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Hello, I am Afsheen Izadi, but I go by Bruce. I have been working as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2013 and have worked with many different populations.
My approach
My most common approach is DBT, the SPIRE model, and Motivational Interviewing, but I like to use different approaches based on (1) the client's needs and (2) the stage of therapy. I believe it's best to start off with Motivational Interviewing to develop a rapport and assess the client's preferences or goals. From there I can use DBT, the SPIRE model, CBT, or Solution Focused.
My focus
I prefer working with adults. I have extensive experience working with couples, veterans, parolees, and the formerly transient population. My favorite populations are couples counseling and clients looking for introspection. I have always wanted to work with the brokenhearted, but I find this population to be uncommon.
My communication style
I tend to do a lot of code-switching. I like praising people for their strengths and externalizing their challenges. I often propose scenarios or tell stories in an effort to see if they resonate with the client. I tend to describe feelings and situations with empathy as if I am sharing in the experience.
My journey to mental healthcare
Growing up, I observed people putting more emphasis on their physical wellbeing and ignoring their psychological and emotional wellbeing. I see that they are interconnected and we were only treating a part of the problem. I did some introspection and decided that I didn't want to simply "survive," but live a good life. Then I realized I don't just want this for myself--I want to make this possible for others.
My goals for you
Sometimes goal setting is pretty seamless and I can just go with the flow. Other times I'll use motivational interviewing and solution-focused. I want to understand what they want and need, get them emotionally invested, and show them how their goals are more attainable than they might think.
My first session with you
If I need to do an intake, I like to mix getting to know them while going through the checkmarks. It takes a little longer, but I believe there are many clients that might be put off by the impersonal nature of just rattling off checklists. If the intake is already done, I will try to get to know the person. I will explore where they are today and the events that lead them to their current situation. I like to explore what therapy means to them. I see if they had therapy before and what they thought of it. I'll provide psychoeducation on how therapy might be broader than they expect and try to determine what style they are more interested in. Then there is goal setting (see above). I like to end the session with a little more rapport building.
