Individual Therapy

Do you feel unfulfilled, depressed, anxious, isolated, too driven, or out of touch with yourself, yet  nothing seems to help? Perhaps you have tried to fix things on your own, but that hasn’t worked. It may be difficult to talk with those around you about what is troubling you. You may feel criticized, misunderstood, inarticulate, or that you are boring or burdening others. You might notice yourself finding unproductive or destructive ways of coping, such as withdrawal, addictions, trying to control others or, alternatively, being too passive. If this speaks to you, therapy can help.

We start by addressing what it is that is troubling you, or if you can’t pinpoint it, we start with whatever is on your mind. It might seem awkward to be talking to a stranger, but there are a lot of benefits. You are not required to worry about my needs, and my responses will be accepting, deeply interested, and non-controlling. You will be encouraged to let me know if ever I seem otherwise to you. My job will be to recognize your uniqueness and understand your dilemmas. As you are moved to open up more, we will collaborate in finding meaning in what you share, and in doing so, uncover what is authentic, creative, joyful and loving inside of you. From this new vantage point, your experience of life shifts into more life affirming perspectives, suggesting new ways to move forward.

This is a common misconception. In my experience it is the attempts to deny what is painful that makes life difficult. When we chronically deny our experience the pain comes out in other ways, such as addictions, lack of self care, or difficulties in relationships. Frequently the connection between the two is not apparent. Part of therapy is understanding that connection. It is true that particular phases of therapy can be painful, because of the importance of reclaiming  feelings that we once had to distance from. But those who go through that process are usually grateful that they were willing to do so, and experience themselves in new and life-affirming ways.

That being said, another misconception is that in therapy only painful experiences are talked about. We will also be talking about what is joyful and inspiring. Therapy can be thought of as a process of integrating your experiences of life, and includes the full range of emotions.

A consultation, consisting of one or more sessions, can assist you in determining if therapy might be useful for you and whether we feel like a good fit. We will explore your present situation and needs, as well as questions and concerns that you may have about therapy. We will come to understand if it would be appropriate for you to enter therapy at this time, and whether we want to move forward together.

Participating in therapy involves making a commitment to attend weekly 50 minute sessions. (Some clients opt for more frequent sessions). There is no particular number of sessions you must commit to, however it is important to recognize that change which is deep and significant takes time. My rates are reasonable and will be discussed in the initial contact.

The MFT, or Marriage and Family Therapist, is the license issued by the Board of Behavioral Science of the State of California to therapists who have obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, have passed both written examinations administered by the Board, and have completed 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. License renewal requires 36 hours of continuing education every two years. The license allows the MFT to refer to themselves as a psychotherapist and provide therapy to individuals, couples, families and children.

My office is in Walnut Creek, California for in-person sessions. I am also able able to conduct remote therapy for anyone living in California. If you are thinking about starting therapy, please feel free to call or email to discuss this further. You can leave a voicemail at (925) 948-0562. I will call you back shortly. (Please note this phone number does not accept texts). You may also email me at therapy@susanberger.net