At CBT SoCal, our therapists are active members of the mental health community. Dr. Jason von Stietz recently joined the International OCD Foundation’s (IOCDF) Anxiety in Athlete’s Task Force. The IOCDF is an organization committed to helping people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and related…
CBT SoCal recently welcomed Melissa Aristoza, ACSW to the team and she already led a staff training. As an associate clinical social worker she supports children, teens, families, and adults dealing with issues related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, autism, and addiction. She…
In 2018, Kevin Love, former collegiate basketball player for the UCLA Bruins and a five-time NBA all-star, published an essay describing his life-long struggle with depression and anxiety. Love’s essay kicked off a series of high profile athletes disclosing their mental health histories in an…
For many people, the holidays come with a mix of excitement and dread. The holiday season often involves traveling, large get-togethers, and financial stressors, all of which can lead to significant anxiety. A sharp increase in anxiety can be especially difficult for those already suffering…
Suffering a concussion is always a scary experience. Many athletes are justifiably concerned about the long-term health of their brain and how a brain injury, such as a concussion, can impact their functioning later in life. Therefore, it is helpful to understand the facts…
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the dangers of sport-related concussions. Movies such as Concussion starring Will Smith, and the heavily publicized trial of Aaron Hernandez, an upcoming NFL player posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), have highlighted the need…
At CBT SoCal, our therapists often share their expertise by providing didactic trainings for other mental health professionals. Recently, Dr. Jason von Stietz led two separate trainings for the Whittier College Counseling Center (WCCC). Dr. von Stietz previously completed four years of advanced training at…
If you are already overwhelmed with anxiety, stress, depression, or struggling to manage your time and energy, how do you find the wherewithal to find a therapist that is right for you? Dr. Martin Hsia, CBT SoCal’s Clinical Director, recently met with journalist Lauren Krouse…
At CBT SoCal, we strive to be as knowledgeable and skilled in cognitive behavioral approaches as possible. Recently, Dr. Lucy Kyupelyan led a staff training on how to utilize Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people with anxiety and or mood disorders. Dr. Kyupelyan has…
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can disrupt every area of life, including education. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts or images that not only cause distress but also make it very difficult to focus on class lectures or assignments. Engaging in compulsions, such as rituals or…
Most people would be freely admit to wanting to avoid vomiting. However, for some, the possibility of vomiting induces intense mental distress. Emetophobia is the psychiatric term for an intense fear of vomiting. It is a phobia that leads people to avoid any foods, activities,…
Most of the time, people seeking treatment for addiction may have other concerns to address, such as depression or anxiety. In fact, addiction and anxiety often move together, as sufferers find that using a substance relieves their feelings of worry and restlessness. We can also…