our therapeutic journey. Once we know what path to explore, we will put in the work! Sessions with me are interactive and collaborative. We will approach our session topics with curiosity and explore what you need from the session. I will use interventions and skills from evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT based on your specific needs. These treatment modalities are proven to work!

My approach to psychotherapy is to assist you in developing skills to cope with life stressors, present obstacles, and different traumas. I believe therapy is a journey towards, self-realization, self-compassion, and a life worth living. I utilize various modalities in practice. I am trained and certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which is an evidence-based practice to address different types of trauma.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor fortunate to be based in the beautiful costal towns of Southern California. I offer client-centered therapy specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, addictions and cultural adaptation through the therapeutic tools of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT ).

Do you find yourself shut down or suppress your feelings? Do you struggle in relationships due to your trauma? Are you unsure of where you belong? I work with people of all identities to process unresolved feelings due to trauma. I strive to provide you a safe and non-judgmental space, in order for you to develop coping mechanisms for trauma symptoms (anxiety, depression, addiction, etc.) and to explore aspects of yourself. I can help you let go of past HURTS and develop tools to find RELIEF.

My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, authentic, and collaborative. I integrate goal-directed and evidence-based modalities that include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT ), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed approaches, mindfulness and other mind-body techniques. I am dedicated to working in collaboration with my clients to learn, grow, and thrive even in the face of adversities.

Seeking help can be scary and exciting, and it takes a lot of bravery and courage to take the initial step. You may be feeling like you are depressed and anxious due to your trauma. I aim to meet you where you are mentally and emotionally and help you grow, learn skills, and adapt to new changes. We can work together to identify your goals and needs and address the emotional and behavioral challenges you experience.

As we walk together, I will take care to employ a trauma-informed lens since I believe our pasts have a profound impact on our present and our futures. Using this trauma-informed lens, I will be mindful of your current triggers, taking care to move at a pace that feels right to you while also empowering you to take steps towards your future goals. As a bicultural clinician, I welcome all variations of cultural expression and enjoy working with members of both the BIPOC community and the LGBTQ community.

My mission is to help you find ways to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression by helping you find the hidden problem that is keeping you from feeling better. With therapy, we can collaboratively work on balancing your thoughts, improve your ability to be mindful, regulate your emotions, tolerate stress, and improve your relationships. The goal is to gain self-confidence and awareness to make the necessary shifts in your life.

Although I am familiar with a variety of therapeutic approaches, I have a Psychodynamic orientation and my focus is to help shed a light on possible troubling relational patterns and how they may be continuing to negatively impact your life; this way, we can work on rebuilding healthier ones. I also apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy where I help guide you in evaluating and changing how your inner narrative/thoughts influence your feelings and actions. I also Incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems/Parts Work, Guided imagery, and Mindful Meditations, especially with clients with past trauma/abuse.