My name is Dr. Manjit Walia, Psy.D., and I am a licensed psychologist with the California State Board of Psychology (PSY23225). As an active, empathic and experienced psychotherapist, I strive to help patients resolve long-standing issues and achieve current goals.
I mainly use cognitive behavioral therapy (or cognitive behavioral therapies or CBT) which is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure. The title is used in diverse ways to designate behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and to refer to therapy based upon a combination of basic behavioral and cognitive research.
There is empirical evidence that CBT is effective for the treatment of a variety of problems, including mood, anxiety, personality, eating, substance abuse, and psychotic disorders. Treatment is often manualized, with specific technique-driven brief, direct, and time-limited treatments for specific psychological disorders. CBT is used in individual therapy as well as group settings.
CBT was primarily developed through a merging of behavior therapy with cognitive therapy. While rooted in rather different theories, these two traditions found common ground in focusing on the "here and now", and on alleviating symptoms. My approach to therapy addresses practical issues in the "here and now," and also works to uncover and make meaning of the unconscious aspects of our lives. I emphasize the importance of relationships as fundamental to good emotional and mental health, and help my patients find a healthy balance of independence, relatedness with others, and personal freedom.
When to turn to a Psychologist
Life can present us with many challenges and difficulties that we are not prepared to deal with. Although family and friends may be supportive and desire to be helpful, they may be limited in their ability to be objective. Sometimes it is helpful to have the assistance of a trained professional , such as a psychologist, to guide you through your life’s journey with it’s challenges, obstacles, and hurdles. A psychologist can assist you in learning about yourself and help you acquire alternative coping techniques to the problems you are facing.
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Working with a psychologist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, and general life transitions.
