Psychologist and Therapist in Pasadena, California Albert Mellinkoff, Psychologist

Albert Mellinkoff is a psychologist who has been practicing since 2006. He obtained a doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, with an emphasis on treating individuals and families.

His theoretical approach is primarily psychodynamic, but because every client is unique, he uses an integrative approach to psychotherapy that draws on aspects of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, systems, humanistic, and existential thought.  He works collaboratively with his clients, listening, asking questions, and making observations.  He strives to be compassionate and empathic and, at the same time, to challenge clients with fresh perspectives. Above all, he aims to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment in which clients feel seen, heard, and understood.

He uses the relationship that develops with a client over time as a way to gain insight into the client’s defensive, often unconscious, patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving in the larger world.  Temporary relief from psychological symptoms is often achievable relatively quickly using cognitive-behavioral techniques.  Profound, lasting change, however, is usually attainable only through deeper, more insight-oriented work that may take some time, or through the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).