Linka Griswold

About Dr. Linka Griswold Choosing a psychologist is an important decision, and finding the right therapeutic fit is one of the strongest predictors of successful treatment. My goal is to provide a collaborative, evidence-based, and compassionate environment where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered to create meaningful and lasting change. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and EMDR Certified clinician with extensive experience treating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, substance use disorders, complex PTSD, relationship concerns, and co-occurring mental health conditions. I work with veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and civilians facing a wide range of psychological, medical, and life challenges. My educational background includes two master’s degrees from Pepperdine University and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Forensic Psychology from Alliant International University, Los Angeles. I continue advanced postdoctoral professional training in clinical neuropsychology to further expand my expertise in cognitive assessment and brain-behavior relationships. Before founding Surfside Therapy and Psychological Services, I served as Program Director and primary therapist for Cool Oak House at Promises Malibu, one of the nation’s pioneering trauma-informed residential treatment programs. There I worked with adults experiencing trauma, addiction, chronic pain, mood disorders, and complex co-occurring conditions within a multidisciplinary treatment setting. In addition to clinical practice, I spent approximately a decade in higher education as a professor at Pepperdine University and Antioch University Los Angeles, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, statistics, advanced statistics, research methods, psychometrics, psychological assessment, and neurobiology. I also developed university curriculum and served as Director of Clinical Training at Antioch University Santa Barbara, supervising and mentoring graduate clinicians preparing for professional practice. As both a clinician and researcher, I have authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications examining neurocognitive functioning in chronic pain populations, medication adherence and compliance, opioid-treated patients, and the application of quantitative methods to psychological research. My current professional interests include outcomes research involving spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, neurocognitive functioning in medically complex pain populations, and the thoughtful, ethical integration of artificial intelligence into psychological practice, clinical documentation, and outcome measurement. My therapeutic approach is individualized rather than “one size fits all.” I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, family systems, psychodynamic principles, and other evidence-based interventions to meet each client’s unique needs. Whether you are working through trauma, navigating relationship challenges, managing chronic illness, or seeking greater resilience and emotional well-being, therapy is tailored to your goals, strengths, and circumstances. I believe the most effective therapy combines scientific rigor with genuine human connection. My commitment is to provide thoughtful, ethical, culturally responsive care that helps clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lasting psychological well-being.