About me
My own therapy journey began when I first experienced what I now know to be anxiety. I was looking for answers, and looking for a way to manage my discomfort.
What I found in my time starting therapy for myself was a few things:
Finding the right therapist can be a challenge. There are so many options out there, how are we supposed to choose? Or maybe you feel like you can’t even get the process started because it seems everyone has a waitlist. This is why I am happy to offer a free 30 minute virtual consultation, where we get to meet each other, ask questions, and see if we are a good fit. And I am taking new clients, so no pesky waitlist!
Therapy can be awkward, nerve racking, and hard. Starting therapy for the first time brings a range of emotions and thoughts. Even if you’re no stranger to therapy, any time you meet with a new therapist there is an expected learning curve as you get comfortable sharing. I understand these feelings, and I’m here to guide you and make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Therapy is also enlightening, relaxing, and a relief. How amazing is it to have someone to talk to about literally anything? To feel free to unburden yourself from pain you’ve been carrying alone for so long is truly such a gift.
Therapy isn’t always easy. Sometimes sessions are light, and even very fun! Talking about good times, progress, and funny moments is a normal part of therapy. Talking about hard times, difficult emotions, and having to sit with discomfort is also a normal part of therapy. It can be difficult to accept things we cannot change, and sometimes look our insecurities in the eye. But nothing good ever comes easy, and change doesn’t happen overnight.
Now a practicing therapist myself, I am passionate about the therapeutic experience my clients have while in session with me. I can promise that during our time together, you will have my undivided attention for our full session. I have a warm and accepting approach to therapy, inviting you to go at your preferred pace for treatment. When you feel comfortable with our work, I like to get clear on the goals you want to implement and the values you hold close. What is truly important in your life? What do you want to change? How can we set realistic goals? I also utilize a strengths-based approach, meaning in addition to asking about what we want to change, I also ask: What is working well for you right now? What are you proud of yourself for? How can we keep good progress going?
I enjoy working with clients dealing with anxiety, difficulties with communication, self-esteem, boundaries, and high expectations. These clients often find themselves being critical of themselves or others, have trouble relaxing, and value feeling productive. I also enjoy working with couples in premarital counseling, communication issues, and conflict resolution.
I am a former Division 1 athlete, so I have a strong connection with current or former athlete clients. The world of sports is fast-paced, competitive, and stressful. Being an athlete can begin to feel like one’s entire identity rather than just a piece of one’s identity. Dealing with injuries, setbacks, and disappointments in sports is a great way to develop discipline and resiliency in life. I’m here to help put things into perspective and teach coping skills to empower mentally healthy athletes.
I am also a military spouse, and have a lot of respect for service members and their families, as well as a unique appreciation for the challenges than can come with this life style. If you are looking for a therapist who prioritizes confidentiality and understands your needs, I would love to work with you.
My focus as your therapist is to work collaboratively towards your identified goals, using a compassionate person-centered approach. This is emulated through an unconditional positive regard for you and your experiences, and believing you have the power to make a difference in your life. I also utilize a cognitive behavioral approach (CBT), placing an emphasis on the connection between one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how the three are shaped by our past experiences to inform our current perceptions. I have found that using CBT helps clients feel agency in shifting their mindset. My hope is that our work fosters a judgement-free environment where clients feel empowered to work through difficulty and begin the healing process. I also utilize an Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) approach to therapy, highlighting the benefits of mindfuness and allowing our thoughts and feelings to be noticed without judgement. I find it benefical to be flexible in sessions and therefore tailor my therapeutic approach depending on each client’s needs.
In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, playing sports, reading, and trying new restaurants. I am excited to be supervised and employed by Sarah Iaccarino (LMFT #128686) to bring peace and confidence to clients all across California!