Integrative Psychotherapy with Irina Farber, MA, LMFT

03/23/2026

NEWS ALERT: according to the recent study (see link in comments), using medical or recreational ma*****na to ease symptoms of numerous mental health conditions doesn't work.

"We found no evidence any form of cannabis is effective in treating anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, which are three of the leading reasons for which cannabis is prescribed," said Jack Wilson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Sydney's Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use. "Using ma*****na also did not improve other mental health conditions such as anorexia nervosa; bipolar disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD; or psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Cannabinoids led to an increase in co***ne craving among those with co***ne use disorder."

03/11/2026

Asking one simple question can entirely change how you feel
by Christian Waugh, psychology professor

Positive and negative emotions respond differently to ‘affect labelling’ – the act of giving a name to your feelings

03/11/2026

The path to mastery is long, winding and hugely fulfilling. Use this map to navigate and overcome any bumps along the way
by Roger L Kneebone

The path to mastery is long, winding and hugely fulfilling. Use this map to navigate and overcome any bumps along the way

03/11/2026

Psychosis can be a personal hell. It can also inspire growth.
by Gerald Jordan, Robyn Thomas & Veenu
Gupta

From a new sense of purpose to improved relationships, there are hopeful signs of post-traumatic growth after psychosis

08/01/2025

Brainspotting is an effective treatment for trauma and Complex PTSD. Want to know more and give it a try? Give me a call 310.461.8889!

In this episode of the Healing Trauma Podcast, guest host Dr. Mark McNear interviews Dr. David Grand, the developer of Brain Spotting, a psychotherapy techni...

08/01/2025

Have you heard of Brainspotting? I am passionate about this treatment modality and offer it in my office and online because it has been so transformative for my own journey and so effective for my clients, especially for trauma, PTSD, stress, grief, insomnia and performance. I invite you to read about it below and give me a call to try it, especially if the traditional talk therapy has not been giving you the results you seek. Call 310.461.8889 to schedule an appointment.

What is Brainspotting? Brainspotting locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. Brainspotting (Brainspotting) was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D. Over 20,000 therapists have been trained in Brainspotting (52 internationally...

02/14/2025

On this Valentine’s Day my gentle invitation is for us to begin moving away from compulsive behaviors of extraction and consumption towards loving kindness for ourselves, our bodies, hearts and souls, and compassion in action towards others. Gentle care in whatever way it might look like for you…a cup of warm tea, a walk at the beach, a smile in the mirror, a time away from devices and noise, a nourishing warm meal, a song. You then might feel inspired to extend that loving care to others…a smile, a hug, a call or loving text to say I love you and I care. We humans are wired for connection and one of the easiest ways to lift our spirit is the act of loving kindness. My hope is that whatever you do today truly nourishes and supports you, and radiates out in the waves of loving supporting care to others.

02/14/2025

I am accepting new clients for an in-person sessions at my beautiful office in Irvine, CA or online via telehealth if you are located anywhere in California. Let's connect, I look forward to meeting you.

Integrative therapist supporting teens, adults and relationships experiencing high stress, grief and loss, conflict, transitions and trauma.

02/12/2025

Toxic stress doesn’t just affect our own health and well-being. It can also prevent us from being the best parents and caregivers we can be. Toxic stress can overload our ability to provide the supportive relationships that children need to thrive—affecting the development of children in ways that last a lifetime.

In this video, learn what toxic stress is, how it impacts child development, and how you can take practical steps to feel better and build resilience for yourself and your children.
https://youtu.be/sutfPqtQFEc?si=m3mM3hMArjpJgxXV

Toxic stress doesn’t just affect our own health and well-being. It can also prevent us from being the best parents and caregivers we can be. Toxic stress can...

01/22/2025

My beloved immigrant community - my practice is a safe space. I offer culturally sensitive trauma informed mental health care to immigrant and multicultural individuals, families and communities.

As an immigrant myself, I know the heartbreak, challenges and fears of starting a new life in a different country and culture. As an integrative therapist, I recognize the paramount importance of cultural competency and sensitivity when working with my multicultural clients.

My life and my practice are deeply rooted in inclusivity, community and cultural diversity. I have worked with refugees, immigrant children and their parents, multicultural couples and families wanting to explore and heal intercultural and intergenerational challenges and trauma.

I see you and I am here to support you! 💗

Text/call (310) 461-8889 or visit https://www.irinafarber.com to schedule consultation.

01/22/2025

My beloved q***r community - my practice is a safe space. I offer affirmative and inclusive mental health care, I am an LGBTQiA2S+ ally and advocate.

I specialize in grief and loss, difficult life transitions, relationship issues and trauma. My practice is integrative and holistic, attending to mind, body and spirit. I love helping teens, adults and relationships heal and grow.

In person sessions are available in my office in Orange County and online anywhere in California.

Text/call (310) 461-8889 or visit https://www.irinafarber.com to schedule consultation.

I am here to support you! 💗

11/11/2024

A team of scientists has discovered that cells from other parts of the body also perform a memory function. When we say that "the body remembers" - it literally does. Scientists have discovered that the cells have the ability to learn from spaced repetition, that this ability is not unique only to brain cells, but, in fact, might be a fundamental property of all cells. How does that translate to our everyday life? Our body, just like our brain, benefits from a sustained rhythm, a pattern of doing things on a regular basis, like daily exercises, regular meals, going to bed at the same time each night. Science suggests that "we will need to treat our body more like the brain—for example, consider what our pancreas remembers about the pattern of our past meals to maintain healthy levels of blood glucose or consider what a cancer cell remembers about the pattern of chemotherapy".

It's common knowledge that our brains—and, specifically, our brain cells—store memories. But a team of scientists has discovered that cells from other parts of the body also perform a memory function, opening new pathways for understanding how memory works and creating the potential to enhance l...