As a queer, bi-ethnic EMDR-trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) clinician, I broadly apply a social justice, sex-positive, feminist, and psychodynamic approach to help my clients get “unstuck” by moving through trauma and finding clarity and empowerment within the context of the world we live in today. I received my Master’s degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. I have extensive experience working in mental health crisis response, community-based mental health, substance use treatment, and with individuals involved in the criminal justice system throughout the state of California. My current work is informed by my years of experience as a public servant in the public mental health sphere.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Overall, the first session is an opportunity for clients to start building rapport with me, gain clarity about their therapeutic journey, and begin the process of self-exploration and growth in a supportive and collaborative environment. We start by introducing ourselves and going over any necessary paperwork, such as consent forms, privacy policies, and intake questionnaires. This helps me gather essential background information about the client's history, concerns, and goals for therapy. I then invite the client to share what brings them to therapy, including their current challenges, emotions, and areas they would like to work on. Based on the client's concerns and goals, we discuss what they hope to achieve through therapy. Creating a safe and trusting therapeutic space is essential, so I encourage clients to ask questions, express any concerns or preferences, and provide feedback throughout the session. We then discuss scheduling for future sessions and any follow-up actions or homework, if applicable.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths lie in my empathy, intersectional understanding, collaborative approach, and commitment to personal and professional growth. These strengths enable me to create a therapeutic space that is empowering, inclusive, and supportive of clients' diverse needs and experiences.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Clients who are motivated and actively seeking personal growth, empowerment, and positive change may benefit from my approach. They are ideally open to exploring their experiences, processing emotions, and working towards healing and resilience. Clients who are navigating issues related to identity development, coming out, relationships, and self-acceptance may find my intersectional understanding and affirming therapeutic approach beneficial. Clients who are interested in holistic approaches to healing that integrate mind, body, and spirit may appreciate my emphasis on trauma-informed care and strengths-based approach to wellness.
About Savannah Varela
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VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
I became an EMDR-trained clinician in 2021 through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach I use to help clients process and heal from trauma. It is a structured and evidence-based approach that leverages bilateral stimulation to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories, alleviate distressing symptoms, and foster healing and resilience.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I was trained in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), a therapeutic approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems, emphasizing clients' strengths and resources, in 2020 at UC Berkeley School of Social Work. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify achievable goals which then guide the therapy process and provide a framework for assessing progress. Throughout the process, I provide feedback, reinforce client strengths and progress, and collaborate with the client to generate practical solutions and strategies.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to psychological distress, in 2020 at UC Berkeley School of Social Work. Specifically, I utilize CBT to support clients in identifying and challenging cognitive distortions and replacing them with more balanced and realistic thoughts.
Feminist
I broadly apply a feminist and social justice lens to my work, as I believe that acknowledging and challenging systemic barriers that impact clients' lives is integral to the therapeutic process. Feminist therapy is broadly about creating a therapeutic environment that honors clients' autonomy, agency, and unique experiences within a broader sociopolitical context.