LMFT, 10 years of experience
Nice to meet you! I am Cali, and I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for a bit shy of 6 years. Prior to licensure, I worked as an associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) for about 4 years. In that time, I spent about 8 years working with Veterans navigating dual diagnosis issues, in conjunction with experiencing homelessness. After leaving that setting, which was residential, I moved to online therapy, which I have been doing for almost 2 years. I primarily work with individuals navigating life changes, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, women’s issues, and trauma. At this time I do not work with individuals experiencing active SI.
Our first session will involve brief introductions and background information. We will review limits to confidentiality, and then we will move into more of a “get to know you” space. It is critical that you feel comfortable with your therapist, so I will always be sure to start by telling you that you get to decide if this feels like the appropriate fit for you. That is one of the first things you get to do for yourself in this journey - pick the person who takes it with you. If it’s not me, that is ok and we can have that conversation. On my end I will be doing an intake questionnaire - this is to help me get an understanding of you, and what work we can do together. I will also be mindful of my own scope of practice as we do this intake. It’s my highest priority that you are connected to the right person, and if I do not have a skill you need, you can trust that I will bring that to the conversation. I look forward to seeing what we can do together!
I am a highly person centered eclectic therapist. I borrow from CBT, ACT, and REBT the most, and weave them into narrative therapy. In addition, I view all work through a trauma informed lens. It is important to me to meet a client where they are. That is where the work begins.
My biggest strengths are my authenticity, honesty, and ability to advocate. Advocacy is less a part of traditional therapy, but what is underneath it - fidelity and dedication to good works and helping, feels like an important strength to note. Where I thrive is with people unsure about the process. I am here to help support you, let you set the pace, and act as the guide you want and need.
I am best positioned to work with adults navigating change, interpersonal distress, anxiety, depression, or those looking to increase and enhance coping skills. Each therapist is unique - a bit like a fingerprint, and we all have our own style. With me, you can expect an authentic person with a measured and calm demeanor to meet you each session. My ultimate goal is for you to feel safe, and for you to feel heard. That is the foundation of the work we will do moving forward.