Hi. My name is Luis Maimoni. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships of all kinds. Relationships with partners, with friends and family, and with co-workers are vital parts of our lives. When our relationships are great, we feel great. When our relationships are "having difficulties" or "experiencing challenges", so are we. If you're reading this, my guess is that one or more of your relationships is not in the "great" category. I can relate. Many years ago, when my first marriage was breaking down, I felt alone and confused. I sought therapy to figure out what was going on, why it was happening, and what to do about it. The work led to my study of of every kind of relationship, from every perspective imaginable. In a long since deleted blog post, I wrote "relationships are a lot more complicated than I thought they would be." It would be my honor to work with you to uncomplicate yours.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Your first therapy session has two main goals: 1. ASSESS YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES We will take the first meeting to assess your current circumstances. While my areas of expertise may be consistent with your reasons for coming to therapy, we will need to address specific areas that are unique to you, and your current circumstances. From there, we will be able to better determine what type of therapy is right for you, what it will entail, and what it will look like for you in terms of fitting it into your day-to-day life. In addition, I may provide you with series of actions to do outside of our therapy sessions, such as practice a certain technique, or read a specific book, as it is important you take on an active role in your healing. 2. BUILD A RELATIONSHIP Our first session will be more like a two way interview. I’ll get to know you, and you’ll get to know me. I will ask you questions to help me better understand your primary issues and concerns, as well as your history in terms of other events in your life, family, childhood, and career. However, you are welcome to ask questions too. In order for therapy to be successful, it is imperative we establish a client/therapist relationship that is supportive and honest. In fact, it is the nature – and the quality – of our relationship that will determine the success of your overall therapy goals. The success of the ‘meeting of the minds’ with your psychotherapist is the most accurate predictor of a positive, healthy outcome to the hard work you put in towards your happiness.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
My approach is humanistic and founded in attachment theory. Whether doing work with couples or with individuals, I prefer evidence based, proven techniques. I collaborate with clients to set goals for themselves in therapy so that we can measure our progress and make adjustments to our work when needed. I often integrate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as it has been shown to be an effective short term therapy. For clients that have not gotten the results they want with CBT, I often transition to mindfulness. Mindfulness offers a method for improved self-regulation, and provides a path to better self-awareness. With greater self-awareness, it becomes possible to do the work necessary to address deeply rooted problems.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Although there are many clinical aspects to what we do, the most important things I provide are a listening mind, relentless curiosity, deep caring and respect, and a willingness to be my authentic self. Clients have told me they appreciate my direct style of communicating.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Men. Sex addicts. Alt-sex populations (e.g., BDSM, poly, fetish)