Zev Swiller, LCSW
About Me
I am a Clinical Social Worker in private practice, licensed in both California and New York. I am on the Board of Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA), where I serve as the Curriculum Chair, developing workshops and educational courses for clinicians looking to expand their knowledge of group therapy techniques and modalities. My private practice consists of individuals struggling with general mental health issues, including Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Work/Family Stress. Other areas of focus include Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse, Trauma, and Neglect, Men New to Psychotherapy, and assisting clients utilizing psychedelics in their treatment.
Prior to my work as a psychotherapist, I taught elementary school in Compton, California. My current work is informed through my experience developing and facilitating programs in several settings, including in a forensic psychiatric hospital, in-patient psychiatric hospitals, partial-hospitalization programs, as well as child & family mental health settings. I have also held a position as an Oncology Social Worker in a cancer center in New York where I created the center’s support and wellness program for patients and caregivers.
My well-rounded approach is rooted in aspects of Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Attachment Theory, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. I enjoy working with first time therapy seekers and my vision is to identify and break down barriers making psychotherapy more accessible and inclusive to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.
Education & Experience
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MSW, University of Southern California
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Multiple Subject Credential, Cal State University @ Dominguez Hills
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BA, Syracuse University
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Curriculum Chair, Board Member, Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA)
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Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
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Member, American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA)
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Developed Cancer Support Center, at Dyson Cancer Center, Poughkeepsie, NY
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Developed Mindfulness Programs, at Metropolitan State Hospital, Norwalk, CA
Adult & Adolescence Psychotherapy
Individual therapy can help you work through many challenges in life such as anger, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage and relationship strain, parenting problems, career changes, etc.
Therapy provides you the opportunity to explore your feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, as well as to work through challenging or painful memories, and identify aspects of your life that you would like to improve.
Group Psychotherapy
Process groups are a powerful tool, enabling you to receive multiple perspectives, support, encouragement, and feedback from other individuals in a safe environment. Your interactions will provide you with an opportunity to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and learn how to improve interactions and relationships with others.
I find that the best approach for process groups is to be flexible - I do not choose the topic of discussion, instead, members bring in issues on their minds. The primary focus is on how group members interact with each other. Participants are encouraged to give support and feedback and to work with the reactions and responses of others.
As you interact with other members, old patterns usually emerge. The group is able to point out difficult interpersonal patterns by providing feedback and support and offering alternatives so that eventually, the difficulty is resolved.
As you increase your self-awareness, develop new ways of relating to people, and learn new adaptive behaviors, you will make progress toward the goals that brought you to seek therapy.
Specialties
General Mental Health
Anxiety.
Depression.
Grief and Loss.
Trauma & Neglect.
Relationship Issues.
Men’s Issues.
Survivors of Abuse and Neglect
Short-term (Brief) Psychotherapy.
Long-term (Open Ended) Psychotherapy.
Working Together
Every person is different, and every concern is unique. As a result, each session and overall plan will be is tailored to fit your needs by using different modalities and techniques to empower you to reach your goals. I am equipped to meet you wherever you are and work with you on whatever is most pressing to you. Each session is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of who you are to increase self-awareness, dismantle old patterns, and identify your strengths. You will create a foundation on which to build and refine healthy coping skills to handle anything that is thrown at you.
Each session is a safe space, free of judgment, where you are supported compassionately throughout your personal journeys.
Contact
1849 Sawtelle Blvd, Suite 610
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Teletherapy Available (Zoom)
Tel: 310-987-4120