Psychotherapy and Counseling
- Are you feeling sad, depressed, blah or unmotivated?
- Does fear or anxiety stop you from doing or having what you want?
- Do old negative messages or images from the past play over and over in your mind?
- Do you turn to alcohol or drugs to feel better - and then end up feeling worse?
- Do you feel lonely, isolated or have a hard time finding relationships that work?
- Do you struggle with conflict or avoid it?
Therapy can help...
Psychotherapy is a safe place to learn about yourself - your strengths, weaknesses, emotions, behaviors, reactions, and the ways you may be acting unconsciously. You know, those times when you think, "I don't know why I keep doing that."
As you gain understanding and compassion for yourself, you gain strength and freedom to make better choices about relationships, career, money, sex, parenting, etc.
What to expect from therapy...
In the beginning of therapy, it's my job to get to know you - to learn about your life, your history and the pain or problems you've been facing. This is also your time to discover how it feels to share your life with me.
As you feel safe with me and trust grows, our work will deepen. During this time, you may use my support to:
- Try new ways of communicating
- Set limits or say "no" assertively
- Test (and release) old beliefs that no longer serve you
- Change old relationships or create new ones so you feel loved and supported
- Try new ways of behaving or being in the world that make you feel good
- Let go of habits that get in your way
You may find you have more patience and understanding for yourself. We may use some specific techniques like EMDR to help you let go of old trauma, emotional injuries, or negative beliefs so you can feel better. This may also be a time when you learn to sit with discomfort - not having to fix it or avoid it, but learning that you can:
- Soothe yourself
- Cope with difficulties
- Find strength and freedom in these abilities
The last, and perhaps most important phase of therapy is often referred to as "termination" reflecting closure. During this time, we will review the process of your journey, highlight your growth and change, and evaluate future hopes and goals.
Feel free to contact me online or call me (510) 520-2811 for more information. Finding the right therapist for you is very important, and I am happy to answer your questions.
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