LMFT, 30 years of experience
Hello, I am Gwendolyn Tyson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California. During my 29 years of experience, I have worked with a diverse range of people aged 3 to 95, providing individual, child, and family counseling. My therapeutic approach consists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused, strength-based, grief and loss, and Christian-based counseling. I also enjoy working with families with issues related to trauma, terminal illnesses, blended families, and phase of life issues. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount for growth, meaning the relationship between therapist and client is of the utmost importance for success. I have been told that I have a gentle, soft demeanor that makes clients feel relaxed and easily engaged during sessions. By using self-reflection, one becomes more aware of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My desire is to help you achieve your goals by exploring interventions you can use for a lifetime. Let's start this journey together. My approach I generally use Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral, trauma-focused, grief and loss, and Strength-Based therapy. My focus I provide treatment to patients from 3 to 95 years of age. Providing support around anxiety, depression, grief and loss, blended families, phase of life issues, and dealing with terminal illnesses. With my early education background, I provide family and parenting support.
My first session with you The first session is used for rapport building, listening to the reason for referral, and ensuring that a therapeutic relationship is developed. It is important to check for safety as well.
I have been told that I have a gentle, soft demeanor that makes clients feel relaxed and easily engaged during sessions. I have been told by patients that they feel supported and comfortable discussing their concerns. My journey to mental healthcare Two of my closest friends are from the first and third grade. When I chose this career, they both expressed not being surprised. As a child, I was always interested in how others felt and talking things out. Before becoming a therapist, I directed four Early Childhood Centers and YMCA After School programs. I spent much of the time supporting parents with family issues and helping them understand developmental stages. I have a special place in my heart for aging adults as well.
I have a background in child development and trained several early childhood teachers. I also enjoy working with adults to help them through phase of life issues. I use Erichson's 8 stages of man to help clints identify their stage of life. I also enjoy working with young professionals who are in the first few years of their careers. My clients are eager to improve, but don't yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about their careers.
I have used this method for the purpose of helping clients identify and become more aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I have used several interventions that help reduce negative thought patterns and change cognitive processing.
I have worked in my church as a person who provided therapy referrals and resources. I have presented workshops in my church to provide education and understanding of mental health and referrals. Christian counseling helps clients identify their biblical beliefs and how they can incorporate them into their identified problems and reasons for seeking therapy.
Couples will learn effective communication and mutual respect for one another.
Providing an understanding of family systems and the roles of each family member to bring unity within the family.
As a result of my own grief experiences of loosing half my family members, I have certifications as a grief therapist from three agencies. For my master's thesis, I designed a handbook for adults to help children through the grieving process. I ran several grief groups for children and adults. I worked on the quilt project that helped families that were victims of violence process their grief together.