1linew.jpg (976 bytes)
meet.gif (21223 bytes)

logopr.gif (3993 bytes)

  info@mpccares.com
(800) 233-9117




Meet the Staff

Home
Mission Psychological Consultants

Counseling & Therapy

Social Skills Training Classes

Sports Psychology & Peak Performance

Crisis Intervention

Medication Treatment

Premarital Evaluations

Business & Industrial

Services & Programs Overview

The Attention Learning Center

About The Attention Learning Center

Attention Deficit Disorder - ADD

ADD-ADHD Testing & Treatment

AUTISM Testing & Treatment

SmartMind: New Type of Neurofeedback/Cognitive Training

Summer Treatment Program

Social Skills Training Classes

Parenting Classes

Free Seminars & Groups

Medication or NeuroFeedback?

Evaluate & Compare ADD Centers

Rating Scales & Forms

Articles & Outlines

Don't Live in Southern California?

ADD-ADHD Research & Resources

The Attention Performance Center

Neurofeedback & Sports Performance

Optimal Sports Training Program

Skills Training Group

Meet the Staff
Professional Fees
Confidentiality
Schedule An Appointment
Contact Us - Directions
line.gif (1483 bytes)

Click here for a list of all
Seminars ∙ Classes ∙ Groups

 
Records Release Form

If These Walls Could Talk
by Thomas A. Habib, Ph.D.

Has your spouse just walked out on you?
Does your child have ADD?
Mission Psychological Consultants has brought together a team of the best clinicians possible. We are an integrated group striving to coordinate and maintain clear communication throughout the tapestry of services we provide.

The preamble to our professional contract reads “You were chosen as a contractor because you demonstrated professionalism, scholarly aptitude, clinical expertise, emotional maturity, personal integrity, and a commitment to growth.” This reflects our values and is an integral part of our mission statement.

Thomas A. Habib, Ph.D.

 
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY9509
 
Founder, Mission Psychological Consultants
 
24 years of experience

When things are not right in our marriage or with our children every other concern pales in comparison. Often times it is the first thought we awaken to in the morning and the final thought at night when we fall off into sleep. When we are too close to a situation it becomes increasingly difficult to find solutions or understand our role.

My specialty is improving marriages long troubled and helping parents with children who are too shy or aggressive, academic underachievers, or withdrawn. I can bring warmth and understanding into the process but also enough strength to deal with powerful self made man. If your relationship with your spouse or children is deteriorating, I will vigorously work with you to save it by combining a thorough understanding of the underlying issues with strategies for improvement. Together we will closely follow what we do and evaluate its effectiveness. I have an intuitive style of therapy that I’ve combined with years of experience that enables me to see the heart of the problem.

Author: If These Walls Could Talk

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

michael.jpg (10537 bytes)Michael Linden, Ph.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY 11788
Marriage, Family & Child Therapist
B.C.I.A. Fellow & Nationally Certified Neurofeedback & Biofeedback Therapist
Director – The Attention Learning Center
Director – Mission Psychological Consultants Biofeedback Program
Licensed since 1984

I’ve been interested in helping children with Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism since I was in High School. I completed my first research study on Biofeedback and ADHD children when I was in college. I have always been frustrated by doctors who don’t complete a thorough evaluation and then misdiagnose ADD (more than one third of the time). Even more disappointing is professionals who are not open to any treatments other than stimulant medications for ADD, although Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) for the treatment of ADD has been researched in the scientific literature since 1976. In fact, we actually published the first and most controlled study of Neurofeedback with children with ADD & learning disabilities in 1993.

Since 2000, I have been conducting research, discovering subtypes of Autism and Aspergers. We have found at least 5 subtypes of Autism and 2 subtypes of Aspergers. Many of the Autistic children have abnormal EEG patterns, even mild seizures, that can only be seen in EEG tests. More than half of the Autistic individuals that we have tested have over aroused brain patterns, which are often aggravated by stimulating medications (i.e. Ritalin, Prozac).

It has been very rewarding providing more accurate testing for children, adolescents & adults since 1988, when I conducted research on using EEG brainwaves to assess children with ADHD compared to those with other behavior problems. Frequently adults will be so relieved to discover that they have ADD that they cry in my office. At that moment they realize that many of their life long problems are not their fault and that they are not “lazy or stupid.” Parents who come to our ADD Treatments Centers are often so frustrated that they want to send their students away to treatment centers or boarding school, or hold them back. Often their schools refuse to test their children (most schools actually don’t test for ADD) or pressure them to place their children on medication. Sometimes, students refuse to take their medication.

My greatest satisfaction is watching an ADD child’s grades and self esteem increase. Similarly, hearing about improvements at home and work in an adult who has struggled with ADD is personally satisfying. Since 2000, the most rewarding aspect of my work has been providing Neurofeedback to students with Autism & Aspergers, and witnessing the almost “miraculous” improvements in behavior, social skills and communication. A child who begins to speak in sentences and actually carry on a conversation for the first time is an unforgettable experience. An adult who has their first significant relationship is a heart warming event.

Studies indicate that the most common barriers that prevent children and adults from receiving the best care are concerns of inadequate testing and fears of having no choice of treatment other that medication. At The Attention Learning Center, we provide the most accurate, computerized, and brain imaging assessment and more individualized and successful non-pharmalogical treatments, including Neurofeeback treatments.

My professional goal is to help as many people become aware of these long-lasting treatments for ADD and Autistic Spectrum disorder, that do not have side effects. I invite you to review our research and compare it to other local centers, or to speak to some of our numerous satisfied clients.

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

Benjamin Strack, Ph.D.
Sports Psychology Consultant
Mental Skills Training
Individual/Family Therapy
(949) 248-7411 Ext. 108 Email: BenStrack@hotmail.com

Dr. Ben Strack is a sport psychology consultant and part-time professor/lecturer at California State University Long Beach and Argosy University where he teaches sport psychology classes.

In his clinical/sports practice at MPC and Attention Performance Center, he consults with various professional, Olympic, amateur, and youth athletes in the area of sports psychology and performance enhancement. He is also the chief editor of the new sport psychology book “Applications of biofeedback and neurofeedback in sport psychology” (In press). He is a former division I college baseball player and NCAA Scholar-Athlete. He has conducted thousands of lessons in his 12 years as a consultant/instructor.

During the 1999 and 2000 MLB seasons, he was the batting practice pitcher for the Anaheim Angels. From 1999 to 2004, he was hand-selected to pitch in the MLB Players’ Association and ESPN’s Big League Challenge Home Run Contests where he was the personal pitcher for superstars Shawn Green, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Raphael Palmeiro, Jose Canseco, Magglio Ordonez, Andrew Jones, and Troy Glaus.

Dr. Strack is a frequent speaker at workshops and conferences throughout the country. His areas of expertise include mental skills training for peak performance, biofeedback, stress/anxiety management, the psychology of injury recovery and chronic pain. Dr. Strack is an active member in several professional associations including the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), California Psychological Association (state chapter of APA), and the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB).

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

Bob Bernatz, Ph.D

Bob Bernatz, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who brings a multitude of knowledge and skills to his work here at Mission Psychological Consultants. In addition to his 20 years of experience in the field of psychology, Dr. Bernatz has an extensive background in regards to the effects of such issues as finances, spirituality, personal values, career and societal pressures and how these issues either mitigate or exacerbate one's psychological condition. His formal education includes a B.S. in Business Finance from the University of Southern California, an M.A. in Psychology from Pepperdine University and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology as well as a Ph.D. also in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California. Dr. Bernatz was born and raised in Newport Beach and understands the significant pressures and influences that this area can exert upon individuals and their families.

"I am constantly amazed by the resilience of a person's mind and spirit. Often, the difference between despair and happiness is the simple lack of specific skills, values and beliefs."    ~Dr. Bob Bernatz

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

Rebekah Barratt, Ph.D.
Psychological Assistant
9 years experience

Human behavior is complex. Perhaps that goes without saying. When we add emotional, relational, and societal factors into the mix the things we do, say, and feel can become all the more challenging to understand. Sometimes, these reactions can be heavily influenced by stress, changes to our environment, and discouraging life events. At other times, our behavior is influenced by forces more difficult to discern such as childhood experiences and old patterns of relating to others that no longer work . I will not propose to assign a value to these things. Instead, we will examine together the events in your life and your response to these circumstances as having meaning and purpose. If these reactions have caused you or the ones you love any undue discomfort and suffering then we will work together to modify these patterns and strive toward actualizing your personal, relationship, and family goals.

As a therapist, I realize that change is not always easy and that the process of entering into therapy takes courage. I have provided therapy to a broad range of people including couples and families of all ages, religious, and cultural backgrounds . I understand the importance of working with clients at their pace and comfort level. I will respect and honor you and your family’s values, beliefs, and world views as we explore the complex process of change.

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

Lorraine J. Carson, MFT
Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Therapist
Adjunct Professor, California State, Fullerton
Human Service & Counseling Department

I have a passion for helping people recognize their potential for change and growth. It is a privilege for me to accompany my clients on this journey of self-exploration and self-awareness. Better coping skills, improved communication patterns and healthier relationships are the end product.

My work has included children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. I have also worked with people from diverse cultures. On occasions, I have used cinema therapy and biblio therapy to supplement the therapy process. I have found unique insights gleaned from these processes.

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)


Alisha C. Ledlie-Bent, M.A.
Psychological Assistant

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

Diane Schlesinger, M.D.
Board Certified Psychiatrist, 6065690
Age 37; 12 years counseling and medication management experience

Every person is unique. I’m less concerned about diagnosis than about identifying what is out of balance in body, mind and spirit. Imbalance causes stress which may manifest as either emotional or physical disturbance depending on constitutional factors. For example, chronic anger and bitterness may lead to an ulcer in one person, depression in another, and alcoholism in a third depending on genetic, personality and environmental factors.

We all seek love. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of psychotherapy and essential to healing. But sometimes ‘chemical imbalance’ occurs when neurotransmitters are depleted due to years of dysfunctional relationships, unhealthy lifestyles, or genetic susceptibility. The correct medication can help to brighten the darkness of depression, soothe the anguish of anxiety, or clear the fog of attention deficits, thus providing the needed ‘boost up’ toward a better life."

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

Ed Arevalo, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

Mark Czaykowski
Office Manager

I am Mark Czaykowski the office manager here at Mission Psychological Consultants. Part of my job is to ensure that your treatment goes as smoothly as possible and the care we deliver is both competent and compassionate. I have worked in several doctor's offices through the years but I have never seen a group of doctors more dedicated to patient care and treatments that get results. I believe this is possible foremost because our doctors are very good and secondly that we do not allow manage care to dictate treatment planning.

Your primary care physician are likely know and have a positive assessment of our senior clinicians, Drs. Habib and Linden. If you are in The Attention Learning Center program or if you utilize our psychiatric services we are more likely to meet. Nevertheless, if I can be of service to you or if you have compliments or suggestions I can be reached at (949) 248-7411, Ext 105.

1linew.jpg (976 bytes)

The Attention Learning Center Staff
 
Elizabeth Burton
Program Coordinator & NeuroFeedback Therapist
 

Christina Chesley
NeuroFeedback Therapist

Mona Winokur
NeuroFeedback  Therapist

Belle Sumonnath
NeuroFeedback Therapist

Matthew Kirby
NeuroFeedback Therapist
 

Jennifer McNeely
NeuroFeedback  Therapist

Jasmine Marta

NeuroFeedback Therapist
1linew.jpg (976 bytes)


HOME  |   Services & Programs Schedule an Appointment
How this Works  |  The Doctors  |  Fees  |  Confidentiality  |  Contact Us

 

arch1.gif (2256 bytes)

logop.gif (3681 bytes)
32122 Camino Capistrano, Suite 200

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Toll Free: (800) 233-9117
Phone:     (949) 248-7411
Fax:         (949) 248-7511
E-Mail:      info@mpccares.com
Web          www.mpccares.com