Psychotherapist
Wendy N. Block, LCSW
Welcome!
Change is inevitable, often bringing challenges, joy, and sorrow.
Having the trust, respect, and empathy of a caring and impartial professional can help you experience greater well-being, self-acceptance, and the capacity to manifest your vision for a better future.
I have been a psychotherapist and a licensed clinical social worker for over 25 years in both health settings and in private practice. I've worked with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children who experienced varying levels of disruption and crisis, and those searching for a greater sense of calm, meaning, and life purpose.
Integrating meditation and mindfulness-based practices, I currently work with adults and couples to reduce worry, anxiety, and depression, and provide a greater sense of well-being. Through careful, compassionate inquiry, we work together to build insight and initiate desired behavioral change.
In addition to incorporating meditation and mindfulness in my clinical work, I am a teacher of meditation and mindfulness. LEARN MORE
You’ll find that I’m warm, down-to-earth, and compassionate. I enjoy working with others to uncover the innate wisdom that is within each of us while increasing the capacity to heal and honor each person’s unique, individual, gifts and talents.
I encourage self-awareness, acceptance, and appreciation. The most rewarding part of my work is to see people change, move on, and reach their full potential.
Areas of Expertise
My clinical orientation includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and compassion training, trauma-informed methods, object relations, Internal Family Systems, and Voice Dialogue.
I have been trained by UC San Diego in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Relapse of Depression, Mindfulness Integrated CBT for Well-Being and Personal Growth, and Mindful Self- Compassion.
In addition, I am trained and experienced in brief and short-term models of therapy.
I assist adults who are struggling with life's challenges:
Depression and Anxiety
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Relationship Difficulties
Issues Related to Aging and Disability
Personal Growth
Codependency and Addiction Relapse Prevention
Developmental and Complex Trauma
ADHD
Couples Therapy
During this time of COVID-19, I am currently honoring best practices and seeing clients through video sessions.
Meditation and Mindfulness Instruction
I have maintained a dedicated meditation and mindfulness practice for more than 30 years that has been enriched by deeper courses of study, and silent retreat experiences.
After teaching mindfulness classes for more than 10 years, I started the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy program at Kaiser Permanente in the Bellflower Region and have trained numerous practitioners in how to teach mindfulness in addition to supervising graduate-level students at USC School of Social Work and California State University School of Social Work.
I currently teach mindfulness and mindful self-compassion classes, as well as weekly meditation groups for InsightLA, and I offer private and group sessions to learn and practice meditation and mindfulness techniques.
How Can Mindfulness Help?
Current research suggests that mindfulness has a positive effect on working memory, with increased focus and concentration, executive functioning skills, emotion regulation, stress management, chronic pain, managing negative emotions, and communicating more effectively with others.
Mindfulness is also associated with increased problem-solving skills, improved self-esteem, and mood management.
Adults Support Group:
"Lessons in Self-Compassion"
I offer both a weekly and a monthly adults support group for adult to practice mindfulness and self-compassion skills in an intimate supportive group setting.
This small group allows adults to connect with deeper intimacy to process and utilize mindfulness and self-compassion practices through dialogue and the process of life’s challenges.
Please reach out if you would like to be placed on the waiting list for the “lessons in Self-Compassion” Adults Support Group.
Contact Wendy N. Block, LCSW
Phone: (562) 655-8668