Molly Reback MSW LICSW

In college, I majored in Human Development and was introduced to different types of talk therapy and counseling, psychology, and various theoretical contexts. Everything was clipping along well until my last semester. I began having strange physical symptoms that I chalked up to graduation nerves, and that I hoped would disappear upon “figuring out who I was and wanted to be.” After waiting some time to see a physician, thinking that whatever I was experiencing wasn’t a big deal, I was diagnosed with a rare pediatric cancer. To say it uprooted my whole world would be an understatement. The plans that I had for myself suddenly shifted.

 

During this challenging time, I received incredible support from the hospital staff, including social workers and therapists, who helped me develop the coping skills I needed to get through this very challenging time. I was so inspired by the professionals that helped me, that I decided I wanted to become one, too! I applied to UCLA for my Master of Social Work degree from my hospital bed and was accepted shortly thereafter. Fast forward to today, I have my full clinical license and am now eight years cancer-free!

 

I am a trauma-focused therapist who is passionate about meeting clients “where they are” and helping them through their stuck points. I enjoy working with teenagers (12+) and adults who are navigating this roller coaster called life. I can also help to support relationship dyads between children and parents.

 

I focus on treating ages 12+, and adults with the struggles, decisions and big emotions we all battle with frequently while trying to navigate stressful lives. This includes the resulting anxiety and depression that amp up the distress. I utilize various evidence-based practices and methods to help to expand the way you might be seeing things, including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Behavioral Activation, and Mindfulness. These modalities and techniques have been proven to be effective in treating these diagnoses.

 

Adolescents
I can be a safe space for adolescents and their developmental needs- providing grounding, strong rapport, and a secure foundation for ongoing work. Additionally, we know that older adolescence and young adulthood is when many mental health symptoms start, and that as a result, being proactive with therapy and mental health support can make all the difference for your adolescent as they grow older and develop their identities.

 

Adults
In addition to my work with teens, I also have extensive experience working with adults. The typical adult client for me is someone who might feel “stuck.” Perhaps you want to improve relationships with those closest to you such as family, friends, or co-workers. Or, maybe, you feel like the coping skills that you have used until this point, have worked well but for some reason, those skills or supports are not “working” for you in the way that you expected. My approach is warm, supportive, and gently direct, and my goal is to help you live a life worth living.

 

Medical Crisis
In my experience working in hospitals for many years, I worked with adults and adolescents as they navigated medical crises, and supported their parents and families through that process, too. This work has given me the foundation to use developmentally appropriate interventions with adolescents as they learn about who they are, and what they want in their lives. I am able to work with parents and families to provide that additional layer of support and understanding.

 

Healthcare Providers
As a result of my professional work, I also have a unique understanding of what it means to work in healthcare today. I have supported healthcare providers (MDs, RNs, social workers, dieticians, support staff, etc.) in the most difficult of times and have walked alongside them as they grapple with how the strain of the healthcare system, compassion fatigue, and burnout, impact them as individuals and providers.

 

I would be honored to spend some time getting to know you or your family, hearing about what you are experiencing, and how I might be able to support you. I know that reaching out takes bravery, and I will meet you with compassion and understanding as we navigate this together. I look forward to the opportunity to support you.

 

I am able to meet with clients via telehealth or in-person. I look forward to working with you and learning how I might be able to support you and your loved ones during this difficult time.

 

Feel free to visit the appointment page to schedule an appointment. I offer in-office or teletherapy sessions. Online counseling is conducted using HIPAA compliant software for your confidentiality.