Dr. Lori Montross

Dr. Lori Montross is a California psychologist (CA Psychologist 25412) with ten years of clinical experience. She works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem concerns, compassion fatigue, and navigating life changes. She also supports people wrestling with life purpose, midlife transitions, workplace strain, and health-related challenges such as chronic illness and cancer.

Her approach is practical and conversational. Sessions are focused on what a person wants to change and on small steps that can fit into daily life. She draws on cognitive behavioral methods and mindfulness to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try new responses. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas are used when the goal is to clarify values and take committed action.

Dr. Montross uses client-centered and existential perspectives to help people name what matters and make decisions that align with their values. Narrative techniques are woven in to help people reframe difficult experiences and reduce the hold of self-critical stories. Expect straightforward talk, concrete skills practice, and time for reflection.

Her work often includes making a simple plan people can use between sessions. That might mean practicing a mindfulness exercise, testing a new way of speaking at work, or writing a short personal values statement. She describes therapy as collaborative - the person and the psychologist decide what to try next.

Sessions are offered in English and are based in California. Prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking and follow the site steps to begin the matching process.

How therapeutic approaches guide online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small actions that reflect those values. It can be useful for people facing life purpose questions, midlife transitions, and chronic health challenges where values guide day-to-day choices.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors. CBT is practical for anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and social anxiety where changing thoughts and routines can reduce distress.

Mindfulness Therapy cultivates present-moment awareness through brief exercises and attention practices. It can reduce rumination, help with stress regulation, and support coping with illness or grief.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to see which methods fit their goals and preferences. Together they try approaches for a few sessions and adjust based on what is helpful.

Confirm current session formats before booking so you know which remote options are available. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Practical benefits include being able to practice skills between sessions in ordinary life and keeping continuity of care through changes in schedule.