Hi, I'm Lane. I know that looking for a therapist-- finding the right "fit" and someone you can trust--can be a daunting process. Let me tell you a little about my practice, and if you have any questions, I welcome them. Over 16 years of clinical practice, I have accumulated a number of techniques for helping folks feel more whole in their daily experience. I believe that it's my job to get to know and to honor your truth and endemic wisdom. I'm here to be a compassionate partner in your self-exploration. Honesty, transparency, and trust in our relationship is paramount. I am always interested in hearing your thoughts and feelings about our working relationship. Most times, talking about what's happening in the moment, in our interactions, is therapeutic, and leads to new skills that can be deployed in everyday life. Therapy is a place to learn about and practice being authentic, noticing along the way the places you might have had to curtail your truths to cope in previous situations.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

When you book an intake appointment, I will send you a welcome email with some instructions and remind you to complete the intake form if you haven't already. A robust intake form helps me arrive at our first session informed and prepared to meet you where you are, so that you get the most out of your session time. The intake session is a little more structured and exploratory than a "regular" session would be; I will ask you questions that will help me make sure I can serve you with my background and training, and that will help me set up the beginning of a treatment plan. My treatment plans are always evolving as we get to know each other, and are always open to input from you. The first session also is a time for you to get a feel for me, whether you feel comfortable with me. I'll make sure there's time for any questions that you have. If we both decide to continue to explore together, we'll talk about booking a follow-up session or a series of sessions from there.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I don't see people as a cluster of symptoms, but that is often what we're most aware of when we're looking for a therapist. So to use that vernacular, I work with depression and anxiety, social phobia, chronic illness, end of life issues, family and relational issues, suicidal thoughts, issues of loneliness and isolation, grief and loss, feelings of "languishing", issues of identity. Though it is not the focus of my private practice currently, in my career I have worked with psychosis, mood disorders, homelessness and other severe psychosocial stressors.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Each therapy is unique, as each client is unique, so I design our process in collaboration with you. In fact, I especially enjoy working with people who have some experience of "otherness"-- of not fitting in with the prevailing culture-- so uniqueness is safe and welcome with me. I strive to work with both body and mind, ordinary and non-ordinary states of mind, not separating these or being "in our heads" talking, but making sure that the full range of your experience is welcomed into the therapy session.

About Lane Ratchford, LMFT, CHt

Appointments