Erik Tootell, CA Psychologist 21367 - Therapist in California

40 years experience
Focus on coping skills
Practical day-to-day tools

About Erik

Erik Tootell is a California psychologist with 40 years of experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, and attention difficulties. He speaks plainly and aims to make first steps feel manageable for people who are worried or overwhelmed. He emphasizes a calm, nonjudgmental space where someone can say what they are feeling and thinking.

He focuses on practical ways to manage symptoms and day-to-day struggles. Sessions look at coping strategies for anxiety and grief, ways to handle traumatic memories and the effects of abuse, and tools to improve focus and memory. He also addresses related concerns such as abandonment, adoption and foster care issues, caregiving strain, chronic illness and pain, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster.

Erik works to build trust so conversations can go where they need to go. He encourages straightforward talk about what is working and what is not, then adapts the pace to each person. He supports people who want clearer thinking, steadier emotions, and more reliable daily routines.

His work draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide decisions in sessions. As a CA Psychologist 21367, he brings long experience to each case while treating people with respect and patience.

To begin, he asks people to describe their current concerns and goals. From there he and the client shape a plan that feels doable and focused on measurable steps forward.

Approaches That Guide Online Work

Erik uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to shape sessions in concrete ways. One common approach focuses on teaching coping skills and behavioral strategies to reduce anxiety and manage stress. This approach breaks larger problems into small, doable steps and teaches practical tools to use between sessions.

Another approach centers on processing trauma and grief in paced, supportive conversations. That work helps people make sense of difficult experiences and develop ways to tolerate strong emotions while rebuilding daily routines and relationships.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist and client review current concerns, goals, and preferences and agree on which techniques to try. Plans are adjusted over time based on what is helpful, making the process collaborative rather than fixed.

Confirm the current session formats before booking, since formats were not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into busy days, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a quick conversation is needed. It also makes regular, consistent work more feasible for people juggling caregiving, work, or health challenges. Licensed professionals aim to match the session rhythm and tools to each person’s life so progress can happen between sessions.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief DepressionADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issues Guilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counseling Immigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Experience

40+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He helps people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and ADHD-related focus and memory concerns.

How would you describe his therapy style?

His style is straightforward and compassionate, creating a nonjudgmental space and working on practical coping strategies for daily life.

What experience does he bring?

He has 40 years of professional experience working with a wide range of emotional and cognitive concerns.

What are his credentials and where is he based?

He is a California psychologist, credential listed as CA Psychologist 21367, and practices in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with him?

He is not currently accepting international clients.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.