David Watson
Psychotherapist -
VIDEO
I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and have witnessed firsthand how impactful and transformative it can be. Both online and in-person, my clinical approach is person-centered and collaborative, with a keen interest in how the unconscious influences our behavior. Helping clients understand themselves better is an important aspect of my work.Creating a safe environment and atmosphere, both online and in-person, where you can feel comfortable and at ease is an important first step in our process. Deeply listening so that you feel seen, heard, understood, and respected is foundational in our time together, as well as working collaboratively to help you identify and overcome obstacles to inner calm, peace, and happiness. Finding meaning in our lives, healing, and becoming whole again, as well as thriving (not just surviving) in daily life are examples of potential goals for our time together. Within that framework, we will customize our work to meet and embrace your unique personality and needs.My approach is integrative and customized to address each individual client’s life circumstances, needs, and wishes. Client-centered and collaborative, our work together can embrace advanced evidenced-based treatments, as well as explore how the unconscious influences our behavior, with the most important detail being that it all works for you. From a purely theoretical perspective, my approach is rooted in Gestalt, integrating (when appropriate) modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-based CBT, as well as Emotion Focused, Family Systems, and all embraced with a heartfelt psychodynamic curiosity. I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and a Bachelors in Communication from the University of Georgia. I have a dedicated daily meditation practice and also love to participate in silent retreats as often as possible. My contemplative practice informs my work as a clinician by helping me stay grounded, attuned, and present for whatever may arise in session.I am also a certified mindfulness educator through Mindful Schools and have taught mindfulness to a wide variety of folks. From working with youth in juvenile hall to instructing high school faculty members (teaching the teachers) to facilitating groups in a wellness center for our aging population, I have helped people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds learn and embrace the benefits of living their life more mindfully.After spending my formative years on the east coast in suburban Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C., I have lived in Manhattan Beach for the past 25+ years.I would be more than happy to answer any questions you have so please feel free to reach out for an introductory conversation.
Skills and Expertise Anxiety
Depression
Individuation
Meditation
Mens Issues and Problems
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Spirituality
Treatment Orientation Emotion-focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Gestalt
IFS
Meditation
Mindfulness
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Narrative
Person Centered Therapy
Psychodynamic
Telehealth-based
Modality