Welcome! I'm a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in CA offering individual sessions only to adults 18-64 y/o. Former clients describe me as warm and welcoming with strong advocacy skills. I've been told my listening skills are excellent, understanding the deeper part in someone who may be hurting, helping them find their strengths and supports. I offer in-person appointments on M/W and virtual appts on Thurs. My credentials include receiving my MS in Counseling from CSU, Sacramento in 1997, becoming licensed in 2003, becoming a Clinical Supervisor in 2005, and receiving my Level 1 certification in Narrative therapy from the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy in 2012. (Not bad for someone who was told she wasn't college material back in high school!) In May of 2005, I opened my private practice and recently found an interesting niche. Vet med mental health! Did you know veterinarians are 3x more likely than the general public to die by suicide? After working in vet med for 6 years as a mental health professional at the #1 vet school, I would be honored to continue to serve all in the veterinary community. From veterinarians to client service representatives, I love helping veterinary medical professionals overcome compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. This allows them to focus on those furry, cuddly patients of theirs, including some that are not so furry and cuddly. I also enjoy working with pet parents whose pets are seen by Behavioral Veterinarians. Other services available include support groups, wellness coaching & trainings, and Clinical Supervision for Associates who need an outside supervisor. In my personal life, I enjoy time with my dog, friends, and family! I'm a dog lover for sure as I cannot walk past a dog without stopping to say hello!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session or two, (aka "the intake session"), we'll go over the necessary paperwork to ensure you understand the counseling process. Then we'll assess your needs and discuss how best we can work together to meet your goals. It's important to me that we do a full assessment so I can best understand you as a whole person. Clients always have a right, however, to pass on any quetions I ask during our work together.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Having worked in vet med for 6 years, I understand how vet med culture plays into the stressors, the burnout, and the challenges facing veterinary medical professionals. I also understand what it means to grieve losses, manage the stressors of being a pet parent, and navigate a world that tells me I'm not ok because of my gender, ethnicity, class, or weight. In other words, my greatest strength is bringing my own humanity into the counseling room to better connect with clients. I also enjoy using humor as a coping strategy which clients have told me they find to be one of my greatest strengths.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

While vet med mental health is my specific focus, I also enjoy working with clients experiencing stress due to life transitions, including loss, and/or those living with anxiety. I can help clients challenge themselves to grow, to see what is theirs to own vs what has been created by living in a society that may not see them as equals, or to learn to accept the beauty of their imperfections. Living authentically is important to me!

About Florence Soares-Dabalos