The work at the Canyon Center

Talking to Dr. Louis Leveen about the work at the Canyon Center:
-The How, the Why and the Who of Psychotherapy-

Q. Dr. Leveen, how are you different from a psychiatrist?

A. "Psychiatrists are medical doctors. I am a psychologist, with a Ph.D., not a M.D., and I practice psychotherapy.
"There are also therapists who hold a Masters degree in Social Work and are who are marriage and family therapists, but who also practice individual psychotherapy. We are all considered mental health professionals.

Q. What can a psychotherapist do to help me improve my relationships?

A. "A therapist can help reduce or eliminate some of the discomforts that result from your place in the world. By helping you feel comfortable enough to get in touch with the deep, hidden parts of yourself, which you may have been trying to avoid, therapists can help you to overcome pain and dysfuntion. "
"A competent therapist understands psychodynamics and knows how to open up relationships and make them more satisfying, more stable and less transient. "

Q. Who comes to Canyon Center for help? I am "just a housewife," hoping to learn tools to build a better marriage. It sounds like you see many individuals in the entertainment business. Would I feel out of place coming to the Canyon Center

A. "Although it is true that 50% of our patients come from the entertainment industry, we also see business executives, medical and legal professionals, 'stay at home' moms, people working in the media, office and factory workers. ""One of the most important things I have learned is that we all suffer, regardless of our status or job, from our psychic pain, and must learn to develop ego strength to overcome the pain so we can move on in our lives. ""Among other treatment options, we offer workshops with cardiac groups, stress reduction workshops, workshops which help develop intimacy skills, and so on. You do not have to have a certain job title to participate in these workshops just a collection of life problems to solve. "
"Anyone who needs help with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, intimacy problems; anyone who is lonely, feeling hopeless or insecure, suffering from cardiovascular disease or other serious illness, regardless of their walk in life all are welcome and would feel comfortable at Canyon Center. "

Q. Do you see children at your Center?

A. Yes absolutely. We see children, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients. And, of course, we see families and couples. "

Q. Could I include partner/spouse when I call you for my 15 minute telephone min-session? (see book offer page) "

A. "Of course. If this is how you want to approach your introductory session, I would welcome you both."

Q. Do you accept insurance?

A. "Yes. We accept many insurance and managed health care plans."