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Therapists answer…

How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?

James ValinotiJ

James Valinoti

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner. I treat clients across the lifespan and a sub-specialization in child and adolescents and addiction medicine. I make the experience a positive, supportive, and at times fun one. I am very clinical but I remove the "clinical feeling" from the experience. I am very client-focused and develop unique treatment plans that actually help them achieve their goals. I treat numerous areas of psychiatry including, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD and Trauma, Family/Couples therapy, sleep and appetite, Schizophrenia, OCD, ODD, personality, and eating disorders and addiction. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and supportive therapy. I learn about each individual client and learn my client's "story" so as to understand where they have been, where they are, and where they need/want to go. I also get to the "why" for each client, which is oftentimes the most important question. I utilize humor and my clients engage particularly well. My clients often say I should do standup psychiatry. My clients oftentimes ask me how I know them so well. I am famous for actively listening. My clients feel they receive my clinical expertise without feeling the clinical aspects of what one may expect in psychiatry. I am highly supportive and provide relevant health education. I utilize a team-based approach. I don't speak at my clients I speak with them. Anxiety in anticipation of the "first meeting" will be replaced by feeling more relaxed, comfortable, in a better mood, and more confident after the meeting than prior to it. They can also expect that their needs will be addressed and feel they have been "heard" by me. I am different than most in this regard as I treat my patients as I would a family member, and they can definitely feel it.
Lily LuL

Lily Lu

LMFT
Online & In-Person
Being an avid advocate for behavioral health, I love teaming up with teens, adults, couples, parents and families to improve their overall mental wellness. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, addictions, depression, OCD, and trauma. I also help couples and families with communication issues and parenting. When you come to see me, we will work together to find a therapeutic approach that suits you and is tailored to your needs. Being client-centered and strengths-oriented, I use different treatment styles - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman and Emotionally Focused Couples - to help you meet your goals. Prior to counseling, I was in high tech marketing and worked for Fortune 100 companies as well as innovative start-ups in the Silicon Valley. This unique experience gives me insight into some of the issues that many of my clients have due to a high tech environment. As a firm believer in community support, I spoke at libraries and community events to raise awareness of the importance of behavioral health. To address more specific concerns, I volunteered as an editor for the Los Gatos Community Against Substance Abuse and a Meetup organizer to enhance couples' relationships. I also manage clinical consultations among fellow therapists to foster collegial development and growth. My credentials include:​ *Certification and training in ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Unipolar & Bipolar Depression & OCD using CBT, DBT, and ERP *Training in EMDR *Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy *Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy *Internship in Internet & Sex Addictions
Inesa KichkimetI

Inesa Kichkimet

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority and expertise in various therapeutic modalities. My practice is dedicated to providing well-managed, client-centered care within a nurturing and judgment-free environment, aimed at helping clients achieve balance in their lives. With over two decades of experience as a healthcare professional, I have a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of emotional, behavioral, and physical health. Throughout our sessions, I ensure that quality care is consistently provided along a continuum. This includes regular discussions about all aspects of your treatment, with a focus on education and support. I provide medication management to ensure you receive the most effective and appropriate treatment for your mental health needs. This involves regular monitoring and adjustments to your medication regimen, as necessary, to optimize outcomes and minimize side effects. My goal is to support your overall well-being and help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. I provide supportive therapy and address both internal and external stressors to help identify and manage emotional triggers. I diagnose according to DSM-5 criteria and offer a range of therapies, including talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and treatment for conditions such as OCD and PTSD. I also provide individual, couples, and combined therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. *Treatment philosophy My treatment methodology is centered on providing thorough, quality care throughout our sessions. This approach ensures that you receive comprehensive information and education on all aspects of your treatment. I am committed to delivering supportive therapy that encompasses both medication management and the exploration of internal and external stressors. By doing so, we work together to identify and manage emotional triggers, promoting a deeper understanding and improvement of your mental health. *Treatment approach •I diagnose according DSM-5 criteria and also offer therapies including talk therapy, CBT, OCD, PTSD, Individual, Couples, Combined therapies. *Practice description Our telehealth practice specializes in treating a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, offering comprehensive and personalized care to meet the unique needs of each patient. Anxiety/Depression/Panic/PTSD/ OCD/Bipolar examples of disturbances that can influence quality of life. Also, patients are expected to provide the following information or complete account set up via the link to Headway that will be emailed from the practice within 2 hours of booking.**
Valbona AvdijaV

Valbona Avdija

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with dual certifications in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Practice, I provide compassionate, holistic care for both mental and physical well-being. With over 15 years of experience, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space for you to share your story. Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, or depression, I’m here to guide you toward a healthier, balanced life. Let’s work together toward the life you deserve. Each person’s journey is unique, and I believe care should be tailored to you. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, I take a holistic approach, recognizing the vital link between mental and physical health. Together, we’ll navigate challenges and celebrate progress on your wellness journey. I’m committed to open communication and support, ensuring you feel heard and valued as we work toward your goals for a healthier, balanced life. In our initial session, you’ll have the opportunity to share your story and what you hope to gain from our work together. After our initial visit, we’ll collaborate to develop a tailored treatment plan, and in subsequent sessions, we’ll work together to implement it, supporting you every step of the way. I strive to provide a warm, open environment where you feel secure as we explore your needs. *Treatment philosophy My treatment philosophy centers on the belief that every individual deserves compassionate and personalized care. I am committed to fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their mental and physical health concerns. By focusing on holistic wellness, I aim to empower clients to achieve balance and resilience in their lives. I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication, ensuring that clients are active participants in their care journey.