www.counselingLA.com
323-656-9355
ABOUT JOSEPH CONTORER MA MFT
CREDENTIALS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND LICENSES
- MFT (Licensed Marriage Family Therapist) – 2000
- MA in Clinical Psychology from Chapman University, Orange, CA – 1995
- BS in Community Health Education from Portland State University, Portland, OR – 1990
- Health, Fitness and Wellness Promotion, Education and Instruction – 1988
- Licensed with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2000.
- Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
- Member of National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
- Certified with American Council on Exercise (ACE) since 1990
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
- Private Therapy Practice
- County Department of Mental Health
- Child Protective Services/LA County DCFS
- Counseling Centers/Family Service Clinic
- Charter Behavioral Hospital - Adjunctive Therapy
- Betty Ford Center
MY PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH
I believe that psychotherapy should be geared to meet your individual needs and comfort level. I view the therapist to be a provider of objective and supportive understanding, with an emphasis on unconditional acceptance. I am not someone who adheres to one particular way of thinking or working; I use behavioral knowledge to help you explore, address and improve whatever situation/conditions you feel needs improving. In other words, the desired outcome is usually one where you will have some relief from whatever problem(s) brought you to therapy.
**Often times therapy will identify and explore the “here and now”/present time and address “cognitive-behavioral” components (thoughts-feelings/insight development). Consideration and analysis of past experiences/history, “Family of Origin” and earlier development is also often times a valuable element of therapy and may be combined with present or more recent symptomology.
I believe that the past has a direct impact on the present. While focusing on the "here and now" is important, there are commonly patterns that are "multi-generational." This means that family history, such as your interactions with and between other family members may be repeating in your life today. Identifying the less healthy aspects of these patterns is helpful in breaking the cycle of dysfunction. While exploring and understanding your past can be a process of release and vindication, the present time is the only area that you have control over, with the option to change.
The value of the therapeutic relationship/ established rapport between therapist and client is of course vital to a successful outcome. In addition to the face to face therapy time, in between sessions, l professionally and practically review the your treatment/progress, in preparation for the next appointment. I have found it to be quite helpful to develop initial or "short-term" goals of therapy. This sets the tone for a more effective focus of treatment.
Most of the focus of treatment will include discussion about your current problems and concerns in a safe, understanding, and confidential environment. Homework assignments, such as journaling or completing tasks may also be offered as an option for you to reflect on between therapy sessions. Helpful referrals to other sources/groups/classes or health providers are sometimes given to enhance treatment.
I believe that your psychological well-being can be significantly improved. Psychotherapy is an appropriate form of treatment for many different problems, such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma/recovery, addictions, compulsive behaviors and eating disorders, for example. This treatment does NOT include specific medical or legal advice. Referrals will gladly be given for any needs that cannot be provided from your therapy.
BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT
Contact Joseph Contorer MFT for appointment information:
Daytime and evening appointment times are available.
Please call
323-656-WELL (323-656-9355).
You may also contact me at
joecontorerMFT@aol.com
