Selam Gebrekristos

Welcome! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist holding a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, I bring over 15 years of extensive experience in the field. I firmly believe in the significance of having a compassionate listener who embraces individuals just as they are, free from any form of judgment. In my practice, I offer clients a nurturing and accepting space where they can comfortably delve into the challenges that hinder them from achieving their desired lives.

My approach

My therapeutic approach incorporates a comprehensive blend of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and psychoeducation. By integrating these diverse therapeutic approaches, I empower clients to transform their perspectives regarding themselves, their challenges, their relationships with others, and their overall environment. This integrative approach has consistently proven successful in facilitating meaningful shifts in clients' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading them toward positive and lasting change.

My focus

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from various parts of the globe, encompassing diverse cultural backgrounds and a wide range of perspectives on topics such as individual and couples therapy, parenting, marriage, dating, sexuality, gender identity, self-esteem, and spirituality/religion. I take immense pride in creating a therapeutic space that is characterized by unwavering support and a complete absence of judgment. It is my firm belief that by fostering this environment, clients can effectively confront and overcome the challenges they face in their personal lives.

My communication style

As a marriage and family therapist, I strive to create a nurturing and safe environment for my clients during our sessions. The tone I cultivate is one of warmth, empathy, and genuine acceptance. I want my clients to feel heard, understood, and valued for who they are. I aim to foster a collaborative therapeutic relationship where we work together as a team to identify and address the issues that are preventing you from living the life you desire. I offer support, guidance, and practical tools tailored to your unique needs and goals. My goal is to create an atmosphere of trust and respect where you can feel comfortable sharing your deepest concerns and vulnerabilities. I am dedicated to providing a therapeutic experience that is supportive, empowering, and transformative, helping you navigate challenges and discover your own inner strength and resilience.

My journey to mental healthcare

Despite growing up in an environment where psychology and mental health were not given much recognition, I developed a deep curiosity about individual thought and self-awareness. This curiosity and a strong desire to support individuals from communities where mental health issues were often overlooked led me on a transformative journey toward becoming a therapist. I embarked on my educational path, ultimately earning a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from San Diego State University. This comprehensive program equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to address the complexities of relationships and family dynamics effectively. Alongside my academic pursuits, I actively immersed myself in the field, accumulating over 15 years of valuable experience as a therapist. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the principles of narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive therapy. These modalities resonate with me personally, as I firmly believe in the power of rewriting our stories and reclaiming our lives. In addition, I embrace the idea that we all have the capacity for recovery and growth, regardless of our challenges. Practicing what I teach is a fundamental aspect of my approach. I strive to embody the principles of self-care, self-reflection, and personal growth, recognizing that it enhances my ability to guide others on their transformative journeys. Above all, I am driven by a deep passion for helping individuals live as their authentic and preferred selves. Supporting my clients in pursuing happiness, growth, and meaningful relationships brings me great joy and fulfillment. I am dedicated to providing a compassionate and empowering therapeutic experience that encourages clients to embrace their strengths, rewrite their narratives, and create the lives they truly desire.

My goals for you

As a marriage and family therapist, my approach to goal setting with clients combines elements of Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. In Narrative Therapy, I recognize that clients are the experts of their own lives, and I work collaboratively with them to explore the stories and narratives they have created around their challenges. Together, we examine the impact of these narratives on their relationships and well-being. Through compassionate and curious questioning, we identify unhelpful narratives and co-construct new, empowering narratives that align with their values, strengths, and aspirations. In Solution-Focused Therapy, I focus on identifying and amplifying clients' strengths and resources. We explore their desired outcomes and engage in a solution-focused dialogue to envision a preferred future. By highlighting their existing strengths and successes, we can uncover strategies and small steps that can lead to meaningful change. I encourage clients to identify specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that resonate with their values and contribute to their overall well-being. Throughout the goal-setting process, I ensure that clients' goals are realistic and aligned with their individual and relationship needs. I regularly check in with them to review progress, make adjustments if needed, and celebrate milestones along the way. My role is to provide support, encouragement, and guidance as clients work towards achieving their goals and creating the fulfilling relationships and lives they envision.

My first session with you

During the first session with me, utilizing a Narrative Therapy approach, clients can expect a collaborative and exploratory process aimed at understanding their unique stories, experiences, and concerns. Clients can expect a collaborative and compassionate approach where they are actively involved in shaping their therapeutic journey. The first session sets the foundation for future sessions, fostering hope, understanding, and possibilities for change.