About Forrest Talley, Ph.D.
Most people would like to know something about the therapist with whom they are going to meet. No one wants to go to a stranger and discuss personal concerns when they have almost no idea who the person is with whom they are talking. With that in mind, what follows is a short answer to the question “Who is this guy?”
I am a clinical psychologist who has been helping adults, teens and children for over 30 years. Over the past 20 years I worked at the CAARE Center, a clinic within the University of California Davis, Medical Center. There I served in a variety of capacities and most recently as the Co-Training Director, as well as Manager for the Individual and Group Therapy programs.
Throughout those years I was the primary supervisor for newly hired staff therapists, for our psychology interns, and for many other interns who were completing their social work or marriage and family master degrees (this included over 120 trainees, most of whom were engaged in one year intensive clinical rotations). In addition to the clients that I worked with in therapy, I also conducted psychological evaluations and taught seminars on various subjects related to clinical psychology (both at the CAARE Center and nationally).
In 2008/2009 I deployed to Iraq and served as the primary psychologist for Joint Base Balad in Iraq with a population of 15,000 military and civilian personnel. In addition I traveled to many other bases in the Southern region of that country in order to supervise the work of others, and to provide direct services to military members. That year helped instill within me a deep and abiding affection for our nations military men and women (and to a much lesser extent an affection for the desert, cammo patterned casual wear, MREs, camels, and the sound of distant mortar fire... the stress is on "distant").
Invictus Psychological Services was started in July of 2017, immediately after I left the UCD Medical Center. My goal has been to take what I've learned from thirty years of clinical practice, teaching/supervising, and an understanding of current research, and use this to help adults and teens who struggle with anxiety, depression or trauma. Too often over the course of my career I've witnessed the pain and heartbreak caused by these maladies. It is tragic to see how many people loose years of enjoying a full life due to depression, anxiety or the impact of truama. They feel stymied in their efforts to connect deeply with others, and frequently are thrwarted in pursuing their purpose in life. It need not be this way. I know, because I have also seen those who, having become mired in the oppressive web of these problems, push forward and transform their lives in deeply meaningful ways.
Is it easy? Let's be honest, it is seldom easy. Can it be done? Absolutely. What I've found is what most people need is some guidance (coaching really) to develop new skills, and the insight that will help them to effectively apply those skills. Then, with consistent effort and support from others, progress emerges. With time this progress gathers momentum, and the individual begins to see that he or she really can be victorious over the oppressive challenges that have been holding them back. Transformation is possible. It simply requires a plan, persistence, and support.
Another goal in starting Invictus Psychological Services has been to provide a place where those who have a strong Christian faith can discuss this aspect of their life and feel both understood and respected. As a practicing Christian I have a deep appreciation for the importance of faith in the believer's day to day life. Too often I've seen where those in my field treat religious faith as though it were a mental health problem, rather than a healthy foundation in the lives of many whom they serve.
Our practice is one in which faith is appreciated, can be openly discussed, and where one's relationship to God and their church is valued. Of course we also welcome those who practice a different faith, and those who are agnostic, or without religious convictions. There is no litmus test for extending our expertise to help those who are struggling and seeking solutions for a better life.
If you would like to discuss how I (or one of my colleagues) might be of help to you please call (916) 790-5138. After a brief telephone conversation you can decide if it makes sense to arrange for an initial appointment.
P. Forrest Talley, Ph.D.
Lic. # 14878
