My Approach

I can help you to understand and detach from the beliefs and stories you unconsciously tell yourself, and learn to live a more joyful, easeful, and fulfilling life.

In working with me, you may:

  • Learn to forgive and love the past and present you

  • Feel empowered to change problematic circumstances

  • Be willing to provide for your own emotional needs

  • Allow yourself access to feeling good

  • Get to know who you really are

  • Learn to feel safe in your body, relationships, and the world

I strive to create a safe and trusting space. I place an emphasis on the relationship we build with one another. I also believe in the power of skills. I teach a broad range of skills, generally falling into one of these four categories:

  • Coping with various symptoms

  • Regulating your emotions and nervous system

  • Increasing compassion toward yourself and others

  • Connecting with your body and intuitive self

  • Achieving your goals and dreams

About  Me

I earned my Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, California. I have worked in a variety of different clinical settings, including community mental health, residential, inpatient, and private practice, where I gained intensive experience with individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing. I have worked with a diverse group of clients with regard to ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, socioeconomic status, and age. I have trained in a number of therapeutic modalities, including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), somatic therapy, psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy, Jungian psychology, and humanistic/existential psychology.

In addition to my clinical work, I have published research in Psychological Medicine, A Journal of Neurology, Neuroimage Clinical, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Personality and Individual Differences, and Journal of Counseling Psychology. I have participated in research projects related to: social cognition in adults with schizophrenia, the development/validation of a new measure of authenticity, and evaluation of the efficacy of a homeless shelter network project. I conducted my dissertation research on the role of adult attachment style in the process of forming new interpersonal connections.

I am currently a member of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association (LACPA).

Who I Work With 

I primarily work with adults who experience:

  • Low self-esteem, self-worth, self-criticism, or shame

  • Childhood and/or relational trauma

  • Perfectionism

  • Out of control emotions

  • Personality disorders

  • Chronic depression

  • “When I was struggling with mental health, I was referred to Dr. Strauss and I am so thankful for it. I had never been to therapy before but I felt instantly at ease during our first session. Within our first few sessions I discovered things I never pieced together on my own. My experience with Dr. Strauss has been profound in my life and I would recommend anyone reach out to her that’s in need of help, clarity, or support.”

    Age 25, Male

  • “Dr. Strauss is a psychologist with a rare combination of clinical competence, creativity, authenticity, and nonjudgmental stance. She values her clients’ perspectives and supports them in establishing meaningful lives without prolonged suffering.”

    Dr. B, Psy.D.