About David
Dr. David Sommers uses a client-centered approach to guide people through life changes and emotional pain. He is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW - practicing in California with 40 years of experience.
He focuses on listening and helping each person find their own path forward. He helps with stress, anxiety, and depression in straightforward terms. He also supports people facing addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, and difficulties with sleep or eating.
Background and approach
Career strain, anger, low self-esteem, and ADHD are included among the issues he addresses. Sessions emphasize an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be talked about. He works to understand each person’s goals and to tailor conversations to what matters most to them.
The method encourages people to lead the topics while the clinician reflects and clarifies. Over four decades of practice have involved many settings and varied client needs. That experience informs a practical style that focuses on real-life changes.
He also attends to related challenges such as chronic pain, communication problems, impulse control, and feelings of isolation. People typically find the process straightforward: describe the concern, try different ways of looking at it, and practice small steps toward change. Dr.
Sommers aims to support and empower people as they try new approaches and build stronger coping skills.
Client-centered care through online sessions
Client-centered therapy is the main approach used, which means conversations focus on the person's experience and goals. The therapist reflects what is said, asks questions to deepen understanding, and helps people identify their own solutions. This approach is often helpful for anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, and issues tied to self-esteem.Over many years of practice he has developed a practical, listening-based style that aims to meet each person where they are. Figuring out which approach fits best is part of the work; the therapist will collaborate with the person to decide how to proceed based on needs, goals, and preferences.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video calls allow a near face-to-face conversation; phone sessions can be useful for quicker check-ins or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging support shorter check-ins or ongoing reflection between longer sessions. These options help people fit therapy into busy schedules and different day-to-day circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
Also works with
- Addictions
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Attachment issues
- Bipolar disorder
- Career difficulties
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Coaching
- Communication problems
- Compassion fatigue
- Control issues
- Coping with life changes
- Eating disorders
- Family conflicts
- Forgiveness
- Grief
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Intimacy-related issues
- Isolation / loneliness
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Narcissism
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Parenting issues
- Post-traumatic stress
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Self-love
- Sleeping disorders
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Trauma and abuse
- Workplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 40 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English