Sophia Bicos, LMFT
South Pasadena, California
Verified
My Approach to Therapy
I work from the intention of helping my clients achieve healthy, meaningful relationships with themselves and others in their lives. I take the time to gain the trust of my clients and I work to be an ally as they confront the challenges life presents. Most importantly to this therapeutic collaboration is empathy and compassion for the feelings that arise in this process. I am open to understanding and helping my clients make sense of their life experiences and unique life stories. Regardless of the age of my client, whether I'm working with a 25 year old struggling with career options, or married couples facing the challenge of dealing with infertility, or an individual in hisher 70s or 80s facing the difficult transitions that come with aging, my approach always begins from a humanistic core, filled with respect, kindness and consideration. In this search for a meaningful, integrated life, I work to help my clients make their own decisions, find their own happiness, and deepen their own relationships with health and vitality.
It's your process. You may be struggling to find your way back to a life you once enjoyed, or you may be seeking a path of discovery for a life you want to live. I want to help.
My Practice & Services
I am excited to work with people as they transition throughout the life cycle, including older people struggling with the transitions that come with aging. I will consider home visits for clients and families if this is the best option to ensure an elderly client's mental health care.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Special Note: During this time of uncertainty and anxiety due to the coronavirus, it is important to take care of your mental health as well. We are all dealing with financial, personal and health challenges. Reach out for help. Get the support you need. Talk to your regular mental health provider or take this time to reach out to a new therapist if you've been considering it. I am working hard to provide support to my existing patients and I am accepting new patients. I'm currently using telehealth video as my way of supporting people. Please reach out and let me help in whatever way I can. Be safe. Stay home. But know you are not alone!
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
Life can be so wonderful and amazing, filled with joy and meaning. But I know from being with my clients and from my own personal experiences that life can also be so hard sometimes that it is almost too difficult to open your eyes in the morning. In fact, for some of us just breathing seems insurmountable at times in our lives. I have witnessed numerous people struggle through these deeply troubled experiences. I have had my own challenges and I know there can be a way out given some empathy, care and time. I am truly passionate about being a therapist because I am not afraid of those hard, sad, or angry emotions. I can sit with them, I am willing to be with my clients as they feel what must be felt. We all have a right to our feelings even when those feelings are profoundly difficult to experience. Sometimes we simply need someone with us as we get through the bad times. Coming through the other side feels incredible. Having the privilege to witness and help someone else in this process is a gift.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
Generally speaking, therapy is not always easy. So much depends on your own life experiences, your support system as a child and then as an adult, and who you are now. Making the decision to go into therapy takes strength and conviction. It helps to have a therapist on your side that you feel really understands you. It helps if this is someone you truly trust and who you are open to sharing whatever you need to. I encourage people to interview more than one therapist. It's a big step and it's worth it to find the right therapist.
Expertise & Specialties
Age Groups I Work With
AdultsElders
Groups I Work With
I have worked with clients dealing with general life difficulties, depression and anxiety, clients in recovery from chemical addiction, people dealing with chronic mental illness such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder, and couples and individuals working through issues of infertility, adoption and family building. I have a strong interest in working with elderly individuals who may be struggling with life transitions, family issues andor coming to terms with an illness. When working with the elderly, I will consider home visits.
Therapy Services & Specialties
Concerns & Challenges Addressed
AbandonmentAddictions and CompulsionsAdjusting to Change / Life TransitionsAdoption / Reunion IssuesAging and Geriatric IssuesAnxietyAttachment IssuesBipolar
Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods
Body-Mind PsychotherapyBreathworkCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential PsychotherapyGestalt TherapyHumanistic Psychology (humanism)Integration of different therapy modelsInterpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)