(he/him)
Your life is filtered through the lens of your mental world. Your mind is a beautiful and wonderful thing. Sometimes (often) a multitude of factors impact your mind's structure and can create patterns that are unhelpful to the life you want to live. But there's hope! Through personal connection and scientific observations, we have found tools, techniques and gained a better understanding of how to overcome the issues that bother us most. I became a therapist only after I experienced the incredible healing power of therapy for myself. I consider myself a practitioner, scholar, and consumer of mental health. Through a blend of personal and professional experience, I work with all sorts of people to better understand themselves, their worlds and move toward a vital, rewarding life. In working with me, you can expect a person-first approach focused on addressing the uniqueness of you as an individual. I provide an accepting, compassionate, and collaborative environment. We'll use tools and techniques primarily based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness to improve your experience of a fulfilling life.
Our first session will be casual and comfortable. We will work on introducing ourselves and getting to know each other as people. We can also discuss some of the foundations and structures of therapy and what to expect. Ideally we can begin touching on some of the issues you would like to work on. However, everyone is unique and the pace of what is covered during our initial session will vary. There will always be plenty of space to bring up any questions, concerns or feedback you may have.
I am unique in that I understand mental health through a variety of perspectives. I came into the work of therapy only after experiencing the life changing benefits myself. Since then, I have dedicated most of my life to understanding the mind and how our internal worlds impact and dictate our experience of our time on earth. I have had the honor of working with numerous unique individuals and partnered with them at identifying and moving toward a vital and purposeful life.
I have a broad array of experiences and expertise working with milder issues of general discontent and languishing to some of the most severe mental health issues. I work hard to meet you where you are at and genuinely avoid any type of judgement about issues brought forward. If it's a problem for you, it's a problem for me. I can engage in a "heady" approach discussing philosophy and science to address an issue. Also, I can be more pragmatic and goal oriented with identifying specific action steps to help meet your goals. I have supported people in overcoming challenging moods, difficult relationships, addiction, persistent sadness, constant worry, social anxiety, life blocks, traumatic events, life confusion, and many other difficult human experiences. Also, in the off chance we begin therapy and decide it's not the best fit, I would be happy to work with you to find the best fit in therapist or other treatment providers. Ultimately I want to see you living your best life and be the optimal human being you are. We will work together to find your unique way at thriving.
Troy McKinney offers therapy covered by Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal), CalViva 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), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal), San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) and Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal in California.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of talk therapy that helps you live a rich and meaningful life, even when you're experiencing pain and struggle. Instead of trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT helps you learn to accept them for what they are – just thoughts and feelings – and commit to taking action based on what truly matters to you.