Welcome! If you are overwhelmed from struggling with your feelings, going through a challenging transition, or carrying the weight of your past, I hope that you will consider allowing me to join you on your path to a more balanced life. Starting therapy may be exciting or intimidating—wherever you fall on that spectrum, my goal is to make therapy as accessible and beneficial as possible. In my practice, I prioritize the physical exploration of emotions and memories. Whether we combine body responses with talk therapy or allow the body to express itself without words, our time together will give you a unique space to process your past and experience sensations of peace and healing.
First sessions can be as broad or as specific as you like. I usually ask about what's bringing you to therapy, then describe more about my therapy style and share any ideas I have about what we might work on together. Then, at the end of the session, I'll check in with you about how it went. If you feel like we're a good match, then we'll continue meeting (usually weekly). If not, I'd be glad to help you find another therapist that fits your needs.
I approach all my clients with curiosity and warmth. I also don't pretend to be totally neutral or avoid sharing my real thoughts with you! Instead, I try to be forthcoming with my genuine reactions, feelings, and observations during therapy so that you can let me know whether I'm hearing you correctly. I always appreciate hearing when I'm getting it wrong, too-- because we'll be that much closer to finding out what you really need.
I'm particularly focused on anxiety disorders and trauma, particularly complex trauma and attachment issues. However, I welcome clients with a wide range of challenges. The most important thing is that you feel connected and comfortable enough with me to say the hard stuff.
Kate Fenech offers therapy covered by CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - 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.
Physically experiencing emotions and memories is a major focus in my practice. Whether we combine body responses with talk therapy or simply allow the body to express itself without words, clients are better able to process their experiences and actually feel sensations of peace and healing during sessions.
Gestalt therapy informs another important aspect of my treatment style, which is to focus on the present moment. The past is highly relevant in therapy, but it's also vital to be conscious and observant of how clients (and therapists!) feel in the here and now. Focusing on what it's like to speak about past events or how it feels when I respond can unlock new ways to address old wounds or make changes in behavior.
Brainspotting is another therapeutic technique that supports greater mind-body connection and enables clients to resolve traumatic experiences rather than continually dealing with them.