My Approach to Helping
People reconnect with inner peace, clarity, and contentment after freeing themselves from problematic patterns: repeating relationship issues, perfectionism, feeling like you are misunderstood by others or are never "enough"; getting caught in patterns of behavior used in an attempt to help you cope but only end up increasing your pain, excessive worries and anxiety. Life shows up with challenges at times and therapy with me offers an opportunity to have compassionate, non-judgmental guidance to grow your understanding of the change you want to see in your life, and the support to make that change.
As a therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, Perinatal Mental Health concerns, and addiction and substance use issues I have a trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioral approach that also incorporates mindfulness practices. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to openly share your thoughts and feelings. I believe this space will provide a foundation for a strong therapeutic relationship centered around trust and healing.
More Info About My Practice
I have many years of experience helping individuals and families recover from addiction, working in many intensive outpatient treatment centers and residential treatments. Most recently I was a manager of Kaiser Permanente's Addiction Medicine and Recovery Services clinic in Santa Clara, CA, where I provided treatment for those with dual diagnosis (chemical dependency and other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or PTSD). I am knowledgeable of 12 Step recovery and of non-12 Step approaches to recovery, Gorski Relapse Prevention, codependency treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment and recovery maintenance treatment. I am also passionate about supporting those that want to change their relationship with substances but do not seek abstinence (harm reduction) and enjoy helping people gain a better understanding of their use in order to make satisfying changes.
I offer virtual group therapy for Women in Dual Diagnosis Recovery, where one can learn more about total recovery, practice coping skills to manage mood and other symptoms, and gain community support of women.
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
Finding the right therapist for you and your unique needs can feel like an overwhelming task. Perhaps you have already tried therapy in the past and it didn't feel like it was right for you. You are here now, bravely considering trusting a therapist with your needs and it is important that you understand what you are looking for in in your therapist.
First off, your therapist should have experience and training in the issues that you are seeking treatment. I can provide you with a free 15-minute consultation to discuss the reasons you are seeking therapy, and we can consider together if we think I could support you with your needs.
You should feel understood, validated, appropriately challenged and cared for in your therapy. Of course, at times things feel a bit worse before they start to feel better as we do the hard work. But overall, when you choose your therapist, you should consider whether they leave you feeling understood and connected with them. Does it feel like they understand why you are seeking support, and what goals you have? Do their suggestions and reflections feel aligned with the change you are seeking? Is the approach they use in therapy one that seems to reflect how you want to be supported?
Lastly, choosing a therapist that has the characteristics that you feel you will respond best to is important to consider. Do you appreciate someone with a direct approach, or a softer, warmer tone? For you, would it be more helpful to be supported by a therapist that identifies as male, female or non-binary in gender? Asking your potential therapist questions about their understanding of issues that you feel are important to you is appropriate to do when consulting with a potential therapist (for example, do they understand your sexual orientation, spirituality, cultural background?).
I know contacting a therapist can be a daunting task - I hear you! You've made the first courageous step to search for a therapist. You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and even hopeless. Still, I wholeheartedly hope you will decide to give me a call or send me an email, to see how I can help. You deserve to have the compassionate support from a therapist that is the right fit for your needs.
Schedule a free, 15-min consultation with me today!