About My Therapy 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 these four categories:

-Coping with various symptoms
-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), 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) and American Psychological Association (APA).

Clientele

I primarily work with adults who struggle with:

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

  • Perfectionism

  • Emotional difficulties

  • Complex trauma

  • 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.

Let's work together

Let's work together