About

Dr. Commerford is a clinical psychologist licensed to practice in the state of California. He earned a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the California School of Professional Psychology (APA accredited) at Alliant International University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from the University of Redlands. He received extensive clinical training as a doctoral student at Wise and Healthy Aging in Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center in Van Nuys, and Hillview Mental Health Center in Pacoima. He has worked with diverse and multicultural populations everywhere he has practiced. In his postdoctoral training he worked under psychologists and a psychiatrist performing comprehensive neurocognitive and psychological evaluations in the greater southern California area.

His current areas of practice include but are not limited to anxiety, trauma, chronic pain/health issues, interpersonal relationships, aging, depression, life changes, and ADHD/impulse control. He also conducts neurocognitive and comprehensive psychological assessments.

Philosophy:

Change is a constant experience of life. Whether we seek change or change finds us, challenges arise as we strive to better ourselves through understanding. This is part of the human journey. As a psychologist, it is my goal to bring understanding, meaning, and skills to those who work with me. I believe that genuineness, compassion, and respect are imperative in all aspects of clinical work - be that in therapy or assessment.

Treatment orientation:

I was trained in evidence based models of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I use CBT as a basis for individual psychotherapy, although I utilize multimodal therapy (MMT). I do not believe there is only one "correct" way to treat an individual. As such, treatment should be as fluid and dynamic as the person.

Assessments:

I have comprehensive experience conducting neurocognitive, medical/legal, and psychodynamic assessments. I have worked under and with psychiatrists and performed requested consulting evaluations for neurosurgeons. Much of my work was submitted for use in ongoing legal cases.