Hi, I’m Dory.

I’m a therapist providing online psychotherapy for teen boys, young adults, and men across California who are struggling with anxiety, depression, symptoms of trauma or PTSD, and relationship challenges. I also work with teens and adults of all backgrounds who are looking for a safe, steady space to be understood and to make sense of what they’re experiencing.

Therapy offers a place to slow down, build understanding, and cultivate greater emotional clarity, poise, and direction—especially if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected but aren’t sure why. You don’t need a clear diagnosis or a fully formed goal to begin.

Even when emotions or behaviors feel confusing or out of control, I’ve found they usually make sense when approached with curiosity. Leaning toward understanding rather than self-criticism often opens up clarity and direction that had felt out of reach.

My goal is to offer a thoughtful, emotionally attuned space where you can explore what’s happening beneath the surface and move toward a life that feels more grounded and genuine.

Dory Herman, AMFT #144732
I offer online therapy to private-pay and Medi-Cal clients in California, under the supervision of licensed clinicians.

What therapy can offer:

• Experiences that lead to real relief
  Not just talking about feelings, but working with them in ways that create clarity, movement, and a sense of internal shift.

• A steady, responsive therapeutic relationship
  Being met with attention and care becomes part of how change takes place.

• Clearer understanding of your patterns
  How past experiences, relationships, and emotional habits continue to influence how you think, feel, and relate today.

• Greater emotional clarity and flexibility
  Recognizing what you’re feeling sooner and responding with more choice, rather than getting stuck or pulled off course.

• Structure and guidance when helpful
  Breaking challenges into workable steps without losing sight of the deeper work underneath.

• Change that feels meaningful and sustainable
  Greater self-trust, more satisfying relationships, and a clearer sense of direction over time.

Some people come to therapy with a clear question or concern. Others arrive with a more general sense that something isn’t sitting right.

You may feel tense, disconnected, emotionally numb, or stuck in patterns that no longer feel workable. You might notice the same relationship dynamics repeating, or a sense of isolation that’s hard to name. Even when things look “fine” on the outside, internally something feels off.

Healing, growth, and change are hard work—especially when you’re trying to do it alone. You don’t need to be certain that therapy is the answer in order to begin exploring what’s happening.

What this work is like

Therapy here is steady and collaborative. We move at a pace that allows things to make sense, without pushing or rushing. The work is focused on understanding patterns, working with emotions as they show up, and creating real shifts that carry into daily life.

You don’t need to know what to say or have things figured out to begin.

Find your poise

When you access your poise, you’re no longer fighting yourself. Thoughts slow down and become easier to follow. Emotions feel clearer and easier to trust. You’re better able to stay present in relationships and respond with intention rather than habit.

Poise is a state of self-possession, balance, and internal steadiness. From this place, focus comes more easily; emotions provide guidance rather than interference; and relating feels more natural. From here, meaningful change becomes possible.