- CBT techniques
- ACT practices
- Emotion-focused work
About Arlene
Dr. Arlene Unger is a California psychologist with 30 years of experience and holds the credential CA Psychologist 15383. She lists stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, grief, depression, LGBT issues, family concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting, anger, self-esteem, career matters, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and social anxiety and phobia among her focus areas. She works with people who need practical tools for immediate challenges as well as ongoing support for longer-term problems.
Her approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy. Sessions emphasize clear techniques for managing symptoms alongside reflective work about values and relationships. Clients can expect concrete strategies for worry, panic, avoidance, and relationship strain, plus practices that address daily habits like sleep and eating.
Dr. Unger’s training includes a PhD in Clinical Psychology and additional certifications in nutrition, wellness, mindfulness, life coaching, and substance abuse. She has written mindfulness visualization exercise books and several articles related to wellbeing. Her background supports a mix of skills-based work and attention to emotional patterns that affect behavior.
Practical steps in sessions include learning coping skills, identifying patterns that keep problems going, and trying small behavioral experiments. She also offers guidance on life balance, career choices, and rebuilding after loss. People who struggle with fear of social situations or panic attacks can work on manageable exercises that build tolerance and confidence over time.
To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How ACT, CBT and EFT appear in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and learn small actions that match those values while reducing avoidance. It is often used for persistent worry, anxiety, and difficulties that come from trying not to feel uncomfortable.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with practical behavioral experiments. It is commonly used for panic, social anxiety, sleep or eating changes, and mood shifts where skills and practice make a difference.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) looks at patterns in close relationships and how emotion drives interaction. It can help people understand attachment and improve how they express needs and respond to others.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. That conversation usually happens in early sessions and can be adjusted as progress is made.
The main practical benefit of working online is fitting sessions into busy lives. Confirm the session formats offered before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Many people find online sessions easier to schedule around work, reduce travel time, or allow a shorter check-in when needed. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and EFT techniques to work over distance through conversation, exercises, and brief between-session practices.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She lists a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep and eating problems, ADHD, and social anxiety and phobia.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her work combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy with skills practice and reflective conversation.
How much experience does she have?
She has 30 years of clinical experience working with people facing short-term and long-term challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a California psychologist listed as CA Psychologist 15383 and practices in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment work?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.