The way in which one person deals with a situation varies from the way another person deals with the exact same situation. While we may not always see it, there is often an opportunity for growth and understanding in adverse circumstances. One of my goals as a therapist is to help people better understand themselves and see the opportunities even when faced with great challenges and suffering.
I have witnessed suffering diminish as acceptance and awareness increases. I have found the relationship itself between the therapist and patient can be very healing. My empathy helps patients feel safe and understood which allows us to do deeper emotional work. This not only helps alleviate symptoms such as depression and anxiety but also helps patients have more gratification and meaning in their relationships, work, and play.
I have witnessed suffering diminish as acceptance and awareness increases. I have found the relationship itself between the therapist and patient can be very healing. My empathy helps patients feel safe and understood which allows us to do deeper emotional work. This not only helps alleviate symptoms such as depression and anxiety but also helps patients have more gratification and meaning in their relationships, work, and play.
Services
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, bilingual in both English and Mandarin. I received my MA degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, CA and I am also a Certified Life Coach.
I completed several years of my training in private practice in Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach, and received supervision that was mainly focused on psychodynamic approaches, with an emphasis on the relationship between client and therapist.
I completed several years of my training in private practice in Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach, and received supervision that was mainly focused on psychodynamic approaches, with an emphasis on the relationship between client and therapist.
One out of every eight Americans has a significant problem with alcohol or drugs, with 40% of the group having a "dual diagnosis, " or concurrent mental/nervous disorder. It's generally accepted that chemical dependency, along with associated mental health disorders, has become one of the most severe health and social problems facing the United States.
At times, almost everyone feels depressed or anxious; these feelings are normal. However, when these feelings overcome someone's ability to function, they may be afflicted with an anxiety disorder or depression, and sometimes both. Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults in a given year.
Addiction is a very widespread problem in our society. In addition to drugs and alcohol, other common addictions are gambling, sex, internet/gaming, and shopping. Therapy can help people get to the root of their addictions. Usually the addiction is a symptom of other deeper issues that are not being addressed directly.
Reviews (4)
Dr. Bruce Gloeckner
Dec 25, 2020
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A colleague of mine sent me a clip of Doctor Whitman's YouTube video. The topic was dealing with personality conflicts in the workplace. I found his video quite informative and made an appointment. I found him intelligent, and down to earth. He has the ability to be both empathic and direct" . I've been with Dr. Whitman for a year. I have found my work performance and home life have greatly improved. Our work together has help me to be much more self-aware and change self destructive patterns"
Jessica Lewis
Aug 16, 2020
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I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work for Dr. Whitman as an aspiring psychologist/sports psychologist. In addition to his busy schedule, he taught me about the inner workings of a psychologist practice and what it takes to one day start your own. He pushed me out of my comfort zone to try new things such as engaging with him in his podcast and I have grown immensely because of it. As a new employee, I quickly saw how much his other employers admire him for his skill in his practice, but also his empathetic and caring nature. He clearly has had a profound impact on many of his patients
Lead Krew
Nov 14, 2019
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On my path to becoming a licensed psychotherapist, I was supervised by Dr. Michael Whitman for three years. He helped me to significantly increase my insight, competence, and confidence. He displayed mastery skill as a supervisor and taught me how to apply psychological theories in a private practice. Dr. Whitman had a huge positive impact on me not only as a therapist but also as a person. He both helped me meet high standards as well giving me the room to create my own path. I am now working in my own practice as a licensed clinician and doing well. I’m grateful for having this very experienced
M. Oliva
Jan 27, 2019
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I’ve been a patient of Dr. Whitman’s for several years and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of relief from mental angst or interested in self-exploration. Dr. Whitman is caring, empathic and accepting of any issue I brought to him and often helped me to see things from a different perspective. He is professional, direct and clear on boundaries, which helped me to be the same in my own life. I have received feedback from my family and friends that I have changed for the better in many ways.
