Dr. V Offers an Alternative Approach to Therapy
Nestled in Beverly Hills, Dr. Venus Nicolino - also known as "Dr. V" is providing patients with an alternative approach to psychological therapy. Dr. V embodies a careful mixture of intelligence, insight, visionary spirit and common sense. Her private practice offers an alternative kind of therapy that is relationship centered–the relationship with oneself and humanity.
Practicing a combination of behaviorism, psychodynamic and humanistic theory, her work focuses on taking one’s attention off the self and placing it selflessly onto others–an awareness of oneself in the context of other people.
Her unique approach to therapy revolves around a simple and universal philosophy: Empathy will make you rich.
Dr. V explains, "Empathy is commonly defined as one’s ability to recognize, perceive and directly experience the emotion of another. Empathy is often characterized as the ability to put oneself into another’s shoes, experiencing the outlook or emotions of another being within oneself as an emotional resonance. Because one’s state of mind, beliefs and desires effect one’s emotions, people with empathy more easily define and understand other’s moods and modes of thought. If you have a deep understanding for where the other person is coming from, naturally follows an incredible ability to foster fruitful friendships, successful business transactions, rewarding relationships and overall happiness and abundance in your life." Empathy is a universal ability. As a result, it doesn’t matter if you’re in one of the world’s wealthiest city, a small suburban town, or a war torn village. It doesn’t matter if you’re five, fifteen or fifty. No matter who you are, or where you’re headed, Dr. V will reach you.
Dr. V believes that empathy is so crucial to the human experience and without it we are lonely people; "There is an epidemic of loneliness sweeping this country… there is a lack of community, ritual and family. I have patients who are in relationships, and yet they feel alone." Dr. V explains that this epidemic is caused in part by a recent rise in levels of cultural narcissism. "We are so self involved that we cannot understand each other anymore," she says. Dr. V identifies this as the, "Me Cultural."
Dr. V’s guidance is designed to enhance every aspect of an empathic experience by taking into account the individual’s culture and history. Age appropriate interventions, along with values and traditions of the community are used to create a dialogue between the self and the world. Sessions help enhance innate empathic ability; celebrating one’s individual character, while helping one gain an appreciation of the uniqueness of humanity.
Doctor V’s glamorous heart-sense is the hallmark of her practice. Discriminating consumers have come to rely on her as an affordable luxury for the self. A session with her is an escape from the mundane, as well as an opportunity to experience a level of the personal that is, well… truly personal.
Although most of her work is done with individual clients, Dr. V has a vision that she wants to share with the world. Dr. V firmly believes that empathy can cure many of society’s problems. When asked what is meant by this, she elaborates: "If we have higher levels of cultural narcissism, we have lower levels of empathy—Without empathy people have problems making deep connections that are so vital to healthy inter and intra personal relationships. With empathy, people find solutions to human discord."
Empathy can be taught and Dr. V has made it her objective to do so. However, she claims that the idea of empathy needs to be incorporated in more than just psychological therapy. "We need to be proactive and teach our children empathy from the very beginning of development," she says.
Dr. V’s deep commitment toward her work and genuine desire to help others continues to create astounding results, a fact to which her many clients can attest.
About Dr. V
Dr. Venus Nicolino (Dr. V) provides Psychological services to adolescents and adults with a particular emphasis on depression, anxiety, life transition, trauma and grief. Dr. V practices a combination of behaviorism, psychodynamic and humanistic theory. She received a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from New York University, a Masters in Clinical Psychology and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at California School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. V’s private practice is located at:
9171 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
#310-248-3737
For more information please visit www.talk2drv.com.
Wait! Don´t forget to Subscribe for Free!
Main Feed | What is RSS?
Enter your E-mail below to Subscribe
We will not sell or distribute your e-mail address to anyone else.
Written by Staff Writer
Perfect for a gift this holiday season - Coldspring, written by Cheri Mancuso and John Scarano, is a tale of karmic connections over 12,000 years ending in murder. 
This holiday, give a unique gift certificate to your loved ones at the stunning La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad. 
Spectrum Wine Auctions will host their first auction of Aubrey McClendon’s collection among other rare wines in Dana Point this Saturday. 
This holiday season, shop for a cause at the star-studded philanthropic 
Relax this Thanksgiving because Koo Koo Roo is making your preparations easy with their Thanksgiving take-out specials. 
Film and television composer Curt Harpel brings years of experience and energy to your music. 
24 Comments, Comment or Ping
Ronnit S.
Dear Dr. V.
How can you be empathy with people that you have problem with? I feel angry at them and I can’t make a deep connections with them.
I know that love and hate are very thin line.
but it is very hard for me to feel love to the people that hurt me.
Can you help me?
R.
Oct 26th, 2007
Janice M.
Dr V speaks of true dedication to psych services and empowering her clients. Her message on empathy is a testament to the helping profession and her dedication to client recovery. Friends and clients alike have been fortunate to cross paths with Dr V.
Oct 26th, 2007
Doug S.
With our continued acceleration of cultural narcissism, medication has become the norm. Many people think they are deficient in chemicals, yet upon deeper examination, we can see that our cultually celebrated narcissism is our true illness, the cause of self-centered misery. This misery is not our fault, but simply a bi-product of our conditioned aim to “fit in and win.” Dr. V has the heart and “know how” to break through our self destructive narcissism and brings us to the vast and wonderful human landscape of compassion and empathy. This empathy is the place where true friendship and love resides. Thanks Dr. V.
Oct 28th, 2007
Amy
Dr. Venus has provided insightful, caring and supportive guidance to those
around us and in our community. She is a valuable member of the well-being
team!
Oct 28th, 2007
Victoria M.
I agree with Dr. V. Empathy is lacking in our society, especial our children. I have two kids of my own and Dr. V explained to me her thoughts reguarding empathy and how it is one of the most important things we can teach our children. I remember her words daily as I try and rear my children, our future.
Oct 28th, 2007
Asher D.
I congratulate Dr.V on championing a more empathetic attitude in a city that has developed a (sometimes well-deserved) reputation for being self involved. I would be interested in learning more about her philosophies.
Oct 28th, 2007
Meeshy K.
Dr. V,
You are wonderful!! I thank you for all your great advice. I truly miss my sessions with you while sipping hot chocolate.:)Meeshy
Oct 29th, 2007
Anna M.
It’s a very interesting take on the world. I never really thought about “empathy” but when I do, I can see where the doctor gets her theory. Everytime I was able to see another person’s point or tried to put myself in his or her shoes, the dynamic changed…for the better. I like what she has to say because it’s not about pill popping or a quick fix but about really understanding a more gentle side of humanity.
Oct 29th, 2007
Lance M.
I think Dr. V has some great points here. I do believe this world lacks empathy and she is definitely onto something. I have seen this both in the work world and in my children’s interactions with other school children. When did this world stop caring about one another? I don’t know how we fix this problem, that appears to be an epidemic. Is it our capitalist society that over time has metamorphised from the American Dream of the 50s to the American Extreme of the 21st century. Perhaps we are substituting our need for a common bond with our love of materialism – people for objects…sad. Keep up the good work Dr. V – with Doctors like you – perhaps there is hope.
P.S. you are one great looking doctor!
Oct 29th, 2007
Jennifer H.
Dr. V.!!
What a wonderful message!
I read a book called Compassion in Action by Ram Dass and Murabai Bush.
I think of compassion and empathy as very similar. It seems like so much of the world is wired to react rather than to respond.
I am so glad such a wonderful and intelligent woman is spreading the word and healing the world one person at a time.
You’re the best!
Oct 29th, 2007
Kitty McCray
Hi Ven,
Great article. Our pill-popping generation is always looking for the quick fix and not the deeper answers. I don’t believe everyone has empathy for their fellow man, especially enemies. That would be the hard way out and we are always looking for the easy way out. Takes a lot of hard work and a dismissal of your initial feelings, and choosing to take a deeper look.
Aunt Catherine
Oct 30th, 2007
Vonny Faucheux
This is so true and such great advice for all of us to live by…we truely are a “me culture” and its very unattractive…I will be sending this article to all of my family and friends!!! This should be everyone’s new years resolution!! “Be Empathetic” Good work Venus..looking forward to seeing you SOON…Vonny
Oct 30th, 2007
Michelle B
This is great information and much needed advice! We all need to be reminded that empathy is the way to bridge gaps between parents and kids, adults and our communities. Thank you Dr. V for raising the awareness on this serious issue!
Oct 30th, 2007
Melany Friedlander
Dear Dr. V’:
Your statement, that “there is an epidemic of loneliness sweeping this country,” is right on point! As a member of the healing profession, I’ve witnessed this sad truth time and time again with almost every single one of my clients. In our society, we are constantly looking to external sources for happiness, constantly looking to “trade up” (better car, better house, better spouse). But once we’ve aquired the “upgraded” product or person, we realize that we’re still unhappy. Why? Because, as you correctly point out, we lack the ability to deeply connect with that which is already in front of us. I applaude your commitment to eradicate this sad epidemic by educating your clients about the importance of empathy.
Oct 31st, 2007
Amy F.
Dr. V is truly a ray of sunshine-y hope in a sometimes jaded city. Her love of humanity, boundless generosity and enthusiasm, true kindness, and sparkling smile and laugh are deeply inspiring to me. If you have the opportunity to know her, it is a blessing and a gift.
Oct 31st, 2007
Catherine L.
What a great article. Dr. V is truly an amazing person. She has changed my life with empathy. To know her is to believe that all people are good. She looks at the world in a way that brings hope. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.
Nov 2nd, 2007
Bridget G.
What I like about Dr. V is she has the ability to see things clearly, with empathy, and truly believes in helping people, not necessarily changing them for the sake of changing them. She’s really a great person.
Nov 5th, 2007
Gianna
Hi Dr. V,
I’m sitting here with a friend who asks: "How do you empathize when negotiating in business?
Nov 10th, 2007
Dr. V
Gianna,
Oooo?Great question! Negotiating is all about ?competing needs?; you want something from them, they want something from you. The better equipped you are in understanding your own motivations, the better position you?ll be in to understand your opposition: So, ask yourself, ?In this transaction what is driving me?? — fear, anger, unworthiness, rejection etc?? When you?re feeling any of these feelings what do you do to cope? In other words, what ?soothes? you? After you have yourself figured out, you?re now more in tune with the other person. For example, let?s say fear is your motivating factor and when you?re afraid you feel better if you?re heard and understood and let?s say you pick up just a hint of this in the opposition— listen, understand and soothe all your opposition?s fears and doubts?authentically and genuinely . Your humanity will grant you everything you need, the connection will be deeper and they?ll be more inclined to meet your needs. I have more to say on this?.—but that’s just a quick example
Dr. V
Nov 11th, 2007
sharon
This is all very interesting—I think this woman is on to something. I was watching the presidential candidate debates a few months ago and both leading candidates used the word “empathy” a few times in their speeches. I rarely use the word and used to think it was the same as sympathy but I looked it up and it’s not. I think she’s so right but how do we change? How do we take the focus off of ourselves?
I like the overall message —it’s totally different than your average shrink dispensing advice—-she actually has a message that I think many people would listen too. It seems as though she has a like-ability factor, as well.
Nov 13th, 2007
Julie
OMG! I totally ran into this woman at a “Ladies Who Launch” event!! We got to chit chatting or rather, I was talking and she was listening—and now I’m reading about her—weird. She however, is incredible—so disarming and genuine. Further, she’s so gorgeous—-there’s this light around her that makes her even more gorgeous and she’s brilliant! I really enjoyed talking with her. I’m glad to see interesting people getting some press for a change.
Nov 13th, 2007
Dr. V
Dear Sharon,
How do we take the focus off ourselves?
Get involve in your neighborhood or community. According to research, the only way we?ll ever feel good about ourselves is by helping other people. Service to others and leaving a lasting legacy is really at the core of the deepest human needs. Strong relationships and community keep us true to who we are and help us see what our lives are meant to be.
Dr. V
Nov 14th, 2007
Kim Halverson
I love that Dr.V also lives these words too. I was at a party feeling drained from a long work week. She noticed and was so kind to ask if I was feeling alright. Thanks for your empathy Dr.V!
Nov 14th, 2007
kevin
An “epidemic of loneliness”….so true. Especially in Los Angeles. Reading this around the holidays is even more real. Families are dispursed everywhere—no sense of togetherness. Even when most of us are together we’re worried about what others are thinking as opposed to directing our attention outward and living in the moment. I liked this article—it’s meaningful.
Nov 14th, 2007
Comment on “Dr. V Offers an Alternative Approach to Therapy”