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Welcome to
Cognitive Solutions

Leslie Scher Miller, Ph.D.

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My Approach

The aim of my practice is to provide scientifically-supported interventions to help clients resolve their symptoms and achieve their therapeutic goals. I strive to help my clients reach their goals as rapidly and directly as possible and provide the tools needed to maintain progress after therapy is complete.

 

My approach is supportive, collaborative, active, and focused. I work from a cognitive-behavioral orientation and integrate other research-based approaches as needed to enhance outcome (e.g., action and commitment therapy, mindfulness). I empower my clients with specific, practical skills that can be applied directly in their day-to-day lives and understand that each client is unique, so each course of treatment is individualized to be effective and cost-efficient and meet the specific needs of each client.

Meet Dr. Miller

Leslie Scher Miller, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience providing cognitive-behavioral therapy. Dr. Miller is one of few psychologists in San Diego certified as a cognitive therapist by The Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego in 1998. Dr. Miller then completed a two-year fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where she remained as a faculty member for an additional three years. As faculty, Dr. Miller directed the childhood trauma program, which provided Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) for children and families. In Los Angeles, she also maintained a private practice with adults, adolescents, and children, specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

 

Dr. Miller returned to San Diego in 2004 and continued her cognitive-behavioral training and practice at The Cognitive Therapy Institute. Dr. Miller’s current practice focuses on providing cognitive behavioral interventions for children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Miller is also on staff at The Boys’ Institute for Growth, offering specialized treatment to boys and their family members.

 

Dr. Miller’s professional memberships include the American Psychological Association (APA) and The Academy of Cognitive Therapy.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured and solution-focused psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested in thousands of research studies and found to be effective for a wide range of psychological issues. Studies have shown that CBT can be as effective as medication for anxiety, panic, phobias, worry and depression. The premise of CBT is that thoughts (not situations and events) cause feelings and behavior. For example, when contemplating entering cognitive therapy, one individual may think, “Nothing can really help me. It is too difficult to try to make a change.” As a result, this person will likely feel discouraged and may not attempt therapy. Another individual may think, “CBT sounds like it can be helpful. It is different than what I have tried before and may be able to give me some new skills.” This person is likely to feel more hopeful and eager to try therapy. Thus, the same situation with different thoughts may likely lead to different emotions and behavior.  

 

CBT is collaborative and action-oriented, with the therapist and client working together to identify and solve problems. The therapist helps the client overcome current difficulties through changing his or her thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. Therapy is often time-limited and focused on the client developing skills that will last a lifetime. CBT can be used as an independent form of therapy or as an addition to general therapy to create a brief, focused intervention for a specific issue (e.g., weight loss, panic).

For more information about cognitive therapy, please visit The Academy of Cognitive Therapy web-site.

Specialties

Services are provided for children, adolescents and adults, with specialization in the following areas:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder

  • Panic Disorder

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Phobias

  • Trauma/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Stress Reduction

  • Depression

  • Body Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorders (e.g.,
    hair pulling and skin picking)

  • Tics

  • Weight loss/management

  • Childhood feeding disorders

  • Chronic medical conditions 

  • Sleep issues

  • Life transitions

How to Connect

Address

11300 Sorrento Valley Road (#106)

San Diego, CA 92121

Contact

858-414-9332

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