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Hello. I am Brent Carter MA,MFT. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. (LMFT # 41193). My approach to therapy is to create an environment where you can explore your feelings and emotions in an atomosphere of trust and acceptance. I see myself as a guide on your personal journey where you are making the decisions about where and when to turn. I view the therapist role as one of support but it is you who chooses. Ideally I would redirect you if you appear to be moving towards a dead-end or in a dangerous direction. But in the end, you are the one making the decisions about your life. My theoretical orientation is Existential-Humanistic. I am also a Family Therapist so I do incorporate elements of Systems Theory, especially when working with Couples and Families. My therapy is also informed by Psychodynamic principles and ideas. The areas I focus or specialize on are Grief and Loss, unresolved Traumas, Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Communication and Cross Cultural or Multi-Cultural issues. I look forward to getting to know you and your personal story, as I view each as having a unique vision for their life. Getting in touch with that vision and uncovering your personal meaning is your responsibility and your living mission.
My approach
My approach is Existential-Humanistic. This includes Client-Centered, Gestalt, and Logotherapeutic foundations.
My focus
My present focus is on working with Adults and Couples, though I have also done significant work with Children, Teens, and Families in the past. Though I do treat and deal with a variety of presenting problems and diagnoses typically my current client base comes to therapy to address Anxiety, Depression, Relationship/Communication issues, Job Stress, or Work/Family balance issues as well as Life Transitions and questions of Meaning or purpose.
My communication style
I endeavor to create an environment that is non-judgmental and accepting, where you can feel safe to explore issues that may be difficult to talk about. I view each person I work with as intrinsically valuable and worthwhile despite what past experiences they may have suffered or been involved in. Change is always an open road, and it is closed to none.
My journey to mental healthcare
Like most other therapists I suppose, my path to becoming a therapist came out of my own therapy and my own personal exploration. In my early 20's I took a deep interest in my inner life, this included my emotional life, but also encountering my unconscious through an exploration of my dreams. This opened a whole new world for me and ultimately a new life path.
My goals for you
The client is the one who sets the goals for her or his life. Likewise, it is you who determines your goals for therapy. In general, my only goal for therapy is Awareness and to help facilitate greater Awareness on your part. This is the foundation of change.
My first session with you
Generally speaking (though every situation is different in some way) in the first session I want to give you the chance to share why you are coming to therapy. Often, this involves you telling your personal story or a part of your story. My job is to listen, to hear you, to understand you, and to respond authentically.
