Clinical Psychologist Serving Santa Monica, El Segundo CA

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we specialize in providing expert care for individuals experiencing a range of psychological challenges.

Understanding when to seek expertise can be pivotal in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. The focus is particularly on helping those struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related psychological issues. Knowing when to see a clinical psychologist is important for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. If you’re facing emotional struggles, such as prolonged sadness, anxiety, or anger that disrupt daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Clinical psychologists can support individuals dealing with stress or major life changes, like the loss of a loved one or a divorce.

Other signs that professional care may be needed include experiencing significant mood swings, changes in eating or sleeping habits, relationship challenges, or trauma-related symptoms like flashbacks or intrusive memories. Clinical psychologists also work with individuals dealing with self-destructive behaviors, such as self-harm, as well as physical symptoms linked to emotional stress, like chronic headaches. Ongoing therapy can help you develop coping strategies and improve your overall quality of life.

Seeking help is a proactive step towards enhancing your mental health. Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros is dedicated to supporting you when emotional challenges become overwhelming, ensuring you don’t have to navigate them alone.

Your first session serves as an important step in beginning your therapeutic journey. This introductory meeting is designed to establish a comfortable and trusting relationship between you and your psychologist, an integral part of effective OCD and psychological treatment.

During your first session with a clinical psychologist, you can expect an initial discussion about confidentiality, ensuring your privacy is protected within ethical and legal guidelines. This foundational trust is essential, especially when addressing sensitive topics like OCD, psychological testing, and other psychological concerns.

The psychologist will ask about your reasons for seeking therapy, including any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as OCD, anxiety, or other challenges. They will gather information about your personal history, family background, previous treatments, and significant life events to help tailor your treatment. A key focus will be understanding your goals for therapy, both in managing symptoms and in achieving long-term personal growth. The session will be interactive, with the psychologist using specialized techniques to help you express your thoughts and feelings. It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed, as discussing personal issues can be challenging, but it’s a necessary part of the process.

By the end of your session, you should have a clearer understanding of the therapeutic process and a sense of direction for your path forward in managing OCD and enhancing your psychological well-being.

For those seeking support for OCD and related psychological concerns, regular sessions are often recommended to build a strong therapeutic relationship and foster steady progress. Initially, weekly sessions can be especially helpful, providing a consistent environment to address OCD and other challenges.

As clients begin to see improvement and reach key therapeutic milestones, the frequency of sessions may be adjusted in collaboration with their therapist. Transitioning to bi-weekly sessions can provide a balance between maintaining progress and giving clients time to apply new coping strategies in their daily lives. For those who have made significant strides, monthly sessions may be considered, focusing on maintaining improvements and preventing relapse. The frequency of therapy sessions is a collaborative decision, factoring in the therapist’s recommendations, the client’s individual needs, and any logistical or financial considerations.

A clinical psychologist can play a crucial role in helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions. Through personalized treatment plans, a psychologist addresses common mental health challenges that affect many people worldwide.

Clinical psychologists often use evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to anxiety and depression. This therapy empowers clients to modify dysfunctional behaviors, improving emotional regulation and coping strategies. Additionally, other therapeutic modalities like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-based approaches can enhance self-awareness, improve relationships, and provide practical skills for managing stress and emotional distress.

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we help clients achieve meaningful improvements in their emotional well-being. Our expertise in anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions supports your journey toward mental wellness. Contact us today or schedule an appointment to start your path to a healthier, more balanced life. We are conveniently located at 400 Continental Blvd FL 6, Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245. We serve patients from El Segundo CA, Santa Monica CA, Inglewood CA, Gardena CA, Torrance CA, Hawthorne CA, Culver City CA, Westmont CA, West Los Angeles CA and surrounding areas.