Margaret L. Stoll, Ph.D.
Margaret L. Stoll, Ph.D. Psychology License: #PSY7624
In addition to providing psychological services for over 30 years, Dr. Stoll has been a mentor for many years. Previously, she was a Coordinator of Graduate Training at the Verdugo Mental Health Center in Glendale, California, and a supervisor for Graduate Psychology students for the California School of Professional Psychology counseling center. Dr. Stoll supervises postgraduate mental health interns at The Maple Counseling Center in Los Angeles, California. In addition, she provides consultation and supervision to attorneys, clergy, educators, students, and other mental health professionals. Personal Statement I am a Clinical Psychologist with private practices in both Glendale and Redondo Beach, California. I received my Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles in 1981 with a specialty in Children and Families, and treat patients of all ages – individuals, couples, and families. I approach treatment by exploring not only the client’s current situation but also their past. I believe that the way we think, feel and behave in the present is often influenced by important past experiences and relationships. We may develop habitual behaviors or repetitive patterns of relationships that recreate our earlier ones. These patterns become destructive when we are “programmed” by our history to repeat relationships or situations that are dissatisfying or unsuccessful. Therefore, I help clients see and understand these patterns, and how they may be compromising themselves in the present. This awareness, combined with learning new ways of thinking and behaving, helps clients develop more effective and satisfying reactions, relationships and life choices. While my psychotherapy with children includes a thorough developmental and social history, I tend to focus more on the present. After gaining an understanding of the child’s problems or developmental issues, we work on creating strengths, coping skills and more effective ways of thinking, managing emotions and interacting with others. We also engage their family as important influences on the child’s functioning. I work in cooperation with parents both in discovering their child’s difficulties and in supporting them in positive change. I develop an individualized treatment plan unique to the needs and circumstances of each person, couple or family. I recognize the varied objectives clients have for seeking therapy. Some enter therapy in reaction to a crisis or life event, wishing to overcome it, return to their previous level of stability and end the therapy as soon as stability is regained. Others seek what might be labeled an “educational model” of therapy. They may begin with one or more emotional or interpersonal problem, but also desire to grow and increase self-understanding in a deeper way beyond symptom reduction. Finally, others seek therapy after tolerating some chronic condition they have been unable to overcome. They may view therapy as a last resort, reluctantly seeking treatment only after admitting they need professional help beyond self, family or friends to achieve relief. I provide psychotherapy from each of these perspectives. A basic value inherent in all of my psychotherapeutic work is my respect and empathy for others. By providing an accepting relationship in a confidential setting I help my clients begin to know and understand themselves more fully. Being authentic with another person is therapeutic in itself and leads to greater self-acceptance and comfort with others. The therapeutic relationship supports the client and fosters the psychological work needed to overcome one’s problems and improve one’s life. |
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