Judi Bucholtz, PhD, MFT

Had a 5 minute phone conversation with her. That’s all that was needed, because of her negative and unprofessional attitude. I’ll describe the good and the bad. The good: She responded when I left a message to ask for a phone consultation before a face-​to-​face meeting. Some therapists don’t even bother to respond at all or refuse to have a phone consultation. However, she responded after the first message. Now, the bad… I don’t want to leave this kind of review, but I have to honest, for the sake of the community reading this, and for her, too. Hopefully, she will read this and make changes in the way she engages with prospective clients.
The bad: During the 5 minute conversation, she proved that she herself is not an empowered person. She is not comfortable in her own skin. She was squirming when asked questions about what modalities she uses. She was uncomfortable talking about her qualifications and skills. She acted as though she didn’t want to be «tested». But, isn’t that what questions are, as they relate to interviews? As a consumer, you want to know that the person you’re hiring is the right person, someone who is qualified and knows how to handle the situations and issues you are bringing into the sessions. As consumers, we MUST always interview the therapist, doctor, or ANY professional before we engage with them and hire them. It’s the practical and common sense thing to do. We MUST ask questions! Heck, even before asking someone out on a date, or accepting a date, we ask questions! She is a psychotherapist. You don’t think I’m going to ask you questions before hiring you??? You think I’m just going to hand over my trust, time and energy before I deem you competent and qualified??? Her attitude and replies made me wonder what planet she is on. Her attitude and replies confirmed that she is neither competent nor qualified. She did not have the common sense to welcome questions that would empower the client and garner trust in the therapist. That is neither a professional nor appropriate attitude that a therapist should display. She and any other therapist/​psychologist/​doctor who acts like that should not be hired for any work whatsoever.
I’m really disappointed in the number of therapists who behave this way. And, in my pursuit to find a competent therapist, I’ve noticed that 50% of the licensed therapists in this town act like that. Yes. 1 out of 2. 50 out of 100. Those are pretty bad stats. They act like they’re «too good» to be asked any questions about their experience and qualifications. They act as though the consumer is an idiot who can’t make an informed decision and/​or discern whether or not the therapist they are interviewing is qualified and competent. They assume, expect and demand that consumers are going to trust them and even idolize them just because they have letters after their name. Well, I have letters after my name, too, but that’s no excuse to act in an unprofessional manner or act like you’re too good to be asked any questions! Or, even try to dodge the questions! If therapists can’t even engage in a manner that garners trust in a 5 min phone conversation, there’s no way they can be any good in person for 50 minutes.

A good therapist is hard to find unless you happen to call Dr. Judi Bucholtz. She is By far one of the greatest mental health professionals in the LA area.
Anyone living in LA can tell you that there are therapists in every corner. Everyone can get a psych degree open up a practice and reiterate textbook mumbo jumbo but not everyone can adapt to the patient’s communication style and offer aid in the way that best suits that individual. I have had my fair share of disappointing therapy sessions with «therapists» who are mostly there for their own self serving purpose or sit around and just «listen» without challenging me or giving me any direction or focus.
Dr. Bucholtz is a cut above the rest and is a professional in every sense of the word. Aside from being extremely skilled in the field of psychotherapy and communication, she is an empathetic, understanding and an extremely effective therapist. Her dialogue is always geared towards enhancing the experience and elevating one’s understanding of the situation at hand.
There must always be a delicate balance between being empathetic while giving the patient his/​her space, and knowing when to be assertive in an effort to elicit forward progression (in the session). This comes naturally to Dr. Bucholtz and she moves through each session with ease.
If you are looking for a person who will just sit and nod their head you may want to look elsewhere, but if you are looking for a strong dedicated individual with many years of experience and exceptional communication skills then Dr. Bucholtz is the one I would recommend. She was my therapist for over 3 years and I owe a great deal of my personal growth to her.

I am in full agreement with the comments in Heather’s review. «Therapy is about a good fit» and requires effort and investment from both parties to develop the rapport and trust necessary for «help» to occur. A therapist cannot wave a magic wand and «fix us.» I believe that therapy also requires a great deal of responsibility and willingness on the client’s part — to communicate openly and honestly, to be vulnerable, to explore the less pleasant aspects of ourselves, to hear (and really listen to) things we may not want to hear, to make personal choices and changes, to express when our needs are not being met, and if necessary, to find a new therapist.
Fortunately, I have not needed to find a new therapist because my experience with Judi has been extremely positive and has led to some profound shifts in my thinking. For me, she has created an environment where I feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. She has gone out of her way to make herself available (even after hours) when I’ve needed extra support. The work has been challenging and hasn’t always «felt good» — but that’s exactly what I’ve needed. During times when I have felt frustrated or annoyed by the process, she has listened and always addressed my concerns. Our work together has been invaluable and has had a tremendous impact on my life.

I’m not sure why this site is called « Unilocal». Does it mean it’s only for complaints? Because that’s what I’ve read here, two complaints about a very good therapist. Therapy is about a good fit. It is about an ongoing relationship that takes time to develop. I myself had seen many therapists before I found what I felt worked and Dr. Judi Bucholtz works for me, with me and tries her utmost to help me. If it doesn’t work for you, find another therapist. I don’t mean this to be glib. The fit just might not be what you’re looking for. But I would recommend her to anyone and it would be up to them to decide whether it was going to work or not. Like I said, therapy is a relationship, not unlike a marriage and working on it requires both parties to try. Judi tries and has helped me a great deal. I don’t think sites like these are fair to the person being evaluated. Most people like to complain about others rather than give compliments. These evaluations are only opinions and should be treated as such. And my opinion is that she is a great therapist and a warm, honest woman.

During my brief time with her, she didn’t help me at all. She loves talking about herself (any opportunity that she gets) and doesn’t seem to really care. I personally wouldn’t recommend her.