CHERYL CERASOLI LMFT

My background in both psychology and sports psychology has always guided me more in the direction of coach than therapist, in other words, building on a person's strengths to encourage the most lasting and powerfully effective new behaviors through a warm and collaborative style. Some of my strongest skills include a boundless curiosity in individual differences and similarities, a keen sense of and deep respect for a client's talents, strengths and beauty gained through observation and conversation, a broad range of experience in various areas of life, a lifetime connection to the power inherent in each human being to adapt, to absorb, to change and to thrive, and a humbleness in seeking all relevant information as adjunct to my repertoire of knowledge in any area needed by my client.

The first session is pivotal in assuring that the client feels safe to talk. I always ask myself how I can most effectively help this client connect enough to want to move forward towards changing whatever is causing them stress/discomfort/inner turmoil/panic/fear/hurt. Also I need to share my understanding of the difficulty in connecting with a stranger for any of us. I think it is key that setting a goal be presented as a door opener. I believe goals are best gone towards only after there is a true match up for the client between seeing that change is available and feeling able to adopt it. It is a shared activity begun first by hearing the client and by offering possible directions, collaboratively making choices, and then my supporting each step of their journey and effort.

• Idaho, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 42764