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My Approach to Therapy

There are many different ideas about how therapy works and also many different ways to heal and grow.  As you look for a therapist, it is important to find someone whose approach matches your way (or your child’s way) of changing and growing.

Strengths-based therapy emphasizes that everyone has internal strengths and resources.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known approach.  The underlying premise is that a person’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts are connected.  People can learn how to become more aware of and less reactive to their thoughts, which can decrease painful thoughts and emotions and decrease impulsive behavior.

Family systems therapy focuses on how people interact with others and what beliefs people learned while they were growing up.  Also, part of the focus is on learning how to express your needs in a clear and congruent way.

In family and couples therapy, people can learn to better express their needs and understand one another.

With sandtray and art therapy, people use images to process issues.  Using images and movement seems to activate (light up) different parts of the brain, compared to talk therapy alone.  This discovery would suggest that including the use of images or movement into talk therapy might help people process issues more fully.

Play therapy allows children to use play in a therapeutic way to work through issues.  Play is often how younger children naturally resolve issues.  You can read more about play therapy on my children’s therapy page.

I also use concepts from martial arts, meditation, and mindfulness in therapy.  These practices are often useful in helping people feel more grounded and centered.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) can help people resolve past difficulties and heal from traumatic memories.

Some people prefer to use NLP or hypnotherapy.  People have lots of preconceptions about both approaches.  I use them in a way that helps people access their own inner strengths.

Since everyone is unique, I tailor my approach to each person.  I have learned lots of tools and techniques, but not every technique fits for every person.  Please let me know if there are certain techniques that interest you.

Your Input Is Very Important!
If you are working with me or with any therapist, it is very important to let the therapist know what is working and what is not working for you.  Good therapists are taught to appreciate and utilize both positive and critical feedback.  Your input is very important!  Most therapists can slightly change their approach, add new techniques, or refer you to another therapist or appropriate resource.

While therapists are trained to help people reach their goals, each person is an expert on his/her own situation.  Respecting each person’s knowledge about himself/herself is important.

Counseling Fees and Forms
Please click on the link for more information about fees, scheduling, and insurance.

Please visit my home page for more information about me.  (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lic. # MFC40414)

I offer a free phone consultation to give you a chance to ask questions, better understand how I work, and decide if we are a good fit.

To schedule an appointment or ask questions, you can call me at (831) 419-2019 or email me at stacy@stacyoleary.com.

704 Soquel Ave., Suite C, Santa Cruz, CA 95062  ~  (831) 419-2019  ~  stacy@stacyoleary.com

Home     Benefits of Therapy     My Approach to Therapy     Directions/Santa Cruz Office

© Stacy O’Leary 2004-2011

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Therapy and counseling in Santa Cruz, serving Soquel, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz / Santa Clara / Monterey Counties.  Helping children, teenagers, and adults with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, and self-esteem.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.