Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) based in California. I would like to be of support to you. Life can be filled with challenging and painful experiences making it difficult to hold hope for a better future. I believe we all have the courage and strength to overcome these experiences. I am here to help you start building the hope to do so. Therapy can be overwhelming and yet stimulating and warm. It can lead to honest conversations that can change your outlook on your past, present and future. My goal is to create a safe space where you can work towards your needs and goals with my support. I have been a health care provider for almost 20 years. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families of diverse backgrounds. My clinical interests are anxiety, trauma, depression, children behavioral issues, immigration, relationship and marital issues, family issues, parenting support, motherhood and perinatal wellness.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session is an opportunity for me to hear what brings you to therapy and to see if I am a good fit for you. I will look to learn more about your history and current needs and develop a care plan that best supports you and your goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength as a provider is the combination of my personal and professional experience. While I have almost 20 years of experience as a provider in mental health I also view your needs through my own personal experiences. This includes being an immigrant from Sri Lanka and having to assimilate to a new culture as a teenager. I understand the challenges of immigration and managing 2 cultural identities. Further my own family's mental health needs allow me to hold an empathic and understanding view of yours and your family's needs.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with individuals who recognize areas of struggle in their life and are looking to make positive change. My clients are motivated towards change and are looking for the tools to get there. Seeking therapy is the first step in making change and I always feel honored when my clients choose me to join their journey.
About Ranmali Samararatne
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
With over 9 years of experience with this treatment method. I use it in my practice to support clients increase insight around beliefs and thoughts about self that are causing negative self images and emotions. I then support them in developing more rational beliefs that are supportive that help them be more successful in all areas of life domains.
Couples Counseling
I have over 4 years of experience in couples counseling. I work with the couple to increase communication around how childhood and early adulthood experiences are either positively or negatively impacting the relationship now and how to make positive changes as needed. I am very strength based in my approach and refrain from placing blame and support clients in avoiding conflict during treatment. If a couple is choosing to separate and is seeking support in doing so I assist in managing grief, anger and loss and accompany transition as needed. When children are involved I help in developing effective and positive co-parenting relationships.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have over 6 years of experience in utilizing DBT based techniques as well as DBT mindfulness exercises. I utilize it to support clients in regulating their emotions, grounding themselves and accepting challenging realities in their life.
Family Therapy
I have 3 years of intensive family therapy trainining (including one way mirror) along with over 8 years of practicing as a family therapist. I support parents, other caregivers and their children as well as extended family members come together to communicate their needs, worries and desire for positive changes utilizing very strength based approaches. I am comfortable working with divorce, separation, adoptive families, blended families, families with adult children and parents with young children.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I am certified in Trauma-Focused CBT and have over 4 years of experience in the treatment. I am skilled in supporting client's through the steps in treatment such as increasing awareness through psychoeducation, learning relaxation techniques and affect regulation, gathering cognitive processing skills, completing trauma narrative and enhancing safety and future development.