Bio
Dr. Fisher is an expert in the treatment of addictive disorders, having worked for the past 30+ years as a counselor, administrator and therapist with treatment programs in Texas, Hawaii, Australia, and California. Dr. Fisher's human touch has enabled him to work with persons of all ages and backgrounds, providing clear and concise direction in a warm, supportive environment.
Returning to school after many years as a certified counselor, Dr. Fisher obtained his BA in psychology in 1995 from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu and his MA in social psychology in 1997 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In Manoa, Dr. Fisher worked closely with his advisor Dr. Elaine Hatfield, a renowned researcher and author on attraction, relationships and sexuality, which has aided him in his work with individuals having difficulties in finding and/or maintaining healthy romantic and familial relationships. Dr. Fisher obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology at Ryokan College in Los Angeles in 1999 and has maintained a private practice since then, along with working in conjunction many of the addictive treatment centers in the Los Angeles area, including Promises, Clearview Treatment Centers, and Authentic Recovery Center (ARC), either as a therapist, group facilitator, or supervisor.
Dr. Fisher has also gone through rigorous training in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) for both addictive and trauma related issues, as well as its use as a means of installing positive internal resources for individuals to call upon for strength and insight to help themselves. He is currently working with Dr. Don Dorsey in the EMDR International Association’s certification process.
Dr. Fisher uses his keen intuition to cut to the core of his client’s issues and helps them unlock their own intuitive voice. His casual, non-judgmental demeanor inspires his clients to open up and strive to reach their full potential. Through his own personal recovery from addiction, and the years of working with addicts, he has developed a holistic approach, incorporating the four bodies: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Many individuals believe that once they feel better, they will act differently. Research however, indicates that the opposite is true; we feel differently, and consequently think differently, when we act differently. Dr. Fisher employs this concept in his therapy, teaching clients to change their behavior in clear, practical ways, as a means to changing their mindset and their feelings.
In his work with high profile clients, Dr. Fisher has helped those individuals deal with the unique issues that arise for them, especially when the fame and fortune occur rather suddenly. Additionally, many very creative individuals fear that they will lose their creative edge as they attempt to heal from their chemical dependencies. Dr. Fisher aids his clients in learning to harness and channel their powerful creative energies in a productive and healthy manner.