When I look back over the course of my life, I realize that some of my decisions could have been better, but others stand out as the right decision at the right time. Many years ago when I first considered consulting a therapist, I had a hard time giving myself permission for ongoing, weekly psychotherapy. It was difficult for me to spend what felt like an enormous amount of money every week. But I now know it was one of the best decisions of my life, and I’m grateful that I made that choice.
Twenty years ago I decided to change the course of my life path and become a psychotherapist. When I considered starting graduate school for psychology, I consulted with friends and family, and was happy to find that they agreed that I am well suited for this profession. That career change also goes into the “best decisions of my life“ category.
I love my work because I thrive on the explorations of feelings and self-understanding that are at heart of the therapeutic process. I am fascinated by the interplay between our own internal dialogues and the degree of satisfaction we feel with our lives. I have also come to trust that the process of a safe, therapeutic relationship creates opportunities for healing, growth, choice, and change.
I am comfortable working with clients with varying backgrounds, ethnic identities, ages, and sexual orientations. My work varies depending on the needs of the client. We can meet for just a few sessions and talk about specific issues, or we can engage in a deep process that can extend over a period of years. I specialize in relationship and family issues, couples work, parenting issues, substance abuse, anger management, and work issues including transitions to retirement.
My background and education includes a B.A. in English from LeMoyne College, in Syracuse, New York (1972), an M.A. in Rhetoric from U.C. Berkeley (1976), an M.A. in Film from San Francisco State University (1985), and an M.A. in Psychology from New College of California (2001). I’m grateful to have had a wide variety of work experiences including administrative jobs in both the corporate and non profit worlds, teaching, and film production. I feel that all this experience contributes to my breadth as a person and my capacity as a therapist.
Copyright © 2008-2018 Eileen M Flanagan LMFT All rights reserved.