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Approach to Therapy

My Approach

To Psychotherapy 

Image by Nathan Oakley

In our lifetimes, we will all inevitably experience suffering. Facing life's challenges takes incredible courage and thus requires being met with unconditional compassion, non-judgement, and shared sense of humanity. This is, at minimum, what I provide to my therapy clients.

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Based on this core value, I practice humanistic, integrative, and client-focused therapy. No single approach works for everyone and therefore, I individualize therapy to focus on treating you as a whole and unique person, not just a set of symptoms. 

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Therapy begins with building a solid therapeutic relationship, which forms the foundation of our work together. My experience as a therapist has proven time and time again the power of authentic human connection and rapport based on mutual trust to facilitate transformational change. In fact, current scientific research cites the therapeutic alliance as the strongest indicator of successful therapy. When met with unwavering empathy, individuals can more freely explore their entire human experience, and find deeper understanding and greater acceptance for themselves and others. 

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Within this safe and nurturing environment, I use evidence-based practices (EBP) that are matched to the needs and cultural presentation of the clients with whom I work, commonly referred to as integrative therapy or an integrative approach. I tend to draw from mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral approaches including Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well using transpersonal and family systems theory. There is no "one size- fits all" model to therapy, and therefore, I focus on adapting these techniques, my therapeutic style, and the direction of therapy to best meet your needs and goals. 

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I am committed to helping my clients grow in a safe and enriching environment that facilitates positive and enduring change. I believe in each person's unique ability to grow, gain awareness, and rediscover their truest self. It is my honor to help you better understand what you are going through, find deeper insight and more clarity, and improve your relationship with yourself and others.

Credentials

Credentials

Education

Certification

Professional

Affiliations

Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology. Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA. Full Accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). 

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Emphasis in Neuroscience in Women’s Mental Health. Center for Neuroscience in Women's Health. Stanford University School of Medicine. Palo Alto, CA.

 

Dissertation: Stanley, M. L., (2017) Personality style and self-compassion in Postpartum Depression: A pilot online prevention study. (Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation). Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA. 

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Master of Science, Clinical Psychology. Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA. Emphasis in Neuroscience in Women’s Mental Health.

 

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Social Behavior. University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA.

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Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Lic. PSY 30880). California Board of Psychology. 

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