Dr. Anthony Fiore

About Anthony

My approach

I start by assessing each partner's aspirations for themselves and for the marriage,to make sure we are all on the same track. Then we discuss the "why' of you might want to go through the effort of trying to change things. Next, we discuss what might be standing in the way of change or growth. Finally, I teach you practical skills/tools to actively use.

About me

Like many therapists, I came from a fairly dysfunctional home but didn't know that at the time. I started out in engineering in college and then took my first psychology course and was mesmerized by what I was learning in the psychology course. I was love at first encounter.

More background

What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?

Like many therapists, I came from a fairly dysfunctional home but didn't know that at the time. I started out in engineering in college and then took my first psychology course and was mesmerized by what I was learning in the psychology course. I was love at first encounter. By my junior year, I knew I wanted to become a professional psychologist so I could understand people better and hopefully help them. Looking back, honestly I think I wanted to learn skills to heal my own family (Didn't work, unfortunately). I get much satisfaction and emotional reward if I feel I have helped someone and those feelings are what kept me going and inspired me professionally through the years.

What would be important for someone to know about working with you?

I believe that effective therapy not only involves "talk," but also education, skill-building, and practice between sessions. I highly encourage clients to focus on personal growth during sessions rather than just focusing on shortcomings their partner may have. Clients see me as a practical therapist with a sense of humor who will do his best to help motivate you to achieve either your personal goals or your hopes for an improved relationship.

In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?

I see myself on a lifetime journey of personal development, along with my clients. As I am now in the winter of my career, I will be comfortable enough to request feedback from you as to how you are perceiving me and my empathy toward whatever life challenge you are going through. I am comfortable enough with myself now to ask if a particular session was if helpful to you; if not, I try to change course. On a daily basis, I may have many of the same life struggles as you do; I have found that sometimes sharing how I deal with them myself often has much therapeutic value to you as a client.

Work history

My Journey in Marital Therapy and Anger Management

Early in my career, I worked extensively in private practice, focusing on individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. However, personal experiences, including my own divorce, propelled me toward a deeper exploration of couples and marital therapy. Determined to support others facing similar challenges, I pursued intensive training, enhancing my expertise at renowned institutions like the Gottman Institute in Seattle and in sex therapy at UCLA.

Together with a colleague, I pioneered a unique model of anger management, now widely taught and adopted by therapists nationwide. Over the past decade, I've refined this approach to specifically address anger within couples, applying these techniques in private practice in Southern California, including Long Beach and Newport Beach.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal shift in my practice. I transitioned entirely to telehealth, focusing on delivering effective anger management and couples therapy online. This period also inspired the creation of various educational resources, including anger management classes, home-study courses, and self-help programs, all designed to foster resilience and connection from the safety and comfort of home.

Meet Anthony

A short hello from Anthony

Specialties

Types of therapy

Who Anthony works with

Ages

Adults, Elders (65+)

Languages

English

Education and training

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Purdue University, 1972

Certifications

Certified Discernment Counselor by Dr Bill Doherty

Level 1 trained in TEAM CBT Therapy

Extensive Training in Relational Life Therapy with Terry Real

Advanced Training in The Gottman Method

UCLA Certification program in Sex Therapy

Fellow in the NAtional Association of Anger Management Providers

Advanced Training in Relational Life Therapy by Terry Real.

Advanced Training in The Development Model of Marriage Therapy by The Couples Institute