MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Encino, CA

Your Gateway to Breaking Free from Unhealthy Patterns and Transforming Your Life.

In-office sessions in Encino, CA and online across California.

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Are you tired of being trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts that hold you back from living your best life?

Persistent negative thought patterns can drain your energy, diminish your self-esteem, and keep you from achieving your goals. 

We help you identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts, empowering you to break free from the chains of negativity. 

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment (backed by science), specifically designed to target unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. By addressing these issues, CBT brings about positive changes in emotional experiences and overall well-being.

Clients undergoing CBT become skilled at identifying their own critical, catastrophic, and unhelpful thoughts, which often operate on autopilot. By consistently tuning inward and becoming aware of cognitive patterns, individuals develop metacognition — the ability to think about their thinking.

Through coaching and cognitive restructuring strategies, CBT fosters balanced and constructive thoughts, helping to reduce emotional distress and "rewire" neural pathways over time. This process leads to lasting improvements in mental health and well-being, empowering individuals to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Experience the transformative power of CBT and start your journey to a better mind today.

Brief & Simple Introduction to CBT

What Type of Skills Are Taught in CBT?

Identify Negative Thought Patterns

We help clients recognize and understand the negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their emotional difficulties.

Challenge Distorted Thinking

Through guided exploration and questioning, we assist clients in challenging and reframing distorted or irrational thoughts to promote more balanced and realistic thinking.

Develop Coping Strategies

Clients learn practical coping strategies and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms effectively.

Change Unhelpful Behaviors

We support clients in identifying and modifying behaviors that reinforce negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier alternatives.

Build Long-Term Resilience

By equipping clients with skills and tools to navigate life's challenges, CBT promotes long-term resilience and empowers individuals to maintain positive mental health outcomes.

CBT Might Suit You If You Are Experiencing:

Relationship Issues

Sleeping Difficulties (Insomnia)

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Anger Issues

Self Esteem Issues

TESTIMONIALS

"Dr. Kanchi and her team are life savers...

As a UCLA provider, I need trusted referral sources for my most vulnerable patients. The MILIKA Center provides patient-centered, comprehensive, and evidence based care for youth and families who are facing medical stress and/or anything else that life throws our way. Look no farther this private practice. They will work with your family, patient and/or team and provide ACTUAL GOOD MENTAL HEALTH CARE!! Worth every penny!"

 

- Dr. Natacha Emerson | Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.

Co-Director for UCLA Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison (C/L) Service at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and the Pediatric Psychology C/L Service at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital

 

"The therapists and team at MILIKA are fantastic... 

As a pediatric neurologist i see many patients who would benefit from mental health care for school related anxiety, stress over college applications, difficulty coping with a chronic illness, and various other reasons. I never hesitate to refer patients to MILIKA. And all my patients who have worked with MILIKA therapists report a wonderful and beneficial experience. I also like that MILIKA will work with patients' insurance companies to reduce out of pocket costs."

100% recommend the MILIKA Center!

 

- Dr. Lauren Waldron | UCLA Pediatric Neurologist, M.D.

"Dr. (Kanchi) Wijesekera has been a trusted expert in trauma therapy, offering evidence-based approaches that foster deep healing... 

Milika Center for Therapy and Resilience is a testament to her commitment to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care. With a team of skilled professionals and a welcoming environment, the center specializes in trauma recovery through innovative techniques that are family focused, mindfulness-based, and trauma-informed. Whether for individual healing or community support, this center is a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their well-being. Highly recommended!"

 

- Dr. Blanca Orellana | Ph.D. | Co-Director UCLA Stress, Trauma & Resilience Clinic

 

"I've had the pleasure of referring patients to Dr. Kanchi and her team at the MILIKA Center... 

...and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! As a psychiatrist, I'm always on the lookout for top-notch resources to support my patients' mental health journeys. Their comprehensive therapy and resilience training programs for children, teens, and adults have made a tangible difference in the lives of my patients. I highly recommend the MILIKA Center!"

 

-Linslee Egan, M.D. | Board Certified Psychiatrist

"Dr. Kanchi and her team at MILIKA have been phenomenal!

They have gone above and beyond in caring for the patients I have referred."

 

-Dr. Juan Alejos | MD 

Medical Director of UCLA Pediatric Heart Transplant/Cardiomyopathy Program. The Director of the UCLA Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension program.

"Dr. Kanchi is one of the most gifted therapists that I have ever worked with...

Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera is one of the most gifted therapists I have ever worked with. Not only is she aware of the latest evidence-based modalities, but she has the secret ingredient of being able to attune to her patients in such a meaningful way. She truly is an absolute gem of a human and I would trust her to treat any one of my family members."

 

-Dr. Misty Richards | MD 

Co-Founder and Medical Director of UCLA Perinatal Psychiatry for the Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services (MOMS) Clinic |

Associate Medical Director of the UCLA Maternal Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program|

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ABOUT US

Why Work With Milika Center For Therapy & Resilience

Here at Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that seeking help for ​mental health concerns is a courageous and transformative step.

Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, significant life changes, or are on a ​quest for personal growth, know that you are not alone. Our team is here to offer support ​and expert guidance every step of the way. Together, we can work towards building ​unshakable resilience, fostering self-awareness, and unlocking the potential for positive ​change.

As the MILIKA Founder and Clinical Director, I am committed to fostering a safe and ​nurturing environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing ​and personal growth.

Thank you for choosing us as your partner in your mental wellness journey. We are so ​honored and excited to be here for you and help you unleash your inner resilience!

 

Warmest Regards,
Dr. Kanchi

Meet The Team

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Clinical Director
Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.

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Clinical Psychotherapist
Lindsay Merrill, LMFT.

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Clinical Psychologist
Venus Mirbod, Psy.D.

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Associate Clinical Therapist
Jasmine Chow, AMFT.

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Clinical Psychotherapist
Estela Cabrera, LCSW.

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Doctoral (Psy.D.) Clinical Trainee
Kurtis Vu, M.A.

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Doctoral (Psy.D.) Clinical Trainee
Isabella Vigna, M.A.

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Care Coordinator
Andrea Reji

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Laily Gallo

Unlock a Healthier Mind with CBT

At Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, our commitment is to offer individualized and compassionate support to each person who seeks our help.

With a team of licensed psychologists who specialize in CBT, we bring extensive experience in working with individuals across all age groups, from children and teens to adults. 

Contact MILIKA today to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation and learn more about how CBT can transform your life.

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Ready to get started?

Ready to get started? Start your journey towards resilience and mental well-being today by contacting us to schedule a consultation.