Home Services How Therapy Works Resources Contact Us

How Therapy Works What We Do As Marriage and Family Therapists, we work with individuals, couples, children, families and groups. We are trained to deal with the relationships in your life — in all areas of your life. Relationships are central to our health and happiness. When problems occur in our relationships, be they of the past or present, our quality of life is compromised. In the context of the therapeutic relationship these problems can become better understood, changes can be made and healing can occur. Qualifications: After receiving a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, each of the psychotherapists at Alta Mira has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) by the state of California. In order to earn our license, following the Master's Degree program, we each completed 3,000 hours of supervised training and stringent examination and licensing procedures. Each of us has received additional training and supervised practice in dealing with a wide range of issues. Ongoing annual continuing education is required to maintain our MFT license and ensure that you receive the best care possible. Counseling or Psychotherapy Counseling refers to shorter term work and focuses on problem solving and support. Psychotherapy refers to longer term, in depth work that focuses on character change, healing and ultimately transformation. What is the therapeutic relationship? Your relationship with a psychotherapist/counselor will feel different from others in your life. It can become a unique opportunity for profound growth and lasting change. Our goal is to create, together, a trusting, safe relationship where you can explore your needs , challenges and relationships that most need attention. How do I start therapy? We welcome you to call any of the therapists listed on this site. You can read about each therapist by clicking on their picture on the Home Page. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. What about confidentiality? Your privacy is a primary consideration and a cornerstone of the therapeutic experience. All licensed marriage and family therapists are legally bound to hold confidentiality according to the laws of the State of California. There are a few exceptions to confidentiality and your therapist will review those with you in person. Benefits of psychotherapy Research underscores the value of psychotherapy as a valid method directly relating to your physical health. Therapy offers a unique possibility to explore your patterns, beliefs, fears, and to explore those areas of your life where you are feeling challenged or the need for improvement or relief. This is most effectively done in regularly scheduled sessions. The therapist/client relationship provides the opportunity for you to become empowered to change your life and grow into your fullest potential. Alta Mira Counseling is not a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a professional counseling corporation, or any other type of business entity, but rather a group of licensed practitioners who have joined together for advertising purposes only. Each of these practitioners operates his or her own private practice and does not share revenue with the other practitioners.