Substance Use Therapists in Corte Madera, CA

Welcome! I look forward to speaking with you about my practice and the services that I offer. I provide warm and supportive therapy in which the individuals I work with feel cared for and understood. I work collaboratively with you to reach your treatment goals, I specialize in Addiction, Dual Diagnosis(Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders), Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Domestic Violence. I provide 24/7 availability for current clients who are in crisis.

Our relationships, with ourselves and others, are one of the biggest determinants of our overall health. Yet, many of us find ourselves profoundly lonely. Therapy provides the safe space to identify and address the factors standing in the way of your best life. I applaud the bravery it takes to ask for help, look at your wounds, and to do the work to heal from them. Whether you’re troubled by relationship issues, addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, or depression, I consider it an honor to walk alongside you during this difficult time in your life.

Making the time for yourself to feel happier, to alleviate stress or anxiety, to find meaning in your life or to improve your relationships- these are all some of the reasons that people decide to enter therapy. In today’s world we are all confronted with many existential issues that can make us question our purpose in life. Therapy is an act of self-care and an investment into yourself to find how to get the most out of your life, to feel happier, more connected and fulfilled. I have worked in a variety of settings over 15 years in this field.

Are you feeling lonely, sad, angry, or unhappy in your relationships? Do you worry about your or someone else's alcohol or drug use? Substance Use Disorder often impacts individuals and families in painful + predictable ways that trap people in destructive cycles of interaction that lead to trauma and persistent feelings of anxiety, loneliness, anger, helplessness, and despair. You are not alone if your efforts to manage and move beyond the chaos and frustration of addiction have fallen short of your expectations. Don't lose hope! People do get better, and relationships can be repaired!

Sometimes when we are feeling down we mask our pain with a smile. We do this because it is easier to pretend everything is okay, not realizing it’s okay to not be okay. Understanding that, I create a safe space by establishing boundaries, offering hope, and skilled guidance to explore these issues. My goal is to provide knowledgeable, individualized, compassionate care in a supportive, client-centered therapeutic environment; while providing knowledge and resources to empower clients to live their best life! I’m Dr. Laura Petracek, a Clinical Psychologist and author with over 30 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy.

I bring warmth, humor, compassion, clarity and understanding to my work. I support couples and families in improving communication, expressing feelings, resolving conflict, and establishing clearer roles. I encourage parents to set fair and firm limits and establish healthy boundaries. I assist individuals and families in becoming more confident, hopeful, cooperative and relaxed. I support relating with clarity, serenity, and loving kindness.

Life can be incredibly hard, and there is no "manual" for how to navigate life's overwhelming situations and complex emotional experiences. During these tough times, it's common to feel "stuck" and desperately wanting solutions, while struggling to identify them on your own. At this juncture, the objectivity, support, and insight of a licensed clinical psychologist can help you to move through this time in your life. I have witnessed this process, personally, and helped many clients persevere through intense periods of conflict and pain.

I believe that life’s challenges, whether external or internal, are opportunities for self-discovery and for becoming more aligned with your inner wisdom. My role as a therapist is to create an environment in which you can express yourself, feel deeply heard and connect to your authentic self. I believe that when we can meet ourselves with love and respect, we can heal from many issues. My focus is on supporting you to gain a deeper understanding of who you are, including your resources and strengths, your unique perspective, and your unconscious patterns so you can create the change and healing that you desire.

Navigating life can be difficult. Perhaps you find yourself stuck in problematic relational patterns, struggling to find a different way. Maybe you criticize and put limitations on yourself. Perhaps you have endless empathy for everyone but yourself. Maybe you’ve turned to alcohol or substances to avoid the pain. Maybe you don’t feel much of anything at all. Perhaps you are simply in a rut and you don’t know how to get yourself out of it. The good news is, by simply looking for help you are on your way to regaining confidence, agency, and a fuller, more authentic sense of self. A self that CAN navigate the difficulties of life.

The Recovery Without Walls approach transcends the current treatment model for addiction and chronic pain. We integrate pharmacological expertise, personalized care, and tireless patient advocacy to promote healing that extends through all aspects of your life.

Whether your decision to make changes involves freedom from painful limiting beliefs, release from repetitive relationship patterns, or transformation through sincere self-examination, I help people to fully realize the person they are destined to become. I work with adults, couples, teens, and families, helping them to successfully attain short-term goals and craft long-range solutions by utilizing a variety of approaches matched to their specific needs or expressed desires as they learn new ways to address life's challenges. As a level 3 Gottman couples therapist, I work with couples utilizing John Gottman's evidence-based theory.

You want to be seen, heard, and understood. This is what you’ll feel when you work with me. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I strive to help you make sense out of the past while guiding you to make changes for the future. I want to help you live the life you want to live, and I’m here to provide you with the tools to do just that. Together we’ll work towards gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, finding meaning in your life, self-acceptance, and empowerment. You’ll learn to manage strong and uncomfortable emotions and work through negative thought patterns.

You may be seeking therapy because you want change in your life or perhaps you are dealing with a difficult situation. You will have my full focus and I will work to understand you and to learn what you need at this time. Research shows that therapy is much more effective if client and therapist have a strong connection. To facilitate this, I offer a complimentary 30 minute consultation so we can ensure working together feels right. I offer client-focused counseling for individuals, couples, teens and elders. I seek to understand you as a whole person and in relationship.

Therapy is a tool that can help you gain or improve self-knowledge; it can teach skills that assist you in managing life's problems. I am experienced in working with adults (18-65+) who have childhood trauma, relationship issues, aging issues, work place stress. I believe that everyone has the ability to benefit from greater insight and self-awareness. My therapeutic approach integrates psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Problem Solving Therapy.

My enthusiasm for recovery motivates me to create new opportunities for growth & healing for clients through Interventions. I have extensive experience with all aspects of Addiction and Codependency. I'm competent in individual, couples, family or group therapy. My background in mental health creates a good fit for identifying issues and safety concerns. I'm honored to share in my clients' journey toward the fulfilling lives they deserve.

I provide DBT, and general psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, families and couples in my San Francisco and Marin practices. For the past 20 years I have helped people transform, creating the lives they want to live. Stylistically I am warm, thoughtful, and engaged creating a non-judgmental safe environment.

I work with people who want to feel happy, safe, and be able to connect with others. If you are feeling down, lonely or lost I can help. My goal is to create a safe place where you can express yourself without judgment, explore what is troubling you, and develop strategies to facilitate the change you desire. Together we will figure out what is holding you back and how to overcome it.

I am a seasoned psychotherapist with more than 20 years of experience. The majority of my work is with people who are working to overcome anxiety, depression, relationship problems, job stress, addiction, and life transition concerns that are interfering with their ability to live a more satisfying and fulfilling life. Licensed and trained as a clinical psychologist and a MFT, I work with both individuals and couples, using a collaborative and active approach.