Therapists in 94596
Erica Thiessen
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LCMHCS, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
Life gets tangled up; it doesn’t have to stay that way. You may be wrestling with emotional ups and downs, life transitions, grief and loss, or strained family dynamics. You could be exploring future options, challenges from the past, or integrating life experiences into your personal or spiritual framework. Whether preparing for adulthood or navigating life's myriad of challenges, my clients are looking for a safe and empathetic space in which to unravel patterns and perspectives. They are seeking to develop a stronger sense of their own strengths and abilities with which to navigate life’s journey.
Life gets tangled up; it doesn’t have to stay that way. You may be wrestling with emotional ups and downs, life transitions, grief and loss, or strained family dynamics. You could be exploring future options, challenges from the past, or integrating life experiences into your personal or spiritual framework. Whether preparing for adulthood or navigating life's myriad of challenges, my clients are looking for a safe and empathetic space in which to unravel patterns and perspectives. They are seeking to develop a stronger sense of their own strengths and abilities with which to navigate life’s journey.
Alicia Dabney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
Welcome! I provide culturally affirming and trauma-informed Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, an experiential approach that can effectively and gently support a wide range of therapeutic needs. This includes struggles with life changes and transitions, emotional distress such as anxiety and depression, and the lingering impacts of past trauma. It is possible to heal from these emotional injuries, release burdens and beliefs about yourself that you carry as a result of painful experiences, and discover new ways of relating to yourself and others. How might these parts of you show up?
Welcome! I provide culturally affirming and trauma-informed Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, an experiential approach that can effectively and gently support a wide range of therapeutic needs. This includes struggles with life changes and transitions, emotional distress such as anxiety and depression, and the lingering impacts of past trauma. It is possible to heal from these emotional injuries, release burdens and beliefs about yourself that you carry as a result of painful experiences, and discover new ways of relating to yourself and others. How might these parts of you show up?
Fengmei Li
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Trauma may manifest in your life as all kinds of disruptions, such as anxiety, depression, burnout, nightmares, family conflicts, or relationship struggles. Yet, I see them as how your pain has found its own way to show up in this particular form. I approach this work with a trauma lens, yet it doesn’t mean that I will be searching for your “brokenness”. I see trauma as an inherent aspect of the human condition, and that we are all continuously healing from traumas, whether “big” or “small”, personal or collective.
Trauma may manifest in your life as all kinds of disruptions, such as anxiety, depression, burnout, nightmares, family conflicts, or relationship struggles. Yet, I see them as how your pain has found its own way to show up in this particular form. I approach this work with a trauma lens, yet it doesn’t mean that I will be searching for your “brokenness”. I see trauma as an inherent aspect of the human condition, and that we are all continuously healing from traumas, whether “big” or “small”, personal or collective.
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Culturally Sensitive Therapists
How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.