Therapists in Orange, CA

I'm a clinical and forensic psychologist and certified Jungian analyst, over 30 years experience providing treatment and assessment, both depth-oriented and forensic. My practice is guided by my awareness of the instrumental nature of the unconscious in all that we are and do. I've provided intervention and treatment for families suffering child abuse, criminal problems, drug abuse, and mild to severe mental disorders. For 8 years I served on our State panel evaluating sex offenders in prisons. I'm committed to working with the diverse world with an open mind and heart. Check out my new book: The Schizophrenia Complex (Chiron, 2022)

I've been all over the world and worked for several F500 companies, been licensed 15 years, had a specialized training sequence in Jungian psychology, and have lived over 60 years. If you want a therapist/analyst with the kind of experience and knowledge that only comes from an unusual talent combined with wide experience, I may be able to be of assistance. I have extensive experience and training in meditation, endurance athletics, music, and Jungian psychology. I like working with the gifted and talented, and helping them with interfacing with opportunities/limits of the world.

You're starting a new school year, new job, or new relationship. Anxiety and depression is your constant companion and you can't eat or sleep. You feel sick without having any symptoms that the doctor can address. You see yourself as inadequate or a loser and will never be able to succeed. Every medication that has been tried has only made you feel worse or you recognize that you are taking too much. There has got to be a better way.

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Clinical Counselor in the state of California. I have spent the past 5 years specifically focused on therapy/counseling, while incorporating over 20 years of experience providing wellness support through teaching yoga, meditation, mindful eating, and fitness classes, as well as volunteer work, including equine therapy.

Have you found yourself asking any of the following questions or maybe made such a statement to yourself? ..."Why am I so anxious"? "I don't feel like doing anything today". "I feel so scared and don't know why". When you are suffering with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues these are common thoughts people have. You're definitely not alone and it can also be an indicator that it's the right time for some therapeutic guidance.

Feeling worthless, helpless, overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Do you feel that life is unmanageable? Sometimes do you feel that the light is too far away? Are you exhausted and worn out? I read once "It is not how we fall in life but how we get back up that matters." I believe in a compassionate, nonjudgmental, non-shaming approach to therapy. My focus in therapy will help you get the strength to "get back up". Our sessions will focus on what your needs are, and together, we can begin the process of healing.

I focus on supporting clients in taking ownership of their lives. In my therapeutic approach, I emphasize the role of creating meaning through personal responsibility. Many people get lost in repeating patterns that may not be serving them. I will help you create the insight around any patterns that no longer serve you, while directing you to take specific steps towards change so that you can actualize your purpose in life. Through an empathic yet direct approach, I will help you poke holes in the negative stories you may be telling yourself to make room for other types of thoughts that embody gratitude and possibility.

Welcome! Whatever has prompted you to search for a therapist, I am honored to be by your side during this journey. We, as humans, are meant to be connected. I believe we live in a detached society that hinders us from connecting to others and ourselves.

Life's journey can be both remarkable and challenging, often presenting us with twists and turns we didn't anticipate. If you're feeling stuck in the midst of these complexities, seeking a way forward, I'm here to extend my hand and walk alongside you. Navigating through the highs and lows, I've dedicated myself to helping individuals like you discover their inner strength and resilience. Whether you're wrestling with the weight of anxiety, seeking solace from depression, or striving to mend relationships, I offer a safe haven where your thoughts and emotions can find expression.

I imagine you found yourself here because there is something in your life you are seeking to overcome. I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to walk this journey alone. No matter what you’re going through, there is hope and change is possible. I honor and respect the strength and vulnerability it takes to seek help, to give pain space to heal, and to bravely step into growth. As a therapist, I truly love what I do and genuinely care about the people with whom I work. It’s my passion to come alongside others in the midst of their challenges and to help them live from a place of authenticity, empowerment, and self-awareness.

Life issues are part of human nature. At times we may feel or believe that our situations are unique and that theirs no one who can understand. Therefore, this belief system begins to create anxiety, depression and addictive behaviors that can permeate all aspects of our lives. Life then becomes overwhelming and unmanageable. With good therapy, these roadblocks can become a unique cornerstone for positive change and personal wellness.

My approach is ultimately based on what my client wants to work on: whether that be a short term solutions-focused approach to address system changes in a family/relationship or to manage the aftermath of a crisis situation, a cognitive behavioral approach to brainstorm symptom management that has brought about chaos in their life, or a psychodynamic approach to explore the depths of one's dreams and soul purpose. I specialize in looking at imagination as a problem-solving tool to bring about a change that my client is looking for.

I believe in the empowerment and self-determination of every individual. I am a compassionate, caring, and empathetic therapist. I partner with my clients to meet their desires for healing and growth, providing the safe space necessary for clients to heal and explore their specific areas of difficulty, which is one of my greatest joys. Healing and growth take place as clients are free to share their experiences, thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

Integrative Depth Therapist specializing in Addiction, Trauma, and Family Systems

Dr. Summerlin is not currently accepting new patients. If you call, please leave a message and one of our associates will contact you.