My Therapeutic Approach: Compassionate, Collaborative, and Feedback-Oriented
My Therapy Philosophy: Human First, Therapist Second
I often say, "I am human first, therapist second." Saying this emphasizes the fundamental aspect of my humanity in all interactions, including those within my therapeutic practice. It signifies that while I hold the role of a therapist and committed to supporting others in their journey, I am navigating my own human experiences, vulnerabilities, and growth, too. It reminds me to approach therapy with empathy, authenticity, and humility, acknowledging that I am not immune to the complexities of life and the need for connection and understanding. This perspective allows me to establish genuine rapport and connection with my clients, fostering a therapeutic environment grounded in mutual respect, compassion, and shared humanity.
With nearly a decade of diverse experience including schools, nonprofits, community mental health clinics, and private practice, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients in their self-discovery and healing journey. My passion lies in guiding individuals towards clarity. I enjoy helping my clients rebuild their sense of self and confidence, learn to practice self-compassion, learn to feel their feelings, break unhelpful behavioral-relational patterns, and embrace fluid thinking (less rigidity, negativity, and perfectionism!).
Guiding Principles I Hold in Sessions
In my practice, I hold firm to several guiding principles:
Trauma doesn’t define you: Your past experiences do not dictate your future.
The key is inside of you: Each individual holds the innate ability to heal and grow.
Deserving of better feelings: You deserve to experience joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Worthiness of love and care: Embracing your worthiness of love and care is fundamental to your well-being.
Emotions heal through validation: Your feelings are valid, acknowledging and caring for them is essential.
Courage in self-acceptance: Embracing ourselves with love, flaws and all, is an act of profound courage.
Shame fades through empathy: Sharing our stories in a supportive environment free of judgment or shame is transformative.
As your therapist, I am committed to creating a space that feels warm, supportive, curious, and open (free of judgment) where you can explore your experiences, express your feelings and needs, and embark on a journey of self-discovery without fear or restraint. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your inner world.
What Therapy with Me Looks Like
My approach to therapy is straight-forward, rooted in a strengths model rather than a deficit model. This means I do not see people as broken and I believe everyone has within them what they need to heal. My role is to help you access your inner strengths.
Curious about what the therapeutic process and therapy sessions entail?
How Sessions Are Structured
Centered On Your Needs: Sessions are focused on your needs, and as your needs evolve, my approach adapts.
Goal-Oriented: In your initial assessment, we’ll collaboratively develop therapy goals so we’re clear on what you’re working towards.
Collaborative: The entire journey is a team-effort! You and I will meet in the middle and work together towards your established goals.
(Flexibly) Structured: There is a structure to sessions so you know what to expect and how to prepare, but there is no preset agenda—meaning I don’t tell you what to discuss. I empower and encourage my clients to bring their focus and intentions to each session.
Exploratory: I am curious by nature and trade. I’ll help you explore and investigate yourself—thoughts, feelings, needs, desires, fantasies, fears, beliefs, and behaviors—in order to deepen self-awareness.
Values That Shape My Work
Social Justice Oriented and Trauma-Focused: I recognize that there are larger systems and inequalities that contribute to our mental health challenges. We may discuss these challenges and explore the interconnected nature of identities, communities, privilege, power, abuse, discrimination, and the impact of trauma on our psyche.
Feedback-Informed: Research shows that your relationship with your therapist, how you feel about them, is most important, which is why I like to ask my clients for feedback to ensure that it continues to feel like a good fit beyond the initial assessment.
Culturally-Sensitive: Your identity and cultural background are important considerations in understanding your unique life story. I encourage open dialogue and exploration to honor your individuality.
I often receive great feedback from new and former clients about my approach. Many folks have shared with me that their previous therapeutic experience felt directionless, confusing, anxiety-inducing, and invalidating, among other things. My ultimate goal when starting a relationship with a client (and ending one) is that the person walks away feeling heard, seen, and understood. I have found that this approach helps me provide a safe and honest space for clients who are curious about themselves and interested in self-discovery.
If what you've read here resonates with you, I'd love to connect. I offer free 20-minute introductory calls where we can discuss what brings you to therapy, whether my approach feels like a good fit, and answer any questions you have about working together. You can reach me directly at noemi@stillnesstherapy.net or (562) 204-6025. I'm here when you're ready.
