therapy
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
What is psychotherapy? Individual therapy is a process in which a safe, secure, trusting relationship is established between you and a therapist, with the intent of creating change you are desiring in your life. Much of the “work” we will do is talk about your thoughts, ideas, feelings, relationships, impactful life events, needs, wants, fantasies, and fears.
You and I will work together to understand what kind of change you are desiring and how to live a life consistent with your values, your needs, your priorities. At the outset of therapy, you and I will meet weekly in order to establish consistency, safety, and trust in the relationship and in the process.
Most of my current clients will tell you that my approach is warm, and I’m direct. I am validating and compassionate, and I will challenge you to open up to new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. I tend to be highly attuned to my clients and can likely help you identify and sort out conflicting thoughts, feelings, needs, etc.
“The curious paradox is that when I can accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
This quote, by Carl Rogers, the father of Person-centered therapy, forms the foundation of my therapeutic approach. It is only when we can accept ourselves, others, our circumstances, and ultimately our lives, just as they are that we can then create space for change.
Over time, you will learn to become much more aware and attuned to your internal thoughts, feelings, needs, conflicts, desires, and resistances in order to cultivate self-awareness, self-understanding, and self-acceptance which creates space for growth, improvement, and change.
At the same time, therapy often involves more experiential techniques and exercises in session and/or “homework” outside of session to learn effective ways to manage stress and anxiety; regulate and process difficult emotions; increase tolerance for distress; improve attention, concentration, and performance; build resiliency; and, cultivate, maintain, strengthen, repair, and/or heal meaningful relationships.
Through compassionate, evidence-based therapy, we’ll work together to help you:
Quiet your inner critic
Navigate stress and anxiety with more ease
Break free from perfectionistic patterns
Develop healthier, more fulfilling relationships
Build a grounded and confident sense of self
Learn tools for emotional resilience and mindful presence
I integrate a range of well-established and highly effective therapeutic modalities to tailor treatment to your specific problems, needs, and goals such as:
Psychodynamic/Relational
Person-centered
Mindfulness-based practices for anxiety, stress reduction, performance enhancement, self-compassion
Cognitive and Cognitive-behavioral
Internal Family Systems
DBT
Motivational Interviewing
Not sure if therapy is right for you or someone you know?
Call or text Dr. Sierra to schedule a FREE 15-minute phone or video consultation at 667-408-4492. Or, fill out this contact form and Dr. Sierra will get back to you within 1 business day.