Roxanne Strauss, M.A., LMFT

  Philosophy:

 Are you having difficulty with relationships in your life? Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed or insignificant? Are you wondering about your purpose or your identity? Are you asking yourself, “Why am I feeling this way?”

Sometimes it seems like things are out of control and the solutions you have tried are not helping. Things seem to either stay the same or they may have even become worse, and you just don't know what else to do to have more joy and peace. 

Life is full of challenges. At times we are left feeling unexpected strong emotions and possibly a sense of loss, confusion or lack of control. Transitions occur throughout our lives: job changes or loss, a change in a friendship, marriage, divorce, a birth, an illness, a death of a friend or family member, a child leaving home, a family member acting out, retirement  . . . and the list continues.  

I believe each person has the ability to work through difficulties in life. There are times when you can work through the problems life throws at you on your own or with a friend, family member or lay counselor. Sometimes, though, you may need an unbiased, caring professional whose only goal is to help you explore and discover your full potential. I want to help you experience satisfaction and joy in your life and in your relationships – whether the relationship is with yourself, a parent or sibling, a partner, children, or your work or friend relationships.

I'm not an advice giver - anyone can do that. I will help you explore why you think and feel the way you do and support you as you consider options that encourage sustaining growth, wellness, and fulfillment in your life.

My approach to therapy is warm, personal and purposeful. Since each person is unique, I work together with individuals, couples and families to help them discover the best way to achieve satisfying and fulfilling relationships. For those people who are interested, theoretically, I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy - a specialized therapy that can alleviate the effects of traumatic and disturbing life events, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) - a therapy that helps you look inside yourself at different parts - thoughts and feelings - and changing the way you think about them, so that you can experience your true self.

Education and Experience:

I completed my Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Summa Cum Laude, at Bethel Seminary San Diego. During my practicum, I worked at San Diego Hospice, Center for Grief Care and Education, providing Grief therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups. I have been a co-facilitator for an anxiety support group. I have extensive training in food and body related issues, and I am certified in EMDR therapy. I have been working in private practice for over four years with individuals, couples and families, helping to improve the quality of their relationships and their lives.

Some of the topics that I work together with my clients on are: Anxiety, challenging life transitions and adjustments, difficulties with relationships - family, work, peers - grief and loss, trauma, perfectionism, identity issues, depression, food and body related issues, issues around singleness, faith and spirituality, marital/significant other stress, and premarital counseling.

I have continued trainings in:

Personal:

Personally, I am married with three children, one in graduate school, one in college, and one in high school. I spent my childhood in the San Diego area and my adolescent years near Boston, MA. Early in our married life together, my husband and I lived four years in Scotland, where he studied at the University of Aberdeen while I worked, and where our first child was born. I love living in San Diego because of its diversity, amazing weather, beach and hiking trails.

"It can be a major step to make a decision to try therapy. I recognize the importance of your decision and I welcome you with a professional and caring practice." - Roxanne