Ben Molland, Psy.D.

As a clinical psychologist, I have more than a decade of experience providing psychotherapy to young adults, primarily in my role as a staff psychologist in university mental health settings. Over the course of my career, I have found myself consistently drawn to working with young adult populations, in large measure due to the unique challenges that one confronts in this unique phase of life.  These common developmental challenges (identity formation, emotional/romantic intimacy, commitment to career and life goals) are complex and difficult but, when successfully confronted, can reveal tremendous opportunity and promise. Many of the most frequent mental health struggles of the young adult (depression, anxiety, low self esteem, interpersonal and romantic struggles) can be understood and addressed from this developmental lens, and this frame of understanding is fundamental to my therapeutic approach.   In my opinion, any successful therapy relationship must first begin with an atmosphere of safety, trust, and mutual understanding of the challenges that lay ahead. Using this as a starting point, I then view therapy as an opportunity for my clients to safely explore the self, which involves taking a closer, more intimate look at how one's experience of self impacts and has been impacted by the world in which one lives. Ideally, this process involves the development of insight into how one experiences blocks or challenges in the world outside our selves - in relationships, work, academics, or creative pursuits.  While I tend to understand client challenges via the exploration of how the past shapes current behaviors and emotions, I also believe in the importance of tailoring therapy to fit the individual. Using individualized interventions, I focus on helping my clients not only gain insight into those aspects of oneself that are outside usual awareness, but also to develop an understanding of how those insights can be harnessed in an action-oriented manner to manifest lasting, positive change. This can and often does involve setting achievable behavioral goals between sessions to encourage steady forward progress in those realms of functioning that are most critical to the client.   ------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Molland completed his doctoral degree in clinical psychology at The University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology. He received his B.A. from Northwestern University in 2000 and his M.A. in International Disaster Psychology from The University of Denver in 2007. Dr. Molland has worked in university mental health for more than a decade, most recently as the director of clinical services at The University of San Francisco Counseling and Psychological Services Center. Prior to his work with USF CAPS, Dr. Molland was a staff psychologist at Yale University Mental Health and Counseling, where he also completed his post-doctoral training. Dr. Molland has worked in a number of clinical settings, including Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health, the New Zealand Forensic Psychiatry Service, and the VA hospital system. Dr. Molland has also acted as consultant and trainer on a number of international mental health projects including initiatives in Eastern Europe, West Africa, and Southeast Asia.