Individuals, couples, families, teens, children, and groups
Welcome,
There are many reasons you might want to see a therapist. Sometimes it feels like being in the world is just too hard or that worry is just too big. Maybe it feels like everyone else can get what they want, but why not you? Sometimes it may feel like no one gets you, not even your partner. At times, it might feel like you are your own harshest critic.
I believe that problems get in the way of who we want to be in our relationships and who we want to be in the world. I help people connect with their inner resources, their strengths, their values and what they hold dear. In doing so, people begin to live the life they want rather than letting problems live their life for them.
In our work together, you will discover the skills to renew closeness in your relationships, stand up to the self critic, and find ways to successfullly cope with life's problems.
It is always difficult to actually take the next step and call someone. But it is that little step that can lead to big change. Let's talk about how you can feel better.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Never one to shy away from challenging problems, I have worked at UCLA Children's Hospital, The Poseidon School For Troubled Adolescents, Sojourn Services For Battered Women, Kaiser Permanente Hospice Program, and Cedars Sinai Pet Therapy Program.
As a clinician, I have worked at The UCLA Rape Treatment Center, Probation Camp David Gonzales, and most recently, I worked for several years at The Eating Disorder Center of California. I was on the "expert" panel on momlogic.com and had several articles published on the site.
I work in a here and now kind of way, bringing in the past only if it can be useful in the present. I work collaboratively with people to be sure they are getting what they need from our work together. Our sessions will feel like a two way street, as I tend to be a lively and engaged person. I create a safe space to explore your experience and challenge you to step into new ways of being .
We all have a way we describe ourselves and our lives, but when we only have narrow descriptions of ourselves, where only problems get the headlines, we get stuck. I invite people to expand the story of self, creating new ways to think about ourselves and new ways to be in relationships with others. To facilitate this new self story, I often make use of supportive letters and documents generated in or from sessions.
For example, I might write on a white board in session to look at both the problem as well as your preferred way of being and responding. I then take a picture of it, and email it to you to print at home. Clients often find this a useful way to remember and carry the work they did from sessions into their day to day life. Also, I will often link people with others who will be helpful and supportive along the way.
When clients are grappling with fertility problems, they often tell me that it feels as if fertility has taken over their whole life. It affects their relationships, their jobs, and especially, the way they think and feel about themselves.
Individual Therapy
Together, we will help you become the person that you want to be as you move forward in this journey. I understand the suffering you feel. We will create strategies to help you find a different and more livable way to think, feel, and re-connect with yourself and others.
Couples Therapy
When couples are facing fertility problems, they often feel as though they have to suffer on their own. Sometimes this happens because both partners think they feel so differently from one another and do not want to cause each other further pain. Together we will help you support one another despite having different experiences and feelings.
Harvard Medical School Mind Body Group for Infertility
This groundbreaking program has helped hundreds of women and couples through the difficulties of infertility. Our program teaches women how they can regain a sense of control and well-being, develop coping strategies to manage fertility treatments better, and optimize their chances for success. Research has shown that learning and practicing mind body strategies helps to decrease physical symptoms and to reduce feelings of distress, depression, anxiety, isolation, and anger associated with infertility. For more information on our next start date, please visit The Fertility Counseling Center of Los Angeles www.fccofla.com
I'd like to tell you a bit about what I do.
Often in a big treehouse (that you can see in the pictures), I meet with young people, parents,sometimes grandparents and friends and talk with them about the things going on in their lives.
For example, I meet with kids who may be
worried about their parent's separation or
divorce, kids who may feel scared about going
to sleep at night, leaving mom or going to
school, kids who get teased by other kids, or
feel sad sometimes or get angry sometimes
and much more. Kids and parents usually feel much better about things after we get together. This is the best part for me! If you have any questions, I would love to answer them. I can't wait to see you in a few days.
Warmly,
Michele
My name is Michele and I am a therapist.
If you are reading this letter, you, your
parents or someone else that cares about you
has suggested that you come and meet with me. I really get excited about meeting people once I hear about them over the phone. I love being a therapist because I am introduced to new people all the time!
Workshops
Michele has presented her workshops in middle schools, high schools, colleges, temples and churches. These include: Cedars Sinai Peer Line, New Roads , Pressman Academy, UCLA, USC, Malibu Middle School, Paul Revere, and Temple Isaiah. During her workshops, Michele challenges each student to find his or her own values and character in the midst of intense pressure from peers and the larger culture.
Positive Body Image
Hidden Dangers on College Campuses: How To Be Prepared
Girls and Sexuality: The Double Bind: Navigating the Mixed Messages of Being the Good Girl vs. the Bad Girl.
Boys : Navigating The Cultural Measures of "Being a Man"
Bullying/Sexual harrassment/Sexting
Date Rape
Positive Body Image and Your Child
Social Networking and Your Child
Hidden Dangers on College Campuses: Be Prepared So You Can Prepare Your Teen
Rates
Although I have a standard fee, I prefer to discuss this with you when you contact me to set up your initial visit. I do offer limited sliding scale appointments based on income and ability to pay. If you need a reduced fee, please let me know. If I am unable to accommodate your financial situation, I will try my best to assist you in finding appropriate referrals.
Sessions are normally 50 minutes long. I usually recommend a 75-minute session for the first session with a family.
I'm interested in hearing what brought you to therapy, and I'll do my best to let you know whether I think I can be of assistance to you. In the event that I am not the right fit, I'll be happy to refer you to someone else who may be able to help.
Insurance
I will be happy to provide you with a monthly statement of services rendered (a superbill) if you wish to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.
It is advisable to contact your insurance company prior to the first session if you are seeking third party reimbursement and ask the following questions:
* What percentage of my bill will be covered for services obtained from an out-of-network provider?
* How many sessions will be covered per calendar year?
* What is my deductible?
* What is my co-payment?
Location
I am located close to UCLA in Westwood, in the city of Los Angeles.
If you would like to email me, please fill in your name, email address, and any additional comments you would like to share.
If there are some good times for me to reach you, please leave that information in the message box along with your phone number.
Of course you can call me as well at :
(310) 433-0493
Remember, when you're filling out the Contact Form, that I cannot guarantee confidentiality with information sent via email.
Michele Berg, Marriage and Family Therapist * 310.433.0493 * michele.berg5_gmail.com
