Joshua Duke, AMFT

THERAPIST IN SIMI VALLEY

Hi,

I’m Josh Duke, AMFT

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 13851

Each day feels like a grind. Nothing seems to get better. Perhaps you feel like a
character stuck in the wrong movie, uncertain how to break free. The overwhelming enormity of life deals out an overwhelming list of “shoulds,” each demanding that you live up to impossible expectations. Within you is a desire to discover an authentic and passionate journey, one where you can look back at the story of your life and say “That was my life, and it was an amazing one.” Now is the time to start that journey.

The decision to come to therapy, while sometimes scary, is a massive step towards recognizing vulnerability as a strength. My goal is to work with you collaboratively, to excavate together and discover a new set of “shoulds” that are authentic, unique, and valuable to you. Together, we can explore what your needs are in your relationships, your job, and anything that brings purpose to your life. I am honored to listen to your story.

I work with children, adolescents, individuals, and couples who live with depression, anxiety, past traumas, or are facing tough phase-of-life changes like graduation, marriage, divorce, career change, or bereavement. I believe that we make sense of our surroundings through the stability that can be offered by our jobs, family, or relationships, and when those suddenly shift, we feel lost or without purpose. I feel that these difficult changes can instead be an opportunity, one that builds resilience, emotional maturity, and immense self-discovery.

My Therapy Specialties Include:

Trauma and Anxiety Therapy

Child and Teen therapy

LGBTQ Issues

In Therapy

I want to ensure that you know that you are not alone and we together will work towards your goals. I want to make sure to meet my clients where they are so they feel they are in a safe and collaborative space. I believe strongly in providing a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore with depth the root causes of your struggles.

When working with children, I want to bring a sense of playfulness and humor to build a relationship of trust and comfort. I do this by getting on the floor with them- playing games and bringing fun into the room while setting the stage for productive therapeutic work. I recognize how important it is to include parents as part of the process, and I work with parents to add to a child or teen’s growth and success. Therefore I will ensure that parents feel supported to bring about change at home as well.

I also strive to provide an affirming and supportive environment for LGBT+ members of our community, working towards defining and navigating issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship issues with family and partners.

My role is to work with you to establish what your goals are for yourself, and what the path towards those goals entails. Not only do I want you to be your best self, but I want to work with you to define what that best self is for you. This can be a complicated path, and I am here to walk alongside you.

Education and Background

I received a bachelor’s degree in English from Humboldt State University (now CalPoly Humboldt). I continued my education by receiving a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from California Institute of the Arts, followed by a Master’s in Psychology from Antioch University. I have worked in multiple nonprofit and community clinics in the greater Los Angeles area, working with teens and young adults.