Individual Therapy in California in Ojai, CA

The first meeting is an intake session held in-person in Ventura or virtually from anywhere in California. This diagnostic evaluation is usually about 90 minutes and a time to begin developing a safe, trusting relationship, which is the foundation of change. The first appointment is part of an assessment process where you will have the opportunity to share about your mental health and relational struggles, family history, previous experiences with therapy, and general goals for treatment. Active therapy begins after the assessment stage.

When treating perfectionism, anxiety, and OCPD, we use a cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approach. When treating OCD, we primarily use Exposure and Response Prevention and Rumination-Focused ERP. All therapy is grounded in the belief that change happens within a safe, attuned therapeutic alliance. Learn more about specific therapy trainings.

Yes, if it would be helpful for your treatment, partners are welcome to join for one or more sessions to learn strategies to assist in your recovery. It is often helpful for us to hear from partners during the assessment process to gain a broader understanding of the issues. We do not offer couples therapy but can provide referrals if necessary.

Obsessive-compulsive personality traits such as unhelpful perfectionism, procrastination, indecision, overcontrol, and overworking often serve as coping strategies to guard against uncomfortable or conflicted feelings. Emotional struggles are theorized as based in early attachment relationships and temperamental vulnerability. An obsessive-compulsive personality becomes a "disorder" when the style of coping causes psychological distress or problems in important areas of life such as intimate relationships, family life, and employment.