MELISSA TERVET-DA CUNHA, LMFT, M.ED.
LIC #MFT100732
415.448.6456
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
COMPASSION AND ACTION
"Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.”
Kahlil Gibran
SERVICES I OFFER
Personalized Care and Guidance
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Therapy Designed Just for You
I find that my role changes over the course of CBT therapy with clients. At first, I am a curious detective, collecting and assessing information from my client to determine therapy goals. Then I am a teacher, using that information to design a customized treatment plan and create interventions. As you progress and begin to learn and practice tools and skills, I become more of a coach and guide.
TELETHERAPY
Therapy via HIPAA-Compliant Video
Sometimes coming to a session in person isn't an option. Therapy via video can be a great alternative. As a result of COVID-19 social distancing practices, I'm currently offering all clients this choice. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages associated with therapy that is conducted remotely, and we can discuss how these apply in your particular situation. Please contact me to see how I may be of assistance.
The Mind-Body Connection
WHAT IS CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a collaborative and active form of therapy. I work with you to determine therapy goals based on the problems you identify and wish to work on. As a team, we work together to help you achieve these goals. The active part of therapy involves tasks between sessions. Much of CBT's effectiveness lies in the learning and practice that takes place while doing these tasks.
One premise of CBT is the belief that our mind shares a deep connection with our body. Consequently, our thoughts can lead to physical sensations and vice versa. For example, thinking about being anxious or worried can cause your heart to start pounding or make you feel short of breath. In the same way, feeling short of breath or feeling your heart pound for no apparent reason can make you feel anxious. This treatment helps clients understand if and when their anxiety alarms are going off unnecessarily and what to do to manage the symptoms that they are experiencing.
This is a form of brief therapy. I approach your case with compassion for the distress that you or your child is experiencing, and together we take action to to help you or your child reach the therapy goals you set. Many clients see significant improvement of specific symptoms in 16 to 22 sessions. The goal of therapy is for me to help you learn skills so you can live a life that's more rewarding.
Email: Melissa@MarinCBTtherapist.com Call: 415.448.6456
Getting a Handle on Anxiety
TYPES OF DISORDERS
Fears being away from caregiver, fears sleeping alone
Fears social interactions, often uncomfortably shy
Frequent, varied worries that are difficult to control
Alarming physical sensations
Unreasonable, deep fear of specific, identifiable objects (needles), animals (dogs), or experiences (heights)
Intrusive and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) paired with behaviors (compulsions) that feel like the only way to get relief
Uncontrollable hair pulling
Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep; worry about sleep
Help for parents of smart, stubborn, and strong-willed young children with in-office or in-home practice to help reduce negative behaviors and promote positive ones.
Contact me today to set up your personal consultation.
CONTACT ME
Freeing my clients from the grip of anxiety is my passion. I love helping my clients develop the tools they need to cope with anxiety, and I get great satisfaction from seeing them heal and thrive. Contact me today to see how I can help you or your child. I look forward to hearing from you!
Email: Melissa@MarinCBTtherapist.com
Call: 415.448.6456
Address:
185 North Redwood Dr., Ste. 240
San Rafael, CA 94903