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.