Ivey Burton, Ph.D.

My Professional Training ​Over my 30 years in the mental health field, I have provided individual and group psychotherapy, crisis evaluations, psychological testing of adults and children, and training for psychology interns, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other psychologists. I have extensive experience working with interdisciplinary teams and provided training on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychological testing, and other mental health topics, and have held teaching appointments at UCLA and King Drew Medical Center. I am a member of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association and American Psychological Association’s Society of Clinical Psychology. ​I have a professional and personal interest in the science and power of mindfulness, the practice of focusing one’s awareness on the present. With regular practice and therapeutic support, mindfulness-based therapy can reduce suffering from various mental and physical difficulties, build new pathways in your brain, and help you forge new pathways in your life, allowing you the space to explore avenues of change and further your journey of self-discovery. I strive to practice mindfulness and live a healthy lifestyle myself, as an avid swimmer, yoga practitioner, nature and music lover, and student of nutrition’s role in mental and physical health.  Education and Licensure​ Rice University, B.A. in Psychology California School of Professional Psychology, M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology California Board of Psychology License #14900, 1996-present My Practice​ I incorporate evidence-based practices, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed practice, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I will also support you with empirically driven adaptive coping skills to assist you in thinking flexibly while working toward your goals. Throughout the therapeutic process, I will provide an environment of warmth, curiosity, humor and collaboration with a commitment to the spirit of wellness and supporting healthy habits and adaptive coping skills.  Some of the life issues I work with include: depression anxiety trauma eating disorders grief and loss anger management relationship difficulties As we work together on some of these issues, I am interested in learning about and using your values to guide your progress in this journey. My hope is to empower you to become the best version of yourself. My therapeutic practice is grounded in cutting-edge science. I practice evidence-based schools of therapy, with the flexibility to individualize therapy to suit your unique learning and communication styles. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT is a school of therapy focused on identifying unhelpful ways of thinking and behavioral patterns in order to improve one’s life. I will work with you to reveal thought patterns that are creating difficulties in your including unhealthy behaviors, feelings, interpretations of situations, relationship problems, or self-destructive behavior. The effectiveness of CBT has been proven in treatment of various psychological problems including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse and severe mental illness. Homework is an important part of CBT, as it helps you identify problems and learn new skills. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT builds on CBT to incorporate focus on the present, and on building skills including mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. Homework helps you learn how to self-monitor and practice coping skills that will improve the quality of your life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT is a type of therapy that works with mindfulness, values clarification and addresses thought patterns that interfere with progress. I will work closely with you to help you stay focused on your values, as we address the thought patterns, behaviors and self-image that may be impeding your progress. I will support you in embracing the present, rather than remaining stuck in the past or worried about the future and will help you tolerate distressing emotions, address problematic thought patterns and learn how to maintain healthy relationships, while remaining focused on your values.