Judith Riley

My name is Judith Riley and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT 42471). I have been practicing for 20 years with all populations and ages, with the exception of children, 0-5. I think that most people who seek help are discouraged and don't know the best way to resolve, change, or accept the issues they face.

My approach

My approach is person-centered and eclectic, utilizing different theories as appropriate to meet the goals of my clients. I have also spent several years using DBT in group and individual sessions to help people learn healthier coping skills, including mindfulness techniques, and how to break patterns of behavior that have not been as effective as desired.

My focus

Most of my clients have been considered to be in the moderate to severe range of mental health issues, due to the MH system in which I have been working for 20 years. I cannot think of a population I would not be comfortable treating, since our population has been quite varied and on a wide spectrum.

My communication style

I try to create a warm, friendly, and accepting environment where my clients feel safe and heard.

My journey to mental healthcare

I love being a therapist. My road to this work began with me working with disabled students in a college environment and those learning to live independently. Also, people must have felt I was approachable and they could talk to me, because prior to becoming a therapist I had several experiences of being approached by strangers who started talking to me about their problems. These situations reinforced for me how important it is to have someone in our lives who will listen. Each of us wants to be heard and to feel as though they can share worries, fears, hopes, etc. without the risk of being judged.

My goals for you

I focus on the goal(s) each client wants to achieve, not what I think would be a good goal for them. Developing the treatment plan should be a collaborative process between the two of us.

My first session with you

They should expect an open and accepting, non-judgmental experience with a therapist who allows clients to disclose at their own pace and as they feel comfortable.