Building a strong connection with my clients is very important to me and is essential to the treatment process. I strive to be transparent, authentic, empathetic, non-judgmental, supportive, and empowering towards my clients. I use a humanistic approach to drive rapport and encourage change. I also approach my sessions via a trauma-informed lens. It is extremely important to me that my clients feel seen and heard above all else. I use humor and self-disclosure (when appropriate) during sessions to strengthen connection and client comfortability.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session will be very lowkey. Meeting a therapist for the first time can be a very scary and nerve-wracking experience. I would know, I've been a client too! Therefore, I want the first meeting to be as inviting as possible. I will want to know why you are seeking services, your goals for therapy, background information and other helpful information. I may invite you to a brief ice-breaker activity to decrease any nerves you may have. You are more than welcome to ask me any questions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My authenticity and transparency have been essential to the success of my clients. I am innately curious, which is a natural motivator for me to help clients identify the root of their challenges and collaborate with them to create a care plan.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults who are beginning to explore their identity and have a desire to learn more about themselves and why they do what they do. Moreover, I work well with open-minded, motivated, curious, and reflective individuals.
About Stephanie Grimaldo
Stephanie Grimaldo offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (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
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
If CBT does not work for a client, then ACT might be worth exploring. I help clients accept life experiences as they come and encourage them to accept uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. ACT is used in my practice via cognitive defusion, mindfulness, clarifying personal values, and self-observation. The goal is to decrease feelings of guilt and stop fighting/forcing our feelings and thoughts to go away.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Common interventions I use in therapy are reframing/restructuring, role playing, identifying cognitive distortions, journaling and thought records. This approach is beneficial if a client is struggling with unhelpful and/or harmful thoughts and behaviors.
Humanistic
I help clients develop a strong and healthy sense of self, find meaning in their lives while focusing on their strengths. I use a non-judgmental and empathetic approach along with unconditional positive regard.
Motivational Interviewing
Whenever a client is feeling ambivalent about making a decision in their life, I utilize motivational interviewing to help them gain clarity and facilitate change.