Jason von Stietz, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist (PSY 33061)
Dr. Jason von Stietz earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from California Professional School of Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles with a specialized focus in health psychology. He completed his predoctoral internship and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Whittier College Counseling Center. He held a joint position between the Counseling Center and Athletic Department as Whittier College’s inaugural sport psychology postdoctoral fellow. Dr. von Stietz completed clinical training at Los Angeles Valley College Student Psychological Services and at Santa Anita Family Service. He also completed specialized sport psychology training at the Major League Baseball Youth Academy in Compton.
Dr. von Stietz utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Mindfulness-based approaches to treat mood and anxiety issues such as social anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, post-concussion syndrome, depression, hoarding, and insomnia (using CBT-I). He also uses Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (I-CBT) to treat OCD and its various subtypes (e.g. contamination, harm, sex, somatic, and pure-o). He frequently adapts evidence-based CBT approaches to fit the cultural needs of individuals such as those from LGBTQ, collectivistic, or underserved communities. Oftentimes, individuals wish to make changes in their lives but fear unexpected negative consequences. At these times, Dr. von Stietz utilizes Motivational Interviewing to help individuals manage their ambivalence, overcome barriers, and take steps toward achieving their goals. Dr. von Stietz is available to treat individuals across the state of California via telehealth.
Dr. von Stietz also has extensive sport psychology experience. He provides workshops related to team cohesion and mental skills for athletes at the high school, community college, university, professional, and world class levels. Dr. von Stietz also frequently utilizes the Mindfulness Acceptance Commitment (MAC) approach, which is an evidence-based approach to optimal performance in the domains of sport, performing arts, and business. He published an article in the California Psychological Association Division I newsletter, entitled “Addressing Trauma Among Female Athletes: Mindfulness Acceptance Commitment Approach.” Dr. von Stietz also treats athletes suffering from “mental blocks” following an injury in order to help them safely return to play.
During his graduate training, his dissertation and other research projects focused on mental toughness among strength sport athletes. Dr. von Stietz has presented on his sport psychology experience and research findings at professional conferences at the local, state, and national levels.
Learn more about Dr. von Stietz and his approach by checking out the following podcast or blog articles:
- The Developing Athletes Podcast- Mindset Strategies with Dr. Jason von Stietz
- Common myths about sport psychology
- Common myths about obsessive compulsive disorder
- Top 4 common myths about exposure therapy
- The science behind why sleep matters
Dr. von Stietz practices in our Torrance office. Contact him at [email protected] or call (310)375-4855 ext. 14.