Molly Garber, LCSW

Licensed Trauma & EMDR Therapist

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“Regardless of how long ago something happened, and regardless of how long symptoms have been there, it doesn’t need to be permanent.”

-   Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro, 2012)

Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues or other daily symptoms that leave you feeling discontent, there is a solution. By utilizing a client-centered approach, I meet you where you are from session-to-session in order to provide an environment focused on comfort, trust, and understanding. I see healing as a sine wave, with ups-and-downs but always on an upward trajectory. Together we will walk through your growth, always providing the safety and support that your healing requires.

I combine Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), and Solution-Focused Therapy to target feelings of dread, abandonment, isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, and the many other symptoms that may come up for you on a daily basis.

By utilizing a client-centered approach, we work together to choose which modality feels best for you in order to achieve the profound and lasting effects that you may be looking for. Together in this practice, I will walk with you towards creating a brighter future yourself, experiencing a more joyous daily life, and forgiving the past. 

In 2016 I received a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) degree with a minor in Cultural Studies from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). During this time, I gained insight into the power of art as an expressive and communicative tool, especially within the scope of cultural competency. I continued on my educational path and received my Master of Social Worker (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and began working in a variety of clinical and trauma-focused settings. During my time with the California Department of Mental Health (DMH), Pasadena Department of Mental Health, and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), I worked with children, transitional-aged youth (aged 15-26), adult, and older adult (65+) populations providing trauma-focused psychotherapy services.

I have extensive experience treating individuals experiencing major mental illness including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Bi-Polar Disorder I & II, and Schizophrenia. I currently incorporate Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Expressive Art Therapy, and Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR) into my practice as a multi-pronged approach to healing.

Working With Couples:

Relationships have the ability to flourish and grow when fostered by trust and communication. When working with couples, I focus on fostering a safe, interactive, and culturally competent environment for you and your partner(s). I believe relationships are best known by the people in it and approach couples counseling as an educated mediator, guiding conversations with the intent of building trust and furthered commitment for you and your partner(s). I believe that partnerships look very different for everyone and it is my focus to provide a safe environment for people who are cis-gendered, trans-gendered, monogamous, polyamorous (or in open relationships), married, divorced/separated, and the many more conventional or "non-conventional" approaches to intimacy and love.

Modalities and Approaching Treatment:

All individuals are made up of various experiences that they have had in their lives. Whether “good” or “bad”, these experiences are what make you unique. By utilizing a client-centered approach for each person or couple, we are able to untangle these experiences and assess how they may be impacting your life. From there we will dive into utilizing different modalities to improve communication skills, build stronger foundations within interpersonal relationships, improve your physical and mental wellbeing, grow your self-esteem, and so much more.

As a therapist, I am willing to go on this healing journey with you and help you to develop insight and new skills to live a fulfilling life. I will allow a safe space to let go of your past trauma and rewrite your story. Let's begin to heal. Feel free to email me at molly@mollygarbertherapy.com for more information or to set up a free 15-minute telephone consultation.

Establishing Safety:

It is of great importance for me to establish safety for my clients by committing time and care to each individual, both inside and outside of scheduled sessions. I provide scheduling flexibility and off-the-clock support (such as email check-ins throughout the week) as a way of meeting my clients where they are and solidifying a firm therapeutic relationship as you move through your healing. Together we will brainstorm coping activities and tools geared towards your specific needs. I have a firm belief that psychoeducation, or learning about one’s own psychology, is an integral part of the healing process. Together we will utilize psychoeducation and the individualized coping skills needed for you to transform your life.

Specialties:

I have extensive experience treating individuals who suffer from symptoms related to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bi-Polar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and major psychotic disorders (such as Schizophrenia and Delusional Disorder). Additionally, I focus on maintaining a culturally competent practice and specialize in individuals experiencing chronic health issues.