About Paul Malkin

I specialize in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorder. CBT helps people change their relationship to those thoughts that are not helpful to buy into. Some of these thoughts may include “I am worthless”, “I am inadequate”, “I am less than”, or “I am a failure”. CBT teaches people to take more effective actions to improve their life. CBT can help you stop procrastinating and act on what is important to you, learn to assert yourself more, to do more for yourself, or do the things you have been avoiding because they have made you anxious.

I also use a form of CBT called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a psychotherapy that teaches people skills and gives them tools to help them better manage their anxiety, depression, mood swings, and stress. Often, you are taught specific techniques to deal with those thoughts that are having a significant impact on your feelings. We also work on dealing with those emotions that show up that give you difficulty. In addition, there is also an emphasis on developing more helpful behavioral patterns. CBT and ACT have been extensively researched and have found to be very helpful for many people.

I take an active and collaborative approach in my work. Usually between sessions there are assignments, an important aspect of CBT, and this can enhance your progress.

License:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (California) LCS 5535
Marriage, Family Counselor (California) MZ 015442

Experience:

My relevant work experience includes doing psychotherapy at the San Francisco Community Mental Health services, Contra Costa Mental Health services and at Kaiser Permanente. I was an affiliate for the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy. I have been in private practice since the 1980s.

Education:

Fordham University, New York, New York
Master’s Degree in Social Services

Hunter College, New York, New York
Bachelor’s Degree of Arts, Major: Psychology

Professional Memberships:

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy
Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)
California Society for Clinical Social Workers
National Association for Social Workers