Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Mid Wilshire, Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Mystkowski (he/his/him) practices within a cognitive-behavioral framework, including mindfulness -based cognitive therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, specializing in treating adults with anxiety and mood disorders and relational problems and phase of life transitions. In addition, he has training in the psychological treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), insomnia, and bipolar disorder, as well as an extensive background working with LGBTQ+ clients. Dr. Mystkowski is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT), certified as a CBT therapist.

My style is loving, non-judgmental, and creative. My role is to help empower you to change. I do this by uncovering unconscious mechanisms that drive your current issues. Unconscious material comes into focus by our discussing your past relationships and life events. You will take an active role in therapy by looking inward. As your therapist I will assist you by promoting honesty, self-compassion, and self-acceptance in order for you to connect with your authentic self to come into your natural state of well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California and have over 5 years of experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy and psychosocial assessments to adults 18+ years seeking treatment for depression/anxiety, trauma, relationship dynamics and interpersonal skills, burnout, grief and loss, and life transitions. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in music at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, and received my Master's Degree in Social Work at San Diego State University.

As a certified psychotherapist, I am passionate about helping individuals heal, live a purposeful life and become the best version of themselves. I believe that every individual has immense potential to overcome the obstacles that they face. I understand that life can sometimes get tough and drive people to the verge of surrender. My experience has shown me that we all need an ally to help us walk down the healing journey.

Seeking therapy can be the first step on a healing journey and I hope to walk alongside you as you pursue personal growth. I believe that therapy can be a great way to access some of the tools that are already within us but that we may need help employing. I understand the importance of intersectionality as a queer Black woman and therapist and can understand how necessary it is to acknowledge the impact of intersecting identities when working with clients. I use an integrative approach to help clients feel empowered to re-frame their narrative and identify and process complex emotions.

You have to come this site because you are looking to make a change. You have been told that therapy might just be able to help you improve your life. Maybe this is your first time seeking therapy, or maybe you know exactly what you want when looking for a therapist. Either way, you will find I provide a warm, thoughtful environment to help my patients feel safe sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I help adults, parents, teens, and children deal with the issues that are getting in the way of having a fulfilling relationship, work, and family life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, and I have been practicing for the last 9 years. I have extensive experience working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, addiction, grief and loss, relationship struggles, and difficult life transitions. My goal is to assist my clients in improving their lives by taking a holistic, client-centered, integrative approach that is culturally affirming. I strive to create a safe space that is collaborative, non-judgmental, and strength-based, which aids in promoting healing.

I believe the connection you have with your therapist is essential to having a positive experience in therapy. People seek therapy for many reasons. You notice feeling sad, stressed, worried or overwhelmed; you experienced a traumatic event or a great loss; you are trying to change certain patterns in your life; you want more fulfilling relationships. Whether I am working with individuals, couples or families, I am empathic, collaborative, and provide suggestions and feedback in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.

I'm happy you're here. It takes courage to seek out a perspective that can transform and empower you. When we allow ourselves the time to connect with our bodies, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, we can heal and release what no longer serves; while at the same time strengthening what is true. Everything you are feeling serves a purpose. It is useful information. Symptoms such as: anxiety, depression, addiction, or relationship challenges are all trying to tell you something. You need some attention and we can all benefit from positive, focused attention where we need it.

I strive to create a warm, supportive therapeutic environment where you feel heard and understood. I believe the safety of the therapeutic relationship allows you to engage in meaningful exploration of the issues that are impacting your wellbeing. I offer emotionally-focused therapy to help you increase insight and awareness, strengthen relationships, and gain the confidence and skills you need to live well. Therapy is a collaborative process and my role is to empower you to achieve your goals. I have experience helping clients with concerns related to anxiety, depression/sadness, self-esteem, relationships, difficult transitions, grief and trauma.

Therapy is an opportunity to gain objectivity and insight to what is working and what isn't working. Using a strength based approach, I support individuals, couples and families who are challenged with; relationships, career, parenting, depression, anxiety or substance use. I understand how daunting it can be to enact change. It takes support, strategy and a safe space to flush out ideas and process feelings. I have over 30 years of experience and have cultivated a unique and effective intuitive style as a therapist that only comes with practical knowledge and years of application .

Finding a therapist can be a daunting process and I believe it is important to feel at ease in order to do the work that therapy entails. I provide a comfortable, down to earth environment and demeanor that will allow you to develop insight, find more choices in your life, and build your self confidence. It is very important to me that you get the results you are looking for in therapy and that your experience is a positive one. I am sensitive, caring and dedicated to our work together.

I am not a typical therapist. I see myself as a co-author, witness, helpful ally, teammate, collaborator and useful resource. Rather than taking a role as an “expert” by making assumptions or interpretations about your life, I love to use skillful conversation and artful question-asking to help you get past obstacles and problems. You are here on this page because you have strength in you, you have desire in you and you have healing in you. You are the main character in your own life. Therapy can either help or hinder the development of this character as someone powerful, capable and whole.

I specialize in treating panic attacks and other anxiety related issues including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, OCD, and phobias. I have found that a mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach is the best way to manage these issues. CBT states that our unhelpful thoughts lead to our emotional distress and unproductive behaviors. Mindfulness is a state of open and nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. By cultivating mindfulness , we are able to become aware of our unhelpful and unproductive thoughts as they happen and apply the tools used in CBT to dispute and replace them with helpful, productive thoughts.

Seeking therapy can be the first step on a healing journey and I hope to walk alongside you as you pursue personal growth. I believe that therapy can be a great way to access some of the tools that are already within us but that we may need help employing. I understand the importance of intersectionality as a queer Black woman and therapist and can understand how necessary it is to acknowledge the impact of intersecting identities when working with clients. I use an integrative approach to help clients feel empowered to re-frame their narrative and identify and process complex emotions.

You have an innate sense of wholeness and an ability to heal and grow toward your fullest potential. Therapy is a unique process that facilitates the reconnection and restoration of your authentic self. The suffering we experience can become a gift if we work through it. I'm here to help you uncover what is getting in the way, supporting you in working toward clarity, self-acceptance as well as courageously shed that which no longer serves you. I take a holistic, integrative approach to facilitate the mind-body-spirit connection so that you may live a richer, more meaningful life.

Just as we learn spoken language as children, we learn an unspoken language of relationship. Just as the words we hear become the words we speak, the way we're treated becomes the basis for how we treat others, and how we expect to be treated by the people in our lives. We learn to define ourselves according to the terms by which we were defined, but most of us suspect that there's more to the story. There is.