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Kristal Montoya, LMFT, University of Southern California MS I believe therapy is a place where a client can feel safe to express his/her/their concerns without being judged. This is a place where you can come and talk about things you can't talk about with anyone else.
My approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused
My focus
I specialize in teens and young adults (however, I have worked with all ages, including the elderly). Having worked in education for 16 years and now having a private practice, I strive to integrate the knowledge I have gained to support my clients.
My communication style
I want each of my clients to feel that I am open to hearing all of their concerns, worries, joys, successes, pitfalls, and excitement. Therapy is not just about what is bothering us, but it is also about sharing what success and joy they feel as well. I want each client to feel like they can speak without judgment. I also believe therapy is not only about current situations many feel lost in but also about building goals, working on the different pillars in their life, and goal setting.
My journey to mental healthcare
I believe therapy is a place where a client can feel safe to express his/her/their concerns without being judged. This is a place where you can come and talk about things you can't talk about with anyone else. Clients go into therapy to find answers to questions they can't find on their own. My goal is for each client to be able to use the tools developed in therapy and take them into the outside world. This is a place where we, as a team, can set realistic goals that are reachable by you, the client. I want each client to take steps to become the healthiest version of themselves. I believe each client should leave therapy feeling empowered to tackle concerns and work on wellness
My goals for you
I ask each client what they want to achieve. I work with each client to set goals that are not only attainable but in session, we work on a step-by-step process to attain them. We discuss goals that they currently want to work on. Then we move to what goals they want to achieve overall (big and small) in each of the following realms: Personal, Career, Health, Family/Relationship.
My first session with you
I start off by introducing who I am, my background, and which therapy modalities I utilize. We do a quick intake and then move on to what brings the client to therapy. I always make sure clients feel safe about talking about their wants and needs. If a subject is too sensitive for our first session, I always let my clients know they don't have to speak about that topic yet. I also ask about my client's lifestyle, career, family, and relationships.
