Whether you're facing challenges, feeling stuck, or simply wanting more out of life, therapy can often help. Seeking therapy doesn't mean you need to "fix" something that's wrong. That's worth repeating: just because you're struggling doesn't mean something's wrong with you. To struggle is to be human. Therapy offers an opportunity to know yourself better, clarify goals, and enhance your life. Think of it as an investment in your well-being - like going to the gym, but for your mind. If you're here, that means you're brave enough to realize there's something you'd like to change and are taking the first steps by seeking guidance. Research shows that half of clients improve after just a few sessions, and 85% show improvement within months.* As a personality psychologist, I recognize that everyone is unique, and results vary. It's crucial to find a therapist you feel comfortable with, because the quality of the therapist-client relationship makes all the difference in therapy outcomes. ­But even the best therapist in the world can’t help you if you’re not ready to face potentially uncomfortable truths and take steps towards a different life. Nothing changes if nothing changes. But rest assured, change is possible – it's often more about courage than ability. *Howard et al. (1986); Harnett et al. (2010); Stulz et al. (2013)

Very well, thanks! I primarily practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, rooted in the traditions of Freud, Adler, and Jung. This approach believes our behaviors and feelings are often influenced by unconscious tendencies stemming from early experiences, which may cause us to unknowingly repeat unhelpful patterns in our current relationships and lives. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to “make the unconscious conscious.” By bringing these hidden influences into awareness, you gain the power to understand and change them. It's like turning on a light in a dark room – suddenly, you can see and navigate what was once invisible and perhaps frightening. I’m what psychodynamic therapists call “relational,” meaning that I focus on the importance of early relationships as well as the therapeutic relationship we develop together. I strive to create a warm, authentic, nonjudgmental environment where you'll feel safe to share openly. Some therapists primarily listen and reflect back what they hear, but my style is more interactive. I provide insights, interpret dreams, challenge my clients when appropriate, and sometimes assign homework. However, I'm flexible in my approach! I will use principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) therapy as tools where apprpriate. I regularly check in to ensure we're meeting your needs and adapt my style to what works best for you. If you're interested to know more about my views of therapeutic modalities and why I practice psychodynamically, check out my article (https://www.sethwagermanphd.com/post/the-truth-about-therapy-it-s-all-good)on the topic!

A crucial question! Research and clinical experience show that the relationship between you and your therapist is the cornerstone of positive change. It works best when you feel safe and understood by a therapist who demonstrates caring, authenticity, and competence. I strive to create a warm and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and respected. I’m committed to ongoing training that helps me better serve diverse individuals, recognizing that I’m not the expert in anybody’s life, but rather a supportive guide on their journey. Finding the right therapist for you can take time, and that’s okay. I invite you to make use of the free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit. We’ll discuss your needs and I’ll answer any questions you might have; it’s important to see what it feels like to actually talk to me. After our call, you can decide if you'd like to schedule a first session. If I’m not the best match, I’m happy to provide referrals to other trusted therapists. My goal is to ensure you get the support you need.

My regular fee is $250 for an individual, 45-minute session and $300 for couples/relationship therapy, a 50-minute session. These rates align with the median fees for psychologists in the Los Angeles area, reflecting the specialized training and experience I bring to our work together. I understand that therapy is a significant investment. It's an investment in your well-being, providing you with lifelong tools to navigate challenges, build resilience, and unlock your potential. The benefits often extend far beyond our sessions, impacting various aspects of your life positively. If you believe we'd be a good fit but have concerns about the financial aspect, please don't hesitate to discuss this with me. I work on a sliding scale based on individual circumstances and am open to exploring options that can make therapy accessible for you.

Many services have moved and remained online in recent years. Research shows that outcomes for teletherapy are generally comparable to in-person therapy for most issues*. Both formats have their strengths: in-person therapy offers a face-to-face connection, while online therapy allows you to avoid time-consuming commutes, making it possible for you to receive expert care no matter where you live in California. Neither is inherently better; they're just different approaches. Some people may simply prefer one or the other. Teletherapy might not be suitable for all situations, such as severe mental health crises or when physical presence is crucial for treatment. I encourage you to consider which format aligns best with your needs and preferences. Feel free to ask any questions about the effectiveness and suitability of teletherapy for your specific situation! I offer teletherapy for all of California as well as being in-office one day a week in Westlake Village. *e.g., Johnson, Hulsey, & Gray (2022); Snoswell, Chelberg, De Guzman, et al. (2023); and the American Psychological Association (2024)

You're asking, "when will I be all better?" aren't you? It's natural to want quick results, and some people do experience significant benefits within a few months. However, it's important to understand that therapy isn't a magic solution - meaningful and lasting change often takes time. The duration of therapy is unique to each person and their goals. Some clients find that deeper exploration and long-term work is most beneficial for addressing complex issues or achieving profound personal growth. Others might have specific, short-term goals that we can work towards within a defined timeline. Throughout our work together, we'll regularly assess your progress and discuss your goals. This ongoing conversation helps us adjust our approach as needed and ensures that therapy continues to meet your evolving needs.

I don't, no. I maintain an independent practice by design, working directly with clients rather than through insurance companies or venture-funded therapy platforms. Why? I believe you deserve better than one-size-fits all approaches or rushed, standardized treatment. Real healing and growth take time, and every person's experience is unique. Neither of us, I think, are interested in working towards corporate metrics or being limited by session numbers, treatment duration, or predetermined therapy types. By remaining independent, I can ensure both the utmost confidentiality and the freedom to focus solely on your growth and well-being. I understand this means fees are out-of-pocket, which can be challenging. To help, I'm happy to provide a detailed monthly statement (a "Superbill") that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Many clients successfully use their out-of-network benefits this way, and services like Reimbursify can help streamline the process, maximizing their benefits while maintaining the freedom to choose their preferred therapist. I also do sliding-scale work; if you think we'd be a good fit but you're worried about the fee, let's talk about it.

I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel or reschedule within the same week (subject to availability) at least 24 hours before your appointment, there's no charge. For cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice, I do charge the full session fee. I understand that genuine emergencies happen, though. In such cases, I may waive the fee at my discretion. This courtesy is extended with the understanding that it won't be misused. Clear communication is key in our therapeutic relationship! Please inform me as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. Remember, regular attendance is crucial for effective therapy, and I value your commitment to our work together.

I’m happy to collaborate with other professionals as needed as part of your care team. However, there are some services that simply fall outside my areas of expertise: - Psychiatric medication management - Court-ordered evaluations - Drug/Alcohol addiction as the primary goal for treatment - Active suicidality or psychosis - Children or teens under 17 years old - Emotional support animal certifications These limitations ensure that I provide care only in areas where I'm fully qualified and can offer the best support. If you need these services, I'll do my best to provide referrals to appropriate professionals.

When seeking therapy, you'll likely encounter a lot of different types or "modalities." Each one has it's own approach to understanding your challenges and helping you create change. While all can be effective, they tackle things from different angles. Let's break down a few common ones using anxiety as an example. Depth Therapies These therapies help you understand how your past experiences and unconscious patterns shape your current behaviors and relationships. They tend to be longer-term , focusing on digging deep for lasting change. • Psychodynamic Therapy: Examines how your past influences your present, often focusing on patterns you may not even be aware aware of. If you're dealing with anxiety, a psychodynamic therapist might explore how early experiences contributed to your anxiety and why it might be protecting you from deeper fears. • Adlerian Therapy: Focuses on how your early experiences shaped who you are today, but with an emphasis on your power to choose a different path moving forward. For anxiety, an Adlerian therapist might help you understand how giving in to your anxiety allows you to avoid certain risks or meet specific goals - and then work with you to find healthier ways to meet those needs. Humanistic Therapy These therapies focus on personal growth, self-acceptance, and authenticity. • Person-Ceneterd Therapy: Emphasizes unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness from the therapist. With anxiety, a person-centered approach provides a supportive space to explore your feelings without judgment. • Existential Therapy: Explores deep questions about meaning, freedom, and personal responsibility. With anxiety, an existential therapist would help you examine your fears about uncertainty, mortality, and purpose, guiding you to live authentically despite life's inherent anxieties. Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies These therapies zoom in on the connection between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, offering practical strategies to make change. • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you spot and challenge irrational thoughts and behaviors. For anxiety, a CBT therapist would work with you to identify anxious thoughts, question their accuracy, and build healthier coping strategies. • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines cognitive strategies with mindfulness. For anxiety, DBT might teach skills to help you manage overwhelming emotions and tolerate distress more effectively. • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages you to accept difficult and focus on actions that align with your values. For anxiety, an ACT helps you live a meaningful life, even when anxiety shows up. • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gradually exposes you to anxiety-provoking situations while preventing avoidance behaviors. With anxiety, an ERP therapist would work with you to face feared situations in a controlled, supportive way. • Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Teach you observe your thoughts and feelins without judgment. For anxiety, these techniques help you notice anxious thoughts without getting caught up in them. Trauma-Focused Approaches These therapies address how trauma affects both your mind and body. • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Uses distracting stimuli like eye movements or tapping to help you process tough memories. For anxiety related to past trauma, EMDR helps reduce the emotional charge of those memories. • Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on how trauma affects your body and nervous system. With anxiety, it would help you to notice how and where anxiety shows up physically, so you can release built-up tension and recognize your nervous system's fight/flight/freeze responses. Systems Approaches These therapies explore how your problems fit into larger patterns in your relationships or life. • Internal Family Systems (IFS): Views your mind as made up of different "parts" that need to work together. For anxiety, IFS helps you understand the "part" of you that feels anxious and how it's trying to protect you. • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. In the case of anxiety, this approach helps you recognize times when you've handled anxiety well and build on those successes. Many modern therapists, myself included, take an "integrative" or "eclectic" approach. This means we blend different therapy techniques to best fit each client's needs. For instance, I primarily work in Depth Therapy (Psychodynamic; Adlerian), but I also bring in tools from many of the other approaches described when they'll be helpful for you.