Received in 2004, Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology. California School of Professional Psychology, SF Bay Campus. Alameda, CA.
Received in 2002, Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology. California School of Professional Psychology, SF Bay Campus. Alameda, CA.
Received in 1995, Bachelor of Arts. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI. Psychology major.
2007, Licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in the State of California. PSY#21428
2013 – 2015, Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis (ICP), Completed Extension I and Extension II programs which delved further into contemporary and intersubjective psychoanalysis.
2015 – Present, Intensive study/supervision with:
Lynn Jacobs, PhD
Robert Morris, PhD
Specialties
Depression & anxiety
At times, almost everyone feels depressed or anxious; these feelings are normal. However, when these feelings overcome someone’s ability to function, they may be afflicted with an anxiety disorder or depression, and sometimes both.
Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults in a given year. And, approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older have an anxiety disorder in a given year. Dr. Whitman’s insight helps client understand themselves, their patterns, and their past more thoroughly. As the client learns greater self acceptance and gains insight, symptoms such as depression and anxiety often diminish and progress towards goals can occur.
Education
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating, are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout western countries. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, between 5 percent and 10 percent of girls and women (i.e. 5-10 million people) and 1 million boys and men in the US suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, or other associated dietary conditions. Estimates suggest that as many as 15% of young women adopt unhealthy attitudes and behaviors about food.
Dr. Whitman has developed an Adolescent Eating Disorders treatment methodology that takes a family-based approach and integrates loved ones into the healing process. His unique approach addresses the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of the individual while aligning the family as powerful agents of support and healing. A typical treatment schedule includes individual therapy, group therapy and nutritional counseling for the individual, as well as nutritional education for the family and family therapy.
Addiction
One out of every eight Americans has a significant problem with alcohol or drugs, with 40% of the group having a “dual diagnosis,” or concurrent mental/nervous disorder. It’s generally accepted that chemical dependency, along with associated mental health disorders, has become one of the most severe health and social problems facing the United States.
For over 10 years, Dr Whitman has provided support and recovery techniques for those facing addiction issues. He uses individual therapy to help the person reach a greater understanding of their addiction and how to overcome it, as well as group therapy to allow people with the same addiction problem to share understanding, support and encourage each other.
Sports Psychology
Sports Psychology is the study a person’s behavior as it relates to sports by understanding psychological or mental factors that can affect one’s physical performance. It then seeks to use what is learned to enhance team and individual routines. It also helps to minimize the effects of injury and poor performance by managing the emotions of the athletes. Various skills are taught to athletes in sports psychology including visualization, relaxation, setting goals, awareness, self-talk, concentration, control, and confidence.
Dr. Whitman’s experience as a Sports Psychology Instructor at UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) and extensive development of treatment programs has allowed him to help athletes enhance their focus, correct mechanics and habits, nurture dedication and self-discipline, eliminate negative thoughts, and overcome mistakes. His experience has helped rebuild athletes’ confidence, giving them back what they never really lost