Dr. Ayala Ofek
Dr. Ayala Ofek is a licensed clinical psychologist providing therapy to adults, teens, and couples. Dr. Ofek strongly believes in creating a warm and trusting therapeutic relationship with clients as a necessary prerequisite for treatment success. She practices treatments that are scientifically-backed and tailored to each individual to create lasting change.
Dr. Ayala Ofek’s training and professional background includes:
Licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY 26396).
BA in psychology from UCLA, including honors research.
Doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University.
Postdoctoral fellowship specializing in affective disorders at UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
Licensed staff psychologist at UCLA CAPS, including supervising pre and postdoctoral clinicians and administering the Continuing Education program for licensed staff and serving on the eating disorder team.
Staff psychologist in the Psychiatry Department at UCLA Health and Ronald Reagan Medical Center.
Clinical professor at UCLA Department of Psychology.
Lecturer on Competence-Based Supervision at UCLA Department of Psychology.
Published author in the areas of supervision in psychology.
Expert Item Writer for the national licensing exam on the topics of supervision and consultation.
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“No great thing is created suddenly.”
— Epictetus
Dr. Ofek specializes in treating the following areas:
Anxiety
Anxiety or stress that interferes with functioning, including generalized anxiety, panic, phobias, and social anxiety. Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health issue in the US and globally. Focused treatment can produce significant and enduring improvement.
Depression/Mood Concerns
Depressed mood, apathy, a sense of emptiness, and/or irritability can be indications of depression or a symptom of bipolar disorder.
Relationship Concerns
Relationship concerns are one of the most common issues that come up in therapy, for both individuals and couples. Relationship concerns may center around romantic relationships, or other relationships such as family, colleagues, and friends.
Obssesive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Intrusive thoughts that lead to marked distress can be a sign of OCD. The gold standard treatment often combines some form of ERP and third wave behavioral interventions.
Perfectionism/High Achievement
Perfectionism is often association with negative self-evaluation, shame, guilt, and even procrastination or other behaviors that negatively impact functioning. On the other hand, high achieving and accomplished individuals may have high self regard and discipline but seek help with managing stress, responsibility, or improving connection and interaction with others.
Disordered Eating
Restricted food intake, chronic dieting, binge eating, emotional eating and other issues can impact both physical and psychological health and often require multimodal treatment.
Trauma/PTSD
Past traumas that lead to lingering symptoms can be treated even in brief psychotherapy. Treatments such as CPT, WET, and ACT can produce rapid changes and lead to significant relief.
Self-Esteem/Self Confidence
Everyone is drawn to confident people and when confidence and self-esteem are decreased it can lead to negative consequences and high distress in many aspects of life. Treatment can help develop a more balanced self image and help individuals find fulfillment in life.
Body Image Concerns
Body image concerns can accompany disordered eating or occur on their own and lead to significant distress that impacts, relational, social and occupational functioning.
Perinatal Affective Disorders
Pregnancy, postpartum, and undergoing fertility treatments can create unique vulnerability to mood and anxiety symptoms. These symptoms can often be managed with therapy and other interventions.
Health and Medical Issues
Health and medical issues, including cancer, chronic pain, or fertility issues in oneself or a loved one often present unique psychological challenges that can be addressed in therapy.
Grief and Loss
Loss and grief are an unavoidable part of life. At times these experiences can lead to lasting distress or can be beneficial to process in a therapeutic setting.