After graduating in 2013 from the University of Houston - Clear Lake from the Marriage and Family Therapy program, I worked in the non-profit sector offering therapy services to both children and adults in the Houston area. I also have experience working in a school setting, and have a passion for working with teens and young adults. I am fully bilingual in both English and Spanish, and I am trained in different treatment modalities to help tackle problems with trauma, anxiety, and adjustment.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first few sessions can be frustrating: there are a lot of questions and information to go through. If you are frustrated, and feel like you are not making process, it is completely normal. As you get to know me better (and as I get to know you as well) therapy will feel more like a conversation.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I try to bring a mix of humor and knowledge to the session - although you are the expert in your own life, I try to help bridge the gap in what you know and what information or perspective might be missing. I believe that everything can make sense, and everything can be understood. If I do not know something, I will let you know, and then immediately go look it up. I am also a tenacious therapist - I do not give up on my clients, and I try to do everything in my power to make sure you are living your best life. I also try to be respectful of your choices and boundaries. If there is anything that bothers you, anything you do not want to talk about, just let me know; I want you to leave our sessions feeling confident and heard.
About Graciela Perarnau de Loukanis
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This is the most common style of therapy - we look at what is happening, and how that is affecting your thoughts, your emotions, and your choices. It helps make sense of your experience, and, in doing so, it helps find solutions to problems.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
A lot of people in Texas are in an intersect between different cultures - usually your culture of origin (the culture or cultures of your family) and the culture of the place you live in, but there can be differences between family cultures (your family of origin and your in laws, for example), or between your own values and your work culture. It is important to chose a therapist that is aware and respects all.
EMDR
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (but don't worry, you don't have to remember all the letters). It is more than a therapy style, it is an entirely different way to look at the brain and the effects that early life experiences can affect your present and your future. EMDR was developed to help treat trauma and anxiety, but it can be used to treat other problems/disorders.
Family Therapy
I am trained as a marriage and family therapy - this means that I do not see the person as a collection of symptoms, problems, and diagnosis (although that is important). I mainly focus on your relationships and your choices, since those are the items that have the most impact on a person's life.