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THE ONBOARDING PROCESS
BOOK A CALL WITH ME, AND I CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS, TELL YOU MORE ABOUT MY APPROACH AND SEE IF OUR SCHEDULES MATCH.
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IN OUR FIRST SESSION, I WILL BE GATHERING INFORMATION TO GAIN A MORE FULL PICTURE OF YOU AND YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.
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OUR WEEKLY MEETINGS WILL EXPAND ON ALL THE INFORMATION I'VE GATHERED. TOGETHER WE WILL IDENTIFY GOALS AND DIRECTION
THERAPY WITH INDIVIDUALS
My approach to therapy is influenced by my enthusiasm for classical psychodynamic theory that was the foundation of my two year training at the esteemed Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills. This was enhanced with a certification from the Los Angeles Institute and Association for Psychoanalytic Studies (LAISPS), and a foundation course at The Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis (ICP). I strive to constantly enhance my approach using contemporary influences, from Mentalization Based Training, and from the extensive cultural sensitivity work at Antioch University, where I was in the LGBT Specialization. I am a Certified Group Psychotherapist, and continue training in Modern Group Analytic theory at the Center for Group Studies in New York. As a family therapist, I focus on communication in family counseling, as it pertains to understanding the family dynamics, conflict and connection.
LGBTQ CLIENTS AND IDENTITY WORK
At Antioch University, I was part of the 'LGBT Specialization' and received in-depth and rich LGBTQ affirmative training to deepen my cultural sensitivity and psychological understanding of how to provide services for this population. I work with a range of LGBTQ clients from teens to adults, both individually and in a group setting. I offer quality therapy for gay, lesbian and bisexual clients in Los Angeles and West Hollywood.
In particular, I enjoy providing therapy for gay men in Los Angeles who are struggling with addiction. I offer family therapy for LGBTQ families who may need a both affirmative training and extensive knowledge in family systems therapy.
THERAPY ABOUT THE 'OTHER'
In my work the 'Other' can be something as clear as a colleague who is making life challenging, or can be more abstract like 'addiction' or an internal inner critic. Our relationship to any of these impacts our quality of life, often to significant degrees.
ADDICTION & SUBSTANCES
I enjoy working with clients who are in recovery from substance use, or contemplating sobriety. Most often, clients want a safe space to explore their relationship with substances or other process addictions like gambling or internet use.
GROUP THERAPY
In 2017, I was the recipient of the Donald T. Brown Memorial Scholarship Award for Group Therapy from The Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health. I teach Group Process at Antioch University Los Angeles as part of the Master's in Clinical Psychology program.
As a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), I regard Group therapy as a powerful form of treatment, either in addition to individual or family therapy, or as a powerful alternative. In this modality, we learn about ourselves in relation to others. A healing experience is created when connection, while obstacles that stand in the way of our goals may become apparent faster in a group setting.
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THERAPY WITH FAMILIES AND COUPLES
Our families profoundly impact the way we think, feel and behave. The connectedness and reactivity we sometimes have in our family system make the functioning of family members interdependent.
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As a family therapist, I help make changes in one person’s functioning by creating reciprocal changes in the functioning of others. Looking at the family in family therapy as an emotional unit, helps us make dynamic and real time changes in individuals as well. Family counseling can help families to improve communication, reduce conflict and to generate moments of authentic connection and closeness
LGBTQ+ FAMILY THERAPY
At Antioch University, I was part of the 'LGBT Specialization' and received in-depth and rich LGBTQ affirmative training to deepen my cultural sensitivity and psychological understanding of how to provide services for this population. I work with a range of LGBTQ clients from teens to adults, both individually and in a group setting. I offer quality therapy for gay, lesbian and bisexual clients in Los Angeles and West Hollywood. In particular,
I offer family therapy for LGBTQ families who may need a both affirmative training and extensive knowledge in family systems therapy. Please contact me if you are looking for a family therapist West Hollywood, CA.
About Me
British born Oliver Drakeford is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Certified Group Psychotherapist in the West Hollywood / Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles. He has experience providing therapy to adolescents and adults individually, as well as providing family counseling and group therapy.
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While training at the esteemed Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, Oliver explored his interest in psychoanalytic theory which he continues to explore in his studies in Modern Group Psychoanalysis in New York.
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In addition to private practice, he teaches Group Process at Antioch University in LA, and offers consultations and trainings in group and family therapy.
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Oliver was the Clinical Director of an adolescent treatment center in Malibu for over three years and developed a family systems focused approach to helping teens and their families connect and strengthen relationships. Oliver enjoys working with families, couples and adults in private practice and continues to train, teach and supervise in Family Systems Theory. Please set up a free consultation if you are considering family counseling services in LA.
