- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and grief
- ADHD and focus
About Erik
Erik Tootell is a California psychologist (CA Psychologist 21367) with 40 years of professional experience. He sees adults in California and works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and attention difficulties such as ADHD. Sessions are conducted in English and for people inside the United States only.
Tootell focuses on helping people talk through distressing memories, overwhelming worry, and the fatigue that follows long periods of stress. He helps clients manage grief and loss and addresses problems with concentration and memory that can come with mood and attention struggles. He also brings attention to related life strains such as caregiver stress, blended family issues, and difficulties with communication or commitment.
In practical terms he aims to offer a setting where people can speak honestly about their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Conversations tend to center on identifying patterns that maintain distress and testing small, doable changes. He works with clients to set clear, realistic goals and to monitor progress over time.
Over a long career he has seen a wide range of concerns from chronic illness to developmental and personality-related challenges. That breadth helps him notice connections between current problems and past experiences. He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques suited to the concern at hand.
If someone is considering therapy, he asks them to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so they can decide whether his approach fits their needs.
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Erik uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach centers on working with thoughts and behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression by identifying unhelpful patterns and testing small, manageable experiments to change them. Another approach addresses trauma and distress by helping people process difficult memories and develop ways to manage strong emotional reactions so daily functioning improves.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. He will help clients identify what fits based on their situation, goals, and preferences, and adjust methods as needed. The process is collaborative and paced to what each person can handle.
The therapist's biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions useful for fitting therapy into a busy life, shortening travel time, or making it easier to keep regular appointments. Online work can allow focused check-ins, longer therapeutic conversations, or paced work between sessions to practice new skills, depending on the agreed format.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does he commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and ADHD, along with related issues such as caregiver stress and blended family issues.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses evidence-based techniques and focuses on clear goals, practical steps, and tracking progress through regular conversation and small behavioral changes.
How long has he practiced?
He has 40 years of professional experience providing psychological services.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a California psychologist, credential listed as CA Psychologist 21367, and is located in California.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
Which session formats does he offer?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current options before booking.
How is payment handled and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.