Rachael Tarfman-Perez
Hi! I am an eclectic therapist. I tend to pull different methods from different theoretical modalities (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral, Client-Centered, Gestalt, Solution-Focused, and more) because I do not believe in a One Size Fits All for therapy. Different people work in different ways. I am flexible and like to learn more about each client before deciding on specific ways to work with them and follow their lead. I like to use humor and make clients smile. I believe it is important to focus on strengths and will provide suggestions/assign homework.
First session
When a client (individual, couple, or family) comes in for therapy for the first time it is important to explain the process, confidentiality, how they can benefit, what to expect, and ask them if they have any questions for me. I want clients to leave their first session feeling a bit if relief and like they learned something. I love it when they feel like they released a lot of negative energy and were able to get some heavy information/feelings off their chests & feel a bit lighter. It is important that they feel comfortable with me and we are able to establish a good therapeutic relationship. I let them know that it is preferred for them to contact me through the platform.
Strengths
I tend to follow the lead of my clients. I have dealt with many different family issues in my family of origin and in present family. No couple or family is perfect and each is unique. I have experience helping friends and family with various personal struggles as well. I truly enjoy making a difference in the lives of my clients and want to help them to make the necessary changes they need in order to thrive.
Ideal clients
I am open to working with a variety of clients from teenagers up to seniors. I do not discriminate against anyone bast on ethnicity/age and love learning about different cultures (if I am not already familiar with them). I have experience working with teens (involved in the juvenile justice system & foster care), individual adults (with varying concerns), couples (varying concerns including infidelity), and families. It is very enjoyable to be able to help clients to meet the goals they set for themselves and see progress happen.
Origin story
I was fascinated with psychology from the first class that I took in high school. I went on to get my Bachelor's Degree from CSULB in psychology and a Master's Degree from Santa Clara University in Counseling Psychology. Even though I took a gap year between undergraduate & graduate school, my path was always very clear. I wanted to be a therapist and change lives. I was always the person that my friends went to for advice or support. It was always rewarding when I could help others with their problems and provide solutions. Spending time with friends or family members showed me that there are so many things under the surface that grow and fester. People are all different in that some people tell their problems to everyone and others hold it in like a sacred secret. Regardless of someone's personality, it is so important to have an outlet for your deepest concerns or problems. If you have a close family member or friend that is willing to listen to you, that is great but they have an emotional investment in your well-being. They may just spend time giving advice. A therapist is someone that may grow to care for you however, is still a neutral party that can provide feedback, other perspectives, and/or suggestions. Something that I love to see is when a client has a generative (A-Ha) moment where something is reflected back to them and they realize what they may have been doing or patterns they have repeated that have kept them stuck. This really makes a difference and it shows me over and over how powerful the therapeutic relationship can truly be.
Ongoing work together
Each therapy session will build on the previous one. I check in with clients each week on the goals that they agreed to work on. I find out what may have prevented them from accomplishing those goals and ask what things they can do differently. I listen and reflect back feelings or themes from their disclosure. I ask questions and provide suggestions about things they may want to consider. I am a therapist that assigns homework and encourages clients to stretch themselves a bit farther than they have previously. I do challenge negative beliefs/thought patterns. Also, I make sure that I am clear on everything they talk about and want to make improvements on in their lives.
Treatment methods
Integrative
I tend to use various aspects of different therapy modalities because I do not believe there is a One Size Fits All for therapy. I believe people respond to and work differently. That is where it is important to have a basic knowledge of differing methods so that it is easier to help more people rather than sticking with only one or two.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 40398