Hello and welcome to my therapy practice. With over ten years of experience as a therapist, case manager, group facilitator and as a graduate of Dominican University of California specializing in Counseling Psychology, I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are: Leading Women of Color as well as Mid-life support groups for women Working with women experiencing depression and anxiety, Supporting individuals going through a life transition. I also offer supportive counseling to those impacted by the effects of Past trauma, racism, classism, socioeconomic factors.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, I will gather a obtain a psychosocial history gathering information on family history, social relationships, work history as well as demographics and emergency contacts. We will also discuss your reasons for seeking therapy at this time. Most important, we will have the opportunity to get to know each other. For therapy to work, we will need to establish a good rapport We will begin building the foundation of trust.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I choose to work as a therapist because I have a bone deep desire to give back. It was a wonderful attentive therapist who encouraged me to complete graduate school in my early 50's! She saw the good in me and was able to hold hope until I was strong enough to reach out and hold that hope in my heart. I am simply playing in forward.
About Gayle Whitlock
Gayle Whitlock offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Schema Therapy
We will identify the negative beliefs that may have been formed during traumatic childhood experiences and explore how these beliefs get in the way of positive day to day functioning. We collaboratively work to develop new belief systems that move one to a more positive and fulfilling life.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I am passionate in supporting Black Women and WOC. While I will never claim to be an authority in your unique experience, my goal is to create a safe place where the complexity of racism, sexism, classism and all discrimination is never diminished or ignored in supporting your journey to wellness.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is used to support the individual in developing present moment awareness, practicing meditation, using breathing exercises to learn to be in the here and now rather than being carried away by thoughts and emotions that may or may not be true. I often combine this with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to examine the validity of automatic thoughts that may contribute to increased states of depressed moods, anxiety and emotional dysregulation.