Providing assessment and psychotherapy to a wide range of multicultural clients in outpatient and inpatient settings

Dr. Protzel earned his Bachelor's in Psychology at California State University, Long Beach in 1995. During this period he studied Cognitive-Behavioral & family therapy methods. In 1999, Dr. Protzel earned his Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus. Family, group, and individual therapy techniques with adults were the main focus of study during this period. In 2005, Dr. Protzel began work on his doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.) at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP)-Alliant International University. During this period, Dr. Protzel researched ways in which to integrate music into the therapy process, psychological assessment, and individual, group, family, and couples therapy with adults.

Dr. Protzel's approach to therapy is an integrative one weaving together evidenced based practices, neuroscience research, and psychological theories.

The core theoretical elements utilized in Dr. Protzel’s treatment approach are sourced from Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Humanistic psychology, Gestalt Theory, Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, Motivational Interviewing, Structural Family Therapy, and Differentiation based couples therapy.

Cognitive-Behavioral techniques are used to examine the mindset, thoughts, perspectives, and core beliefs which operate within the client that affect their emotions, behaviors, and decision making. Through cognitive restructuring, the therapist and client work collaboratively to help change problematic thinking patterns. This can result in immediate symptom alleviation, and through continued practice this symptom alleviation can last a lifetime.

Humanistic psychology elements are incorporated in Dr. Protzel's relationship building style. This is of utmost importance as one of the most important factors in successful therapy is a positive, productive, and collaborative working relationship. To foster this type of therapeutic relationship, Dr. Protzel interacts with a style that is authentic, genuine, honest, straightforward, empathetic, and energetic. A non-judging stance is taken with the focus being on understanding and acceptance, not fault finding or criticism.

Mindfulness informs ways in which the therapy process operates. Dr. Protzel has extensive personal and professional experience utilizing mindfulness/somatic techniques. In session, integration of guided meditations, breath training, somatic experiencing (body focused awareness exercises), and teaching of mindfulness principles help to develop compassion, concentration, empathy, insight, cope with cravings, and skills to tolerate/regulate emotions more effectively.

Motivational interviewing is the primary method used to help clients to work through ambivalence and mental barriers which are holding them back from making big changes in their lives.  It is a non-judgemental, client centered, & supportive way in which Dr. Protzel will help clients breakthrough on issues they may have failed to change in the past.  The change process is not about being manipulated, coerced, punished, or aggressively confronted, it is about working collaboratively to uncover what the resistance to change is about. These insights help transform the change process.

Creative interactions based upon Gestalt theory are incorporated to connect with clients and to bring their personal process into awareness. The use of the "here and now" is a central focus as a way to understand how the past continues to live on through memories, bodily sensations, images, symbols, and rituals. A deep look is taken at a client's "unfinished business" and ways in which they can attain closure and learn from their experiences. In addition, efforts are made to not focus exclusively on "problems" or "negatives" that a person may experience.

A strengths based-positive psychology focus is utilized to uncover the person’s positive ways of coping, talents, creativity, interests, hope, passion, and love that may have been buried while they were struggling with their issues. To help understand the client as they exist in their environment, a systems approach is utilized to ascertain how social, environmental, religious/spiritual, cultural, economic, family, and work forces impact their development and functioning. To truly understand and help a client, a thorough examination of the circumstances they live in is crucial. Ultimately the work helps to develop a new/healthy/sustainable lifestyle.

Professional Experience

* Dr. Protzel is currently employed in full time private practice at Protzel Therapy and part time teaching as an adjunct assistant professor in University of Southern California’s Psychology masters program.

1995 - 1997, HAYWARD, CA  
Counselor/Assistant Site Manager at Charis Youth Center

1997 - 1998, MOHAWK, MI  
Clinical Social Worker at Keweenaw Academy Youth Treatment Facility

1998 - 1999, DETROIT, MI  
Psychotherapist at Family Consultation and Treatment Services at St. John’s hospital

1999 - 2000, DETROIT, MI  
Psychotherapist at Eastwood Outpatient Mental Health Clinic/St. John’s hospital

2000 - 2005, WHITMORE LAKE, MI  
Psychotherapist at Bureau of Juvenile Justice - State of Michigan, W.J. Maxey Training School

2006 - 2020, MALIBU, CA  
Clinical Psychologist at Passages Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center

2006 - 2007, LOMITA, CA  
Psychotherapist at Kaiser Permanente Hospital Department of Psychiatry

2007 - 2008, BEVERLY HILLS, CA  
Psychotherapist at Sexual Recovery Institute

2008 - 2009, CARSON, CA  
Psychotherapist at California State University Dominguez Hills, Psychological Services

2008 - 2009
Psychotherapist at Private practice at Family Resource Counseling Center

2009 - 2010  
Clinical Psychologist at California State University, Fullerton

* 2009 - PRESENT
Private Practice Psychotherapist/Clinical Psychologist at Protzel Therapy

*2019 - PRESENT
Assistant Adjunct Professor teaching a graduate level course in University of Southern California’s masters in Psychology program. University of Southern California

Affiliations