Meet Bill | Brentwood Psychotherapist Dr. Bill Cloke

I cannot remember a time when I was not curious about people…

When I entered college my curiosity lead me to choose a major in anthropology. I was attracted to the field because it was concerned with the study of mankind. I was intrigued by the way culture affected behavior and the striking similarities between people.

As a Teacher Corps fellow at USC we worked in teams to bring cutting edge teaching methods to inner city schools. From this experience I learned the value of service and how to work effectively with a culturally diverse population.

As a teacher in the Santa Monica City Unified School District I developed individualized instruction programs and learned how to determine and meet the unique needs of my students. I was intrigued by the acceleration in academic performance when my students self esteem improved. I was curious about the relationship between psychology and behavior. I began studying developmental psychology and attachment theory.

In 1979 I was invited to join a private psychotherapy practice in Santa Monica. Under the tutelage of some very knowledgeable and talented therapists I was exposed to the immense field of psychological literature and began my journey into the amazing complexity of human interaction. I decided to return to graduate school and earn a Ph.D. in psychology.

My graduate training included cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic existential, psychoanalytic, self psychology and emotionally focused couple therapy. I have continued to develop specializations in anxiety, depression, self esteem issues, anger management, and relationship counseling.

Listen to Dr. Bill’s Interview on Relationships

Throughout my career I have worked with people in a variety of ways, from teaching classes, writing magazine articles, appearing on television shows and a stint as a radio psychologist and resident psychologist for an online website.

In my work with people I have discovered that if I am actively involved in the therapy process and combine this activity with patience and empathy, that we are able to work through the important psychological issues. It is to this end that I continue to work at understanding and supporting the efforts of people to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

When I think about therapy an old saying comes to mind, “Through the fire all that remains is gold.”Therapy is the fire that burns away the pain from our antiquated, unproductive ways of thinking and behaving, making way for new ideas that open us to the possibilities for a more golden future.