Donald Bender

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Donald Bender, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in CA More info Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, LMFTs, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Accepting patients

Licensed in CA

Accepts insurance

Hi there, I'm Donald!

I am a seasoned therapist with over thirty years of experience providing individual and couple therapy. My extensive background includes resolving workplace disputes, custody issues, and trial consulting through my forensic psychology work.

My approach

I employ a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client's unique needs. My modalities span psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, narrative, existential, and even dream and hypnotherapy when beneficial. I always select the approach that will best support my client's immediate situation and goals.

My focus

I work with individuals, couples, and families facing a wide range of challenges. My specialties include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, self-esteem, anger management, life transitions, and many others. I adapt my approach to resonate with each client I serve.

My communication style

My communication style aims to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to openly express yourself. I actively listen to understand your unique perspective while offering insights and guidance to help you gain clarity. Through our collaborative dialogue, we'll work together to find meaningful solutions.

My journey to mental healthcare

I began my journey in mental healthcare with a deep drive to help others navigate life's complexities. Studying at the University of Chicago and Antioch University ignited my passion for understanding the human psyche. I continued my post graduate training with an internship at Mount Zion Hospital and Medical Center. Over the past three decades, I've honed my skills to provide effective, compassionate care to my clients.

My goals for you

My goal is to empower you with the self-awareness and coping strategies to overcome obstacles and enhance your well-being. Together, we'll identify your strengths, change unhelpful patterns, and develop a roadmap towards the life you desire. I'm committed to supporting you every step of the way.

My first session with you

During our first session, I aim to create a warm, welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing your story. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy and collaborate to define your goals. This session allows us to see if we're a good fit, and for me to learn how to best support you moving forward.

About Donald

Specialities

  • Addiction
  • ADHD
  • Anger Management
  • Antisocial Personality
  • Anxiety
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Borderline Personality
  • Career Counseling
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Dissociative Disorders
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Abuse
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Eating Disorders
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Family Conflict
  • Gambling
  • Hoarding
  • Impulsivity
  • Impulse Control Disorders
  • Infidelity
  • Internet Addiction
  • Job Stress
  • Legal Stress
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorders
  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
  • Oppositional Defiance
  • Personality Disorders
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Self-Harming
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sleep or Insomnia
  • Sports Performance
  • Stress
  • Substance Use
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Thought Disorders
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Video Game Addiction
  • Weight Loss
  • Marital/Pre-marital

Methods

  • Adlerian
  • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy
  • Attachment-based
  • Client Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing (CPT)
  • Couples Therapy
  • Dialectical (DBT)
  • Eclectic
  • Existential
  • Family Therapy
  • Family Systems
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Interpersonal
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative
  • Neuro-Linguistic Programming
  • Object Relations
  • Psychoanalytic
  • Psychodynamic
  • Reality Therapy
  • Rogerian
  • Schema Therapy
  • Solution Focused
  • Structural Family Therapy

Practice

License

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) More info Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, LMFTs, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Accepted insurance providers

  • Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MA, Blue Shield of CA, Carelon, Cigna, Decent, Kaiser Permanente (Southern Ca), MHN, Optum, and Tricare West

Languages spoken

  • English

Education

  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology - Antioch College (06/1980) Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy - University of California, Berkeley - End Date

Session Information

  • Video session
  • 60 minutes

Book the first session


No slots on Sunday, Jul 28.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Wednesday, Jul 31.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Friday, Aug 02.

The soonest day with availability is

No slots on Saturday, Aug 03.

The soonest day with availability is

Afternoon

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Monday, Aug 05.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Wednesday, Aug 07.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Friday, Aug 09.

The soonest day with availability is

No slots on Saturday, Aug 10.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Monday, Aug 12.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Wednesday, Aug 14.

The soonest day with availability is

No slots on Thursday, Aug 15.

The soonest day with availability is

No slots on Friday, Aug 16.

The soonest day with availability is

No slots on Saturday, Aug 17.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

Afternoon

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Monday, Aug 19.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

No slots on Wednesday, Aug 21.

The soonest day with availability is

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)

Morning

All times are shown in Pacific Time (PT)


Already an existing patient of Donald? Complete your Rula registration instead.


  • Video session
  • 55 minutes
  • Covered by Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MA, Blue Shield of CA, Carelon, Cigna, Decent, Kaiser Permanente (Southern Ca), MHN, Optum, and Tricare West Session cost depends on your insurance, most people pay $5-40 per session after meeting their deductible. There aren't any fees for using Rula.

Next Appointment Monday, July 29

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