Dr. Arlene Unger
Experienced CBT-oriented psychologist focused on practical change
CA Psychologist 15383 California
- Experience
- 30 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Languages
- English
About Arlene
Dr. Arlene Unger draws on three decades of clinical experience to offer practical, evidence-informed care grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally-Focused approaches.
Background and approach
She frames therapy as a collaborative process that addresses both immediate problems and longer-standing patterns, helping clients develop skills for managing stress, anxiety, mood concerns, addiction, grief, relationship difficulties, and many other life challenges.
Her background in clinical psychology supports a focus on concrete coping tools and insight-oriented work that can help clients move toward clearer priorities and more satisfying daily functioning.
Clients seeking help with issues such as self esteem, panic attacks, social anxiety, parenting stresses, intimacy concerns, career transitions, or compassion fatigue can expect an individualized plan that blends cognitive and emotion-focused techniques. Dr.
Unger maintains a pragmatic, compassionate stance that emphasizes goal-setting, behavioral experiments, and attention to emotional experience. Based in California and licensed as CA Psychologist 15383, she offers flexible remote session formats to fit varied schedules and needs.
Approach-Focused Online Therapy with Practical Tools
Dr. Unger integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into her online practice. CBT involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and testing new ways of thinking and acting to reduce symptoms like anxiety or depression. ACT emphasizes values-guided action and learning to accept difficult emotions while committing to meaningful behavioral changes, which can be useful for chronic stress, avoidance, and life transitions.Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic work; Dr. Unger collaborates with clients to determine which strategies fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences. She tailors interventions over time, combining cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, mindfulness practices, and emotion-focused techniques as indicated by each person’s situation.
Online delivery through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexible access to ongoing care and short-term support. These formats make it easier to schedule consistent sessions, practice skills between meetings, and maintain continuity of care when life is busy or circumstances change, while still working with a licensed professional who adapts methods to the online setting.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Licensed
California
Languages
English