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Lee Breitenbach, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Lee Breitenbach

Lee Breitenbach

(he/him)

LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual

Hello, my name is Lee. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with the state of California. I spent the majority of my career helping people with severe mental illness to achieve stability while searching for meaning within acute care settings. For the past 5 years I’ve been working with team of specialists looking to incorporate more trauma based treatment into the state facilities. Through this exploration I’ve developed a deeper understanding between the interplay of trauma and childhood experiences. The connection between trauma and all of the maladaptive coping styles that I saw in group homes, recovery centers and the VA, became apparent to me. What some might call symptoms I might interpret as adaptations to deal with life. That fundamental understanding is what makes me the therapist that I am. In the words of Anita Sawyer PhD, “It’s those who are comfortable with ambiguity that can see unique perspectives to bridge connection. Connection is the essence of healing.”

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

Our first session will be primarily focused on making introductions and talking about issues that are currently weighing on your mind. From there can either start the process of identifying goals or exploring patterns behind previous attempts to change behavior. Either way, we will end the session having a good feel for how the process will develop over time.

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

I have learned that through a combination of patience and respect, a foundation for understanding can be built. Regardless of orientation and experience, creating a sense of connection is paramount. It allows for small interruptions and misunderstandings to be made without the process falling apart. Having witnessed how extreme the scars of trauma can do the human psyche, I’m still able to preserve a well of calm and empathy deep within. I’ve learned that I don’t need to shut off my emotions to tolerate pain and suffering of the world around us, instead I look to find small and unique ways I can make a positive difference.

About Lee Breitenbach

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Free consults, virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Throughout the majority of my career in state service, I have used CBT to conduct individual and group therapy. The cornerstone of this approach is to help guide the client to accurately assess their belief systems and automatic negative thoughts in a caring, Socratic manner. I give space for client feel validated by their reactions to stressful thought while encouraging them modify their cognitive appraisals to be less harmful and rigid. My theme: life is stressful and “beating yourself up” will interfere with opportunities to experience growth, resilience and optimism.

Schema Therapy

For the past couple of years I’ve been working with a couple of psychologists to develop a group format to be utilized on inpatient settings. I have used this modality in outpatient group therapy sessions. The goal of the therapy is to help the client find adaptive ways to meet their emotional needs. To accomplish this, the therapy utilizes a combination of cognitive, experiential and mindfulness techniques. Helping the client identify their schemas and then properly assess how the use of maladaptive coping styles keeps them “stuck”, will open new opportunities to find satisfaction in life.