Psychotherapy
There are times in our lives when life feels that it’s too much. This can happen at times of transitions like losing someone we love, encountering an illness, facing a career change, moving countries or home, or just for no outside reason.
Often during those times we don’t have enough support or answers. I aim to serve as a guide through transformation during those times.
I work with individuals, couples and families using an integral approach, working with challenges by restoring the balance between mind, body, and spirit. If you are interested in joining a therapy group please read here.
In sessions we will focus on working in ways that appeal to you most, whether it’s talking, noticing emotions and sensations, mindfulness, or expressing yourself through movement, drawing, or other ways. With difficult experiences that are sources of trauma, we will work to create safety in your body and mind allowing you to address these experiences.
The relationship between you and me is one of the most important aspect of the therapy. If we don’t connect, the therapy isn’t going to be that effective (this has been shown by studies as well). One of the primary goals of our work together will be establishing trust and safety that will allow you to grow and transform. This safety includes full respect and aiming to understand your culture, identity, and beliefs.
Finally, I find that everyone has a reserve of strengths and resources, even in the most difficult times. We will nourish and build these existing resources.
I am currently forming an online, mixed gender, mixed identity group on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:45 pm. Group will start in the Summer 2023.
What is group experience like?
Will it start off feeling awkward and hard? Yes!
Will it be playful and sweet? Yes!
Will it be transformative? Absolutely.
This therapy group offers a powerful way to recognize and shift your patterns. By working in community, group members serve as mirrors and catalysts for each other’s growth, helping to embody more effective and authentic ways of relating.
The fee is $60-80 per session. To discuss the joining process, set up a free consultation at https://leeza.clientsecure.me/request/service, email me at leeza@pachepsky.com, or text/call 510-679-1317.
Why am I leading groups?
I fell in love with group therapy because being in groups has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences for me, leading to enormous growth and connection. In the modern world, it feels like we are losing the knowledge of how to belong, in groups and community. I want to contribute to reversing that. I am a part of the Group Therapy Training Program with The Psychotherapy Institute in Berkeley.
What to get a flavor for it?
Perhaps you are curious, but confused what this may look like.
There is a YouTube show called Group that gives you a flavor of what it may look like: watch trailer for Group (the therapist in the show is a real group therapist).
Another depiction is a book also called Group by Christie Tate. While this book is a great read (in my opinion) and gives an idea of the power of groups, groups that I lead have stronger boundaries.
It’s an honor for me to be a witness and support for my clients. I am again and again amazed, surprised and taught by them. I have experience seeing adults, children and families in community health and private practice setting. I’ve worked with grieving individuals and families, elders facing challenges of aging, and adults facing transitions, anxiety, and depression.
I am also certified as a Holotropic Breathwork Facilitator, which is a practice that uses breath to enter altered states of consciousness. I had a previous career as a scientist, and I still love the curiosity that comes with that. I’ve immigrated to the US as a teen. I am fluent in Russian, and can hack it in Spanish.
I received an MA in Integral Counseling Psychology from CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies). I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #120623.
Right now I work mostly online. My office is located in Temescal, Oakland, California.
I am currently forming a therapy group, and accepting new members (more about my therapy group). My practice for individuals, couples and families is full for now, but I can add you to my waiting list. If you would like to contact me, I am happy to have a free 15-30 minute consultation with you. You can reach me at leeza@pachepsky.com, or call/text 510-679-1317.
My fee for group therapy is $60-80; for individuals it is $160-200; and for couples and families it is $180-240. I provide lower sliding scale based on your need and my availability. I am also happy to provide you with a list of sliding-scale clinics in the Bay Area.