Dr. Deirdre Rainer

Over the past 30+ years, I have had the honor of treating people of all ages from all walks of life. I am a licensed psychologist with experience treating various types of depression, mood difficulties, anxiety, stress, OCD, as well as relationship or couple-related conflict. My approach draws from cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapies supported by research, and is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual.

I have been a licensed psychologist since 1986. My PhD was from University of Wyoming with an internship at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center in Culver City, CA. I went on to complete a Post-doctoral Fellowship at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in 1984 and then established a private practice in Redondo Beach and Torrance, CA. I have recently retired from University of California, Santa Barbara where I worked with college students. I have trained in EMDR as well as CBT and previously worked for the Navy/Marine Corps to treat active duty military returning from deployment. Earlier in my career, I was a psychologist for Los Angeles County Mental Health Department.

I am a mother of two grown children and am very active. I enjoy the outdoors and almost any physical activity especially hiking, outrigger canoe paddling, and anything related to the ocean.

Most people come to therapy to deal with a problem they haven't been able to solve on their own. I strive to meet you where you are in your life and collaboratively identify where you feel stuck and then develop a plan to help you move forward. I draw creatively from cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic theory to help you identify new ways of approaching your problem.

During our first session I want to know about you in your own words and what brings you to therapy. I am likely to ask questions about your childhood experiences, your family, your disappointments as well as your dreams and aspirations. I will ask about your previous experience with therapy and what has worked for you to solve your own problems. Our first session will feel more like an easy conversation, not a rigid intake.