My practice is exclusively virtual, with sessions conducted via secure HIPAA-compliant videoconference software. This allows me to work with clients who live anywhere in California at any time that is mutually convenient, without the need for clients to travel to a specific office location.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
I work primarily with adults in a one-on-one setting for psychotherapy. Though I work with clients experiencing a wide variety of specific difficulties, my specialty is in the field of health psychology. This encompasses the interplay between our physical health and emotional health, such as experiencing mood or relationship difficulties due to the effects of chronic pain or the stress inherent to managing chronic illnesses. The skills and techniques involved in this are widely applicable to many presenting issues, and I pride myself on working from an integrative perspective that allows me the flexibility to tailor treatment to the individual needs of my clients. The primary modalities I work with include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing. These techniques are evidence-based and are widely considered first-line treatments for issues such as:
- Stress management
- Depression
- Anxiety/Panic
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Management of chronic medical condition(s)
- Trauma/PTSD
- ADHD
- OCD
- Substance abuse or other addiction recovery
- Positive behavior change (e.g. quitting smoking, losing weight, etc.)
COUPLES’ THERAPY
I work with couples using primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy techniques. This helps to improve issues and skills such as:
- Open communication
- Conflict resolution
- Developing attachment and facilitating compromise between partners
- Recovery/repair following infidelity
- Developing shared values and future goals
SHORT-TERM SOLUTION-FOCUSED TREATMENT
I work with adolescents and adults to help them maximize their performance and best utilize their individual strengths. My primary specialty in this area is reducing anxiety in the context of studying for and taking standardized tests or professional qualification exams, but the skills involved in maximizing performance are widely applicable to many other goals as well (academic, athletic, personal growth, etc). I offer package deals for short-term goals (generally 5-10 sessions) and will work with you to tailor a treatment plan that makes sense for your individual needs.
David J. Velleman, PsyD 