For over 20 years, I have been a marriage and family therapist. For 14 of those years, I worked with children and families from various backgrounds. In 2017, I transitioned to working in a private practice setting. In 2020, the pandemic encouraged us to meet with clients via telehealth. Today, I strictly work with adults only who struggle with symptoms and behaviors of anxiety and depression. I
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
First session, be prepared to discuss the issues you would like to address in sessions. What are your mental health goals?
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Assisting clients in gaining insight into their behaviors. When clients learn to reframe their thoughts and they begin to see their situation through a different lens.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Clients who are eager and ready to work toward change. Clients who are responsible and make sure to set an hour aside each week to ensure they attend sessions regularly and consistently.
About Rebecca Gomez
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Psychodynamic
I believe individuals gain insight into their pattern of bx by looking into past relationships/childhood, etc. I encourage clients to take a deeper look and begin identifying the underlying issues that contribute to their current bx. While I also believe in the importance of focusing on the "here and now", there is so much we can learn about ourselves when we "dig" a little into our past/our childhood. It is extremely important to prepare clients with appropriate coping skills (breathing techniques, journaling, guided meditation, positive outlets) prior to, "digging". In addition, I also like to make sure individuals are stable in their current level of functioning to ensure they can handle what may be uncovered, as we look into the past.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize the cognitive triangle (thoughts, feelings, behaviors) in order to assist clients in understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. I also utilize the "thought stopping" and "thought replacement" techniques for individuals who have repetitive negative thoughts. This can be helpful for those with anxiety and often allow their thoughts to spiral. I also provide psychoeducation in regards to cognitive distortions, a common one that I find myself discussing is catastrophizing, which many people with depression and anxiety often "catastrophize."
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I do not utilize solution focused as much, however I do love to utilize the "magic wand" technique. Clients may say, I want things to be better. So, using the magic wand, how does better look, describe what would be happening?, how will you know things are better? When client's say I had a good day yesterday. So, I want them to go back to that day so we can replicate what took place that day, to make it "good".
Psychoeducation
I believe educating our clients is important. I encourage all my client to do their own research, read books on the topics discussed, listen to podcasts, etc. Understanding ourselves, studying and being accountable for our behaviors, and accepting that we are good people, despite not being perfect is key to healing.