Therapists in Biggs, CA

Hi! I'm glad you are thinking of working with me so let me tell you a bit about myself. I have worked in this field for over 30 years. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work in 1984, and am licensed in California (LCSW) and Arkansas (LCSW). Additionally, I have a Master's Degree in Human Rights. I have worked with people ages six through older adulthood and with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I have worked in private practice and public mental health settings. I bring this wealth of knowledge and wide range of experience and expertise to my individual work with you. My approach is client centered and non judgmental. I will work with you to problem solve, grow, develop new life skills, identify and achieve your goals while helping you to clarify your values, know yourself better, and build upon your current strengths and skills. I am really looking forward to the privilege of working with you!

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to read my profile page. It has been my aspiration and commitment through my work life to collaborate with those seeking help and together make every effort to understand what is causing the suffering and in doing so to find some relief from the pain. I have been a practicing Buddhist for many years, and I meditate daily. I love that His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “Kindness is my religion," because we all need it, we all benefit from it when we give it and receive it and without it life is just harder and lonelier. Buddhism informs my life and therefore my work. It has helped bring humility and compassion to my life and work. I believe that the answers to each person’s suffering lies within themselves. Most work involves clearing the clouds that mask the liberation in each of us. My work life has played out in two quite different areas of care. The first was a county hospital, and the second a private practice, both in San Francisco. I worked for 21 years as a social work supervisor in a busy outpatient HIV clinic with 2,800 patients. Motivational Interviewing was the most effective type of counseling to use with the population we worked with. In the other setting, I had a small psychodynamic self-psychology informed psychotherapy practice, working with individuals and couples. Both settings offered me the opportunity to discover, explore and develop different skills as I encountered the vast diversity of human experience, where pain, trauma, and resilience came together as a gift to be tended with care, love, and compassion. At the hospital AIDS clinic, we were initially faced with dying patients so much of the work involved just being with the dying. As fewer patients died when the medications improved, we were then faced with issues of severe addiction, trauma, depression, and a population who had experienced ongoing racism, homophobia, poverty, and homelessness. At my private practice, I met with clients who presented also with addiction issues and in addition those with relationship problems, impact of homophobia, body image issues, self-harm, trauma, and abuse. I could never have imagined such a career when I started out. Now I feel deep appreciation and gratitude to all the clients and patients I served on this path. To all those who shaped my career, and taught me how to be a social worker and therapist through their kind and generous feedback, which at times let me know how much I meant to them, and at other times how I missed an opportunity to be empathic. I hope we get a chance to meet and explore whatever issues are of most concern to you and together work to clear the clouds and find relief. Thank you again for your kind attention.

Hi, I am Brian VanBrakle, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 10 years of experience helping people navigate difficult life situations. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns and issues including depression, relationship issues, parent/child conflicts, and anxiety. I have helped many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and solution focused. I will utilize a unique toolbox and treatment approach to meet your specific needs and concerns. It takes strength and courage creating a more fulfilling and meaning life. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Respectfully, BVB.

I believe that the success of therapy is largely dependent on the relationship I have with my clients. CS Lewis once said, "To love at all is to be vulnerable." I think that vulnerability is a precious gift that is not to be taken lightly. It's very important that my clients feel safe to express that vulnerability in a non-judgmental environment that inspires trust. I work with clients according to their self-identified, strengths, needs and goals. Together we craft a path toward insight with compassion and motivation at your pace. I have over 20 years of experience working in the field of child welfare including foster and adoptive care. I also worked in private practice and helped clients with depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, secondary trauma, parenting challenges, and workplace pressure. I have a MA in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Organizational Psychology. I use a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative and Solution-Focused therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I am a certified trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach (for parenting intense children and youth) and am also a certified life coach. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.

I am licensed in California with over 15 years of professional work experience in offering client centered approaches to address issues including depression, anxiety, parenting issues, coping with illness, grief, and trauma. I have experience working in trauma hospital acute care and emergency department settings. I am also a registered nurse dedicated in providing individualized patient care through effective education and counseling. My experience has taught me that one of the most important aspect of counseling is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness. We all possess resilience and strength to achieve healing and personal growth. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that give us insights on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to be that person for you. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming what you are going through. I look forward to tailoring my approach to meet your specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I practice through a lens of cultural humility and strive to create a welcoming therapeutic space. My hope is for clients to leave session feeling more grounded than when they arrived. I am here to support you in that process of becoming the best version of yourself.

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Dr. Mary Holtom is a licensed clinical psychologist in California. Dr. Holtom received her graduate degree from Rosemead School of Psychology and her undergraduate degree from Azusa Pacific University. Dr. Holtom’s training and experience has been in a variety of settings, including: nonprofit, inpatient rehab center, outpatient community mental health centers, a university counseling center, and online therapy. Given her background, she has experience in assisting adults from various backgrounds in gaining knowledge about their mental health and moving forward towards their goals in life. Dr. Holtom believes that the relationship between client and therapist is important and allows for a collaborative process in assisting the patient achieve a better quality of life. With the assistance of the therapist, clients are capable of finding solutions and not continuing their same patterns that are no longer effective. Dr. Holtom’s approach to therapy utilizes Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, balancing between a present-moment focus and gaining insight on one’s past in order to move forward into the future. Additionally, Dr. Holtom also uses Acceptance and Commitment therapy techniques to assist patients in making effective life changes. License: PSY31334

I received my PhD in 2015 and have been licensed in California for 9 years with a total of 15 years of professional work experience in Psychology. I have a wide range of experience in different settings, using an array of modalities. Anxiety, OCD, relationship issues,, couples counseling, self esteem and depression have become my main focus. I feel that self love is the greatest medicine and an important foundation for a healthy mindset. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Support and empowerment are one of the main focuses in my practice, as is mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy mixed with Buddhist Psychology. These practices can enhance your ability to take control over the thoughts that create anxiety and depression, as well as emotions like anger. It also allows you to really get to know your true self. Like Socrates said, Know Thyself My life experience and education are important, but it’s working with people from all walks of life and making a huge difference in people’s lives that gives me the greatest pleasure.

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I am also a retired school principal. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, eating disorders, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in California with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!