I am Geraldine Pirdy, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have worked with and learned from clients in areas such as justice involvement, substance use issues, and veteran mental health, all of which share the common theme of trauma. I see clients in the context of their relationships and always explore how their challenges have affected them.
Our first session will focus on assessing risks, identifying difficulties and problems, and explaining the parameters of therapy. It may seem like a lot, and it is, but it lays the foundation and serves as our reference point moving forward so we all understand what the process involves.
My therapeutic approach is trauma-focused, eclectic, and relational. I’m always curious about you and your well-being.
Trauma Informed Care
I engage clients in trauma-informed care to identify and develop their strengths and protective factors as they work through the impacts of trauma on the main areas of their lives. This process involves exploring your lived experiences related to trauma, collaborating on potential recommendations, and maintaining progress specific to your needs.
EMDR
Part of practicing trauma-informed care involves ensuring the use of evidence-based methods that effectively address trauma responses while empowering individuals. As an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained therapist, I help clients reprocess traumatic or disturbing memories with the aim of reducing negative emotional and physical reactions to reminders and stressors.
Eclectic
While some approaches directly address an individual’s presenting problems, there is also value in using multiple therapy methods to ensure that a person’s needs and goals are met. I practice eclectic therapy because of its flexibility in tailoring the therapy experience. This approach respects the individual’s unique needs while integrating interventions from evidence-based approaches.