Psychodynamic Therapy and Family Systems
My approach to counseling and psychotherapy is based on the theory of psychodynamic psychology and family systems.  These theories come with the understanding that all of our past experiences affect the way we live today.  By answering the question of why you are the way you are, we can begin to bring about change today.  Through the counseling process, my understanding of your attitudes and behaviors can grow strong enough such that my experience and training can help you to illuminate new perspectives.  By exploring how your personal history affects how you function today, we will discover insights and bring new awareness to the changes you want to make in your life.

Do I need a counselor?
I believe that almost everybody could benefit from a little counseling.  Who couldn't use a quiet, safe, confidential place to explore the tumultuous events of life. Counseling takes time, and many people do not feel immediate relief.  Therapy usually seeps into you and without you noticing, things just seem and feel better. 
Most people usually seek therapy only after an issue has become truly serious.  It is the same reason that people generally do not go to the doctor when they feel healthy.  This opinion is beginning to change however, as medical professionals realize that preventative care plays a crucial part in healthy living. With this in mind, I suggest that everybody should create a relationship with a counselor so as to be prepared for the inevitable challenges of life.  If not only to change your "emotional oil" but also to have a counseling relationship in place for when things might break down and require more serious attention.  Read more on my anwer to: What do I do in Therapy?

Does therapy work?
Yes, but how? Well, let me relate a proverb that might bring clarity to this question. If you want to know how the water is, do not ask the fish.  Fish are entirely underwater throughout their lifetime, leaving them with less perspective as to the comfort of their surroundings.  It is simply all they know.  In contrast, as people, we can dip our toes into the ocean and rather quickly assess, "That is too cold."  It is our outside perspective and ability to compare the water and the air that helps us determine how the water is.

My thought is that therapy works in a similar way.  You are surrounded by your own life, living in it, in such a way that sometimes it can be difficult to think and feel beyond the confines of your own world. Put simply, your life is all that you know.  Basically, as a counselor, I can dip my toe into the waters of your life and help you understand your situation from a different, objective perspective, with the goal of making life more satisfying.  Read more on my anwer to: Will Counseling make me Happy?

How do I get started?
Feel free to read more of my thoughts on counseling in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website.  You can learn more about being a client in counseling or read my thoughts on choosing a therapist.  You can also leave me a voicemail or send me an e-mail any time with any questions or concerns you might have. 

More Info
I invite you to learn more about Jeff Nord on my  About Me section. I also offer weekend appointments, Reasonable Fees, and a Free First Meeting. As a Los Feliz therapist and a Silver Lake counselor, my counseling office location is convenient from many parts of Los Angeles.

I try to support people as they find answers to the concerns within themselves.
I provide psychotherapy and marriage counseling for low income individuals and youth in Silverlake, California.  I can also provide referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, counseling centers, support groups, and social workers.