Hello and welcome. My name is Erika Self. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT 112368) in the state of California. I have a Bachelor's degree from Wellesley College and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Psychotherapy is about connection, the relationship between the client and the therapist. Clinically, I work to instill hope through empathy and education so individuals are empowered with increased knowledge and awareness of choices in life. Please reach out it you want to feel more grounded, have healthier relationships, and live your life with more intention. Sessions are client-driven and collaborative.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In out first session together, I'll inform you about limits of confidentiality, mandated reporting, and receiving psychotherapy via telehealth. Then we'll talk about how individual psychotherapy works (if you're a newbie) and your past experiences with mental health care. After that, I'm going to ask you a bunch of questions for the intake. I focus a lot on your family history. Then, I take what you've share and my skills to create a map that we can use to navigate your treatment.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Attachment-based Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Compassion Focused Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Family Systems Interpersonal Multicultural Psychodynamic Relational Somatic
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have lots of experiencing working with people who have mood disorders (i.e., depression, bipolar) and anxiety, but so do most therapist. I think my experience working clients with eating disorder and addiction stands out. These “disorders” are usual a response to unresolved trauma. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals (in-patient), intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, group practices, and in private clinics with folks from all walks of life. My strengths are my ability to listen, educate, and conceptualize my clients' lived experiences. Here are treatment methods that I integrate into my work and your care: Attachment-based Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Compassion Focused Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Family Systems Interpersonal Multicultural Psychodynamic Relational Somatic