Jacqueline Michele Mack-Harris LMFT

Therapy is care for the brain and body. Therapy can help people work through all types of issues both big and small. Therapy is something that I believe should be accessible to anyone who wants it. I think that anyone can benefit from therapy. Therapy is a space where you can be heard by a caring professional who is interested in you, and who wants to know your story. It is a safe place to learn about yourself and grow into the person you want to be.

Yes, I have notice themes and common issues in my work as a couple's therapist. I find that often the biggest challenge the couple is facing is that they do not understand each other's perspective. Recognizing this has helped me help couples move from disconnect to connection more quickly. I believe that since I am outside the marital system I am better able to take in what is being said and hear the meaning rather than react to the tone, volume, and content of what is being said. In contrast a spouse who feels like they are being criticized or called out on something may have difficulty listening to understand instead of respond.

Determination of therapy goals is a collaborative process between the client and myself. I ask them to tell me what brought them in to see me. Then I share with them how I do therapy. Next, I ask what they hope to get out of our time together. Their answer to that question is usually our first goal. When I notice improvement or at least every 8-12 weeks I will check in on how my clients feel about the progress they are making in achieving their goals. If we have accomplished the goal or goals set we discuss other areas they want to work on. If they don't have other concerns to address we begin the termination process, going from weekly to every other week, to monthly, and finally ending therapy with the option for them to return for maintenance as needed.

• California, LMFT, 102490

I have a strong desire to help couples, families, and adult individuals find hope and healing as they learn to understand themselves and the world around them. I work with folks who face various physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges that are negatively impacting the way they are experiencing life and relationships. I am a Trauma Informed Attachment Theory Therapist. This means that I believe that people learn how to be in relationship, in their infancy, from their primary caregivers. This is not to say that we are here to blame parents. Most parents did or are doing the best they can with what they have. As an attachment theory therapist, I work with my clients to gain insight into who they are and what they value. We explore their life and relationship experiences to find patterns that give can give us information about the underlining cause or causes of the struggles that brought them in to meet with me. When we discover what is behind the struggle(s) my clients and I collaborate to design a plan that works to help them bring about the changes in their life and relationship that they want to see.