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Hello, I'm Laurell Bertino, an LPCC in California. I use a person-centered, integrative approach to therapy, grounded in Depth Psychology. I may have even struggled with some of the same issues you have struggled with. The great part is that I have come out on the other side and want to show you that you can do it, too.
My approach
I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of therapy. The most important part of therapy is that you feel comfortable with your therapist so you can feel safe and willing to change your situation. As a Person-Centered Expressive Arts Therapist, if talk therapy is not enough, perhaps there is a creative arts approach that will provide a healing solution for you.
My focus
I mainly work with clients who have traumatic experiences or memories and are looking for healing through a variety of treatment approaches that include EMDR, talk therapy, mindfulness, and somatic interventions, and perhaps creative modalities. I also work with people who are in a transitional stage in their lives or have something they are trying to work through - depression, divorce, grief, career change, empty nesters...I'm here for the journey.
My communication style
I am easy-going, non-judgmental, and a great listener. I will be honest with you and offer you opportunities to confront difficult issues with encouragement and validation.
My journey to mental healthcare
Carl Rogers says, "Growth occurs when individuals confront problems, struggle to master them, and through that struggle develop new aspects of their skills, capacities, and views about life." This philosophy resonates with me and inspired my path to becoming a mental health professional. I have dealt with my own "stuff."
My goals for you
Goals are paramount when it comes to therapy. We can approach issues head-on one at a time, or altogether, depending on the situation. That said, as you begin your journey to personal growth, we can be flexible and switch gears as new information comes up.
My first session with you
Our first session is to get to know one another. Let's see if we "click". If we do, fantastic. If not, there needn't be any hard feelings on either side because the point is that you need to find someone who "gets you" and who you feel you can connect with. We all have different needs and personalities. Come to the first session with questions, and I'll do my best to help you figure out if I am the right therapist for you.
