Hello! My name is Donna Contreraz. I believe my role as a therapist is to form a collaborative partnership with the client, working together to decide on the best path forward. An essential concept in therapy is ensuring the client feels safe and at ease—safe enough to begin self-exploration and comfortable enough to be vulnerable. As each of us is the architect of our own future, we can work together to construct meaningful change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The initial session is primarily focused on getting to know each other and establishing the foundational groundwork for therapy. We will briefly discuss the factors that led you to seek therapy and what your goals are. My priority for this first session is to lay the foundation for trust and create an open and honest environment.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe my personal challenges and life experiences have been fundamental in shaping me into the professional I am today. These experiences have taught me the importance of being fully present and listening without judgment. When I sit with a client, I am fully present and ready to listen. My goal is to ensure they get the results they are looking for through attentive and results-oriented support.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
The therapeutic process is fundamentally about exploring, examining, and being curious about your life. I am looking to work with clients who are willing to enter into a journey of self-exploration. This includes those ready to reflect on and examine their life, recreate it if necessary, and add meaning and purpose to an already abundant existence. My goal is to partner with someone who is curious and ready to actively work toward creating their authentic self.
Polyvagal Therapy
In a polyvagal informed therapy session the emphasizes is in the role of the autonomic nervous system; especially the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a major component in the physiological /psychological states which underlies our daily behavior as well as our general wellbeing and our mental health.
Humanistic
I believe that we all have the capacity to make good choices in our lives, and to create a life that fits, and can accommodate a life style of our choosing. I believe that there are times that can disrupt our lives and we may need to have a mental health therapist listen and provide information to help us get back on track. A humanistic approach values the whole individual who is capable of becoming self-actualized.