About the practice
Dr. Arlene Drake, PhD, LMFT
Dr. Arlene Drake is a psychotherapist who works with adults healing from the effects of childhood trauma and abuse. She is the author of Carefrontation: Breaking Free From Childhood Trauma (Regan Arts, 2017) and the creator of the practice's guiding philosophy, The End of Endless Therapy.
Credentials, experience, and published work are shown as represented by the practice.
A biography
A career built around understanding childhood
Dr. Arlene Drake has spent her career working with adult survivors of childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect. Her clinical focus is the conviction that the past does not have to dictate the present: that understanding how early experiences shaped beliefs, emotions, and patterns makes meaningful change possible.
Her approach is active, interactive, structured, and goal-oriented. Rather than endless open-ended exploration, therapy is built around understanding, recognizing patterns, developing coping strategies, and building the skills for greater independence and personal agency. This is the philosophy she calls The End of Endless Therapy.
Dr. Drake is the author of Carefrontation: Breaking Free From Childhood Trauma (Regan Arts, 2017), a book that grew out of her clinical work with survivors and her belief in the possibility of durable change.
PhD, LMFT
Doctorate in psychotherapy with licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Over 40 years
Of clinical experience with adults, as represented by the practice.
Author
Carefrontation: Breaking Free From Childhood Trauma, published by Regan Arts in 2017.
Survivor advocate
A career-long focus on the dignity and needs of adult survivors of child abuse.
The philosophy
The End of Endless Therapy
The name of this philosophy describes the practice's aim: therapy that is effective enough that clients do not need it forever. The work is structured around clear goals, honest feedback, and practical tools, so that clients move toward independence.
This is a way of working, not a promise. Results vary from person to person, and there is no fixed timeline for healing.
What the approach involves
- A collaborative, interactive relationship in which the therapist participates actively
- Clear, agreed-upon goals for what you hope to change
- Exploration of how past trauma affects present emotions, beliefs, and relationships
- Practical coping strategies and skills to use between sessions
- Regular review of progress and honest, supportive feedback
- A focus on building independence and personal agency
Virtual therapy
Therapy across California
Virtual therapy is offered to residents of California, connecting adults across the state with focused, structured psychotherapy. During a consultation, the practice confirms telehealth eligibility and whether this format is a good fit.
The practice does not currently offer virtual therapy to residents outside California.
Privacy and confidentiality
Confidentiality, explained plainly
Confidentiality is a central part of the therapeutic relationship. As with any licensed psychotherapy practice, confidential communication is protected by law and professional ethics, with limited exceptions required by law or where there is risk of serious harm. These limits, along with the practice's privacy practices, are explained clearly during the first session.
You can read the practice's privacy policy and accessibility statement at any time.
The consultation
How to begin
The first step is a consultation, where you can ask questions about the practice, the approach, fees, and availability. If both you and the therapist agree that individual, group, or couples therapy is a good fit, a first appointment is scheduled. Requesting a consultation does not guarantee acceptance into treatment.
Begin with a conversation
Hearing whether this is the right fit
If you are an adult survivor of childhood experiences considering therapy, a consultation is a comfortable first step. Ask questions, learn about the approach, and decide without pressure.