Carole Gelker, PhD

Psychoanalyst

Dr. Carole Gelker is a Psychoanalyst in Santa Ana, CA with special training and skill in performing a specific type of therapy called psychoanalysis. As a Psychoanalyst, Carole Gelker, PhD performs therapy related to the unconscious mind. Psychoanalysis is a medical specialty centered on treating mental disorders by uncovering harmful repressed fears and conflicts so they can be permanently resolved. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Psychoanalysts include depression, anxiety, sexual disorders, self-destructive behavior, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), self-harm behavior, grief and anger management, and mood disturbances. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Psychoanalysts include mental health asssessment and diagnosing, free association, dream analysis, behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, prescribing medication, and referral to other specialists as needed.

Psychoanalysis is a comprehensive, theoretical framework which, when applied to a treatment process, consists of an intensive verbal, therapeutic relationship between an analyst and an analysand which aims for symptom relief, emotional growth, and personal integration. The psychoanalytic treatment process includes, but is not limited to, the recognition of unconscious processes and conflicts; the significance of developmental influences; and the impact of resistances, defenses, transference and countertransference phenomena. Treatment is enhanced by an understanding developed in the analyst's training and personal analysis of unconscious manifestations, such as dreams, slips of the tongue, fantasies and day dreams. Psychoanalytic technique varies in relation to theoretical orientation.

Marriage & Family Therapist

Dr. Carole Gelker is a Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Ana, CA with special training and skill in interviewing and diagnosing clients, then counseling them and treating any mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage and family. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, Carole Gelker, PhD performs counseling and emotional support to help families navigate relationship and behavioral issues, while seeking to secure a long-term solution to mental and emotional disorders and a wide variety of relationship issues. Marriage & Family Therapy is the modification of perceptions and behavior, as well as improvement of communication among spouses and family members in crisis. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Marriage & Family Therapists include marital conflict, dysfunctional behavior, communication issues, and mental illness. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Marriage & Family Therapists include interviewing, observing, counseling, and customizing treatment plans for clients in marriages and families.

A marriage and family therapist is a person with a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, or a master's or doctoral degree in a related mental health field with substantially equivalent coursework in marriage and family therapy, who receives supervised clinical experience, or a person who meets the state requirements to practice as a marriage and family therapist. A marriage and family therapist treats mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage and family systems. A marriage and family therapist provides mental health and counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups.