Doreen Archuleta

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Doreen Archuleta, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master of Arts Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I have over 30 years of experience providing therapy and/or behavioral health services in outpatient clinics; emergency rooms and inpatient psychiatric hospitals. I specialize in treating Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Postpartum Depression, Substance Abuse/Relapse; Grief, Parenting, Sexual Abuse, Family Conflict, Trauma, PTSD, and Suicidal Ideation. I am a dedicated wife of 35 years, mother of three incredible adults, supportive mother-in-law, and new grandmother to two amazing grandchildren. I am passionate about bringing hope and healing to others and consider it my calling and purpose.

My approach

One of my favorite quotes by Brene Brown is: "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do” I count it an honor and a privilege to provide a safe place where you can be heard and acknowledged. I would count it an honor to provide a safe place where you can be heard and acknowledged. Let us journey together to create more joy and peace for you. (I do free consultations) My preference is to use an integrative approach to treatment that involves selecting techniques from different therapeutic orientations best suited to a client’s particular concerns. The modalities I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution Focused Brief, Positive Psychology, Integrative Psychotherapy, and if requested Christian Counseling.

My focus

I look forward to having collaborative relationships with clients working side by side to: 1. Facilitate personal growth and development. 2. Eliminate or lessen feelings of distress. 3. Increase self-esteem and openness to experience. 4. Improve the client’s self-understanding. 5. Promote a healthy mind, body and spirit.

My communication style

"When a person realizes he has been deeply heard, his eyes moisten. I think in some real sense he is weeping for joy. It is as though he were saying, "Thank God, somebody heard me. Someone knows what it's like to be me” -C. R. Rogers First and foremost I strive to provide empathic listening that includes being fully attentive, respectful, and approachable. I maintain a non-judgemental compassionate demeanor and soft tone of voice and strive to make you feel comfortable, provide you with the right guidance, and let you know that you're in a safe place.

My journey to mental healthcare

My interest in becoming a therapist started in my teen years when I met a practicing psychologist who ran a counseling center at the church I attended. He was so kind and compassionate and he seemed to understand some of the concerns I had coming from a home of divorce where domestic violence and alcoholism had impacted our family. I knew then I wanted to in the helping professions. I obtained my BA at California State University, Long Beach. I interned at an alcohol rehabilitation center and a domestic violence shelter. I then attended the University of Southern California where I received my Master's in Social Work and interned at a tow mental health clinics providing therapy for children who had suffered abuse and neglect and adults with mental illness. Following my education, I worked as a therapist at a hospital clinic dedicated to abused children and provided parenting classes at the clinic and a Catholic church. Post-education I have worked as a private therapist, Mental Health Crisis Clinician in acute hospital care and inpatient behavioral health, and as a clinical social worker at a hemodialysis center. I also have spent 15 years as a clinical supervisor. I have training in Integrative Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-based, Compassion Focused, Mindfulness-based, Positive Psychology, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

My goals for you

I work jointly with my clients to set goals for therapy such as: Developing coping skills for anxiety or overwhelming emotions. Reducing the intensity of symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Increasing self-esteem and reducing negative self-talk. Improving sleep quality and prioritizing restfulness. Learning new communication strategies for complex relationships or family dynamics. Processing thoughts and feelings about past trauma. Inviting more mindfulness and presence into everyday life. Changing harmful or unhelpful behaviors. Sharpening your decision-making and boundary-setting skills. Discovering more about who you are, what you want, and where your values lie.

My first session with you

The first session is a time of getting acquainted and some of the areas that will be covered are as follows: 1. Confidentiality in therapy and patient's rights 2. What brings you to therapy at this time? 3. What are your symptoms? 4. Some questions about your history, including your childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), your current living situation, and your career. 5. A discussion on the treatment plan and therapy goals. 6. Answer questions you may have about the therapy process or me as the therapist.