Drug Abuse Therapists in Los Altos, CA

I aspire to create a safe, structured and warm therapeutic environment to facilitate the patient's personal growth while helping patients develop more insight, explore the history of their problems, and recognize unhealthy patterns. My therapeutic process has developed over 25 years of practice and training. Some of the areas of psychology from which I draw are psychodynamic, attachment theory, object relations and family systems. My goal is that through therapy, my patients feel understood, supported and comfortably challenged. During our first meeting we explore together what brought you to therapy..what is occuring in your life that is causing difficulties, and where perhaps you may be hindering yourself. For the most part therapy is a guided process where you learn more deeply about yourself and develop better coping skills with an improved capacity to handle emotional difficulties in a healthy, fulfilling manner.

Wrestling depression, anxiety, complex PTSD, relationship problems, or alcohol and drugs? Do others see you're at odds with yourself or your circumstances? Inner conflict, harsh self-criticism, rigid thinking, and refusal to accept yourself are blocking a life you want. Therapy doesn't need to last years nor require endless focus on the past. You can decide what to work on and have a say in the direction of that work. There are solutions for what's happening, and sometimes just seeing and keeping focused on these brings change without attention to much else. At other times it's more complicated. Give yourself room to explore.

For more than a decade, I have successfully helped individuals, couples, and families find greater clarity about what they want their life to stand for and how to pursue that life. Within a supportive therapeutic relationship, I help my clients attain the vibrant and valued life they desire. My approach in therapy is active. I work based on the assumption that clients are able to achieve rapid and significant changes in their behaviors. The interventions used in this approach help clients access alternative ways of "problem solving" that utilize the resources beyond the "common-sense" mind. https://effective-therapy.com/

In many ways good psychotherapy is like a successful remodel, frequently resulting in a stronger and more spacious sense of one's self, lovely new rooms, remarkable views and better access to the world outside (and in). The journey of self-discovery takes courage, but increasing one's awareness of old limitations and obstacles, and developing the ability to gently and carefully dismantle and rebuild where necessary is incredibly rewarding -- often beyond what we can imagine. I believe that it's a collaborative journey on which we embark, moving together towards creating a more fulfilling and rewarding life for you.

Working with individuals who feel they need some extra support to tackle challenges that life throws at them is my passion. I believe that through the relationship and work between client and therapist, behaviors can be adjusted, relationships can be mended, unhealthy coping skills can be identified and reworked, and healthy change can occur. I create a safe, comfortable therapeutic environment where individuals can succeed in making positive growth in their lives. Taking a straightforward, honest, relaxed and empathetic approach to supporting clients frees clients to open up, discover their strengths and make the most of therapy.

I have worked with a variety of populations doing individual, couples, and group psychotherapy as well as psychological testing. My theoretical approach is based on a variety of methods, techniques and philosophies based upon both research and my clinical experience. I believe no one method of therapy can meet everyone's needs, so I employ a variety of behavioral, cognitive, interpersonal interventions, and problem solving strategies based upon your individual needs and goals. I take the approach that the most empathetic thing I can do for you is to help bring you closer to your personal goals.

Stress, worry, and sadness are all too common for many driven individuals in the Bay Area. In the safe environment of therapy, we work together to develop hope and a way out of challenges, using a personalized approach of empirically based techniques as well as creative tools. Together and in your own pace, we unpack the emotions and challenges you're facing, and create insight around patterns and thoughts that no longer serve you. Through Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness, we develop coping skills to manage the inevitable challenges of life in a way that builds your confidence and resiliency.

Dr. Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist whose patients include adolescents, adults, and families. She uses insight-oriented and supportive techniques to help patients work through difficult events and feelings. While Dr. Smith defines herself as a generalist in the field of psychology, she does have areas of further experience, including but not limited to the following: Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Academic or Work Difficulties, Parent/Adolescent Conflicts, Family Conflicts and Resolution of Grief Issues. Dr.Smith also works with Transgender and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents.

In my role as your therapist, I listen, think , propose, explore, teach, and challenge. My approach to therapy is best described as caring, and compassionate. I am committed to providing depth-oriented psychotherapy for you and your loved one. I bring a warm, non-judgmental approach that provides a safe environment and opportunities to address both short and long terms goals. Grief, loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, Asperger, divorce, postpartum depression, cultural diversity and adjustment, are among the different issues I have experience working with. I work with adult, couples, school-age children, pre-teens, adolescents, and their families.

I was trained at Yale and Columbia University. I was a professor at Columbia University and Stanford University (15 years). Currently, I am a Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in CA and NY and I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and on extremely challenging issues. In addition to my clinical experiences, my knowledge from many years of teaching also enables me to work with your unique preferences and personality. I focus on your strengths to maximize your gains in therapy.

**100% ONLINE TELE-HEALTH/VIDEO THERAPY** I have spent many years working with a number of different populations, from Autism Spectrum Disorders to Eating and Feeding Disorders. The beauty of working in mental health for almost half my life is that I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic process and how we address the things in life that are no longer functional. The root cause of the distress is my focus because it demands such intricate and tactful navigation.

A client should feel empowered to express their current symptoms, needs and goals. A person's identity is not defined by a clinical diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. An ideal client comes with some awareness and willingness to expose vulnerability and work toward their goals. At first, that task can be frightening and daunting. A client must be courageous and vigilant in the pursuit of their goals and on the path to healing. They do not walk that path alone, but lean on the support of a trustworthy, experienced and professional therapist that lights up a path.

Do you find yourself struggling? Hurting? I can help you feel better! You have the ability to THRIVE regardless of your circumstances armed with my support & many new tools in your arsenal. I can help you tap into your own resilience & ability to heal. Wherever you are at in life, whether satisfied but looking to improve, struggling daily & feeling as if the floor is about to fall out, in crisis-mode, on a journey of self-discovery, or simply looking for support from a fully present empathetic skilled partner in your personal, interpersonal & professional goals. I AM HERE FOR YOU!

Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.

Are You or Your Teen Struggling? Let's Navigate This Together! Is your teen struggling to find their footing? Is anxiety, apathy, or perfectionism taking over their life? Does it feel like you're speaking different languages? At Palo Alto Teen and Adolescent Solutions, I help teens navigate the choppy waters of adolescence. I'm Jeff Gielow, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who works hard to connect with teens. We'll work together to empower them, improve relationships, and build a brighter future.

Welcome to my practice! Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated? Unhappy with your relationships? Challenges at work or school? Feeling like something needs to change? You've come to the right place. Find your inner strength and discover your true potential through therapy. It takes courage to reach out when you need help. Call me for a 15-minute complimentary consultation to determine your options.

Are you looking to improve your relationship with yourself and others in your life? If so, then perhaps I can help. I work with adults, couples, and families wanting healthier, stronger relationships, and an overall better life. I enjoy working with people who want to transform their lives and their relationships; those who are ready to release the past and live more fully in the present in order to create a better future. I work with people on issues of trauma, spirituality, and grief resulting from death, a lost relationship and/or lost opportunities. I also work with people with process and substance addictions and recovery.

Humans are social beings. In the caveman days, those who were separated from the pack were not able to survive. A primitive part of our brain longs to stay connected to others. Unsuccessful relationships can feel like death. Sometimes we repeat relationship mistakes. Other times, we withdrawal but isolation can feel like a vast dessert with no end in sight. Luckily there is another way. Being in a healthy relationship with another human being is often a vital component to happiness. As your therapist, I would like to walk with you on your journey towards becoming more connected.

If life were simple, there would be less need for confessional booths, principals' offices and psychotherapy. Things happen along the way, get set aside, accumulate and catch up. Some "stuff" gets passed from one generation to the next. Many people delay indefinitely effectively dealing with difficulties, pass them on to others or deny they exist entirely. When you are ready to sort through such matters give me a call. I am curious, patient and enjoy helping others move forward. I share observations and clarify situations while clients work to increase enjoyment of life. It might be easier than you think.