Dezaree Finch
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling and a degree from UC Davis. I have worked in the mental health field since 2001, serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of clinical settings, including residential treatment, substance use treatment, and domestic violence and sexual assault programs. I strive to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My goal is to help people better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, overcome challenges, and move toward meaningful, lasting change. I believe in treating the whole person and value an integrative approach that considers emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual well-being. I support evidence-based practices while recognizing that each client's journey is unique. My work is informed by ongoing professional education and a commitment to remaining current with research and best practices. My own life experiences, including overcoming significant adversity and serious health challenges, have deepened my empathy and reinforced my belief that healing and growth are possible. These experiences allow me to connect with clients with authenticity, hope, and understanding. Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with my family, homeschooling my two children, teaching, reading, camping, swimming, and serving as a leader with the Civil Air Patrol and Scouting America.
First session
During our first session we will spend about 5 minutes reviewing important policies and then we will jump right into what has brought you into therapy.
Strengths
My Areas of Strength I have worked in the mental health field since 2001 and have experience helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigate some of life’s most difficult seasons. My goal is not simply to listen, but to actively partner with you in creating meaningful, lasting change. **I commonly help clients with:** • Anxiety, chronic stress, and burnout • Depression, sadness, and hopelessness • Low self-esteem and self-doubt • Trauma and PTSD • Sexual assault, domestic violence, and relationship abuse recovery • Relationship conflict and communication difficulties • Marriage, premarital, and pre-engagement counseling • Codependency and unhealthy relationship patterns • Life transitions and personal growth • Adolescent behavioral and emotional concerns • College and graduate student concerns • Feeling “stuck” or unsure how to move forward • Christian counseling for individuals, couples, and families (upon request) **My Approach** Every client is different, so I believe therapy should be individualized. I integrate approaches that fit your goals, personality, strengths, and circumstances. Sessions are collaborative and practical. In addition to providing a safe place to process emotions, I help clients identify patterns, build insight, strengthen communication, develop healthier coping skills, establish boundaries, solve real-life problems, and practice new ways of responding to challenges. When helpful, I may suggest strategies to practice between sessions. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I also consider how relationships and environments influence emotional well-being. Together, we can explore relationship patterns, repair trust where possible, strengthen healthy connections, and address relationships that have become draining or unhealthy. I believe people often possess more strengths than they recognize. Part of my role is helping you discover and use those strengths to create lasting change.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready for change, even if they feel uncertain about where to begin. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, stress, grief, or a major life transition. They don't need to have all the answers—they simply need to be willing to engage in the therapeutic process with honesty, openness, and a desire to grow. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families who want more than a place to vent (though venting is important too). My clients are looking to better understand themselves, improve communication, strengthen relationships, heal from past wounds, and develop practical tools that create lasting change. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and goal-oriented. Together, we'll identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build on your existing strengths, and create realistic steps toward the life you want. Many of my clients come to therapy because they want healthier relationships, greater confidence, better emotional regulation, or freedom from repetitive, unhelpful patterns. Others simply know that something feels "off" and want help understanding why. I particularly enjoy working with individuals and families who value personal responsibility, meaningful relationships, and continued growth. For those who desire it, I also offer counseling that thoughtfully integrates the Christian faith into the therapeutic process. My faith informs who I am as a therapist, while I strive to provide compassionate, respectful care that honors each client's values, goals, and dignity. If you're looking for a therapist who will listen with empathy, challenge you when appropriate, and actively partner with you in creating meaningful, lasting change, we may be a great fit.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My approach to therapy is integrative, meaning I draw from several evidence-based approaches and tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, goals, and personality rather than relying on a single method. **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):** I help clients recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge beliefs that no longer serve them, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's difficulties. CBT provides practical tools that clients can continue using long after therapy has ended.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
My approach to therapy is integrative, meaning I draw from several evidence-based approaches and tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, goals, and personality rather than relying on a single method. **Solution-Focused Therapy:** While I believe it is important to understand a client's story, I also believe therapy should help people move forward. I work collaboratively with clients to identify their strengths, clarify goals, recognize what is already working, and develop realistic, achievable steps toward meaningful change. My approach balances processing emotions with building practical solutions.
Psychodynamic
My approach to therapy is integrative, meaning I draw from several evidence-based approaches and tailor treatment to each client's unique needs, goals, and personality rather than relying on a single method. **Psychodynamic Therapy:** I also incorporate psychodynamic principles to help clients understand how early childhood experiences, attachment relationships, and formative life events may continue to influence present-day emotions, relationship patterns, and decision-making. By recognizing these patterns, clients often gain insight into longstanding emotional wounds and are better equipped to heal, grow, and make different choices moving forward.
Christian Counseling
**Christian Worldview:** My faith is foundational to who I am and naturally influences the way I practice therapy. It shapes my character, my view of human dignity, my hope for healing, and the values I bring into the therapeutic relationship, such as compassion, integrity, forgiveness, humility, grace, personal responsibility, and the inherent worth of every person. Rather than incorporating prescribed spiritual practices into sessions, I focus on providing ethical, evidence-based care through the lens of these values. Outside of session, I regularly pray for my clients, asking God to give them wisdom, healing, peace, and strength as they navigate life's challenges. My goal is to create a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment where clients can pursue meaningful healing and lasting change.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 86256