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Hello. My name is Lynn. I'm a licensed Psychotherapist (LMFT) and I've been practicing Psychotherapy in California for 30+ years. I am trained in somatically (body) oriented therapy as well as EFT (tapping) and several other modalities. My focus of practice is on the goals of my clients, what helps them to manage stress, find peace, and discover meaning and fulfillment. Every person is different, so each approach will be particular to them. I hold sacred the self-determination and desires of each person who enters into the therapeutic alliance, always with the understanding that safety is of primary importance. I am also a trained End of Life Doula, helping to support what is needed when facing the end of life and death. This often includes making sense of a life lived, leaving a legacy, sharing regrets, finding forgiveness and acceptance, and exploring the more profound meaning as one approaches the end.
My approach
I use a blend of experiential, mindfulness, and behavioral therapy. Experiential work allows the opportunity to experience emotions and feelings in a safe space when you, the client, are ready. Building the "muscle" of mindfulness allows for a disengagement from old habits and self-criticism. As a long-time mindfulness practitioner, I teach mindfulness within sessions- most importantly, to help clients remain in an emotional range that doesn't repeat a cycle of traumatic reactions. The more we can keep our pre-frontal cortex engaged, the more choices we have in our daily lives. I offer behavioral techniques that are ways to intervene in long-lived habits that may not be working in your life anymore.
My focus
I see mostly individual adults of various ages. I have worked with anxiety, stress/self-care, depression, addiction, chronic illness (particularly HIV/AIDS), life transition, women's issues, and more. All with a trauma-informed lens. I welcome those who are new to adulthood, those who are embracing aging and illness, and those in between.
My communication style
My style is gentle and direct. I trust that my clients are here to either bring about changes in their lives or to get to know themselves better. I accompany clients in discovering both what they need for safety as well as how they can ultimately come to a more comfortable and meaningful place in their lives.
My journey to mental healthcare
I love to connect with other people and hear what’s important to them. I’ve also always wanted to help ease the suffering of others. I began my journey 42 years ago by studying and getting certified as a holistic nutritionist. I soon realized that didn't quite fulfill me, so I went back to school to become a psychotherapist.
My goals for you
Sometimes, there are no clear goals when someone begins therapy but rather a need to feel better. For others, there is clarity about what is needed and what's needed are the tools for getting there. We will build a safe place, use inquiry to obtain clarity, and discover which goals are relevant. Goals, like the horizon, can change, too, depending on where we are on the journey. It's also important to revisit them regularly.
My first session with you
Although there are questions I need to ask to help me understand you, my style in the first session is to get to know you. Not to go too deep too soon. For you, the client, the first session is like an interview. Are you feeling comfortable? Safe? Do you feel at least somewhat understood? Do you think you're going to be able to work with this therapist?
