When constant worry and sadness interfere with life psychotherapy can bring relief. Consider consulting a mental health professional when advice of well meaning family and friends is not enough. The therapy process will help you learn to manage painful emotions, gain greater self-understanding and deepen your relationships.
Conditions Dr. Calandra Treats
Anxiety /Stress/Panic Attacks
Depression/Loss/Bereavement
Trauma (Posttraumatic Stress/ Acute Stress)
Body Image Issues
Eating Disorders
Low Self Esteem
Relationship Difficulties/Marital problem
ModalitiesIndividual Adult Psychotherapy
Couples/ Marital Psychotherapy
Additional InformationTherapy is strictly confidential and private
Appointment times are mutually agreed upon by client and therapist
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes
Contact doctor Dr. Calandra to discuss:How psychotherapy might help you
Payment options
Training and Experience
Dr. Joan Calandra is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Brentwood. She is a graduate of California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles with a doctorate in clinical psychology, and an emphasis in health psychology. She has extensive postdoctoral training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Dr. Calandra is also a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist with an advanced degree in nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has over 20 years experience working in mental health.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Calandra specializes in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach focuses on self-examination with intent to uncover unresolved issues that are unconscious and often the source of distorted thoughts, problematic behaviors and painful emotions.
During regular meetings clients are encouraged to speak freely in order to access thoughts, feelings and memories. The process involves exploring past experiences and relationships in order to understand their influence on present life. The connection between therapist and client is critical in the promotion of growth and healing. Relief occurs through the recognition and bearing of painful emotions, and development of self awareness and self acceptance. In addition to symptom relief, this type of treatment can lead to deeper relationships and a sense of meaning and direction in life.
