About

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For thirty three years in private practice, I have had the good fortune of helping clients cope with and overcome a wide array of problems.  While the majority of my work has been in private practice, my training and experience include many years working in residential settings, developing support programs for adolescents, engaging in scientific research, providing consultation for other mental health professionals and giving public presentations.  My practice includes work with adults, adolescents and young adults, couples, families and groups.

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Counseling & Psychotherapy

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In addition to extensive clinical experience, at the center of my work is the real care and compassion I feel for clients.  From the very first contact, I am working to create the safest, most relaxed and comfortable environment so that people can share vulnerable, difficult aspects of their lives.

We cannot change what we don’t notice.  I help people recognize and notice patterns of thinking, feeling and doing that shape their lives.  This recognition includes the ways in which these patterns involve our physiology.  With extensive experience in many therapy modalities, I am able to integrate approaches based on clients’ needs.  Together we work to change habits that create or continue to cause unnecessary suffering; and we work to reinforce and develop habits that support well-being.  Sometimes this means digging into the past, sometimes not.  Always it means applying whatever is learned to the here and now to make life better. 

My style is engaging and interactive.  While deep listening and understanding are cornerstones of my work, I am not a “sit and nod” therapist.  I offer strategies and concrete techniques.  And because I recognize the seriousness of this work; I also find that well timed humor can be great medicine.

I am well connected to many mental health resources and enjoy collaboration with other professionals.  This includes great working relationships with psychiatrists and others well qualified to address the use of medicine or other physiologically based aspects if indicated.

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Licensed in both California and Colorado, I am able to provide services for anyone residing in these states. My office is in Lafayette, California. I am available to meet in person, by video or telephone.  If you would like to know more, please contact me so we can assess fit at 925.284.1898 or dominicmft@comcast.net

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