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Marriage & Family Therapist in Sebastopol, CA

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Nancy Burns, LMFT

Nancy Burns, LMFT | Marriage & Family Therapist photo
S.O.S.
Success Over Stressful Situations
There are many reasons that bring individuals into counseling. It could be due to stress at work or in their relationships. Sometimes it is grief, the loss of a loved one, or a traumatic experience. For others it is worries or low self-esteem. My areas of specialty include working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, and working with couples.

Everyone worries or feels anxious occasionally. However, when anxiety takes over your life and impacts your functioning it is time to seek help. Fear and anxiety are roadblocks in life's journey. It can show up as emotional as well as physical ailments.

If you suffer from any of the following, you may be suffering from ANXIETY:

Chronic Sleep Problems - difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Discomfort in social settings, making it difficult to maintain relationships and interferes with work and school, may be due to Social Anxiety.
Feelings of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that can include heart pounding, sweating, dizziness, chest pain can be a Panic Attack.
Obsessive thinking and repetitive ritual type behaviors, Perfectionism and Self-Doubt
Fear associated with a specific situation like flying, heights, fear of snakes, dogs or other animals may be anxiety known as a Phobia.
Physical Ailments - The gut is affected by emotional stress: chronic indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), muscle tension, chronic headaches are affected by anxiety.
Depression - Research has shown a strong link between anxiety disorders and depression.
Sexual Dysfunction can cause anxiety.
Chronic Stress can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations - the body releases epinephrine to raise blood sugar which can cause anxiety like symptoms, i.e.: shaky, jittery, light headed.


It is inspiring for me to share and witness the effectiveness of practical skills that allow you to manage anxiety and experience a sense of confidence and inner peace.


COUPLES COUNSELING:

Relationships can bring up wonderful feelings and on the other hand can stir up the most painful ones as well. Couples have expressed their appreciation in my approach. My style is interactive and I intervene with care. In a safe and supportive environment, I gently invite you to notice your triggers and response to your partner. With support and guidance, couples express their thoughts, feelings and needs without using blame or criticism.

You can enjoy and achieve compassionate and respectful relationships. Equipped with non-threatening communication skills you are able to find resolution to the problems that brought you to counseling.

Conflicts can be diffused easily and quickly and deeper understanding achieved.

I support couples to:
Improve their communication skills so that they feel heard and attended to by their partner

Move away from attacking or defensive communication like: “I’m right, you’re wrong,” or “you don’t listen to
me", and experience a relationship where they feel understood and held.

To build on the positive aspects of their relationship and be a couple team


If your partner is not willing to come into counseling, you may be pleasantly surprised how the dynamics of your relationship can change with just one person doing it differently.
Education/Training
I graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1989 with a masters degree in Counseling Psychology.
Prior to receiving my degree, I studied Hypnotherapy and had a successful practice working with pre and peri-natal psychology, helping women/couples prepare for childbirth.
I have taught yoga in the past and continue to practice meditation and mindfulness for over 25 years.
In 1996 I was trained in E.M.D.R. a successful model of therapy for trauma and many other conditions.
I was an instructor of PSYCH-K® and continue to use these skills in my practice to transform limiting beliefs tinto powerful and supportive beliefs that help you achieve your goals.
Bio
I am a seasoned therapist with 25 years of practice. In addition to my clinical experience working with individuals and couples, I draw from my personal experiences of being in a long term relationship with my partner for many years. I am personally aware of the bumps and hurdles that couples go through. Clients have said, " are you a fly on the wall in my house." Of course not, but I understand the challenges, why they occur, and how to experience a harmonious and loving relationship.

I graduated with a masters’ degree in counseling psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1989. Prior to opening my private practice in 1994, I worked in various settings including working with families and teens at Social Advocates for Youth; working with trauma at Pocket Ranch - an inpatient facility; as well as an interdisciplinary group practice, seeing individuals and couples . I have supervised other medical professionals and counsel licensed therapists in my private practice.

My approach is caring, sensitive and collaborative. Using a process of self-inquiry, clients are guided to find clarity and insight. Depending upon the situation, I draw from a diverse approach of counseling skills, which may include E.M.D.R., Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral, Psych-K®, Mindfulness, Insight Meditation and Neuro Science.

My work with pregnancy and postpartum issues offer parents specialized knowledge in this field. I have authored the book, Birth Mandala, The Power of Visioning for Childbirth and have facilitated groups and workshops for pregnant women/couples.

Most recently, my holistic approach to counseling has led me to study about how food/nutrients can effect depression, anxiety, O.C.D. and other disorders. I am in the process of receiving a certificate in Nutritional Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and look forward to including educational nutritional information to support emotional issues.
Memberships
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Redwood Empire California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Psychology Today
LinkedIn
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, credit cards
Hours:Tuesday - Friday 9:30 - 5:30
License:MFC30316
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy  Hypnotherapy
 Anger Management  Life and Wellness Coaching
 Anxiety and Panic  Life Transitions
 Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)  Loneliness
 Body Image Issues  Marriage & Family Therapy
 Caregiver Issues  Marriage Counseling
 Couples  Men's Issues
 Depression  Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
 Divorce  Premarital Counseling
 Domestic Violence  Relationship Issues
 EMDR  Self-Esteem Issues
 Family Conflict  Seniors and Elder Care Issues
 Gay or Lesbian Issues  Stress Management
 Gender Identity / Transgenderism  Trauma and PTSD
 Gifted / Talented Issues  Women's Issues
 Grief and Loss  Work and Career Issues
Licenses/Certifications
 EMDR Part 1 and 2 (EMDRIA)  Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
 Psychotherapy (MA)
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