Paula Kettula, LCSW
Private Psychotherapy Service
True power is in the courage to be who you are
I work with individuals (adults/children/youth), couples and families based on their unique needs, qualities and strengths. I have an eclectic approach so that treatment can be effectively tailored to the specific problem, person and life situation. My practice focuses on treating the entire person from a mind-body-spirit-soul perspective. In addition to using the typical talk therapy techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other modern psychological treatment methods, I believe it is important not to forget about one's soul or the HIgher Self. Since nowadays we are far removed from our ability to communicate with and understand this true and guiding aspect of ourselves that is closest to the divine origin, I hope to help a person to begin developing a bridge to this part of themselves. Through this process and the aligning oneself with the eternal truths and one's own path, many fears, anxieties and depression may transform or are perceived differently. This type of work is not based on the latest research findings or self-help books, but on thousands of years of wisdom of humanity's experiences about this world that we still possess in the unconscious mind. I use variety of different ways to connect with the unconscious such as Jungian sandplay, art, music, dream analysis, symbolic interpretation, fairy tales and myths, guided imagery and meditation.
I offer my services and help to both children and adults, as well as families and couples. The issues that I am most familiar with and specialize are:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief and loss
PTSD
Addictions
Emotional and behavioral problems in children
Life transitions
Existential and spiritual issues
I am an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained therapist and also educated in Jungian Sandplay.
Education/Training
Masters of Science in Social Work from San Diego State University (2006)
California Board of Behavioral Sciences licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW) in 2009
EMDR training completed in 2009
Jungian sandplay training completed in 2011
Bio
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR therapist with 10 years of experience providing mental health and social services in San Diego. I truly consider it to be a privilege and an honor to be a therapist. I do not take this role lightly. The word "therapy" comes from the Greek word "therapeia” which means to provide "a service” or “an attendance". My role is to “attend to” clients in a way that creates an atmosphere where personal growth can occur: An atmosphere where one has the potential to become whole as a human being.
Sometimes the suffering we experience in life makes us forget how it is to be whole, balanced and present. I believe in the inner guidance and healing powers of each individual,therefore I encourage my clients to become wanderers into their inner being and discover their true selves. My role is to show the way onto the path of discovery; your job is to walk it! The ultimate goal is freedom from the power of anxieties and dependencies. Through this freedom, one can learn to love life and joyfully experience its natural rhythm of night and day, happiness and sorrow.
Taking the first step to get help is often the most difficult but also the most crucial.
Just know that there is HOPE for healing to occur!
I would like to work with you to transform dependencies into love for life, and anxieties into rhythm! Please call me to discuss your situation in detail and determine whether we could embark on a healing journey together
(Bring a copy of this profile with you, and receive a $20 discount* off your first session. Due to contracts with insurance companies, this offer applies only to those clients who pay out-of-pocket)
Memberships
National Association for Social Workers (NASW)
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Sandplay Therapists of America
Other Languages
Finnish
Payments Accepted
Some HMO plans, PPO, cash, check, credit card via paypal
License:LCS 25403 California
Helpful Links
 Find out more information about sandplay:
|
|
Find out more information about EMDR:
|
|
Useful information about trauma and PTSD:
|
|
Interesting blog about the symbolic meaning of the greek myth of Oedipus:
|
|
The archive for research in archetypal symbolism:
|
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
|
Therapy
|
Life Transitions
|
|
Addiction
|
Loneliness
|
|
Adolescents
|
Marriage & Family Therapy
|
|
Anger Management
|
Marriage Counseling
|
|
Anxiety and Panic
|
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
|
|
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
|
Online / Teletherapy
|
|
Body Image Issues
|
Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
|
|
Caregiver Issues
|
Relationship Issues
|
|
Children's Counseling
|
Religious Counseling
|
|
Chronic Illness
|
Self-Esteem Issues
|
|
Couples
|
Seniors and Elder Care Issues
|
|
Depression
|
Stress Management
|
|
Divorce
|
Trauma and PTSD
|
|
Eating Disorders
|
Women's Issues
|
|
Grief and Loss
|
Work and Career Issues
|
Licenses/Certifications
|
EMDR Part 1 and 2 (EMDRIA)
|
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
|
