Patricia Opper

I am Patricia Opper. I have maintained a California Social Work License since for many years. I have practiced in a number of different programs including rape treatment, substance abuse, Emergency Room psychiatric evaluations, medical hospital psychiatric evaluations and private practice. I lived in Europe for eight years and worked for the Department of Defense as a civilian employee. I am familiar with military lifestyle and family pressures in that subculture. I enjoy working with adults in transition to assist adaptation to changes that come with aging. I know that psychotherapy is a valuable tool to support change and navigate through difficult times.

My approach

I have trained in a number of modalities over the years and can say that my approach is eclectic. I see individuals in the context of their lives as well as recipient of influences from the past and traumatic experiences. I recognize that there are always choices, even though choices can seem very limited and unsatisfactory. My job is to help my clients look at themselves with honesty, compassion and approval.

My focus

I have worked with many women as well as women who have experienced sexual violence. I appreciate working with couples and understand that relationships, while not easy, offer powerful pathways to growth and development.

My communication style

I encourage comfort in my sessions. I’m not offended by strong language and I seek to balance, honesty, compassion and understanding. I respect my clients and their autonomy and see myself as a consultant to their growth process. My goal is to stay nonjudgmental and non-critical as my clients make their own decisions.

My journey to mental healthcare

Like many who go into the helping professions, I wanted to understand myself better. In the process of that I came to deeply believe that psychotherapy is a powerful force for good, and does help people live more happily and with greater compassion and understanding for others.

My goals for you

Setting goals is a collaboration. This is something that I work with the client to establish. I do believe that goals provide a path and framework for the work the client does.

My first session with you

In the first session, I like to set the stage with the client so they understand my role to help them meet their goals. I outline the benefits of the telehealth platform and address honestly some of the deficits. I am open to questions about my professional, work and history. I look to gain a basic understanding of what brings the client into treatment now and if they have had prior treatment and how that worked for them.