Find a Therapist in Duarte, California.

How long does therapy take? This is a question I am often asked and yet is so difficult to answer. So much depends on what you expect and want from their therapist. Some people want a to address a specific problem they are facing and others want and ongoing therapeutic relationship. Personally, I much prefer working with patients who are looking towards the longer term commitment. I love getting to know my patients and becoming the holder of their stories as I try to facilitate growth and change.

My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative in that I work with my clients to unearth dysfunctional patterns of behaving or relating that are keeping them from the fulfilling lives and/or relationships they seek. As a solutions-focused psychotherapist I use complementary therapy approaches and techniques to teach clients new skills, increase understanding and insight, and build healthier lifestyle habits that are customized to address their unique therapy goals. My clients are encouraged to practice these new behaviors and ways of thinking between sessions so that the changes they make through our work together produce more satisfying and fulfilling lives.

In laymen's terms, psychotherapy is the opportunity to talk about and process your problems or challenges with a trained therapist. Sometimes, we don't need someone to try to fix our problems for us, which is what most of our friends try to do when we talk about them. Sometimes we need someone who will listen and be a sounding board so we can think through and process for ourselves. I want to support you with your goals and your needs and we can make a therapy plan (psychotherapy or other types) that you feel will best suit your needs. Most importantly, I provide that safe environment for you to be able to be vulnerable, talk about, and process whatever is on your heart and in your mind.

Psychotherapy is not anything to be scared of, or intimidated about. Seeking out a therapist or being in therapy isn't an admission of weakness or some kind of character flaw. Therapy is a collaborative process and a partnership with someone who is trained in and experienced with facilitating personal growth. And in this process, you are in the driver's seat. Our minds and emotions and relationships involve complicated machinery just like our bodies do and in the same way a medical doctor helps you stay physically healthy, Psychotherapy is designed to help you be and stay mentally and socially strong, and continually in a position to take on life's many challenges as your best self.