Find a Therapist in Los Gatos, California.

Psychotherapy is the use of psychological methods to help a person change behavior and overcome problems in a positive manner. Its aim is to help people understand the thoughts behind feeling anxious or depressed and addressing these thinking patterns. Psychotherapy will help you change behaviors and habits that are limiting you, to experiencing your fullest potential.

The process of therapy is and should be tailored to each individual's life experience. Research shows that clients in therapy, who seek assistance to deal with a whole range of issues, challenges, thoughts, and emotions, can experience a positive benefit. In our collaborative work, we will complete a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, where we look at many life factors that may be contributing to those challenges for which therapy is being considered. After an assessment, we will have a clearer idea of core values, possible goals and many ideas on designing a flexible plan that is easy to understand and use to bring about the transformation desired.

My work as a psychotherapist is most fulfilling because I love seeing the changes toward greater happiness my clients achieve. As an MFT and a certified Hakomi Therapist, I use the principles and methods of loving kindness, mindfulness, and experiential therapies to guide me in my work. Our relating will build trust and safety, and help us proceed. I work very collaboratively, meaning that I understand your being to have an inner knowing that we can resource. Discovering developmental blocks and traumas is often the core of our work together. Ultimately, we can build for you a greater capacity for taking in the good the world offers, and soften old wounds and patterns, creating more choice.

In psychotherapy, the therapist and the client build a unique relationship. Like most positive relationships, it is centered on caring and trust. Unlike other relationships, this one exists solely to meet the needs of the client. It can be very helpful to talk with friends and family when you’re struggling, but friends and family have a vested interest in the outcome of your struggles. They are familiar with who you are, so it is usually uncomfortable for them if you change, even when the change is positive and needed. As an unbiased professional, your therapist focuses on what is best for you, whether it is making big changes, small changes, or no changes.

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.

Many clients have reported that their past therapists have just "sat there and listened" without offering any advice of value. While we all need a sounding board and time to tell our story, many clients are interested in their therapists' feedback. When and where appropriate, I am willing to offer my thoughts and experience to my clients. It is through building a healthy, authentic relationship with our therapists that enables us to use this as a model for our other significant relationships. Psychotherapy is the perfect place to begin (or continue) this process.

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.