Lori L. Breeden-Gomez, M.S., MFT

Why Utilize A Marriage And Family Therapist?

Marriage and Family Therapists are Relationship Experts!

It is important for you to understand that your therapist is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFC # 39712). More specifically, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT's) are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. We are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriages, family and social adjustments. The practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relationship counseling. Marriage and Family Therapists are psychotherapists and healing arts practitioners licensed by the State of California.

As a practitioner in this field, I have had extensive training in working with children, adolescents, couples, individuals & families suffering from a variety of emotional and behavioral difficulties. The treatment modalities I utilize are eclectic in nature and are tailored to the individual, as well as developmental needs of each client.

What To Expect From The Therapeutic Relationship

Therapy cannot magically change your life. The relationship between the therapist and the client is the single most important factor to determine the success of treatment. Feeling comfortable with the therapist provides you with an opportunity to trust the therapist's abilities and allows you to get the most out of treatment. As a client, you are invited to question and clarify the nature of the therapeutic relationship as necessary. If you have not been in therapy before, you may feel some initial discomfort about what happens during the course of the therapy hour. Feel free to ask any questions about the therapeutic process, the course of treatment or any other question pertaining to the process of psychotherapy.

What To Expect In Treatment

After a thorough assessment of your needs and the environment in which difficulties may occur, a treatment plan will be established. The therapist and client will have an opportunity to collaborate in creating a treatment plan. As a client, offering your views and feedback empowers you to have an active role in your treatment. It is important for you to understand that developing an adequate treatment plan may take several sessions and will depend on the diverse needs of each client. The treatment plan will be revised as needed to meet your therapeutic needs. Psychotherapy requires your active involvement in order to change the thoughts, feelings and/or behaviors that may be contributing to the problems that are bringing you to therapy. If at any time you feel uncomfortable about your treatment plan and/or the interventions used during therapy, you are encouraged to discuss this with your therapist.

If you haven't had a recent physical evaluation by your physician, it would be important to do so. There are a variety of medical problems that can profoundly affect your emotions and behavior. In establishing an appropriate treatment plan, it is helpful to rule out any medical conditions that may be impacting your behavior.

Helpful Links in Learning About Therapy:

• www.camft.org
• www.aamft.org
• www.bbs.ca.gov
• http://psychologytoday.com/
• www.therapistfinder.com
• www.therapistlocator.net