Dorina Stern, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Dorina!

I am very passionate about helping people heal from factors that affect their mental and emotional well-being. I recognize that everyone's situation and perspective are unique, and I make every effort to understand all aspects of a person's life to provide the most highly personalized treatment.

My focus

I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, feelings of low self-worth, or difficult life transitions. I also help clients who have experienced trauma.

My approach

Because every person is unique, I incorporate various modern and traditional treatment methods into the therapy process: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Attachment and Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, as well as The Gottman Method for couples and marital counseling.

My communication style

I work very hard to create an environment where the client feels safe and supported. I want to make sure that my clients feel consistent positive regard and respect for their healing process, and absolutely no judgment or bias with what they bring in and share in their counseling process.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was attracted to a career as a therapist because of my helper personality style. I enjoy helping people have more meaningful and happier lives, and becoming a therapist has allowed me to find meaning in my work.

My goals for you

In the initial phase of therapy, I work with clients to make sure that the goals they bring in are addressed and help them verbalize and create goals for themselves that they choose.

Our first session

In the first session, I am ready to answer any questions my clients may have about the process. I normally ask my clients to introduce themselves and share their backgrounds with me. I also ask clients to tell me about any previous counseling experiences and what brings them into counseling in the present.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Spiritual

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

+ 8 more

Focus populations

Body Positivity

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

LGBTQIA+

Non-Binary

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Police/Fire/First Responders

Queer

Single Mother

Transgender

+ 9 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem
Arlo

+ 40 more

Languages spoken

English, Russian

Education

Master of Science (MS) Clinical Psychology from Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Dorina Stern