"Helping People Move Forward To Better Possibilities" SM

If you believe that you are in crisis, please call 911 or visit your local emergency room. 

Important Practice Information from Dr. Shepphird

About Psychotherapy

Because you may be putting a good deal of time, money, and energy into therapy, you should choose a therapist carefully. I strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose, and hopeful about the therapy. When you feel this way, therapy is more likely to be very helpful to you.  On this web-page, I will describe some of my views about therapy.

Psychologists help people manage problems of daily living, including problems with work and relationships. Some of the ways we assist include:

• Developing tools and skills to decrease stress
• Learning ways to communicate with loved ones so that you can get your point across more effectively
• Provide support and compassion when dealing with troublesome or distressing life situations
• Figure out good ways to deal with life's challenges
• Improve the experience of daily living; set and reach goals for positive change
• Change problem behaviors, habits, and thoughts
• Improving emotional health, relationships and coping strategies

Throughout life there are bumps along the road.  If you respond at the first signs of pain, you may be able to avoid prolonged distress, anxiety, fear and sadness.  Early warning signs of distress may include the inability to sleep well, feelings of sadness, irritability, anger or hopelessness.

Even happy times in life can feel overwhelming and create anxieties.  A psychologist can help to clarify uncertainties and fears while helping to promote a positive and optimistic viewpoint.

Treatment Philosophy 

I believe in providing goal-directed treatment. This means that a treatment goal or several goals are established after an initial assessment. Treatment is then planned with the goal(s) in mind and every attempt is made toward progress in a time-efficient manner. From time to time, we will look together at our progress and goals. If we think we need to, we can then change our treatment plan, its goals, and its methods. I practice psychology from what is called a “pragmatic” or “eclectic” approach. This means that I generally utilize a variety of treatment techniques that are tailored toward the specific client and treatment goals. Some of these techniques focus on the here-and-now, while others draw upon important developmental information, a history of significant interpersonal relationships, and important past experiences. If you ever have any questions about the nature of the treatment, please do not hesitate to ask.

I also think of my approach to helping people with their problems as an educational one. Therefore I may recommend to you, or provide you with, information to read, resources to utilize, and/or homework to complete that is designed to enhance your therapy experience. 

If you could benefit from a treatment that I cannot provide, I will try to help you to get it.  You have the right to ask me about such other treatments, their risks, and their benefits.  Based on what I learn about your situation, I may recommend a medical exam or a medication evaluation by a medical doctor.  If I do this, I will discuss the reasons with you and if you are treated by another professional, I will attempt to coordinate my services with them.

Each client and treatment need, whether it is couples psychotherapy, individual psychotherapy, or another need, will be approached utilizing effective treatment strategies in a caring and supportive environment.

At times, when a person, family, or couple experience stressful issues or complex problems it can be frightening and feel overwhelming.  It may be hard to know where to turn and whom to trust for information and advice.  That is why it is important to find a mental health professional who will be a good match for your needs and who has appropriate training and skills.  For more information about my background, CLICK HERE.

Should you seek professional help at this time?  This can be difficult to say without a thorough assessment.  If you feel that you are interested in pursuing therapy at this time, please feel free to contact me at the telephone number listed below.  In addition, if I can direct you to helpful information or put you in touch with other professional resources, I will try to do so.

For More Information at This Time, Please Contact Dr. Shepphird at (310) 826-4300.

Thank You!

This website is provided for information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for a medical or psychological evaluation.  Sari Shepphird, Ph.D. is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis, decision, or self-assessment made by a user based on the content of this website.  Always contact 911 or other emergency services if you feel that you are in crisis.