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Congratulations on taking steps toward creating the life and the relationships you desire. My name is Kathy Tanner, and I have been a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California since 2002. I am passionate about working with people who want to heal, grow, and live their best life.
My approach
I provide a supportive, cognitive behavioral approach while focusing on a person’s strengths, thoughts, feelings, and achievable action steps. I believe that if we are willing to take the time to learn, grow, and engage in self-compassion, mindfulness, awareness, healthy communication, and positive coping skills, we can improve our relationships and live the life that we desire.
My focus
Throughout my career, I have specialized in working with children, teenagers, and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I understand and appreciate the complexities of relationships, marriage, parenting, co-parenting, and life transitions. I have supported many people who come to therapy at a period of their lives where there is a significant life transition whether it be entering adulthood, marriage struggles/divorce, infidelity, “empty nesting”, or general aging.
My communication style
I have a strengths-based approach, and I am calm, patient, and supportive. After working in this field for over 25 years and much lived experience, I am a safe, accepting person to talk about your current needs and concerns. I realize that people attend therapy for different reasons and some people prefer ample time to express and share their thoughts and feelings, and other people prefer a more “coaching” like approach. This is a conversation that I have with my clients, so I can meet my clients where they are at.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have been licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years. My initial reason for entering the field has changed and developed as I have grown, matured, and worked in the fields of substance abuse treatment, children’s county mental health, and child welfare services. In 2021 I transitioned to working independently in private practice. In this season of my career, I am grateful to have the opportunity to support individuals, couples, and families through challenging life circumstances and to help people live their best life.
My goals for you
Goal setting is a collaborative conversation. Most of the time, clients attend therapy because they want something to change within themselves and/or their relationships. When people commit time and energy to therapy, I am dedicated to support them in reaching their goals, so they feel happier, healthier, and more fulfilled in life.
My first session with you
During the first session of therapy, the client and I will spend a short time clarifying the initial paperwork that has already been completed and discuss the process of therapy, confidentiality, expectations, any immediate needs around safety, past experiences with therapy, and what brings the client to therapy. It is a time for us to build trust, for me to learn about the client and client’s desires, establish initial goals, and discuss a few action steps to help the client feel better.
