LMFT, 7 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi there! Nice to e-meet you. My name is Liza, pronounced Lisa, last name Castro and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am not your ordinary therapist and will always be honest and truthful with you, even if it may sting just a little, but positive outcomes are always the goal. Change is never comfortable and neither is being confronted with the truth and lets be honest, both perspective can and will hurt. If this is what you need, then I am who you seek. I am a great coach and cheerleader and will help you understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviors and help you explore how to become the best version of you. I am here to help you win in your own way, one choice and one session at a time. I am currently seeing clients on Mondays only via telehealth, but I may be able to see you in person at specific times on other days, as I do have my own private practice office in Vista, Ca. Message me asap for more information and we can arrange in person sessions with you based on availability. You cannot schedule in person sessions on your own. Thanks kindly.
On their first session with with me, a client can expect an initial assessment and information-gathering session focused on building a strong, trusting relationship. I will ask many questions to gain a holistic understanding of the client's unique needs, rather than immediately diving into a specific treatment technique. Some questions may be uncomfortable, but this is the safest space to feel uncomfortable! There will be open dialogue and exploration, goal setting, introduction to the Eclectic Approaches I take, opportunities to ask questions and let them know there are no "instant fixes. " The initial meeting is designed to lay the foundation for future work and build the therapeutic alliance, which is a key predictor of successful outcomes. The client will also be assessed by the therapist to ensure they are good fit for said alliance building. We therapists are not a one size fits all. Clients can expect to talk about their presenting issues, life experiences, concerns, personal and family history. Client can expect to arrive at a safe space to feel unjudged and be their authentic self, unapologetically and be supported. Clients can expect to learn that they are in control of their therapy and their treatment. Clients can expect to work with a therapist who has a plethora of personal and professional life experience, as I am a mature woman, a wife, a mother and a grandmother. Clients can also expect to work with a therapist who is very personable and likes to laugh and lighten the mood during session as needed. No rigidity here. Clients will be asked for their permission at the end of the first initial assessment to continue services and collaborate to build a positive therapeutic alliance. Or, clients may be advised to treat with a different therapist for specific treatment, such as EMDR, that perhaps may not be a part of my specialty, if the alliance will not be a good fit for both client or therapist due to not having a dynamic connection or the "chemistry" the client or therapist feels will be beneficial for therapy.
I am what you would call an Eclectic Therapist. I consider myself an effective therapist because I tailor my approach by drawing from various therapeutic disciplines to create a treatment plan personalized to each client's unique needs. This flexibility allows me to use a combination of evidence-based techniques, like those from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), and adapt treatment as needed, which is beneficial for those who don't respond to a single therapy style. My holistic assessment and flexible use of techniques make them suitable for complex and diverse issues. I am authentic, honest, caring and really let my clients know that they are special to me because that is how I feel about my profession and people as a whole. I provide hope, optimism, motivation and help clients challenge their irrational beliefs so they can grow and make better choices suitable for their lives. I am a team-player, and I am here for each client that provides me the opportunity to serve and work alongside them on their journey toward positive mental health. I am emotionally strong and will never let my feelings get in the way and I do not get my feelings hurt, as I do not take things personal. I am very empathetic and can meet my clients right where they are at. My greatest strength: challenge you in ways that could make you feel uncomfortable in order to get to the root of the issue. This has been hugely successful with my therapeutic practice. If you cannot get uncomfortable confronting your own truths, then you will not be successful with therapy. Clients that may give false information, maintain hidden agendas, obscure facts, or deliberately distort self-presentation for personal gain or out of shame or fear, will be obstructing their own therapy.
I work well with all clients, more so, clients that are 18 and over because I feel when you reach an age of understanding, you can put in the work needed to get to where you desire to be, which is healthy functioning. I work with a diverse population, including individuals and couples. It does not matter where you come from, but where you desire to go. Nothing is impossible if you learn to believe in yourself, trust yourself and take care of yourself. Whether you were hurt, did the hurting or were a victim of circumstance, you can still choose to rewrite the story of your life today, change the narrative and the ending tomorrow. You cannot change what's happened, but you can change what happens, and I will show up with you to support you through the tough changes. I want to work with clients that are honest and not holding back because I cannot help you and you cannot do the work necessary to achieve the outcomes you desire. If you cannot be transparent with yourself, I cannot help you.
I am an Eclectic therapist first and foremost. Eclectic therapy is so effective because it is highly personalized, allowing a therapists to create a unique treatment plan by combining techniques from various therapeutic approaches to best suit an individual's specific needs, goals, and challenges. This flexibility means the therapist can tailor the therapy to the client's strengths and weaknesses and can switch between methods as needed, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions. Here are some reasons why I know CBT is effective: It focuses on Thoughts, Emotions and Behaviors: CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts that are impacted by negative emotions and the outcomes are negative behaviors that contribute to mental health problems that impact healthy functioning. This approach helps individuals understand how their thinking, feelings and actions influence their emotions and overall well-being.
Couples counseling is effective because it provides a neutral space to improve communication, build empathy, and change negative patterns with the help of a professional. It equips partners with tools to resolve conflicts productively, increases emotional understanding, and helps them see issues from a shared perspective, fostering a more secure and cooperative relationship. I use a very empathetic-mindfulness based approach so both partners can feel heard and understood. This will build the emotional connection that most couples need to hit that reset button they do not realize, always exists. As a married woman for many years, I understand the deep rooted nature of marriage, and various other forms of romantic relationships that other therapists may not because it stems from both lived and professional experiences.
REBT works well because it focuses on a practical, action-oriented approach to identify and change the irrational beliefs that cause emotional distress. This approach is not always passive, as it confronts, challenges and encourages the client to take action now. It teaches a specific model (A-B-C) to help people challenge unrealistic thoughts and, by doing so, become more emotionally resilient and able to manage issues like anxiety, depression, and anger effectively. A = Activating event, B = Belief about the event, C = Consequence (emotional and behavioral response). By disputing the irrational belief (B), individuals can change their consequence (C). The therapy is evidence-based and empowers individuals by making them their own "therapists" in the long run. The truth will always prevail and this therapist will always ensure you confront your truth, even if it hurts your feelings or serves you a slice of humble pie. Truth is the key, change is the key hole, turning the door knob is the goal.
Why do I offer this method of counseling? Because there are clients seeking this support and I can have the experience to support you. Christian counseling can be effective because it combines psychological principles with a shared religious worldview, providing a safe space to address both spiritual and emotional needs through faith-based perspectives. Clients often benefit from feeling understood without judgment, gaining hope through a theological framework, and using practices like prayer to connect with a higher power for healing and guidance. Many counselors use an integrative approach, incorporating psychological theories and evidence-based practices while grounding the therapy in biblical truth. PLEASE NOTE, this treatment method does not impact my approach to any client seeking a non-religious approach. This is a specialized form of therapy that is requested by the client ONLY. Do not be afraid to meet me and get to know me if you are not religious in any, way shape or form. I am a jack of all trades and I LOVE PEOPLE from all backgrounds, whatever that may be. If you are a human, we speak the same language and I can and will help you!