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About
I bring a wide range of professional and life experience to my practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT 27909). I’ve worked with individuals and couples for more than twenty years. In addition to formal education, I’ve attended numerous trainings and post-graduate courses in Self-Psychology, Voice-Dialogue, Dream Analysis, Jungian Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. I’ve also trained other therapists as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.
I’m Relationship Expert on SelfGrowth.com and skilled at helping couples find more passion and intimacy and improve their communication and problem-solving skills. I’ve assisted many couples tie the knot and overcome conflicts, and others through the stress of divorce. As a Senior Mediator in Los Angeles Superior Court, I did Pre-Marital Counseling and mediated Domestic Violence and Divorce and Child Custody and Visitation Disputes. I’ve taught college classes on relationships and divorce (S.M.C.C, U.C.S.D. and Pepperdine College), and have published a number of articles, which can be read at WomansDivorce.com and under Articles.
It’s been a privilege to mentor many women who have grown in self-esteem, power, and autonomy, and have found their paths professionally and in their relationships. Read the many articles on women’s self-esteem and other women’s issues on my monthly blog as a Women’s Expert at Goodtherapy.org.
Helping substance abusers and their families find recovery has been a rewarding part of my practice. My philosophy is to encourage each person to determine his or her own abstinence and treatment objectives. I’ve worked extensively in the field of addiction and co-dependency, both in private practice and at Brookside Institute, and have presented workshops and seminars at numerous hospitals and treatment facilities. I’ve lectured before the California State Bar Association and have treated many attorneys and professionals with addiction and mental health problems. Whether or not to attend 12-Step meetings is always a client’s personal decision. However, I am familiar with 12-Step Programs, and published “Recovery in the 12 Steps – How it Works,” which can be found under Articles.
As a former entertainment attorney in the corporate and private sectors for 18 years, I’m familiar with the stress of balancing work and family, career challenges and transitions. I’ve taught Stress Management, and coached clients to successfully reach their personal and professional goals.
I’ve also developed expertise in treating patients with chronic pain and life-threatening illness, and have published articles and lectured on chronic pain, disability, and caregiving. Being familiar with body-based therapies, yoga, and meditation, I teach breath, touch, sound, and relaxation techniques to alleviate pain.
Education:
American School of Hypnotherapy, 2004
M.A. Clinical Psychology, l989
Antioch University
Juris Doctor, 1970
U.C.L.A. School of Law
American Jurisprudence Award
B.A., U.C.L.A., Cum Laude
Phi Beta Kappa
Honors Program
CLIENT COMMENTS
(For Confidentiality, names have been withheld)
“Darlene is a pro at bringing the truth out of a patient. She helps you peel back the many layers of your troubles. She’s calm and serene and that feeling supplies a comfortable atmosphere to be honest without judgment.”
D.G., Los Angeles
“Darlene has an innate ability to sense what is at the root of an issue and to express those underlying factors in an approachable and hopeful way. She is an excellent listener and a gentle motivator. Each of her reading recommendations turned out to be books that changed my life. My relationship with my wife and my understanding of myself is forever changed as a result of our sessions.”
J.N., Santa Monica
“I am now able to feel my emotions without judging myself and move forward in my life with a more healthy attitude and hope. Thank you for helping me through the rage and self-righteous anger and into acceptance of myself and my emotions. I no longer feel like the community slave trying to purchase love with my self-sacrificing co-dependent, disappointing ways. You are a quiet, empathetic sounding board for a clamoring mind.”
W.C., N. Hollywood
“My visits with Darlene Lancer were like a balm awaking the very core of my being. I learned much from her calm, kind, gentle, & knowledgeable presence in our sessions. Having endured years of emotional, spiritual, physical & sexual abuse, I grappled with a tremendous amount of dysfunctional issues, as well as those of an African American female. In our community, therapy is not always the obvious choice. However, in my family it was encouraged. You learn early on & inherently to solve your own problems within the family & community. Not everyone is fortunate to be surrounded by strong & positive individuals. It seems in the church setting, it is implied that God, the minister & leaders are the ones to confide in, and not many encourage outside assistance. I am grateful to have met Darlene; for she provided a peaceful, safe & reassuring atmosphere to unravel the many layers of hurt, shame & misunderstanding, thereby providing a place for me to really look within myself—and begin to grow. It is with much joy that I wholeheartedly recommend her services.” T. B., Santa Monica
“Darlene is an excellent listener. She listens to understand your problems, and helps you with exercises that you can actually apply in your life. I’m glad that I spent my time in her office.” T.M., Los Angeles
“I was such a people pleaser, I was never myself. Because I felt safe with Darlene, I could be authentic, and gradually I became more honest in all my relationships.”
“I never could believe Darlene cared until I realized letting her care about me was the same problem I have with everyone. She models how I can love and be a good parent to myself and my children. As a result, the intimacy with my husband just grows and grows.”
“In working with Darlene, my self-esteem and confidence have grown so that my entire life has changed. I have success in my work, fulfilling relationships, and have accomplished goals that were only daydreams.”
“I was addicted to alcohol for most of my life. Through Darlene’s patient support, I finally stopped. It saved my marriage and my life.”
“One session relieved my chronic pain, and I was able to sleep without medication.”
“I overcame an eating disorder that plagued me for years.”