Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in California

CBT changes the thought patterns that once protected you but now are part of the problem instead. I have special training in CPT - Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, but the main philosophy is the same: unblock stuck points. Change your thoughts to work for you, and you've changed everything!

People-Pleasing gone wild? As an anxiety therapist, I identified 10 common symptoms of anxiety. I specialize in working with empathic, sensitive, responsible adults in California who are helping others but unfortunately at their own expense. Wouldn't it be amazing if you too benefitted from your strengths and gifts? I teach you tools to gift yourself with grace, kindness, and self-forgiveness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is extremely effective and pairs well when working with EMDR. I have been trained in Trauma Informed CBT and find it extremely beneficial when working with clients who experience anxiety and depression. I often will guide client's through a "thought record" which allows client's to recognize negative or unhelpful thoughts and emotions, how to challenge those thoughts and then teach client's to replace them with things that are true and likely positive.

I grew up surrounded by nature and beauty in Northern California. I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology at Biola University in La Mirada, CA with a minor in Biblical Studies. In 2012, I began my graduate studies at New York University, earning a Master’s in Social Work specializing in geriatric and end of life care. I have been a Licensed Clinician for four years and feel honored to have a practice where I can use EMDR techniques to help others heal.

I was trained heavily in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and am currently in the process of obtaining my Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certification. CBT is an evidence-based practice, meaning it's been shown over and over again to be an effective treatment modality. While this doesn't mean that CBT is for EVERYONE, CBT theories can offer great insight into our thoughts, behaviors, and moods, and how each of these impacts one another. I, personally, enjoy using CBT activities in my sessions and have found them helpful in supporting my clients in reaching their goals.

I am a friend, a sister, and a daughter of immigrants, born and raised in the ‘burbs of LA. I am a firm believer of approaching life with a strong sense of humor and an even stronger cup of boba. In my role as a therapist, I am most motivated by the resiliency of my clients and draw inspiration from my own lived experiences. Life shouldn’t feel so tough. When challenges arise, my goal is to empower my clients to live more meaningful, present-focused, and value-driven lives. I achieve this by tailoring sessions to meet the unique needs of my clients with the help of evidenced based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and various other modalities. I have experience working with individuals who live with anxiety, depression, and past trauma, and enjoy helping my clients navigate through the struggles of everyday life. I have worked with people from all walks of life, with the bulk of my experience in community mental health working with at-risk youth. My clients are welcome as they are, whoever they are. I approach therapy with a collaborative and non-judgmental stance in which clients can be their most true and authentic selves. I will walk with and support my clients in their journey to healing, growth, and to living their best lives.

I offer a range of therapeutic techniques (CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness) tailored to meet your unique needs.

Here’s my self-disclosure: I’ve been there. Burnout...complete, utter, total exhaustion. Absolutely nothing left to give while constantly being overextended. You have a to-do list that's a mile long, your kid is demanding their 12th snack, and you haven’t quite finished that work project your boss is expecting. The pressure is unrelenting and you are completely overwhelmed. These are the perfect conditions to prompt burnout. You’re depleted, irritable, and feeling inadequate. There is no limit to what you would do to make your kids happy, let's return the favor for yourself.

CBT helps you find patterns in your thinking and behaviors that lead to feelings of anxiety. By understanding this pattern allows you to respond to future situations in a healthy way! Decreasing the amount of time with anxiety symptoms. 

Are you still having that same worrisome feeling and intrusive thoughts? If I tell you there is relief from anxiety and it starts with getting understanding, will you be ready to explore more? As a anxiety coach and CBT therapist I empower women to find the answers they need to break free from anxiety. Request a Free consultation! 

CBT is primarily a method of symptom reduction that helps in the shorter term but does very little to address the underlying causes. Integrating emotional works as well as insight building is necessary for more lasting relief. 

Welcome. I’m Dr. Gatta but if we work together please call me David. Good therapy is all about a trusting relationship. Over the course of my 13 year career I have had the privilege of working with a diverse group of people from college age students to senior citizens. My passion is helping people understand who they are, where they would like to go in life and what might be preventing those processes. From this standpoint my treatment philosophy is to address underlying causes rather than just symptoms. Doing so is the only way of achieving lasting substantive change. In order to do that I use a holistic approach, meaning I see each individual as a sum of their total life experiences together with their sociocultural contexts.  I have extensive experience working with family of origin issues, trauma, substance abuse, depression and life transitions (including grief and loss). My background is in clinical psychology where my doctoral dissertation explored dreaming as a theoretical form of thinking (cognition). I also have a background in neuroscience and the humanities . I have taught courses on trauma and recovery, addiction, grief and psychopathology. 

I weave CBT throughout psychotherapy. I think its one of the orientations that gives clients tangible direction. Many times people (myself included!) feel like they've cried and talked and nothing feels better- CBT gives you those daily exercises to practice and helps you feel you are being proactive. I also use DBT techniques (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for clients interested a more structured, workbook focused therapy.

There is a lot of “noise” in our lives that challenges our sense of self, our direction, our place in this world that causes self-doubt and conflict (within ourselves and with others). Using a flexible, client-centered approach I focus on what parts of that “noise” the client seeks clarity with, and how to quiet that “noise” to finally hear yourself. We set goals for therapy together in a safe and affirming space. My private practice also includes a psychological concierge service for individuals navigating complex life crises that involving multiple entities (family/group, hospital/treatment facility, jail, court, private security services, attorneys). Call for a free consultation.