[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/therathrive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/water-lily.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”120px||70px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px||50px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_css_before=”content: %22%22;||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||right: 0;||bottom: 0;||display: block;||background: var(–color-2);||z-index: 1;||-webkit-transition: all 0.3s linear 0s;||-o-transition: all 0.3s linear 0s;||transition: all 0.3s linear 0s;||opacity: 0.8;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800||on|||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”45px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size_tablet=”32px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”About Section 1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”10%||10%||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”10%||10%||true|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1400px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/therathrive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Grace-Malonai-PhD-LPCC-BC-TMH-TheraThrive-Director.jpg” alt=”Photo of Dr Grace Malonai TheraThrive’s founder and Director” title_text=”Grace Malonai, PhD, LPCC, BC-TMH TheraThrive Director” admin_label=”Image: Katie” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”||4%||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||5%||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Katie, title” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#666666″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”40px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#5AA7C3″ header_2_font_size=”28px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”26px” header_2_font_size_phone=”20px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
she \/ her \/ hers<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Katie license and phone” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #LPCC252\u00a0<\/p>\n
Phone:\u00a0925-954-6229, ext. 1<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/therathrive.com\/contact\/apppointments\/” button_text=”Schedule An Appointment” button_alignment=”left” button_alignment_tablet=”center” button_alignment_phone=”center” button_alignment_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Button: Schedule An Appointment” module_class=”dct_btn ” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_font=”|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”13px|25px|13px|25px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”background:var(–color-1)” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_main_element__hover=”background:var(–color-2) !important;” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: First and foremost” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#515252″ text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”1.71em” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”66px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_text_color=”#9f9f9f” header_2_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”justified” custom_margin=”||7%||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||7%||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||7%||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Welcome!<\/span><\/p>\n Hello, my name is Dr. Grace Malonai, and I want to welcome you, and congratulate you on your search for change. If you are here, then that means you are probably\u00a0<\/span>ready for something to be different, or you might be looking for information, support or new tools.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Maybe you are a\u00a0<\/span>parent<\/a>\u00a0looking for solutions for your\u00a0<\/span>children<\/a>, or maybe you are seeking help for your\u00a0<\/span>relationship<\/a>, or perhaps you or your\u00a0<\/span>family<\/a> are neurodivergent<\/a>, <\/span>gifted\/2e<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span>highly sensitive<\/a>, and need a therapist who really gets that. Well, that\u2019s my job\u2014to help you, and I want very much for you to succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_audio audio=”https:\/\/therathrive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Welcome-message2.mp3″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#5AA7C3″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”15px||15px||false|false” border_color_all_image=”#5AA7C3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_audio][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n I am interactive and integrative, and am considered a strengths-based therapist. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC252), and I hold both a Ph.D. and M.S. in clinical psychology.<\/p>\n I have been providing psychotherapy and counseling services in the San Francisco area since 1998, and have been in private practice since 2005. I specialize in parenting and couples, child and family therapy, and neurodivergent populations, including autism, ADHD, gifted development, twice exceptionality (2e), learning differences\/disabilities, and high sensitivity.<\/p>\n I hope you look around this website to learn more about how we can serve you\u2014and don\u2019t forgot to contact us for a free phone consultation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f5f5f5″ animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Specializations” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Since 2006, my clinical work has focused on neurodivergent populations. With a keen interest in the traits, differences, challenges and strengths associated with both neurodivergent and highly sensitive people, I have developed extensive experience working with the particular challenges and mental health issues that are most commonly seen in these populations.<\/p>\n I work with (and enjoy!) people of all ages, and I have nearly twenty years of experiences working with people in all walks of life, from very young children, to older kids, teens, young adults, adults, and older adults.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Assessment<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Child therapy<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Therapy for teenagers<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Individual adult therapy<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Relationships and couples counseling<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Parenting<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Family therapy<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n High sensitivity, highly sensitive people<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Autism<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Giftedness and twice exceptionality (2e)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n ADHD<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n LGBTQ+<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n School, education, and homeschool support<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clinical Supervision<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_margin=”||1.24%||false|false” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Workshops, Presentations and CE Courses<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ header_font_size=”19px” custom_css_blurb_content=”max-width:100%;” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Workshops, Presentations and CE Courses<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/therathrive.com\/contact\/apppointments\/” button_text=”Schedule An Appointment” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Button: Schedule An Appointment” module_class=”dct_btn ” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”50px” button_font=”|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”13px|25px|13px|25px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”background:var(–color-1)” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element__hover_enabled=”on|hover” custom_css_main_element__hover=”background:var(–color-2) !important;” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I value\u00a0<\/span>authenticity, empathy and the therapeutic connection<\/strong>, and I practice these while working with my clients. I actively participate in the therapy work. I believe that true, meaningful connections can be an important part of the healing process, and can help build\u00a0<\/span>confidence<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>and deeper\u00a0<\/span>self-awareness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Likewise, a\u00a0<\/span>safe and engaging<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>environment is crucial for growth and healing, and it is my aim to provide clients with a\u00a0<\/span>welcoming<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>and safe atmosphere.<\/p>\n I believe that therapy is a place for self-expression and healing, and I work to provide a venue that is just right for each client to learn and practice emotional skills, improve communication, and develop a keener\u00a0<\/span>awareness and understanding<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>of themselves and others.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|25px|20px|25px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I also believe counseling is a collaborative process, where my job is to facilitate my clients\u2019 growth. This means that while my clients get\u00a0<\/span>relief<\/strong>\u00a0from the pain of their challenges, they also come to\u00a0<\/span>know themselves<\/strong>\u00a0better. In other words, my clients learn to understand and work with their emotions, they gain skills to manage their emotional reactions, and they\u00a0<\/span>gain insight<\/strong>\u00a0about their families and other relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Together, we create a game plan. As a strengths-based, humanistic, and eclectic therapist, I believe it is important that we work together interactively. I also often use family systems, cognitive, interpersonal, narrative, holistic-oriented, relational-cultural, developmental approaches, a spiritual approach, mindfulness techniques, play therapy, art therapy, music therapy, and sand tray work.<\/span><\/p>\n Essentially, I am an integrative therapist. What that means is that I have extensive training in a variety of modalities and use them as called for.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” width=”90%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”1060px” custom_padding=”62px|5%|62px|5%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: about an integrative approach” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I describe some of the approaches I use below (please click the tabs below to learn more).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#5AA7C3″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#5AA7C3″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”36px” admin_label=”Accordion: Katie’s approach” module_class=”dl-toggles-16″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” body_font=”Montserrat|500|||||||” body_text_color=”#333333″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_css_toggle=”border: 1px solid;||border-radius: 10px;” custom_css_open_toggle=”border-color: #5aa7c3;” custom_css_toggle_title=”padding: 30px 30px 30px 40px !important;” custom_css_toggle_icon=”padding: 9px 11px 11px 9px;||border-radius: 50%;||right: auto !important;||left: 0;||transform: translate(-50%, -70%);” custom_css_toggle_content=”padding: 0 30px 30px 40px;” border_width_all=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Strengths Based Therapy” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#5AA7C3″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”|500|||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_level=”h2″ toggle_font=”|600|||||||”]<\/p>\n I start looking for strengths upon first meeting my clients, and no matter how long the list already is, I keep finding them.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>They might be obvious, or maybe not yet even realized, but I believe that seeking, learning about, and emphasizing my clients\u2019 strengths is essential to therapy.<\/p>\n Personal strengths are power-houses for the work of overcoming challenges.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>As a strengths-based therapist, I see my clients as experts in their own work, and because of this belief, even if I am the facilitator to change, I see myself in partnership with my clients as they face the challenges and triumphs of their work<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”A Humanistic Approach” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n I believe each person, each client, is incredibly and beautifully unique.<\/strong>\u00a0Humanistic psychology describes the individuality of each human, and supports a holistic approach to counseling work.<\/span><\/p>\n One focus of humanistic psychology views how deep feelings and self-concept influence behaviors. This motivates an exploration of each client as a whole person in all his or her unique individuality, where multiple perspectives are used to regard a situation.<\/p>\n I deeply value the humanistic view that people are innately good.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Existential Therapy” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n With existential therapy,\u00a0<\/span>we work together to create balance, and to promote acceptance without overwhelm<\/strong>. This perspective helps us explore how you make meaning in life, your connections, relationships, and sense of purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n Existential therapy adds additional perspective,\u00a0<\/span>so that you can process internal conflicts (and subsequent choices) in a way that supports you to blossom in the present, without becoming overwhelmed or preoccupied with a potential future<\/strong>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Family Systems Therapy” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Family systems theories, including Narrative Therapy, are foundational to my work.\u00a0<\/span>From this therapeutic viewpoint, individual clients are seen as part of, and interconnected with, larger systems\u2014 primarily the family.<\/strong>\u00a0As a systems therapist, I believe it is important to explore how my clients relate with their own extended personal contexts\u2014 and not only their families, but also their school or work, their community, their culture, era, and other external influences.<\/span><\/p>\n As a Narratively informed family systems therapist,\u00a0<\/span>I see my role as partner to my clients, on their journey of authoring their own stories.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Relational Cultural Therapy” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n When I say I that I work relationally, I am describing a specific type of empathy, a sense of mutuality, and a contextual awareness that I believe is essential to therapy work.<\/strong>\u00a0Relational-cultural counseling includes a sense of partnership in therapy, where I work to help my clients experience feelings of being truly understood and partnered on their path. Part of this includes providing a safe \u201ccontainer\u201d for my clients, so that they can more easily trust me to hold them in compassion and care.<\/span><\/p>\n Another important aspect of Relational-cultural therapy is that it explains growth and development as part of learning about relationships, as well as the disconnections and re-connections in life.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”A Spiritual Approach” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Incorporating spirituality into psychotherapy is part of a holistic approach.<\/strong>\u00a0A sense of connection with matters of spirit\u2014whether it includes an experience of nature, devotion to spiritual or religious beliefs or practices, the wonder of science, meditation, or other ideas, values or beliefs\u2014can be part of healing, gaining a sense of being better connected with the world, and feeling more whole.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Play Therapy” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Play therapy is as diverse as it is fun.<\/strong>\u00a0It is an important part of my practice, and can be essential when working with children. It can involve games, toys, puppets, cars, costumes, crafts, or even physical movement (such as sword play, dance or catching lizards). Play therapy is way to help clients, especially children, achieve optimal mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n Even neurodivergent children (and adults) who have strong verbal skills can benefit from play therapy, which provides an alternative means to process emotions, challenges, and what is going on in their lives. Play therapy has been shown to improve social, emotional, behavioral and other mental health issues.<\/p>\n Not just for children, I also have therapeutic games and crafts geared specifically for teens and adults.\u00a0<\/span>Play therapy can help clients resolve conflict, solve challenges, and learn positive preventative coping skills.<\/strong><\/p>\n For further information, please view this short video, which explains how play therapy works:<\/p>\nSpecializations<\/h2>\n
All Ages Served<\/h2>\n
Dr. Grace\u2019s Approach to Counseling, Psychotherapy and Consultation<\/h2>\n
An Integrative Approach<\/h2>\n