First and foremost, I understand that you are nervous and anxious about coming to therapy - it's ok, most people are. I want to walk you through the process so you know how it works, what to expect and that you have a friend helping you through this.
My goal as a therapist is assisting you to feel at ease and understand that this is your journey and you are in control. Therapy is a way to help you understand where you have been and owning your stories through facing the fears that brought you to this place to asking for help.
I've found that once clients understand that change comes from being able to blend courage, understanding and connection to our feelings. This journey becomes exciting once we can identify the path together. It is a process, a journey we take together and it is a privilege that is sacred.
The Process
THE FIRST SESSION
Calling for an initial appointment is the first step to your journey and it takes courage. My office number is 661-320-3688. I have an assistant who will help by getting your insurance information prior to your appointment so that we can focus on the assessment. Initial appointments usually last 45 minutes to an hour.
In the initial assessment we discuss what your goals are for our time together. I can only help you with what you want help with. If you are just unsure where to start, I can help you with that. The process is gentle and you have a lot of control over how much you want to share. Those seeking medication evaluation can be referred to our psychiatrist in our office. We have both male and female psychiatrists that can meet your medication needs.
FOLLOW UP SESSIONS
Once goals and treatment are discussed and outlined, we do the work. You are given the option of having “homework” to do in between sessions. You are not obliged to complete it, but it does help with the process. We determine together how your treatment will unfold. Follow up sessions are usually 30- 45 minutes. They can occur weekly or bi-weekly depending on your need. I am available by phone and can return calls by leaving a message with my staff or by email mrsjgoh@gmail.com.
Techniques
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY +
Clients that I work with find that I can help them think about their situations in a different light. I don’t dictate what they do, but ask questions that get them to think from different perspectives.
One of my favorite ways to help you do this is a visualization I give to my clients about cleaning out a very messy, cluttered garage. I help them understand that getting our emotional life in order is a process of clearing out all the “trash”, giving back all the “stuff” that belongs to someone else and organizing the “valuables” that we want to keep in our lives so we have access to them, labeling and order what we need access to.
TRAUMA FOCUSED THERAPY +
It takes a lot of courage to share traumatic events such as sexual assault, violence and severe emotional abuse. I have the training and ability to help you with this delicate process. Again, we work at your pace and not any faster.
MINDFULNESS AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES +
I find a lot of my clients with anxiety and stress issues learned to work hard, but never learned to Balance their lives with relaxation and things like meditation to help them focus. I offer to teach the latest evidence based practices in this area. I can help you find a way to balance your life.
WALK & TALK +
I have been very fascinated with Ecological Therapy (getting out in nature). I am now in the process of developing a therapeutic appointment that involves walking in a public place where confidentiality can still be maintained. I find that especially those suffering from depression or anxiety can benefit from both the emotional expression and physical exercise.
ART & PLAY +
Therapy with teens and children requires a creative approach. I have been to trainings that have given my unique ways to engage even the most hesitant clients. Games are an amazing icebreaker with young clients. When I can find a common ground with the child/teen, the work can begin. It is my job to connect with your children. I have a lot of resources and understanding about child development and can find ways to connect with your child on their level.