About Therapy

Psychotherapy is a process of self exploration that intends to help you identify your strengths and reach your full potential in life. The therapeutic process is facilitated by a trained therapist who helps you learn more about your thoughts, feelings and behavior. The therapist provides support and resources for helping you cope with problems in your life. Psychotherapy helps you learn techniques to increase awareness and a sense of well-being and to manage feelings of discomfort or distress.

Psychotherapy occurs in a structured environment and because sensitive topics are often discussed, the therapist is bound to maintain confidentiality within specific legal limitations. It is best to make sure that your therapist is licensed by a State Professional Board for his/her area of practice. Psychologists are licensed by the Board of Psychology in the State of California.

Some common issues presented in psychotherapy include:

• Depression: feelings of sadness, loneliness, hopelessness or negative self-thoughts, irritation, guilt or low self-esteem.
• Anxiety: constant worry, panic attacks, feeling unsafe, feeling judged by others.
• Grief and loss: the death of a loved one, divorce, a life-threatening illness, ending a relationship.
• Trauma: physical or sexual abuse, rape, assault, domestic violence.
• Anger Management: fear of expressing anger, feeling out of control, difficulty forgiving yourself, resentments.
• Coping skills: unhealthy ways of dealing with stress, difficult situations or feelings.
• Relationships: difficulty forming or maintaining relationships, unsatisfactory relationships, feelings of abandonment, difficulties with intimacy or expressing feelings.
• Career decision making or work stress: career choice, career change, unsatisfactory employment, conflicts at work, difficulty handling work responsibilities or supervisors.