Jesse Johnson LPC/MHSP
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About me
Hello, I'm Dr. Lisa Novak
Clinical psychiatrist and therapist.
Coming from a family with 3 generations of therapists and psychologists, I never had a doubt that helping people get a peace of mind is my calling as well. For years, I’ve been providing individual & family counseling, focusing on helping you all achieve a kind of mental zen that’s so crucial in the hectic world we live in today.
Experienced in applying all kinds of techniques, I feel fully prepared for helping you get your psychological health.
EDUCATION
— Psychoanalytic Training, San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis (SFCP);
— M.A., Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies and Mental Health (CIISMH);
— Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
EXPERIENCE
— Los Angeles Valley College – Adjunct Professor of Psychology;
— Napa State Hospital – Our Family Adolescent Inpatient Program;
— Aviva Children & Family Services – Graduate House Therapist;
— Giardina Family Center in Chicago – Chief Family Therapist.
CREDENTIALS
— Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #40511);
— Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (Registered Pharmacist License #43623);
— Board Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (Registered Therapist License #4065932-6).
TRAINING & AFFILIATIONS
— Jungian Dream Work and Clinical Study (Somatic Experiencing; Therapy for Couples; Domestic Violence Certification at La Casa De Las Madres).
— Aaron Beck Cognitive Therapy Camp (Depression Causes; Therapy for Anxious People; Anger Issues, Family CBT Therapy, Cognitive Model Training at Garda University).
Clinical Psychologist
M.A., Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies.
Neuropsychologist
M.A., Neuropsychology, Thomas Jefferson University.
MH Counselor
Mental Health Counseling, Davenport University.
Behavioral Analyst
M.A., Behaviour Analysis, University of Michigan.
Forensic Psychologist
M.A., Neuropsychology, University of Pennsylvania.
Counseling
My Counseling Is Unique
Being one of my patients feels different and feels better!
Over the years of practicing, I was able to develop a unique approach that acknowledges a simple fact that a one-size-fits-all blueprint or technique is wrong.
My approach is highly different and is very personal. I practice a highly individualized process that can do more than simply help your emotional / psychological issue be solved. I can help you transform your struggles into a pathway to a powerful and deep alliance with yourself.
This kind of relationship with your inner self is something you can carry with you and continue to enhance throughout your lifetime. It provides a “home-base” from which you can engage your experiences in the future.
When we’re up to reconnect with our inner self and its fears and when we engage with ourselves — and a skilled, supportive other — as we are, we can begin to experience, realize, and embrace who we are.
As this happens, the grip of our past and limiting personality patterns begin to soften. Then we are free to embody ourselves more deeply and to align our actual daily lives — intentions, choices, commitments.
Ethical Counseling
Counseling Experience
You will develop sense that you’re experiencing your life well.
During my experience of counseling and helping any given individual, any of my patients will easily notice themselves becoming more anchored in your experience, more deeply connected to your own inner guidance and clear sensing, more aware of the specific habits and patterns that get in your way.
It all begins with the first, quick 10-15 minute conversation over the phone, free of charge, during which we can talk about what your exact emotional & psychological concerns are and I will assess what type of therapy should be applied to fix it. Should you decide that it makes sense for us to meet, then we will discuss scheduling and availability, and establish the exact pricing for your therapy sessions.
Prior to our first meeting, I will message you a number of forms to fill out or you can download it at the bottom of this page and take it with you on your first visit. Basically, I see our first couple of sessions — anywhere between one to five sessions, depending on the urgency of your concerns — as a consultation or assessment period, whose aim is to create & maintain a clear foundation for our therapy together.
During this 2nd stage of our therapy, we will settle on specific treatment options and a general plan designed to address your particular concerns. Your specific life situation will help us determine the best way to carry on. I will create a treatment plan and will share it with you.
The weekly frequency of sessions you will need — and how frequently we meet — depends on such factors as the nature of your end goals, how complicated the symptoms are, or how much distress you’re currently experiencing, how long you’ve been dealing with your situation, different aspects of your lifestyle, how much support you receive from family members and others close to you, and how quickly we are able to make progress, among other factors. We will make it work together.
During the whole process of therapy, at the end of every session, we will review our work together and determine progress. If things got much better, we either decide it is time to end our work together or if you wish, begin working toward another stage of therapy. The decision to end or to continue therapy is always yours to make. My ongoing goal is to empower you to trust that you can move through your life with a sense of clarity, discernment, flexibility, and well-being.
On a step-by-step basis, any one of you will begin to build confidence and strength in your capacity to move through life with clarity and care.