Find a Therapist in Topanga, California.

My approach to psychotherapy is mostly relational. I take a family systems approach that addresses relationships in my clients' lives and improves their functioning for better health and happiness. Clients under my care learn how to unilaterally improve the functioning of a relationship through boundaries and self-confrontation. The result is individuals and relationships that thrive.

My clients often find me easy to talk to and say they feel comfortable with me, trusting quickly. This can make the psychotherapeutic process easier and more effective for my clients, especially if they are nervous or don’t know what to expect. Therapy with me can range from just talking casually with each other, leading to insights, increased self awareness, and processing through emotional issues, or it could be more intensive deeper therapy like EMDR.

Psychotherapy on it's own or in combination with medication services can have a profound positive impact on a person's livelihood. Often times, there are patterns and cycles in life that an individual might be unaware of. It is my job to learn about a person through talk therapy, and conceptualize and help bring awareness to these patterns and cycles. Awareness is the first step towards change.

I like to ask good questions rather than solutions. I am a professional collaborator. When it comes to anxiety and trauma, there are practical tools I use to help clients relieve their nervous system. I use deep brain-based work called brainspotting. In my talk therapy, I like to use the foundation of narrative therapy to help clients feel dignified and learn to use their values to help carry them forward. Its the best of both worlds using a processing technique and another technique that requires thinking. I use all areas of the brain.

Psychotherapy can be a life-transforming experience. While it can help you to identify your problems and figure out ways to cope with them, therapy is much more than just problem-solving and symptom reduction. It can also help you identify and correct destructive patterns of thinking and behaving that may be impeding your growth. The possible benefits of psychotherapy are endless. They include increased self-awareness and self-esteem, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilled life. The foundation of good therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. It is essential that you find someone with whom you feel a comfortable connection. Your therapist should create a safe, accepting, positive environment where you can explore even...(view profile to read more)

If your young adult is feeling isolated and alone, I can help them explore the circumstances that have led them to this place in their life. Sometimes healing is derived from simply gaining understanding of how their life experiences have impacted them and shaped who they are. I can help your young adult examine how their early childhood experiences have influenced the lens through which they currently view the world. I can also help them evaluate any rules they made up about the meaning of life. Together, we can design a new and more fulfilling story for their future.

Dr. Levine is one of only 5% of all clinical psychologists holding Board-Certification (ABPP) & has over 30 years of experience, having previously served as the Chief of Psychology at Mt Sinai Medical Center in NY and then as a Psychologist at UCLA Medical School. He then completed a 2-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy at Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia. He will answer the phone (323-417-2325) personally with no receptionist or secretary to deal with! Or, simply email him at BHpsychologist@gmail