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Therapists answer…

What is therapy like? What does a typical session with you look like?

Dana StricklandD

Dana Strickland

Clinical Director
Online & In-Person
What does a typical session with you tend to look like?
When someone reaches out to start new services, we do a (no cost) virtual consultation. Depending on the service you are looking for this consultation will either be 15-minutes or about an hour. We use this consultation time to get some basic information about what has prompted you to look for help and to do our best to make sure that the level and types of services that we offer are the most appropriate for your needs. This consultation time also allows you to ask us questions and to decide if you feel like we will be a good fit for you. If we both agree to move forward, we'll send you all of the intake paperwork and you'll have 7-days to complete your paperwork and return it to us. Once we have all of this squared away, we'll reach out to set up your first appointment/Intake. An Intake lasts about 90-minutes and the primary purpose of this appointment is to gather even more information about what you are experiencing now that you are seeking help for, the history of these issues, your personal history, family and social history. We'll also do some additional symptom assessments that help us with treatment planning. If you are doing in person services, when you come in, you'll likely see Andrea, our awesome Admin first who will get you checked in and collect any fees for the service that day. You'll also meet (or hear) Jack, my Australian Shepherd who sometimes likes to alert me that someone has come in. He likes to go out to the lobby to meet people and then will lead you to my office. He'll hang out during your session either sitting on/near your feet or taking a nap on the floor. Every now and again he'll get up on the couch with you and cuddle. Because I no longer offer ongoing therapy, only Extended EMDR sessions (90-minutes to 2-hours) or EMDR Intensives (half-day, full-day, 3-days) our sessions will be focused on moving through the 8 Phases of EMDR or using another applicable EMDR Protocol. The first session (after Intake) will be focused on showing you the options for Bilateral Stimulation (light bar, "buzzies", or sounds), and talk about the coping skills that you currently have in your toolbox and how you can use those to help you through the process of EMDR. In the next sessions we'll work on Resourcing - meaning that we'll work more on emotional containment and soothing and if necessary, install these resources using low intensity, low speed Bilateral Stimulation. We'll stay in the Resourcing Phase until it seems appropriate to move on. Next we'll talk through and identify the "targets" or experiences that you are wanting to work on before moving on to Reprocessing/Desensitization (EMDR Phase 4). When we are in Resourcing and Desensitization we won't be doing much talking because I want you to get in as much Bilateral Stimulation as possible to help you work through your targets as quickly and seamlessly as possible. EMDR does of course have other stages and we'll do those too as we get to them. Before you leave the office, we'll schedule your next appointment and talk briefly about self-care between sessions.
I am an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. I am an Army veteran and am passionate about providing trauma therapy for military, veterans, law enforcement officers and first responders. I offer Extended EMDR sessions (not covered by insurance), EMDR Intensives (not covered by insurance) and EMDRIA Consultation for clinicians seeking Certification. I graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2016, earning a Master of Science in Professional Counseling. I have worked in a variety of settings from community mental health, crisis response, to group practices.
Jane Beth NavasJ

Jane Beth Navas

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online & In-Person
What does a typical session with you tend to look like?
A typical session with me is collaborative and client-centered, focused on meeting you exactly where you are in your unique journey. I believe that our life experiences shape who we are, and the therapeutic process should begin by honoring your personal narrative. During each session, I strive to ensure that you feel seen, heard, and supported, creating a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Our work together involves identifying areas of concern and developing healthy coping strategies tailored to your individual needs. Through collaboration, we focus on navigating life's challenges, whether related to anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress. My goal is to empower you to develop the skills necessary for a more fulfilling and balanced life. In each session, we might engage in reflective conversations, practice mindfulness techniques, or explore new perspectives to help you manage emotions and find clarity.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing services to individuals, adults, and families. I have been in this field for several years. I have worked in a variety of settings including in-home/in-community, outpatient, and supportive housing. I have experiencing working with depression, anxiety, parenting, stress management, LGBTQ and many more. I frequently utilize Person-centered theory, CBT skills, teach benefits of ‘radical acceptance’ and the benefits of living in the ‘here and now’. I am a believer in the wisdom of the ‘Serenity Prayer’.
Sarah ZimmermanS

Sarah Zimmerman

Therapist/LCSW
Online & In-Person
What does a typical session with you tend to look like?
At your first session I will get to know you and you will get to know me. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Really, anything about the process is ok to ask! I’ll respectfully listen to your history and hear more about your goals for therapy. I will share my clinical opinion about effective treatment options based on your symptoms. You will give me feedback about what you’d like to try or what you’ve tried in the past- and didn’t like. We will discuss new coping skills and homework, which we will blend with your unique strengths to creat powerful interventions. These will be based on the thoughts, emotions and patterns of behavior you describe to me. I will support you as you practice these techniques and will adjust the treatment plan with your input on what’s the best for you. I want to know what’s working and what doesn’t feel like the right fit for you. I believe that you can create significant changes in your life and I will cheer you on. 
Are you ready to make some changes? I’m a therapist with 25+ years of experience. I help clients with anxiety and trauma develop new skills and insights to feel calmer, confident and in control. If you are struggling with feeling fearful, nervous, overwhelmed, irritable and physically ill, I can help. Therapy can provide you with the tools to be your authentic self, improve relationships and just feel better.  I’m Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Professional and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Level II). I would love to speak with you about any questions you have and what you’d like to accomplish in therapy. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if we’d work well together. Let’s chat today. 
Linda PerryL

Linda Perry

MSN, PMHNP-BC, CNM
Online Therapy
What does a typical session with you tend to look like?
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I believe in promoting a strong therapeutic alliance and shared-decision making with my clients. During a typical session with me, you can expect a comfortable and safe environment where you can express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I will actively listen to and collaborate to understand your unique needs and concerns. I will provide education on mental health, medications, and other treatment options, helping you to make informed decisions about your care. I will also work with you to establish goals and objectives for your treatment and regularly review progress toward those goals. Together, we will establish a solid therapeutic alliance built on trust, understanding, and a sense of partnership in the treatment process. I will provide you with support and guidance, helping you develop coping skills and strategies to manage your symptoms and maintain your overall well-being. If necessary, I will also make referrals to other healthcare providers, such as therapists or other specialists, to ensure that you receive comprehensive care. The overall goal of our sessions is to empower you to take an active role in your care, fostering a shared-decision making process and promoting a strong therapeutic alliance.
Meet Linda Perry, a highly experienced healthcare professional with over 20 years in the field. She began her career as a midwife, caring for mothers and newborns during the birthing process. With a strong desire to expand her knowledge and skill set, she transitioned into the field of psychiatric mental health and is now a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Linda takes a patient-centered approach to her practice, ensuring that each individual's unique needs and concerns are addressed. She also judiciously uses medication management, ensuring that it is used to support and enhance overall treatment plans. With her diverse background and compassionate approach, Linda is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to her patients.
Lorin TierneyL

Lorin Tierney

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online Therapy
What does a typical session with you tend to look like?
I consider myself, as a modern day therapist, I'm friendly, proactive and interactive in sessions. I teach practical and useful tools, with addressing clients with their current issues. 
Welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide Telehealth services, throughout the state of California. I enjoy working with people who are emotional caretakers, in their intimate relationships, with their family members and friendships. They take on too many responsibilities, with not knowing how to say no to others. They are doing ALL*THE*THINGS, to please everyone, they self sacrific their own needs, and they themselves are emotionally and physically exhausted daily. They want to find a work-life balance, but struggle hard to imagine how to even begin to do this. I also help those who are in narcissistic abusive relationships, and want to end their toxic relationship. This is where I come in, to help clients find their voice, learn how to identify their feelings, needs and wants, and to communicate it, in their relationships. I work with clients on learning how to build boundaries, to prevent returning to old behaviors and patterns, that have kept them stuck, tired, anxious and not living the life they dream of. I am a big advocate for self care; emotional, physical and spiritual. I love helping clients develop their own self care plan, so they can care for others, while prioritizing and caring for themselves.