Shataia Brown Whitney, LMFT
Couple, Individual and Family Counseling
My Approach
Life is not “one size fits all”. It is my belief that counseling interventions must be tailored to each client, based both on the specific issues each client would like to address and also on their unique personalities, histories, family backgrounds and world views. As you begin to understand your own filters and how you perceive the world, you increase your ability to understand the world from the perspective of others. This leads to true growth and more fulfilling relationships.
When I work with couples I keep the enneagram in mind but I rely primarily on the two leading couples therapies in the world today --the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy-- to promote secure, resilient and successful relationships between partners and within families. Do you feel alone in your relationship --like your partner neither knows you, understands you, nor cares about your needs/desires? Is your relationship a source of strength in your life with the power to heal your past hurts and emotional pain or does it fuel depression and anxiety in your life? Every couple has a negative cycle which feels like you are having the same argument over and over again. Let's stop the cycle. My focus is on helping people within couples and families to improve their connection and communication and develop strong, secure, safe, soul-satisfying attachments with one another that will withstand the test of time.
My work with clients is deeply influenced by one of the pioneers of marriage and family therapy, Lynn Hoffman, who understands therapy as a collaborative process. As a therapist, I bring a certain perspective and expertise, but you, the client, are the expert on you. This is your life, your story and I am here to partner with you in your pursuit of growth. During our sessions I am not a passive listener, nor do I control the process. We do this together. My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment: to really hear you and to help you to hear yourself. Where it is your desire and need to develop specific tools in managing and overcoming issues like anxiety, depression, stress management, coping with a verbally abusive partner, etc. I employ proven and effective methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. But the bottom line is that your expertise must be coupled with my own as we forge a path together in this healing journey you are on.
Photo of Seward Park flower (top right) courtesy of http://www.shenaluna.com/