Allison Jamtaas, Psy.D.

Therapeutic Approach: It is my belief that change comes through insight. In therapy, you are given an opportunity to develop a deeper awareness of how the experiences in your life have contributed to the person you are today. With the vulnerable nature of this work, I prioritize developing a strong therapeutic alliance, and seek to create a safe environment in which you can trust in my consistency, reliability, and commitment to taking a compassionate and nonjudgmental stance. It is rare to have a space exclusively devoted to focusing on you and what makes you the person you are. In our work together, I seek to support your self-growth through honest reflections, and identifying connections between the present and the past. I believe that your early childhood experiences contribute largely to the person you develop into, and exploring these dynamics in a safe, confidential environment can provide valuable insight around your current relationships, behavioral patterns, or emotional responses. Lastly, I believe that you are the expert on you, and I will take your lead in determining the direction of treatment. I view therapy as a collaborative process requiring both therapist and patient to take an active role. In committing to a dynamic treatment, you are committing to a method of self-care that reflects the ever-changing nature of human beings, and I look forward to supporting you in this work.

Background: I received my Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the Wright Institute, an APA accredited graduate school in Berkeley, California. I completed an APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at The Help Group, providing individual therapy to adolescents in middle and high schools in the Los Angeles area. Throughout the years of my graduate training I have provided individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health centers, residential facilities, and outpatient clinics. I have also provided psychological assessment services for a range of issues including questions around cognition, academic achievement, development, neurological functioning, mood, and personality.