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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

Summer VilkinsS

Summer Vilkins

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
For most of my life, I wanted to be in a helping profession - I wanted to help people. Much like life, my path was not linear. I became a teacher and through this role, I noticed that most of my students and their families experienced many stressors and lacked the skills to cope with the stressors. Fast forward - the 2008 recession hit and I was laid off from my teaching position and decided to pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist. What motivates me to continue are the amazing and resilient clients I have had the honor of serving and supporting.
Hey there! I’m Summer and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, serving all of California virtually through Telehealth. In my practice, I take a collaborative, client-centered, and strength-based approach toward healing. Honoring each client’s personal needs and intersecting identities is one of my top priorities and creates a foundation for my work. Through incorporating expressive arts, mindfulness, and embodiment, I empower you to explore and identify the patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving you. Being a therapist brings me so much joy, and I feel that it’s an honor and a privilege to walk with people during their most vulnerable moments.
Tabitha AdkinsT

Tabitha Adkins

Clincal Social Worker/Therapist, LLMSW
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
One of my passions as a therapist is helping people overcome their challenges, and improve their mental well-being. I do my best to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and struggles without judgment. My motivation as a therapist is witnessing the progress my clients have made and that I was able to provide what they were looking for. The amount of progress clients have made continues to inspire me.
Today's world is too often scary and overwhelming. For many of us, learning to function & adapt in life as a child, teen or young adult is confusing & difficult. These challenges lead to feeling lonely, frustrated or hopeless. Through our work together, you will become confident in yourself, begin to not just 'get by', but thrive. You will begin to experience a life where being you is more than good enough. Unavoidable challenges become opportunities & you gain control of the most important area, yourself. Working together, you will become equipped to navigate day to day life & the unexpected, emerging stronger, smarter & happier. I am passionate about helping children, teens & young adults understand their emotions through play therapy & cognitive behavior therapy, within a family systems approach. I have valuable experience helping children and families deal with grief, behavioral issues, stress, depression, trauma, & school-related issues. Working with Wellspring Therapeutic Partners means I regularly consult with our team of prescribers and psychologists who specialize in a variety of areas. I can provide seamless referrals for medication management, psychological testing, therapy for loved ones or other household members, groups & EMDR services as needed and appropriate.
Kathleen JosephK

Kathleen Joseph

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

Dr. Sonia DhaliwalD

Dr. Sonia Dhaliwal

Licensed Psychologist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I identify as a multiracial, bicultural, and bilingual psychologist. I was born in Kuala Lumpur (KL) Malaysia and spent my formative years in Nigeria, West Africa. I moved to the United States as an International student to pursue higher education and upon formal employment, was able to obtain my permanent residency card as an immigrant. I am very passionate about social justice reform and have a deep empathy and personal understanding of the immigrant experience and work to support and empower my clients who identify as immigrants.
Hello and bienvenue! I work with a diverse clientele and specialize in providing social justice oriented psychotherapy to people of color, as well as members of LGBTQIA+ communities. I provide culturally responsive therapy, which focuses on the strengths that you already have. I tend to use an Interpersonal Process theoretical approach (IPT) as well as a cognitive-behavioral theoretical approach (CBT) while also paying attention to your environment and access to social support. I work with you to build a safe space where you can share your experiences without the fear of being judged, and where you can focus on becoming clear about what you want, and how you want to go about making that happen. I believe that it is important to build a strong therapeutic relationship, as well as paying close attention to what is happening for you in-the-moment. I find it helpful to work to understand the different values and beliefs that we bring into the room, and how these worldviews might affect our interactions with each other. Understanding how your thoughts are related to your behaviors can empower and help you to actively account for your reality. You can use this insight to make the changes that will be necessary to live life more healthily.
TaLesha LeachmanT

TaLesha Leachman

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to make a meaningful difference in people's lives by providing compassionate, evidence-based care. What motivates me daily is witnessing my patients’ progress and knowing that I’ve contributed to their journey toward better mental health and well-being.
Hello! I'm a dedicated and experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of expertise in providing comprehensive mental health care across various psychiatric settings. My career has been focused on delivering patient-centered care, with specialized experience in psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and therapeutic interventions. I have extensive experience working in specialized psychiatric units, including the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Recovery Room at The Brook Hospital KMI. In this role, I closely monitored patients before and after ECT procedures, ensuring their safety and comfort while collaborating with psychiatrists and anesthesiologists to deliver effective care. With a strong foundation in psychiatric care, critical thinking, and a compassionate approach, I am committed to providing empathetic and evidence-based mental health care. Thank you for considering me for your psychiatric care needs. I am here to support you in achieving optimal mental health and well-being.
Rebecca AdeyoolaR

Rebecca Adeyoola

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I have always been drawn to the human experience and the profound impact that mental health has on overall well-being. Throughout my nursing career, I encountered many individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges, and I realized that offering compassionate, therapeutic support could make a lasting difference in their lives. The ability to help someone understand their mind, emotions, and behaviors, and to work together on strategies for healing, became a powerful motivator for me.
"Hello! I'm Rebecca O. Adeyoola, a dedicated Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, MD. With years of experience in various healthcare settings, I specialize in psychiatric care, restorative care, and acute care. Currently, I work at Sheppard Pratt in Towson, offering compassionate support to individuals in need of psychiatric care. From conducting intake evaluations to managing treatment plans, my focus is always on providing the best possible care and education to my patients. I also serve as a Restorative Care Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where I lead a team dedicated to helping our veterans achieve better health. My role involves coordinating care plans, educating patients, and ensuring safety and quality in everything we do. Previously, I worked at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, where I honed my skills in critical care, infection control, and patient education. Whether it's administering medication, assisting with daily activities, or providing one-on-one care, I am committed to making a difference in my patients' lives. Outside of my professional roles, I am passionate about promoting overall health and wellness. I believe in the power of education and strive to help my patients understand their conditions and the best ways to manage them. Let's work together on your journey to better health and well-being. Feel free to reach out to me; I'm here to help!"
Jerleen SinkesJ

Jerleen Sinkes

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I have always been passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of life and find their inner strength. Witnessing the transformative power of a safe, supportive space where people feel heard and valued inspires me deeply. What motivates me to continue is the resilience and courage I see in my clients every day—their willingness to face challenges, grow, and embrace positive change. It’s an honor to walk alongside them in their journey toward healing and empowerment, and their progress serves as a constant reminder of why I chose this path.
I am passionate about providing therapy as a safe and supportive environment where you can openly express yourself without the worry of being judged. My approach is characterized by warmth, compassion, and practical strategies. I am dedicated to helping you gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, identify and break unhelpful patterns, and build self-confidence. Whether you are facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, or navigating significant life transitions, we will work closely together to create meaningful and lasting change. Remember, you do not have to navigate these difficulties alone—I'm here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. *Treatment philosophy I treat every patient with warmth, honesty, and a deep sense of respect for their unique journey. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, meaning we work together to find what works best for you. I value creating a safe, judgment-free space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Using evidence-based techniques like CBT, I focus on helping you build resilience, gain clarity, and develop the tools you need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns to improve emotional well-being. •Client-Centered Therapy: Providing a supportive, non-judgmental space where you feel heard and empowered. •Mindfulness Techniques: Teaching strategies to stay present, reduce stress, and manage overwhelming emotions. •Strength-Based Approach: Focusing on your strengths and resilience to build confidence and self-trust. •Trauma-Informed Care: Creating a safe environment for healing past experiences and emotional wounds. •Emotional Regulation Skills: Helping you develop healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and mood shifts. *Practice description At Blossom Counseling, we provide a warm, compassionate, and judgment-free environment where clients can explore their emotions, build resilience, and create meaningful change. Our practice specializes in working with teens, young adults, and women facing challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transitions. We believe therapy should be collaborative, empowering, and tailored to your unique needs. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and client-centered therapy, we help clients develop practical tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence. No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to help you heal, grow, and thrive.