My Approach to Therapy

There are many different ways to heal and grow. As you look for a therapist, it is important to find someone whose approach matches your own way of changing and growing.

My approach is practical, collaborative, and interactive. While I am a good listener, I am also very active in sessions. I tend to emphasize strengths and solutions. I encourage people to cultivate more joy and contentment, as well as feeling all of their emotions.

Perhaps because I was also trained as a civil engineer, I tend to use concrete and evidence-based techniques.

Therapy Approaches

My orientation is based roughly on EMDR therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and NLP, in addition to traditional talk therapy.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) can often help you resolve past difficulties and heal from traumatic memories more quickly than traditional talk therapy. I use EMDR therapy more often than any other approach.
  

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you become more aware and less reactive. You can explore your beliefs, decide if those beliefs are still accurate and useful, and develop more objective beliefs.
  

• I also use concepts from martial arts, meditation, and mindfulness in therapy. These practices are often useful if you want to feel calmer and more grounded.
  

• Hypnosis or guided meditation can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. Hypnosis is also very useful if you want to change a habit or if you are feeling stuck. I can also teach you self-hypnosis techniques that you can use on your own.
  

• Solution-focused talk therapy or counseling gives you the opportunity to talk through what is bothering you. People tell me that I am easy to talk with. Not only do I want to understand the problem, but I also want to explore solutions and help you get to the solution that works for you.
  

• Therapeutic NLP can help you access your own inner strengths in order to solve your problems. People have lots of preconceptions about this approach. NLP was developed based on family therapy, Gestalt therapy, and hypnotherapy. Problems develop when we get stuck and cannot access our own strengths. NLP techniques are active and can help you find your own solutions and inner resources.

Since everyone is unique, I tailor my approach to each person. I have learned lots of tools and techniques, but not every technique fits for every person. Please let me know if there are certain techniques that interest you. 

Your Input Is Very Important in Therapy!

If you are working with me or with any therapist, it is very important to let the therapist know what is working and what is not working for you. Good therapists are taught to appreciate and utilize both positive and critical feedback. Your input is very important! Most therapists can slightly change their approach, add new techniques, or refer you to another therapist or appropriate resource.

While therapists are trained to help people reach their goals, each person is an expert on their own situation.

Counseling Fees & Available Openings

Please click on the link for more information about fees and insurance. I am an out-of-network therapist.

For information on my available openings, please click on my scheduling page.

About Me

I am a therapist/counselor in Sunnyvale, California. I primarily offer individual therapy for adults. (LMFT Lic. # LMFT40414)

Please visit my therapy home page for more information about me.

To Schedule an Appointment or Ask Questions

Call me or email me at stacy@stacyoleary.com to ask any questions you have or set up an appointment. You can also schedule a free phone consultation with me.