- Experienced clinician
- Practical coping strategies
- Focus on daily life
About Erik
Erik Tootell is a California psychologist with 40 years of experience helping people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or trouble concentrating. He aims to make the first step easier by offering steady professional support and a calm, direct approach. Erik focuses on practical ways to manage daily problems and improve thinking and attention where needed.
He listens without judgment and works with each person to build a space where they can speak openly about difficult feelings. Sessions focus on clear goals and small, realistic steps. That can mean learning ways to ease anxiety, developing routines to support attention, or finding ways to cope after loss.
Erik’s background spans four decades in California practice as a CA Psychologist 21367. Over that time he has helped people navigate a wide range of concerns, including challenges linked to adoption and foster care, abandonment, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and communication problems. He brings steady experience rather than quick fixes.
Treatment conversations are straightforward and practical. Erik helps people sort priorities, test changes, and notice progress. The emphasis is on what works in daily life and what a person can try between sessions.
If you want help with mood, attention, trauma, or coping with life changes, Erik can talk through options and next steps. To begin, use the site Start Therapy button and follow the matching questionnaire to schedule a session.
How evidence-based techniques translate to online care
Erik works with evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach he uses helps people learn clear coping skills for anxiety and stress, like breath work, behavioral experiments, and step-by-step exposure to feared situations. These techniques aim to reduce daily distress and build confidence in handling triggers.Another approach concentrates on improving attention and concentration through structured routines and behavioral strategies. This involves breaking tasks into smaller parts, building consistent habits, and training focus with manageable exercises to improve everyday functioning.
Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist discusses your goals, tries methods that fit your needs, and adjusts plans as progress is observed. This collaborative process helps find what feels useful and sustainable for each person.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make sessions more accessible for those managing chronic illness or caregiver responsibilities. Discuss practical needs with the therapist to decide what session rhythm and format will work best for you.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
40+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and ADHD-related focus concerns. He also addresses related issues such as abandonment, caregiver strain, and communication problems.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a plainspoken, goal-focused approach that emphasizes practical steps. Conversations aim to identify small changes that help in day-to-day life.
How long has he been practicing?
He has 40 years of professional work experience in psychological practice.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is licensed as CA Psychologist 21367 and practices in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps do I take to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.