Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist | Sherman Oaks, California | In-Person and Virtual Therapy and Testing
Finding Clarity When Life Feels Overwhelming
Many people arrive in therapy feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how to move forward. You might be carrying years of tension in your relationships or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer make sense. When life feels out of balance, it can be hard to imagine anything different.
I’m Dr. Joel Frank, a licensed psychologist at Duality Psychological Services in Sherman Oaks, California. I help clients understand what is happening beneath the surface so they can feel more grounded in their daily lives.
My approach is calm, direct, and deeply respectful of your experiences. I believe meaningful change begins with clarity, and therapy gives us a space to explore your story in a way that brings insight, confidence, and a stronger sense of control.
Why Work With Me
I’ve spent years helping clients untangle the impact of trauma, family-of-origin wounds, and relationship patterns that leave them feeling powerless. Most of the people I work with are high-functioning adults who have held things together for a long time, often at the expense of their own wellbeing. They come in feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or unsure how to break long-standing cycles.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. I take time to understand who you are, what you carry, and what has shaped the way you move through the world. My goal is to help you understand yourself more clearly so you can make choices that feel grounded, intentional, and aligned with your values.
My Therapy Approach
Therapy should feel useful and grounded in your real life. My approach is integrative, practical, and personalized. Each session is shaped around what you need that day. Some conversations go deeper into long-standing emotional patterns. Other sessions focus on straightforward tools that help you navigate daily challenges.
Here is how I approach our work together:
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We explore how past experiences influence the way you respond to stress, conflict, and relationships
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These skills support emotional regulation, reduce overwhelm, and help you feel more regulated when life feels intense.
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A practical method that addresses trauma and substance use concerns while strengthening coping strategies in the present.
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We examine long-standing patterns, especially those shaped by difficult family dynamics, and bring clarity to why certain situations continue to feel painful or familiar.
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These conversations strengthen your ability to speak clearly, maintain balance in relationships, and move away from people pleasing or extreme self protection.
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We identify what calms your system, what activates it, and how to find more stability when emotions rise quickly.
Getting to Know Me
I became a psychologist because I understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed, overextended, and unsure how to regain your footing. Those experiences shaped how I approach this work. I value honesty, compassion, and the type of clarity that helps people feel more grounded in their lives.
I care deeply about helping clients understand themselves in a way that brings more balance and personal power. I am calm and thoughtful in my style, and I approach every conversation with genuine respect for the strength it takes to confront long-standing patterns.
Let’s Work Together
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you already feel stretched thin. Therapy can help you understand what lies beneath the surface and create realistic changes. If you would like to explore working together, please reach out with any questions or to schedule a consultation.
Training and Clinical Focus
Psychologist license #PSY33924
Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Neuropsychology
Specialized training in trauma informed care, DBT-informed tools, Seeking Safety, and relational therapy
Experience working with PTSD, complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, and family of origin patterns
Extensive work with ADHD, autism, and psychodiagnostic assessment
Clinical experience in state hospitals, university hospitals, crisis settings, community mental health, and outpatient therapy
Works with adults, young adults, transitional-age youth, adolescents, and families across California
Ready for Support That Brings Clarity?
Duality Psychological Services offers therapy and psychological testing in Sherman Oaks to help you understand your patterns, feel grounded, and move forward with more clarity. When you’re ready, we are here to talk through what you’re facing and help you take the next step.