Lisa Waldman, LCSW, MPH

History

I received a B.A. from UC Berkeley, a Masters in Public Health and Social Work from UCLA. I was licensed as a psychotherapist 2 years later, in 1987, and started my practice while working in hospitals and clinics. I worked in mental health units as well as medical units as an LCSW. Over the years I have worked extensively with depression, anxiety, PTSD, couples, recovering addicts, eating disorders, chronically ill patients and pain management. I completed a post-graduate psychoanalytic psychotherapy training course at the Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis (ICP) as well as multiple courses in Cognitive-Behavioral therapy as part of my continuing education. I integrate both approaches in my practice, depending upon my clients' issues. In 1997 I transitioned out of the hospitals and clinics in order to focus 100% on my private practice. I look forward working with clients committed to self-exploration, change and personal growth.

Specialties

Psychotherapist in private practice 20 plus years. Work with individuals, couples, groups and late adolescents. Specialize in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, panic attacks, compulsions, grief-loss, chronic physical illness and pain management, relationship and intimacy issues. Extensive specialization in coping with chronic illness. Utilize both analytic and cognitive behavioral techniques depending up on client issues. Analytic therapy is used to help clients learn how they use defenses and behaviors to protect themselves from emotional pain and growth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy used for behaviors that are well-defined, repetitive and dysfunctional and may include teaching, journaling, goal-setting, meditation and role playing. Work to correct negative thinking, misperceptions and assumptions that drive negative thoughts and actions. Use analytic approach to help clients understand the connection between current interactions and family of origin dynamics.