About Holly
I received my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach in 1992, and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Chapman University in 1995. I have been licensed by the state of California since 1998.
Many prospective clients ask the question, "what is your therapeutic orientation?" That is a difficult question, not because there is not an answer, but simply because there are many approaches to psychotherapy and not all approaches work for all clients. Applying a "one size fits all" approach is generally not beneficial in meeting all of the client‘s needs and presenting challenges. It is my belief that during the first part of therapy you and I discover together the style that fits best for you. I adjust my approach to varying problems because not every key will open every door. This is a relational approach to counseling in which you and I as a team work through your challenges. Granted, the therapist may bring knowledge and experience to the sessions, but it is not simply the knowledge and experience that makes change happen in the life of a client.
A therapist needs to be willing to be present with a client, in the moment. If a therapist is uncomfortable with a particular subject matter, emotion or issue this impedes the therapeutic process. A therapist cannot help guide a client through a subject matter or issue that they are unable or too uncomfortable to face or discuss. It simply does not work. The therapist needs to be able to be emotionally available for change to occur.
I have had in-depth training in Family Systems, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Crisis Management, and Developmental Therapeutic modalities. All of these approaches can be intertwined so my clients can gain a more complete understanding of their presenting problems and coping skills to address these difficulties.
Approach to Therapy
Holly has been such a positive force in my life. She’s incredibly empathetic and always makes me feel heard and understood, no matter what I’m going through. At the same time, she knows how to challenge me in the best way, helping me grow and face things I might have avoided otherwise. She handles everything with such grace and thoughtfulness, even the really tough conversations. I always leave our sessions feeling supported and empowered. I can’t recommend her enough.
-T.O.
My husband and I began working with Holly at a time in our lives when we were struggling to adapt to big changes. Holly was exceptional at building rapport and demonstrating care for each of us as individuals, while honoring and respecting us as a unit. Holly is skilled at knowing when to encourage us to dive into difficult topics and when to slow things down, allowing us to process emotions at a manageable pace. She is generous with her time; adding additional time or sessions when we've needed it. She checks in with us after challenging moments and celebrates our successes. Our therapy experience with Holly has been both productive and compassionate, and we have grown as individuals and as a couple because of her.
N. N.
"Holly has been our marriage counselor for over three years. We have been married for 24 years, and although there has been love and attraction, we have struggled to communicate and experience intimacy. We came to Holly at a point in our relationship when mid-life was on the doorstep, the children were fledging and we just were not seeing much joy or point to our continued togetherness. Counseling has become a tool in our marriage and has helped to shine the light of insight and honesty between us.
Holly knows when to pull, push, interact or witness. She brings intention, creates safety, and provides clarity and support. All these qualities of marriage counseling in general and of Holly in particular, have been integral to the healing process in both my marriage and my own individual journey."
-L.R.