Individual therapy is a proven way to address personal issues and to make positive changes in your life. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship issues and life adjustments. The methods that I use are short-term and results oriented. My personal approach is to take an active role in each session to help you achieve your goals.

Psychotherapy is a highly collaborative process. We will be working as a team and I will invite you to participate in creating your goals and checking our progress along the way. Although many factors contribute to success in therapy, the single most important one is the therapist-client relationship. It is very important for you to develop trust and to feel comfortable with your therapist.

The second most important factor is a shared belief in the therapeutic method. I have a high degree of confidence in the methods that I use, but it will be important for you to share in that belief. We will discuss and agree on a treatment approach in our first or second session. After that I will check-in periodically with you see how you are feeling about the therapy. My approach to individual therapy is informed by the two methods listed below:

Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy

STDP is a scientifically validated method of treatment designed to treat a wide range of emotional disorders including anxiety, depression, somatization, as well as personality disorders. The therapy process is intensive and accelerates the process of change so that most clients begin to see results in a matter of weeks, rather than months or years. It is designed to be completed in 15-25 sessions. The mission of a course of therapy is to eliminate symptoms, allow you to fully engage emotionally in relationships and to live your life to your maximum potential. This is accomplished by encouraging you to experience and express your true feelings, and identifying and eliminating defensive manuevers that prevent you from doing so.

If you want to get to the root of problems that have plagued you for years, or if previous therapy has been disappointing, STDP could be the answer. Sessions are usually 55 minutes in length and take place weekly. However, if you are interested in accelerating the process, I offer extended sessions of 1.5 or 2 hours in length.

Efficacy Study on STDP - Psychiatric News

Healing Emotions Saves Health Care Dollars - Psychiatry Monitor

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

SFBT is a scientifically validated method of treatment designed to focus on one specific issue rather than a pattern of dynamics or an array of interpersonal problems. SFBT looks narrowly on specific areas of concern and targets solutions in a very time-limited and results oriented manner. The focus is on the present and future without exploring the past or extensively analyzing the problem. In SFBT, we will use the strengths and resources that you already have access to as a foundation. Your goal will be achieved by examining and building upon small successes. The therapy sessions are typically 55 minutes in length and can take place weekly or bi-weekly. The course of therapy rarely goes beyond 10-12 sessions. If you are looking to create change in a specific part of your life, SFBT may be appropriate for you.

Click Here to learn more about what to expect when starting Individual Therapy.

- Seal Beach               - Huntington Beach - Los Alamitos
- Rossmoor                - Belmont Shore                       - Long Beach
- Sunset Beach          - Newport Beach - Fountain Valley
- Westminster           - Garden Grove                        - Cypress
- Cerritos                    - Signal Hill - Los Altos

Jim Viccaro, M.S., M.F.T.
Life Pathways Therapy Solutions
Phone: E-mail: jim@life-pathways.com