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I'm Jamie Simmons, licensed in the state of California, License No. LMFT 110655. Therapy together often includes working together to identify and change habits, thoughts, actions, and relationship patterns that are holding you back from making progress in your life. In addition, we may find that current issues trace back to old wounds that need to be processed and healed together in service to greater freedom in the here and now.
My approach
I work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and Mindfulness Techniques, as well as many other relevant and helpful tools to assist you in reaching your goals. I am a strong believer in tools and offer as many helpful tools and practices as I can to benefit you.
My focus
I am an out gay therapist, which some clients find clinically helpful to know. That said, I enjoy working with any adult and have a very diverse caseload. Common areas of work in therapy include anxiety, depression, codependency, setting boundaries, relationship issues, and recovery from relational trauma. I work with many clients to update adaptive relational skills that were absolutely essential as a child but need to be updated as a wise and capable adult.
My communication style
I invite you to show up as you are. It is my intention to hold a heart-centered, unconditionally supportive space for you. Our connection is more important than any therapeutic technique or theoretical approach and is the foundation of successful therapy.
My journey to mental healthcare
Therapy is a second career for me. I worked in public relations and as a small business owner for over 20 years. Still, I was always interested in self-help, spirituality, and pursuing my own healing and growth process. I finally decided it was time to turn my passion for growth and healing into a career better aligned with who I am. I believe my life experience before becoming a therapist helped me be a better therapist every day, and my experience with a mid-life career change taught me that it's never too late to follow your dreams.
My goals for you
Setting goals in therapy can be very empowering. I am here to support you in reaching your goals. Sometimes clients are clear on their goals from the start, which is great. Other times clients just know there is something challenging going on, and it can take some exploration together to uncover the goals that best meet the moment. Remember that therapy is about your goals, not the goals of the therapist. You are in charge.
My first session with you
The first session is about getting to know each other as we explore what brings you to therapy and how you would like therapy to support you. I like to do this with respect for your pace and process and as much gentleness as possible, balanced with the need to collect a lot of information upfront.
