Hola! My name is Brianna and I’m so glad you’re here. The decision to begin therapy is a big one, and I feel honored that you are considering doing that with me. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. On our therapeutic journey, I welcome you just the way you are so that we can work to create an authentic life balance that will support your success, wellness and happiness. Whatever it is, telling your story to someone who cares and accepts the most authentic version of you, is the first step toward healing. I want to work with you to help you figure out how to solve challenges and find the most authentic version of yourself so that you can live the life you’ve always envisioned. I received my Masters from CSU San Jose State and have been supporting clients for 8 years.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I want to invite you to come as you are. Your most authentic self. I am showing up as me, without judgments or expectations, and I hope I can create a warm and comfortable space for you to do the same and for us to get to know each other. It is one of my goals to create the space that you need in that moment. It is another one of my goals to try to get a sense of what it feels like to be in your shoes at this particular time and season of life. This may include taking about life experiences, specific stressors/triggers, symptoms and treatment goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I use a warm, compassionate, gentle and authentic approach to guide my work and connections with others. As a therapist, my strengths lie in my empathetic listening skills, which create a safe and trusting environment for clients to share their struggles. I excel at tailoring interventions to meet individual needs, ensuring that each client feels understood and supported in their journey. Additionally, my ability to foster collaboration empowers clients to take an active role in their healing process, promoting lasting change and personal growth.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I specialize in providing culturally sensitive mental health services to women in the perinatal period, for birthers & partners. Additionally, my therapeutic bread and butter includes anxiety and stress, work/life satisfaction and uncertainty faced by many young professionals, and challenges in relationships and parenting issues. I am committed to guiding individuals and families through the intricate emotional landscape associated with planning, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, abortion, childbirth, and early parenthood. My approach is rooted in the belief that each individual and family has a unique narrative, where I tailor my therapeutic services to suit your specific needs.
About Brianna Skanderup
Identifies as
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
303 Potrero Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Ste 306Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In combination with self-compassion and increasing present awareness, I have used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in my clinical work to support my clients for many years. I guide clients through the process of reframing their thinking and increasing a sense of control, building confidence and self-esteem (self-love). Additionally, we will use techniques to encourage engagement in meaningful activities, as well as mindfulness and relaxation strategies to enhance emotional regulation and lead to improved mood, coping through the stressors and changes that occur during the perinatal period, and decrease anxiety and stress.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
In my practice, I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to foster successful outcomes by enhancing psychological flexibility and promoting meaningful living. I guide clients in accepting their thoughts and feelings rather than battling them through power struggles and fear/avoidance, which reduces their impact on quality of life. Through mindfulness exercises, I help clients stay present and engaged, even when facing discomfort. I work with clients to clarify their important values and set actionable goals aligned with these values, creating a sense of purpose and motivation.