Dr. David Oretsky

At the heart of my work is a warm, compassionate, and deeply relational approach to therapy. I care about the people I work with and feel genuinely honored to be invited into their lives, especially during times of vulnerability, uncertainty, and change. My intention is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you feel respected, understood, and supported in exploring even the most difficult aspects of your experience.

I bring empathy, curiosity, humor, and genuine care to our work together, along with a commitment to being helpful. I believe that even in the midst of life's difficulties, there is room for laughter, playfulness, and moments of lightness. Therapy doesn't always have to be so serious, even when we're doing serious work. My approach involves not only listening with compassion but also offering insight, new perspectives, and, when appropriate, gentle but direct challenges that can deepen self-understanding and support meaningful change. I believe therapy is most effective when grounded in an authentic human relationship, one that balances acceptance, warmth, honesty, and the courage to explore what may be uncomfortable.

I earned my master's degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), where I developed a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary approaches to psychotherapy, with an emphasis on integrating psychological, relational, somatic, and contemplative perspectives.

I view therapy as a collaborative process of discovery, trusting in your capacity for healing and growth. Together, we explore patterns that may be holding you back, deepen self-understanding, and discover new ways of relating to yourself and others. The goal is not simply insight, but meaningful change in how you live your life.

In individual therapy, we explore how your personal history, relationships, and life experiences shape your present struggles. Perhaps you find yourself seeking approval, avoiding conflict, or feeling disconnected from your own needs. Together, we examine how these patterns developed, what purpose they once served, and how you might begin making different choices.

In couples therapy, I help partners understand the cycles that leave them feeling hurt, frustrated, or alone. One partner may seek connection through criticism while the other withdraws defensively. Beneath these reactions are often feelings of fear, hurt, or longing. We work to uncover these vulnerabilities, take responsibility for our contributions, and rebuild trust, intimacy, and connection.

When working with trauma, we explore how painful experiences continue to shape your emotions, relationships, and bodily responses. We move gently, helping you develop greater safety, emotional steadiness, and freedom from old patterns of protection.

I also work with the different parts of ourselves. One part may long for closeness while another fears being hurt. Another may be relentlessly self-critical while a more vulnerable part struggles with shame. Rather than fighting these parts, we seek to understand them, fostering greater self-compassion and inner harmony.

I pay attention to what happens between us in therapy, recognizing that our relationship can reveal familiar patterns and offer opportunities for new experiences.

My wish for each of my clients is that from our very first meeting, you experience a sense of being welcomed, understood, and accepted. Our first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another, for me to learn about what brings you to therapy, and for you to get a sense of what it might be like to work together.

I'll be interested in understanding not only the challenges you're facing, but also something about your life, your relationships, your history, and what you hope might change. We may begin exploring patterns or experiences that are contributing to your difficulties, while also recognizing the strengths and resources you bring.

Just as importantly, our first meeting is an opportunity to begin establishing a relationship of trust and to see whether we feel like a good fit. There is no expectation that you share everything at once, and no particular way you need to show up. We can begin wherever you are.

My hope is that you leave our first session feeling heard, with a clearer sense of how we might work together and perhaps a new insight or perspective. Over time, I hope our work supports greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and the freedom to live and relate to others in ways that feel more authentic and fulfilling.