LMFT, 20 years of experience
Hello and welcome!!! My name is Lisa-Marie Gonzalez I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of California. Therapy can be scary to begin and navigate. We all need support, whether you are a parent , child , adolescent or family ! I am a therapist that specializes in working with children of all ages who display difficult-to-manage behaviors . Does your child struggle behaviorally or show difficulty adjusting to new changes in their life ? Is your child displaying temper tantrums, depression, anxiety, separation anxiety , hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression, defiance, or any other challenges that may be affecting them and their self esteem or day to day? Early Intervention is key ! I provide a safe place to talk and learn new ways to overcome your struggles and life challenges. Through my straightforward, compassionate, and empathetic approach I provide a place to be you ! I would love to help you and your family on this journey. I have over 20 years of experience with Littles, Tweens ,Teens and Families. I use many treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy and many more based on the needs of the client and the family. So let’s begin this journey together.!!
In our first session, we will go over limits of confidentiality, treatment goals, intake assessment that was completed and work on getting to know one another to develop our therapeutic relationship as our journey continues. We will work together and developing your tool kit of skills, discuss your expectations of therapy and what follow-up sessions will consist of. I hope you leave our sessions feeling empowered, supported and confident in using tools we practice and discuss in our sessions. We work together to conquer the struggles of being an individual, parent and or family.
With over 20 years of experiences, I continue to learn and grow daily. I found my strength and passions to be with Littles and Parents working on relationship enhancement, communication, and behavior management skills. I also enjoy working with Tweens and Teens as we work together in exploring strengths already within you and adding new ways to cope, self regulate , express your self, build healthy relationships, and become the best version of you ! I work in many facets of Mental Health struggles whether it be Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and working on Confidence Building etc . Together, we can break patterns of unhealthy cycles, trauma, negative talk of self , and rebuild yourself in a confident, loving, and secure way!
I love and have a passion working with clients that are Little's, Tweens and Teens in all Mental Health struggles. I enjoy Family work and building a support circle for all in what this make look like for YOU.
It is a therapeutic approach that can help you manage your problems/thoughts/stressors by changing the way you think and behave. I explain to the client how thoughts lead to feelings and then our body does something with those thoughts. I examine the client's belief system. I show them how they are distorting their thoughts, leading to negative feelings. I help the client change their thoughts into positive mindset or re-frame of those thoughts to manage our dysregulated selves.
I like to work with the whole family to assist in learning communication skills , reflective listening tools, setting boundaries, learning effective limit setting and supporting one another within changes of family dynamics and one's self.
I am also a certified PCIT(Parent Child Interaction) Therapist. PCIT treatment is an evidence-based behavior parent training treatment for young children with emotional and behavioral dysregulation that places emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns. While learning effective parent management tools in discipline strategies. While using coaching , modeling and supportive services to my families in managing their child's behaviors and needs.
I use this treatment modality that helps children, adolescents, and their caregivers cope with trauma-related difficulties. It's an evidence-based approach that uses cognitive behavioral principles and exposure techniques to address symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and learning skills to manage the symptoms that arise with trauma. We can not erase trauma but can heal, recover, become survivors and put back together the puzzles of self and life.
I use many modalities to meet my families and clients needs. I meet my client where they are at and go at their pace of healing. I integrate all tools, skills and treatment options while listening, providing empathy, and being there for you through your journey of healing, self love and being the best version of yourself.