The majority of our individual clients start therapy during a time in their life that is stressful. Some are experiencing anxiety, depression, or have other concerns about their mental health. Some want to strengthen their romantic relationship, others are ending their relationship and some are single and want to be in a relationship. Many clients want to heal from their past, particularly if they have experienced loss and trauma. Many of our clients want to change habits or let go of behaviors that no longer serve them. Most of our individual clients have multiple areas of their life they want support with including relationships, family, work/business, and mental health. We also work with individuals that are wanting support with their romantic relationship yet their partner is not able to attend couples therapy. 

Yes. Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health professionals that are licensed or registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. All of our therapists have Masters Degrees and are Licensed or Registered in the State of California to diagnosis and treat mental health disorders.  In addition, all of our therapists have training beyond their graduate school education in couples therapy.

Our approach views mental health through a family systems, holistic, and relational lens. We aim to uncover and transform what is driving symptoms and behaviors. In addition, we will aim to collaborate with your psychiatrist or other providers to ensure we are delivering the most effective care possible. If we are not able to provide treatment for the mental health challenges you are facing we will refer you to trusted providers in our community. 

There are a few reasons why your therapist may be recommending individual therapy in conjunction with couples therapy. Some individuals discover they want their own confidential space that is separate from couples therapy. Untreated mental health conditions or trauma can interfere with the progress of couples therapy. In some situations, such as with active drug and alcohol dependency, it will be important for the addiction to be addressed before we can proceed to the deeper work of couples therapy. Individual therapy is also recommended when a couple is experiencing emotional or physical abuse or active infidelity. If abuse is present in the relationship, couples therapy is not safe unless the couples therapist is highly trained to work with abuse. If you are in an abusive relationship please contact our care coordinator or schedule an individual therapy appointment.

The length of the psychotherapy process varies depending on our client's history, strengths, challenges, and goals. Some clients attend a few sessions while others are in therapy for several years. Many clients prefer to be in therapy throughout their life as needed. Although your therapist will make recommendations on length of treatment, it is always up to the client whether they want to attend or not. Clients will never be pressured or obligated to pay for a set number of sessions. 

Generally therapy is most effective when clients attend once per week for a 50 minute session. Your therapist will hold a recurring weekly day/time for you or you can schedule at the end of every session. Over time many clients drop down to less frequent sessions. 

Our therapists help clients with the understanding the connection among thoughts, emotions, needs, physiological responses, memories, behaviors, and relationships. Our main focus for individual clients is centered on creating a resilient and compassionate inner world which bolsters mental health and improves relationships. There are many factors that contribute to our mental wellness including environment, relationships, nutrition, substances, sleep, stress, and spirituality and all of this may be explored in therapy. All the therapists at IFT practice what they teach and live a lifestyle that emphasizes holistic health, self care, movement, personal growth, and nature.