MY BACKGROUND
I realize it can be difficult to choose a psychologist, therapist or counselor and I hope you'll find information here that will help you with this decision. I received my B.A. from Pennsylvania State University and my Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. For my doctoral dissertation, I studied conflict patterns in premarital couples and helped develop a test to facilitate marriage counseling and education programs called PREPARE-ENRICH. After completing my doctoral degree, I worked as an associate research scientist at the American Institutes of Research in Palo Alto, California studying the effectiveness of counseling interventions for children in families of divorce and remarriage.
Although I loved research and teaching, I missed the personal connection found in direct service. I left research and teaching to complete my post-doctoral clinical training at the Stanford Stress Management Clinic in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and at the Community Counseling and Education Center in Fremont, California where I provided individual and couple counseling and therapy. I am a member of the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association, The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, and The Greater Sacramento Davis Emotionally Focused Therapy Community.
I have practiced psychotherapy and couples counseling for over 30 years in the Sacramento area and have seen the fields of applied psychology, marriage counseling, premarital counseling, and couples counseling change and grow. We continue to develop and deepen our understanding of personal and interpersonal problems, motivation, and coping. There is much we can do to reduce suffering and to increase life satisfaction and positive connection with others.
MY APPROACH
Sometimes therapy goals involve acceptance, sometimes they involve change, and we always strive for greater understanding of self and others. Each session, guided by specific therapy goals, is interactive, collaborative, and respectful. COUPLES THERAPY
Many couples come to therapy reporting conflicts about children, money, and/or sex. These areas of conflict often reflect deeper concerns with trust, safety and intimacy. We'll work together to improve not just specific problems, but also to create a new way of relating and connecting that you can apply to any problem or area of conflict in your relationship. We will work to identify and change the underlying patterns of interaction that keeps you from having the kind of love and emotional connection you want. I am comfortable working with people in recovery from addictions. I have experience working with couples where there is infidelity and affairs, and I have helped them find a way back from the pain of betrayal. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
In my work with individuals, I generally use a combination of attachment and emotion-focused therapies and mindfulness-based practices. Sometimes therapy can be longer-term and in-depth. Other times, we can stay focused on problem-solving and develop new cognitive and behavioral strategies to address change. These approaches help you identify and work with your thoughts, feelings and behavior so that you not only feel better but also live better. Together, we identify what approach is most effective for you and your particular situation.
THANKS
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to speaking with you about your particular situation and seeing how we might be able to work together. Please feel free to go directly to my website for more information.
Dr. Joan Druckman Reaches
Folsom CA