Our Approach
At Santa Monica Psychology Group, we deliver evidence-based treatments to help you identify patterns of thinking that no longer serve you and manage emotions that interfere with living your best life. Our goal is to teach you evidence-based techniques that, once mastered, will allow you to continue the work of therapy independently.
First Steps
If you are interested in making an appointment or learning more about what we offer, the first step is to schedule a 15 minute consultation. We will be happy to discuss the services we provide, learn what you hope to achieve in therapy, and answer any questions you have.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Each new client begins by spending 2 to 4 sessions with their therapist focusing on the assessment of current symptoms, history, and discussing a plan for your work together. The purpose of these initial sessions is two-fold:
To help your therapist learn about your situation in detail so they can offer informed treatment recommendations.
For you to decide if you agree with the proposed treatment plan, and would like to work with your therapist.
If you decide to move forward, you and your therapist will meet weekly for 45-minute sessions.
Fees and Insurance
We do not accept insurance at this time. However, we are happy to provide a statement called a superbill, documenting the services provided and that you have paid for them, which may then be submitted to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
What is Therapy Like?
In working together, your therapist will draw on evidence-based techniques, supported by strong empirical evidence. In the cognitive-behavioral tradition, therapy is time-limited, so that you can acquire proficiency and independently use the skills learned in therapy. Some examples of the techniques we might use together include:
Understanding what maintains the behaviors and thoughts you would like to change
Learning to recognize when past experience is driving your behavior, and shifting to a more effective response for your current situation
Learning new ways of responding to unhelpful thoughts
Learning skills for understanding emotions and responding to them effectively
Replacing self-criticism with more effective methods of increasing motivation
Increasing self-knowledge and self-acceptance through mindfulness practice
Taking active, gradual steps to face previously avoided situations and fears
Identifying your personal values and making behavioral and situational changes in the service of those values
What We Treat
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder (recurrent panic attacks)
Phobias
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