Judy Rosenberg, PhD

For decades, clinical psychologist Judy Rosenberg, PhD, has worked to help clients improve their lives. Originally from Budapest, Hungary, Judy grew up in Montreal, Canada, and then relocated to California. After earning her undergraduate degree in psychology from UCLA and her master’s degree and PhD from California Graduate Institute, she established a smoking cessation and weight loss business called Habit Breakers. During that time she wrote the book Dr. Judy’s Habit Breakers: Stop Smoking Plan. 

Judy entered the field of psychotherapy in 1993 and opened the Psychological Healing Center in 2014. She outlines her system of healing in her 2015 book Be The Cause: Healing Human Disconnect, available on Amazon.

What is your professional philosophy? 

My mission statement is to heal human and global disconnect created by a multigenerational blueprint of wounds to the psyche. I created the Be The Cause Mind Map System for healing, which my staff and I use following a 10-session pathway to healing via the Mind Map. By decoding the past and recoding the future, patients can paradigm shift from being “at the effect” of their life to “being the cause.” By identifying childhood wounds, how they impact the psyche, and how to process emotions that keep us stuck in old patterns that shadow our lives and stop our psychological growth, we can stop the multigenerational “psycho” pathology. 

We also work with many couples on the brink of breakup and help both people clear their individual limitations so they can become better versions of themselves and more relationship-ready. During couples therapy, we emphasize healing individually first and building synergy in the relationship.

What’s the #1 way you empower patients to improve their health? 

I see psychopathology and symptoms as a result of a “system gone wrong.” When patients present with symptoms, I source the cause. Symptoms are only the outcome of the problem. By identifying the cause of the problem and dismantling it at the inception point, patients can heal from past pain and have a better future. 

What is your practice known for? 

Deep healing of wounds of abuse, neglect, and particularly the wound of apathy associated with narcissistic injuries that get repeated in relationships and create trauma. My system of healing discovers the cause of depression, anxiety, complex PTSD and poor relationship patterns.

What makes you the best in your field? 

My team and I concentrate on the cause of psychopathology as opposed to dealing with the symptoms (their effects). We have a very strong treatment plan that is well thought out and saves people time and money. Unlike traditional therapy, we don’t believe in talk therapy that can go on for months and years. It is important to psychoeducate people while they are healing so they can learn how to “think like a shrink” and become therapy-independent. Helping people recognize patterns that they inherited from their family of origin and how breaking these patterns will serve not only them but the next generation as well allows healing in the here and now, and pays this healing forward as well.

How does the ambience of your office make patients more comfortable? 

A healing therapeutic environment is an important contribution to mental health. I work at my beautiful mid-century modern home in tranquil Sherman Oaks—a healing environment with glass walls, original 1960s architecture and plenty of greenery. Patients feel welcome in a private setting with a skyline view of the mountains. Because of the private setting, patients who value their privacy feel very comfortable and welcome. Patients can also choose to use teletherapy for their convenience and added privacy.

What are some ways we can ensure balance in our lives? 

The mind and the body are interconnected, so a large part of mental health involves eating healthy and exercising. By balancing diet, exercise and mental health, we recognize that all aspects interconnect to create a healthy mind and body. I try to set a good example by eating organic, getting plenty of sleep, hiking and practicing yoga. I live in a beautiful, peaceful environment and value my family, friends and my dog. Having loving relationships feeds my soul. 

How do you engage with your community? 

I have a YouTube channel, Dr. Judy WTF (What The Freud!), where I talk about mental health topics every Thursday at 8 p.m. Pacific time. There are more than 400 episodes posted to the YouTube channel. My website features many blog entries on mental health. I have been featured in several magazines and on TV shows and news broadcasts. 

A final thought you’d like to leave our readers with?

As Einstein said, “Smart people solve problems; geniuses prevent them.” My goal is to go beyond problem-solving and help people prevent future problems by recognizing the patterns of the past.