APPROACH

​Through Ray Cochran's education at UCLA, research outcomes form the clinical backbone of his practice, which is why he believes in an eclectic approach to helping. Ray does not strictly adhere to one way of working. Each person’s struggle is different and so Ray utilizes a range of approaches, including psychoanalytic, cognitive & dialectic behavioral, existential, feminist, and relational therapies, as well as mindfulness and EMDR. The reason for this is not fanciful; it's practical. 


We know that cognitive behavioral therapy can show effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, anger and trauma with standardized protocols; dialectic behavioral therapy is indicated for maintaining emotional regulation, and treating self-harm and suicidal ideation; mindfulness shows efficacy for stress reduction and anxiety as well as substance abuse; and EMDR shows evidence and efficacy that it works for single-event PTSD, and some efficacy for trauma-related disorders, including addiction  and anxiety. That's the science: some forms of therapy show more efficacy than others for particular symptoms. We follow the science.


There are also other important factors that contribute to your healing and, in some cases, these factors matter more than any particular modality or approach:

Working Effectively With You:
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Building an alliance with you

We assume that most people make some effort to understand us. It doesn't always feel successful. The therapeutic relationship is different. The alliance is not only the treatment goals and rationales for the treatment approach, but also rapport and attunement. We work to foster a deep understanding of you. 

Demonstrating empathy and care for you

Almost all relationships in the world have conditions. Therapy is different in this way. You should feel that your therapist holds you with unconditional positive regard.

Fostering a healing environment so that you feel safe and supported

Our everyday environment can feel chaotic and intrusive. The therapeutic space should be different. Care and attention to tone, sensitivity to space, and how you feel in the therapeutic environment, whether on site or online, are important factors in healing.