Claudia Miles, Psychotherapist in San Rafael, 94901

Claudia Miles, MFT

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
MFT - MFC 38418

My Approach to Helping

If you want a therapist who will just nod & listen, and only interject an occasional, "how do you feel about that?", that's probably not me. Of course there are times when you may have a lot to say and just need to spill, and not only will I listen, you will find that I'm genuinely interested in what you have to say. I value being authentic and I bring that authenticity to my work to the best of my ability. I'm open to all kinds of people, beliefs, lifestyles, and don't judge the people I work with. I know that it can be scary or challenging to contact a therapist and begin the process of therapy, and I respect very much the courage it takes to even consider it. If you're in a difficult spot and it's hard to believe a therapist can really help, but you're desperate, I urge you to come in. I won't take on a client if I don't feel strongly that I can help, and if I think someone else would be better, I'll give you the best referral I can. If you are in so much pain you aren't sure I can handle it, try me. If you fear your concerns are "minor", or feel slightly guilty because your problems can't compare with all the suffering in the world, let's talk. Many people feel that way; I've never met one who was "self-indulgent." Whether it's some long term anxiety you can't seem to shake, a depression that doesn't make sense, a loss you can't get over, a fear you aren't good enough, a terrible divorce, a horrific loss, or something else entirely, I will meet you where you are and we will start there. What I mean is, I will go at a pace that makes sense for each client. I come from a humanistic-existential perspective which means I treat clients as equals, and know that they do know the answers deep down. I talk about what's going on right now, but I can also help you understand why you do the things you do, and perhaps more importantly, how to change that. Often people feel they understand themselves, but haven't been able to change. I am highly intuitive (and equally analytical) and can understand a lot with just a little information. I encourage clients to keep in touch during the week, between appointments, by email, and they text or call if things are more urgent. If you've been having a problem I know it will come up at times other than the hour we meet, and I am available to talk or email or text during those times. I know lots about meds, so if you are on them, or getting off them, or thinking about them, I can help. I'm also familiar with all the natural and nutritional ways you can improve your mood, if you so desire. I'm an INT/FP on the Meyers-Briggs if that interests you. (I'm equally divided between T & F so some days I'm an INTP and others I'm an INFP). I tend to believe that symptoms can't be solved by behavioral fixes, but that we have to look the bigger picture, understand what's causing it, however if a symptom (like depression) is causing you severe distress, we can work on alleviating the symptom so you can function. Most of my clients come in for one problem, whether it's an addiction, mood issue, relationship issue, or something else, and when they leave they feel that not only is that problem addressed, many others are as well. I want clients to leave therapy feeling empowered, not feeling that they need to call me for help. I will support you in finding your own answers, locating and relying on your inner voice, understanding yourself, believing in yourself, forgiving yourself, supporting yourself. However until you do, I will understand you, believe in you, support you, respect you, laugh with you (or cry with you). I am passionate about my work and have the greatest respect for those I work with and their courage in facing the challenges they face. I do have several phone clients (or Skype). if you aren't sure whether I'll understand you or what you're facing, please email me and ask and I'll let you know.

More Info About My Practice

Anthem Blue Cross Provider, Blue Shield Provider. Sliding Scale. If you have any other PPO insurance plan (Aetna, United, various school insurance plans), they often reimburse from 50-70% of my fee. I can send such companies statements & they will reimburse you. In practice in Marin County since 1996. Licensed in California since 2001. JFK University Graduate. Holistic and transpersonal perspective. (Highly experienced in working with clients suffering from addictions, extreme feelings of dependence & low self esteem, teens, LGBT issues, compulsive hair pulling (trichotillomania) and skin picking.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Extensive experience in the field of addiction whether substances, food or behaviors like spending or shoplifting. I offer an entirely nonjudgemental approach to working with these issues so clients can feel safe. I have spoken at prisons & hospitals at 12-step meetings on the topic of recovery. I have worked with people who suffer from trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) & compulsive skin picking- As someone who recovered from Trich after 20 years of daily pulling, have 16 yrs of recovery and have worked with Trich & skin picking since '96 and have given talks & workshops on the subject all over the country.

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

I do think it varies, depending upon a client's need. Ideally, I believe psychotherapy is a process that allows people to connect with their authentic selves. This often starts with working toward a state of self acceptance & loving and accepting one's self unconditionally. Tara Brach describes this process wonderfully in her book "Radical Acceptance." However, "acceptance" is often confused with apathy. Not only does self-acceptance NOT mean you have no goals or aren't interested in changing, I believe it is actually NECESSARY to accept one's self to make change. As Carl Rogers said, "The curious paradox is that it is only by fully accepting myself as I am that I am then able to change."

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Group Therapy
Consultation
Clinical Supervision
Online Counseling / Phone Therapy

Ages I Work With

Teens
Adults

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

Teens, Adults, GLBT, People suffering from Addictions or living with an addict (drugs, alcohol, codependence, food addiction, spending addiction, relationship addiction) Couples, Chronic Depression, Sudden Depression, Divorce, Grief/loss, PTSD, Trichotillomania, Dermatillomania (Chronic Hair Pulling), Body Dysmorphic Disorder, OCD, Panic Disorder, Career issues, Relationship Issues