I have been seeing Allen for about 6 months now. Allen is my first therapist so I do not have a lot…read moreof experience with therapy. I can say I am very happy with Allen's approach to my mental healing. We do talk therapy for current issues life brings, then do EMDR and hypnotherapy for some childhood PTSD. Allen's approach is very organic and non-judgemental. It has been a long road to recovery, but for the first time in close to a decade of dealing with depression and anxiety I can see that light shimmering in the distance.

Dr. Sidwell is amazing! It's really hard to find therapist and psychiatrists that you vibe with in…read moregeneral, but I was looking for someone for EMDR, which is obviously extra sensitive bc you're usually dealing with trauma. Dr. Sidwell made me feel super comfortable from the beginning and has helped me work through a LOT of traumas and even been able to delve into some things I didn't even realise were affecting me. He never made me feel judged and truly listened to my experiences before starting the work each session. Also just a really authentic, genuine, nice person. Would very highly recommend!

I have visited with Dr. Hatherley from time to time over the last 25 years and have found his work…read moreto be incredibly useful. I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology myself! Dr. Hatherley is NOT a Psychiatrist, as the previous review stated; that would require a medical component; rather, he is an exceptionally gifted Psychologist and Teacher. All of mankind is out there "trying to be happy" in a world that is growing more complex and demanding by the day. Few realize that happiness is a RESULT of leading a satisfying life. Dr. Hatherley has provided me with a sure and steady pathway of growth over the years which has resulted in a sense of satisfaction with my life. I met him at age 34; I am now 61. Dr. Hatherley does have a dry sense of humor which perhaps takes a little getting used to. It is intelligent humor and not designed to be belittling or rude at all and it comes from a caring heart. There is value in levity when dealing with life's serious issues. Perhaps this Renee C. may not have been ready to look at him/herself. In which case it's easier to to criticize the Doctor than take the medicine. Dr. Hatherley is a world class Psychologist who should be on PBS broadcasting. His work is unique and extraordinarily important. Kay G

This review has been overdue for a while as I went through a lot of the old cliche adage, "I did a…read morelot of soul searching" on whether to post something. I don't like giving bad reviews considering I did get a *few* good tips from Dr. Paul's insights. But given how much money I have spent on his services and finally now seeing clearly his methodology and preaching, I need to give an honest assessment incase others on here come across his psychiatry and they deserve to know what they're getting themselves into. I will start clearly stating that Dr. Paul is at most levels, a textbook psychiatrist. I'm not sure how much real life experience he has dealing with large groups of people on an intimate/real friendship level beyond his practice... as he even claims that he doesn't believe working in a corporation because he doesn't fit in that environment. That is scary considering I'm assuming many of his La Jolla clients are going to him to neander through the corporate ladders today, but that's just the tip of it... A lot what he talks about - and relays in his books (if you go into his group "class" sessions, you are required to do some reading) are purely conceptual and abstract ideas. I've gone to enough counselors to finally figure out that while these concepts may be profound to think about from a cognitive, rationalization viewpoint... how can one appropriately apply to real human beings? Much of his "teachings" are about meeting other people's needs, wants and understand in order to gain happiness. Yes, that is a basic principle in psychiatry, we all get that. But so much of what he talks about is so convoluted in not meeting or taking care of the self's own needs that this actually becomes co-dependent on making others happy first, you second. (very Confuciusism and he will say much of that he got was from his Eastern philosophy education) Instead, he will tell you that life's happiness will come largely from non-human pleasantries like nature, animals, hiking, music... which don't get me wrong, are nice to observe and temporarily fill in our empty void. But come on people, most of us don't live in the woods like John Muir.. we have real lives that involve being at a workplace, dealing with multiple personalities and real life challenges and scenarios. I felt like the reason I was going down WAS for the very reasons he was teaching and was growing frustrated that instead of hearing helpful advice, I was routinely being downsized, ridiculed or "put in my place." He talked about his other patients negatively when they weren't even there. This is how he operates his group sessions too: He goes around, takes apart every person's character defect (which hey, is okay if you want that) with much cynicism. Oh wait, cynicism is supposed to be funny! Several times I went in with hope in healing and finding understanding (which he preaches about and I understand), but I left.. feeling depleted, depressed and negative. More than that, I would often hear one thing and contradict himself the next: Be humble, don't be outstanding - yet he plastered photos of himself everywhere on his books. Right. I often left feeling negative about the world, negative about others, myself and hopes of elevating myself. Sure, I gained understanding... but I wasn't any happier. Therapists aren't supposed to do that to you... they're supposed to encourage you to get yourself back up, gain energy to seize your problems and move out of your hole. Instead, I felt like Dr. Paul wanted me to just keep coming back - as he would incidentally promote about his upcoming teaching sessions in hopes of me signing up. He actually refused to answer my questions saying that I did not have the knowledge to apply them into my daily life. Yeah, that's a bit f!#%'d up? Who's the paying customer here? I should've reported him to the BBB right then and there. I'm not a psychiatry major, but a friend of mine who is told me that Dr. Paul's own self-concept is so skewed (like many other therapists) and grand on himself. Therefore, he doesn't even know about his own problems and instead of nourishing me with the tools to empower myself, I felt belittled and resigned. Mind you, this is my opinion and my opinion only. If you are looking for someone who is has a pessimistic viewpoint of life (oh, excuse me... he says he's "realistic") - and to "tell you" how to think, then he's your guy. I don't know about you, but with all the baggage I've had in my past and given how tough work and real life can be many times over, I know notions like hope and optimism are key drivers for keeping me sane and hoping to improve my way of life. If you go into Dr. Paul's office with a shred of optimism, he will close your happiness in no time flat - and gladly insult you while at it.

Dr. Linder is a truly compassionate and gifted therapist. I did EMDR a few years ago and while it…read morewas helpful, it did not help the PTSD as I'd hoped it would. Working with Dr. Linder has been a completely different experience. Mostly, I am no longer reacting in a trauma based way. My life has become so much more full and happy. I have incredibly deep gratitude for Dr. Linder. I would highly recommend him to anyone suffering and in need of EMDR.

I have worked with Jason for several years and he is an exceptional therapist. He is professional,…read moreempathetic, and highly effective in the help he provides. He creates a safe and supportive environment to feel heard and validated. I highly recommend Dr. Linder to anyone seeking relief.

So... if you are a Healthcare Worker (HCW), she's the one to see. She's the crème de la creme…read more She's worked in hospitals. She sees a lot of HCW's and knows what we deal with. She gently points out the trauma we endure and how that can shape our world view and how we relate to others. The benefits of seeing a therapist that 'gets' me personally and professionally are countless.

Blessed is an understatement for having Dr Mednitsky in my life as my safe haven. I am a nurse and…read moreno one was ever prepared for the covid 19 pandemic let alone be a first responder during this difficult time. As nurses we are trained when on duty to put everything behind to put the patient first. I had a lot of rough days at work and never sought professional help until I was referred to Dr Mednitsky by a good friend of mine. Stigma floating around is that its difficult to seek professional help yet alone talk to a stranger where you are expected to open up your whole life story. Dr Medntisky made it VERY easy to do this on our first meet up where I did not feel embarrassed about my traumas. This alone speaks volumes for someone that is very shy and private about her life. She helped me recover from my PTSD and helped me explore on healthy coping mechanisms with my high stress job. Dr Mednitsky's compassion and dedication were truly evident. She didn't just offer professional mental health advice but guided me with empathy and honesty. I can write a whole book about how great she is but to keep it short and simple I advice you to find out yourself and book an appt with her! thank you for saving my life Dr Medntisky. You have my complete trust and you truly care about your patients well being rather than after an insurance claim payment.

David has been our family therapist for around six years. Mental illness runs in my family, and I…read morehave two teens with problems, so my husband and I needed someone to help us get through it all. In the beginning, there was a lot of worry and drama. David took us by the hand and guided us through, explaining what was happening with our kids. When everything seemed too complicated, David could always figure it out. We worked with a lot of people: psychiatrists, the school, therapists. In the midst of all the commotion, David was always the voice of reason. Over time, he helped us get our kids stabilized and they are both thriving rather remarkably. Our family is intact, happy, and enjoying one another. An unexpected bonus is that David helped us to improve our marriage. Truly, I don't know how we would have survived without him. He taught us many skills for communicating with each other and with our children. We gained confidence and can now handle most of the problems that come our way. When we can't figure it out, we go see him. I always leave his office with clarity, confidence, and a plan of action. I would especially recommend David to parents who need help or to couples in need of therapy. He often speaks on KPBS on mental health issues, but don't worry, he can always find an appointment for you. And he gives you a full hour, unlike many therapists.

Our marriage was on the rocks, and a previous marriage counselor was not helping. We left…read morevoicemails with several potentials late Friday, and Paul responded to us Saturday morning. Even though we had not met yet, his concern for our situation was evident from the start, and we were hopeful we were on the path to better help. Well, we got it in spades! Over the course of the next several months, Paul's empathy and cut-to-the-heart-of-the-matter probing has finally got us on the right path. He is professional and knowledgeable and we cannot recommend him highly enough. Who you gonna call? Sincerely, Dan C

Dr. Standal was a huge jerk to me. He is one of those therapists who places greater focus on…read morethemselves and their needs rather than your own and makes you feel bad if you do not conform to their rigid, unspoken rules of therapy. This was especially apparent at the end of the appointment, when I expressed I may not want to return. He practically had a meltdown over it. He then tried charging me more than what I owed. Sorry that I'm a client with my own feelings!!

I worked through issues I thought were completely impossible to get through - very quickly. Within…read more2 sessions I felt completely different. He has a magic wand. He has a special gift and I am so beyond grateful that I found him.

Hayden offered a remarkably steady, caring, and clear presence and support every time I walked into…read morehis office. He was also very accepting and adaptable to whatever was coming up, and I feel fortunate to have had him as a therapist for almost three years. I appreciate his knowledge and ability to go into so many different facets of life and different ways of therapy, from talking, goal setting, health, spirituality, relationships, guiding me into difficult feelings in the body, leading a spontaneous exercise on the floor, or getting up out of the chair and leading some movement practice. He was happy to go wherever I needed to go and offered a lot of valuable clarity, reflection and humor when I was struggling. He was also very patient! and to me seems to genuinely want to empower his clients with whatever they need. Absolutely recommend!

Dr Mac is truly exceptional. As a mental health provider myself I can confidently say he is the…read moremost accurate and intuitive MD I've known. Additionally, I suffered a lifetime from trauma symptoms that affected me socially but weren't effectively ever treated before I met Dr Mac.

I had been seeing a psychiatrist that would see me briefly for a few minutes and would add or…read morechange up medications based on short conversations. When I was encountering health ailments impacting my day to day life, I sought guidance, however all the doctors in my network were found to be similar. Dr. Mac gave me the time of day & I was never made to feel rushed. He was careful in making diagnosis, proactive in arranging alternative care treatments, personally connected me with other health professionals and was an advocate when I struggled with various aspects of the healthcare system. He's always patient, accessible & prompt to respond by either phone, email or zoom. He is someone who provides quality care & will not leave you in the dark.