Why Therapy?

People choose to begin therapy for a number of reasons. Some are seeking tools to help them better navigate their lives; others are looking to gain clarity about themselves and their behavior. A number of people come to therapy looking for a healing environment and support for experiences that have caused them pain – whether those experiences are current, tied to their past, or both.

For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (818) 758-9450 or email us at info@westvalleycounseling.org or reach us at intake-form

West Valley Counseling Center offers counseling services to the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles and is conveniently located just off the Ventura Freeway at 18226 Ventura Blvd. Suite 202 Tarzana, CA 91356

What is anxiety? Are there different levels? How do I deal with it?

Anxiety is a reaction to circumstances that has physical, emotional and mental components. A simple way to think of anxiety is as a combination of fear and anticipation. Anxious reactions can be triggered by routine, daily decisions or by deep-rooted dynamics from our past. Oftentimes, a basic understanding of what anxiety is and how it works can help alleviate some of the symptoms. Relaxation techniques can also be very beneficial. Effective approaches for dealing with anxiety are to learn a mix of coping skills to calm the anxious reaction as it is happening, investigate the origins of our anxiety and increase effectiveness in our ongoing self-care techniques.

For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (818) 758-9450 or email us at info@westvalleycounseling.org or reach us at intake-form

I do not have full blown depression. Is it possible to have mild depression or depression every once in a while?

Yes, many people do suffer from mild depression and many people experience varied periods of depression. In fact, most people will experience at least one period of depression at some point during their life. Depression can be situational (based on disappointing or sad circumstances) or chemical/biological (based primarily on genetics and early environment).

For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (818) 758-9450 or email us at info@westvalleycounseling.org or reach us at intake-form

I have heard negative things about group therapy. What are the benefits?

The concept of “group therapy” may feel intimidating, as members are often strangers when the group begins. However, through the process of creating a safe environment, we begin to feel comfortable sharing difficult or complex feelings. This is when the magic begins. We learn that others have experienced similar transitions, or encountered trauma that resembles our own. Group members develop the ability to share and to listen, withholding judgment when possible, and creating bonds in the process. We are granted powerful opportunities to witness each other’s growth at pivotal moments, enhancing or altering our own lives.

For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (818) 758-9450 or email at info@westvalleycounseling.org or reach us at intake-form

How do I handle and help my child during my divorce?

Often children involved in divorce initially react with shock, sadness, frustration, anger, or worry. However, it is possible for them to come out of the situation better able to cope with stress, and even go on to become more flexible, tolerant young adults. The most important things both parents can do to help kids through this difficult time are:

* Keep visible conflict, heated discussions, and legal talk away from the kids
* Minimize the disruptions to kids’ daily routines
*Confine negativity and blame about each other to private therapy sessions and outside the home
*Keep each parent involved in the kids’ lives.

Many kids will grieve the loss of the kind of family they had hoped for and will miss the presence of a parent and the family they had. It is common and natural for some kids to hold out hope that their parents will someday get back together, even after the finality of divorce has been explained to them. It is important that parents reassure their children that it is okay to wish that mom and dad will reunite, but also explain the finality of their decisions. Here are some ways to help kids cope with the upset of a divorce:

*Encourage honesty.  Kids need to know that their feelings are important to their parents and that they will be taken seriously.
*Help them put their feelings into words.  Kids’ behavior can often clue you in to their feelings of sadness or anger. Be a good listener, even if it’s difficult for you to hear what they have to say.
*Legitimize their feelings.  Saying “I know you feel sad now” or “I know it feels lonely without dad here” lets kids know that their feelings are valid.
*Encourage kids to get it all out before you start offering ways to make it better.
*Keep yourself healthy.  For adults, separation and divorce is highly stressful. Finding ways to manage your own stress is essential for you and your entire family.  By making sure you are taking care of your own needs, you are ensuring that you will be in the best possible shape to take care of your kids.

Divorce can be a major crisis for a family. However, if you and your former spouse can work together and communicate civilly for the benefit of your children, the original family unit can continue to be a source of strength.

For more information or to speak to one our staff, please contact us at (818) 758-9450 or email at info@westvalleycounseling.org or reach us at intake-form

How can I get in touch with West Valley Counseling Center?

For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (818) 758-9450 or email us at info@westvalleycounseling.org or reach us at intake-form

West Valley Counseling Center offers counseling services to the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles and is conveniently located just off the Ventura Freeway at 18226 Ventura Blvd. Suite 202 Tarzana, CA 91356

What kind of payments do you accept?

Cash, check, and credit card

Regarding insurance:

West Valley Counseling Center accepts insurance as an out-of-network provider. Depending on your coverage, your insurer may cover the full cost of therapy, a portion of the fee, or none of the cost. Please inquire with your insurance carrier to determine your benefits for out-of-network psychotherapy.