I am employed as a dual licensed therapist (MFT & LPCC) practicing in Fresno, California. I primarily serve our local community through a physical office and also provide group therapy with the sexual offender population. I'd consider the work with offenders offers me some insight related to grooming, porn consumption, offending cycle, and of benefit to parents who want to protect their kids, survivors who want to assert against future grooming, and general content around dating healthy in the digital age. Call/text (559) 242-6670 to speak directly to me. Theoretical models I apply include a cognitive behavioral model emphasizing how we can use behavior to get the changes you want. In practice, I've found this model to be accessible for first time clients, offer a practical conceptualization of therapy work, and all while offering an ease of going "deeper" as work may incorporate childhood experiences, attachment, and present day relational dynamics/transference. When I work with couples/families I utilize a structural model which emphasizes getting parents on the same team and building a functional hierarchy for the family unit. I emphasize the need for structure within the family, based on my work in-home with resource families, foster kids, and the consequences related to not having a constructive structure in the home. On the clinical side, every client will be offered a review of their treatment plan and asked for feedback which eliminates the mystery of therapy and ensures focus to the work by clearly defining goals and interventions. I have not seen it all but I have seen a lot. I've been working in mental health since I was 19 years old and learned a lot from all places I have been and people I have met. If you are interested, I welcome consults 24/7. Call/text: (559) 242-6670
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
First session will be a review of the informed consent agreement which will answer a majority of questions about my background, experience, risks of therapy, and confidentiality. Once this is complete, we proceed into a structured interview which will assess the presenting issues and define the goals of therapy. A few sessions in, we will review treatment plan and you will have a clear idea of where therapy can go. Nothing to do prior to session, all intake paperwork is taken care of in session.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, I think one of my greatest strengths is a sense of initiative, directness, and boundaries established that yield a safe place for therapy to unfold. I write individualized treatment plans for each client, review it with them, and invite feedback so I can get better at what I do. I've been in mental health since I was 19 years and have set foot in a lot of places which I can say played a role in shaping who I am today and being better tomorrow.
About JUSTIN R. STARGAARD
JUSTIN R. STARGAARD offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (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.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize a CBT model which aims to address presenting issues by focusing on adapting behavior, mood, and thought. I have practiced CBT application with a variety of populations. I have found this be an effective way to initially approach presenting issues and frame therapy around.
Structural Family Therapy
I have a back ground working with various family units such as single parent homes, blended families, co-parenting, and other dynamics . I have found a structural model effective as it focuses on the structure of the family and aims to create a functional unit among the leaders in the family unit. In practice, I have found this to be a useful way to frame parents as being accountable in the family and explore boundaries that work.
Integrative
I draw from other schools of thought as appropriate for therapy work. For example, writing letters to future self, chair work, attachment, and trauma perspectives are all something I regularly use and I have found beneficial in building awareness, insight, and stability. With long term clients, I've found transference exploration beneficial as well life story elements from narrative therapy. Basically, there is a lot I draw from with in room work while assessment of problem and defined goals of therapy will be defined under a CBT or structural lens.