General information

I am a licensed psychotherapist (MFC 51040) with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I received a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and participate in advanced training and education in order to further my on-going understanding of current research and therapeutic methods.

I provide brief as well as open-ended individual psychotherapy for adults, teens, and men.  Typically we will agree to meet at a regular time each week for a 50 minute session.  Occasionally, circumstances change and our schedule may be adjusted to better meet the needs of the situation.  The consistency of appointments and mutual commitment to the psychotherapy process are important components to a successful outcome. 

In session(s) I will periodically check in with you, as well as encourage you to speak to any concerns, thoughts, or feelings about the process and/or progress of therapy.  Our mutual 'check-in' feedback loop is an important component to building trust and ensures that our work stays on track, addressing the topics that are most important to you.

My Therapeutic Style

My therapeutic style is interactive, down-to-earth and compassionate.  It combines my experience with mindfulness (see more about mindfulness on 'Other Specialties' page) and various talk therapies. I listen carefully and, at times, will ask you to elaborate as I want to be sure to understand and identify with your situation and experience as clearly as possible.  I aim to facilitate a trusting relationship where sensitive and difficult issues can be explored, understood, and improved.  Briefly our work may include:

• Exploring your past or significant events that impacted your life
• Paying attention and making contact with what is happening in the moment; mind & body
• Look at how you engage and approach events in your life while examining the part you played in things going right or wrong
• Noticing how the past can affect how you are feeling, thinking, and behaving right now
• Building on your strengths and resources in both your internal and external worlds
• Talk about thoughts and feelings you have about yourself and other people, especially family and friends
• Practice 'being here now' and using different techniques to address painful difficulties

 

My personal commitment is to bring into action effective healing strategies to assist you in creating a deeper understanding of yourself while building your own ability to address the challenges you meet in daily life with wisdom, conscious choice, intention, and clarity.

Call for Free Consultation

I offer a free, no obligation, phone consultation to prospective clients so that you can get a sense of me and how I work.  This conversation may include your specific needs and concerns as well as some ideas as to how we might proceed together to help you move forward.  If either of us feel that I am not the best person to help you at this time, I am happy to provide you with referrals to another clinician in the area.  I look forward to speaking with you.

How do I get started?

Call me at 510.409.0994 or email me at douglascarney@comcast.net.