Rakefet Benderly

Business Details

29 Years

experience

Your Trusted Clinical Psychologist in Carlsbad, CA

As a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in private practice, I specialize in helping adults overcome depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges. My approach combines psychodynamic psychotherapy with evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mind-body interventions, tailored to each client's unique needs. With advanced training in emotional dynamics and a focus on personal growth, I create a supportive environment where clients develop self-compassion and practical tools for lasting change.

My practice integrates extensive knowledge of human behavior with a commitment to staying current with therapeutic advancements, ensuring clients receive comprehensive care that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term well-being.

Services

Depression Therapy Anxiety Treatment Grief Counseling Relationship Therapy PMDD Management Stress Reduction Life Transitions Support

Details

Year established: 1997

Highlights and features

25+ years of specialized experience in adult mental health treatment
Personalized treatment plans combining multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches
Focus on building self-compassion and sustainable coping strategies
Extensive training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and mind-body techniques
Proven track record helping clients achieve measurable emotional improvements

What people say

Deep professional knowledge Genuinely cares about clients Invaluable guidance Safe and strengthening environment Uncanny insight into emotional patterns

Website

Update Listing

Services

Depression Therapy

Specialized treatment for persistent sadness and loss of interest using psychodynamic therapy combined with cognitive-behavioral techniques. Focuses on identifying emotional patterns, developing coping strategies, and restoring daily functioning. Helps clients rediscover joy through structured interventions and compassionate support.

Anxiety Treatment

Comprehensive anxiety management addressing racing thoughts and physical symptoms through mind-body techniques and psycho-education. Teaches present-moment awareness and breathing exercises to reduce chronic worry while maintaining professional therapeutic standards.

Grief Counseling

Guided processing of bereavement and life transitions using evidence-based approaches to navigate complex emotions. Helps clients establish healthy coping mechanisms while honoring personal grief timelines and maintaining social connections.

Relationship Therapy

Individual-focused approach to relationship challenges using psychodynamic analysis of interaction patterns. Develops communication skills and mutual understanding through private sessions that address underlying emotional dynamics.

PMDD Management

Specialized treatment for severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder combining symptom tracking with behavioral interventions. Addresses mood swings and physical symptoms through lifestyle modifications and targeted therapeutic strategies.

People

Rakefet Benderly

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologist with 25+ years of experience in private practice, specializing in adult mental health treatment. Holds a doctorate from California School of Professional Psychology and maintains evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

Questions

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I primarily use psychodynamic psychotherapy combined with cognitive-behavioral techniques, mind-body approaches, and psycho-education tailored to each client's specific needs.

Do you accept new clients?

My practice is currently full for new clients, but I remain available for existing clients seeking continued therapy sessions.

What mental health issues do you treat?

I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, stress management, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adult clients.

Are telehealth sessions available?

Yes, I offer therapy sessions through secure video conferencing and phone appointments to ensure continued care access.

How long are therapy sessions?

Standard sessions last 50 minutes, with session frequency determined collaboratively based on individual treatment needs and goals.

What's your cancellation policy?

Details about appointment scheduling and cancellation policies are provided during initial consultations to ensure clear expectations.

Reviews (3)

Write a Review

Cary Cotten

Jul 02, 2020 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
Dr. Benderly is an incredible therapist and person. When I started with her, I was in a pretty dark place. She has been able to help me see that there is light in this world. More than that, she has helped me realize that I can be hopeful about the future. I wish there were more than 5 stars to recommend her.

Vannesa S.

Mar 16, 2017 Report

Dr. Benderly has been an immeasurable source of guidance and support. She is wise and caring with honest and helpful feedback. Most importantly, she is genuinely concerned about her patient's welfare and progress. She has just been a wonderful resource and I cannot recommend her more highly. Her guidance has been invaluable in helping me observe, think through and move beyond several tough times. She has an uncanny ability to disentangle complex past experiences that effect our decisions today, and provide useful and actionable suggestions on how to deal with them.
It's clear that she

Adam A.

Mar 17, 2016 Report

Dr. Benderly is smart, compassionate and the consummate professional. I can't recommend her services enough! I started seeing her last year to deal with a difficult time, and she's been nothing short of amazing. She brings a combination of deep professional knowledge of her craft with soul. She very clearly cares deeply about her clients. One thing to note is that if you call, you will almost certainly have to leave a message because she doesn't answer her phone during sessions. (If you're like me, most of the time you just hang up and never call back -- don't