Phoebe Pantaleon

Hello! My name is Phoebe Pantaleon, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have worked in this field since 2015 in various behavioral and mental health clinics, along with all levels of recovery treatment centers with addiction and dual diagnoses. I’m currently in schooling for my Doctorate (PhD) in General Psychology with a Counseling specialization.

My approach

I typically implement a Psychodynamic approach while tying in a Mindfulness focus to specifically treat individuals in California. However, for those seeking more trauma-focused work, I am EMDR trained as well.

My focus

I typically treat individuals in a one-on-one therapy setting. I have seen most progress made when individuals actively continue the inner work outside of sessions by taking action towards change and making space for introspection to determine areas that need continued healing, and in turn, bring these reflections into therapy.

My communication style

I engage in open communication with clients where they can feel safe, supported, and heard. However, when necessary I may utilize slight confrontation to challenge clients to consider different perspectives or approaches that may be helpful in their healing process. In the end, it is up to the client's discretion to determine what they see fit for themselves and I am supportive of the choices they follow through with.

My journey to mental healthcare

The field of psychology generally always intrigued me since taking courses in my teen years. I started in ABA therapy, after-school counseling, and crisis counseling immediately after graduating from high school. However, it was not until my junior year of undergrad that life events and circumstances drove me to seek therapy since the way I was coping was no longer sufficient. During that process, I experienced true healing of both my present and past selves, and the lifelong progress made which solidified my identity and approach in life today. From then on, I saw the need, particularly for psychotherapists, to exist as a support to others with hopes that they would experience a similar healing journey that my therapist helped me through.

My goals for you

Goal setting is a collaborative experience with the client and therapist. I provide suggestions for guidance, but encourage the client to personalize their goals to their preferences and at the pace with which they are comfortable.

My first session with you

In the first session, this is an opportunity for the client and therapist to determine if the two are a good fit. This is a space where the client will share their personal experiences and any important information that can be useful in determining the proper treatment approach in therapy going forward.