Rachel Coleman, Marriage Counselor in Mission Viejo, 92691

Rachel Coleman, MFT

Profession(s):
Marriage & Family Therapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
MFT - 48782

My Approach to Helping

For more information about me and my treatment philosophy, please see my website.

Clients have often told me that it is clear that I have a passion for what I do, as can be seen in the dynamics of the therapy session. I want to hear from you and listen to you, and I don't shy away from giving feedback, without judgment or blame. Therapy can often be a mirror in which you can see yourself more clearly and that is an emotional process as truths of how we cope are revealed. In our sessions we will look at areas where you feel stuck or hopeless and uncover unrealized skills, offer up new possibilities for action, and connect you to motivation to change.

I offer short-term or long-term work. Together we will decide the frequency and length of treatment, based on your desire and struggles. Some clients come into therapy to address a current life stressor and feel therapy is concluded when the stressor has passed. They may take time off before coming back when the next stressor occurs, or decrease their frequency of attendance to "check-up" sessions. Other clients find that long-term therapy, especially in the recovery of an eating disorder, is essential in order to achieve and maintain peace and confidence, and to keep an eye out for "red flags" that can cause them to slip into old patterns. In either case, we will work together to make therapy a safe place where you feel you can thrive.

I utilize multiple treatment modals depending on each client's personality and presenting problem. I often help clients explore how their past is currently affecting their present in a more psychodynamic approach as well as teaching the integration of new ways to cope using more concrete tools in a Cognitive Behavioral approach. There are many ways we live out the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, and together we will use in-depth exploration and skill building to help you change your story.

More Info About My Practice

Sessions are normally 50 minutes long. Although I have a standard fee, I prefer to discuss this with you when you call to set up your initial session. I do offer limited sliding scale appointments based on income and if I am unable to accommodate your financial situation, I will provide you with referrals.

If I am not contracted with your insurance company, I can provide a monthly statement of services rendered (a superbill) for you to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. To determine if you have mental health coverage, and are eligible for insurance reimbursement, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
What are my mental health benefits?
What percentage of my bill will be covered if I attend therapy with an out-of-network provider?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover per calendar year?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Insurance Accepted:
Aetna
Humana

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

My expertise in psychotherapy is in the treatment of eating disorders. I have extensive experience working in an outpatient IOP/PHP treatment center as both a Therapist and a Program Director. I believe that recovery is possible through extensive therapy, which may or may not include family involvement, by increasing one's healthy coping skills, exploring the origins of one's eating disorder, and increasing motivation for change. I am on the board of directors of IAEDP and am actively involved in the Eating Disorder community at large.

What I Usually Need to Know to Help

I utilize a combination of CBT and Object Relations to get to know a client and assist them in the therapeutic process of growth. Through the exploration of the thoughts and beliefs they have about themselves that are obstacles toward increased self-esteem and independence, and by exploring where those thoughts and beliefs came from in their life experiences, I believe client's are able to challenge their negative thinking, understand where and why they think a certain way, and alter their thinking for increased life satisfaction.