Fernanda Perez profile image

Fernanda Perez

Fernanda Perez

(she/her)

LMFT
20 years of experience
Warm
Direct
Solution oriented
Virtual

Hello, I’m Maria Fernanda Perez, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in a helping capacity for over 19 years. I specialize in working with violence and trauma survivors, teens, adults who have experienced challenges in their lives. I support couples and families who desire to develop a deeper connection to their body. For many of my clients this looks like symptoms of high sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and trauma interfering with their ability to connect with themselves. My traditional mental health background has given me a solid foundation in helping others to better finding their inner self.

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

I can definitely say we build rapport and gain an understanding of the symptoms. I do focus on building rapport with a client because it is essential for establishing trust, creating a safe therapeutic environment, and fostering a positive therapeutic relationship. I tend to focus on; Demonstrate empathy by acknowledging and validating client's feelings and experiences. Show that you understand their perspective and that you care about their well-being. I show genuine interest in my client as a person. Ask open-ended questions to learn more about their life, interests, and values. Find common ground and shared experiences to connect with them on a personal level. I respect my client's autonomy, choices, and boundaries. I like to create a nonjudgmental and accepting atmosphere where they feel free to express themselves without fear of criticism or rejection. Involve my client in the therapeutic process by collaboratively setting goals, discussing treatment options, and soliciting their feedback and input. Empower them to take an active role in their own healing journey.

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

I have been working in the area of childhood trauma. I have a real sense of connection with childhood work, as I myself, have gone through my own journey. I have helped individuals work through their own trauma and develop the skills to re-parent themselves.

About Fernanda Perez

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. In EMDR therapy, the client recalls distressing memories while the therapist directs bilateral stimulation, which can involve the client's eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. This bilateral stimulation is thought to help the brain process these memories in a healthier way, reducing their impact on the individual's life. EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It's also used to address a range of other issues, including anxiety, depression, ph obias, and addiction. The therapy typically involves several phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, and body scan. The goal is to help the individual process traumatic memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms. While EMDR therapy has gained widespread acceptance and has been shown to be effective, it's essential that it's administered by a trained and licensed therapist who understands the complexities of trauma and is skilled in delivering this particular form of therapy.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is a goal-oriented, strengths-based approach to psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and building upon an individual's existing resources and strengths to help them achieve their desired goals. SFT is grounded in the idea that individuals have the capacity to create positive change in their lives, and the therapist's role is to facilitate this process. Goal Orientation: SFT begins with a focus on the client's goals and aspirations rather than dwelling on past problems or deficits. The therapist helps the client clarify their goals and develop concrete, achievable steps to work towards them. Solution-Focused Questions: Therapists use a variety of questions to help clients explore their strengths, resources, and past successes, as well as potential solutions to their current challenges. These questions are designed to evoke positive change and shift the client's focus away from problems towards solutions. Exception Finding: SFT emphasizes the importance of identifying times when the client's problems are less severe or absent (exceptions) and exploring what is different during those times. By focusing on these exceptions, clients can gain insights into their own abilities and resources for creating change. Miracle Question: One of the hallmark techniques of SFT is the Miracle Question, which asks clients to imagine their lives without the problem and describe what would be different. This helps clients envision their desired future and identify concrete steps to move towards it. Collaboration and Empowerment: SFT is a collaborative process in which the therapist and client work together as equals. The therapist provides support, encouragement, and guidance, but ultimately, the client is viewed as the expert in their own life and is empowered to make decisions and take action towards their goals. SFT is often brief and solution-focused, with a focus on practical strategies and interventions that can lead to rapid and sustainable change. It has been used effectively in a wide range of settings, including individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and organizational consulting.

Attachment-based

Attachment theory and inner child work, emphasized importance of secure attachments formed in infancy as the foundation for healthy relationships and emotional well-being throughout life. When these attachments are disrupted or insecure, it can lead to various psychological and emotional difficulties. Attachment therapy often involves techniques and interventions designed to promote trust, communication, and emotional connection between the child and caregiver. Attachment-focused family therapy: Working with the entire family system to address underlying issues and dynamics that may be impacting attachment relationships. Trauma-focused interventions: Addressing past traumas or disruptions in attachment through techniques such as narrative therapy, trauma processing, and emotion regulation skills training. It's important to note that attachment therapy should be conducted by trained and licensed mental health professionals with expertise in attachment theory and child development. Additionally, there has been controversy surrounding some unregulated or extreme forms of attachment therapy, which may involve coercive techniques or interventions that have not been empirically validated and can potentially be harmful. Overall, attachment therapy aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment in which children can develop secure attachments, leading to improved emotional regulation, social skills, and overall well-being.