Dr. Lori Montross

Dr. Lori Montross is a California psychologist who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and compassion fatigue. She supports those facing life changes and helps build self‑esteem and renewed purpose. Her approach is grounded, straightforward, and aimed at everyday relief. In sessions she creates an atmosphere of respect and nonjudgment. Conversations focus on what matters now and what the client wants next. She and the client work together to build simple habits and small routines that change day‑to‑day life. Therapy sessions may include practical tools from cognitive behavioral strategies and mindfulness exercises. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas to help people live with difficult feelings while moving toward chosen goals. Work often centers on clearer decision making and smaller, achievable steps. Clients bring a mix of concerns like chronic illness, cancer‑related stress, loneliness, workplace strain, or questions about life purpose and midlife transitions. She pays attention to how emotional pain shows up in relationships and daily routines and helps people find ways to cope that fit their circumstances. After about ten years of clinical work, Dr. Montross aims to leave each person with a clear, personalized plan. That plan outlines practical strategies and next steps they can use after sessions end. The focus stays on usable skills and making progress that feels real.

How her approaches translate to online sessions

Dr. Montross often draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. ACT focuses on values and small actions that move someone toward a more meaningful life, which can be useful for anxiety, grief, and life transitions. She also uses Client‑Centered Therapy, which emphasizes listening and collaboration. This approach creates space for people to speak openly and for the therapist to follow what is most important to them. Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. She will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together the therapist and client decide which methods to try and adjust them as needed. If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check‑ins when needed. It also lets people use mindfulness exercises and behavioral assignments between meetings to practice new habits in daily life.