Melissa Forrest-Garcia M.A.
Psychotherapy
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer Brief Therapy or Solution-Focused work?
Yes, I  actually really enjoy working within brief therapy parameters to help you make the changes you want to see in an accelerated fashion.  This approach is appropriate for work with adults or couples, but not for children. Typically, Brief Therapy will last anywhere from 12-weeks to 20 weeks and will focus less on depth work and more on communication strategies for couples, CBT skill building or body-based methods that teach active strategies & tools to better influence your current situation.

Do you see clients weekly or would you consider working bi-monthly?
Generally, I find that weekly therapy provides the best container to facilitate clients’ maximum benefit and change.  At times, a client may feel conflicted about the therapy process as this work may be uncomfortable.  If the fee is the issue, call me to discuss the options.  In some cases, I may see a client bi-monthly if I determine it is clinically appropriate.

Does Body-centered Psychotherapy mean that you use touch in the sessions or give massage?
Somatic or body-centered work recognizes the value of incorporating the present moment embodied experience into the way we understand a client’s whole gestalt or experience.  It often accelerates the process of therapy as the body contains information held in what is know as the “implicit memory.”  Especially in working with adults or children with early developmental trauma (where there are no words or explicit memories), there is the body memory.
 As for the use of touch, it could be used in a body-awareness exercise, but I am judicious about this and always check in with clients first to get consent.  I understand the power of touch  (especially for trauma survivors) and the inherent power differentials in the therapeutic relationship,  and only use it when clinically appropriate.
As for massage or body-work, I do not incorporate this into my psychotherapy practice, though I may guide clients into self-massage or embodied inquiry around chronic pain.

What methods of payment do you accept?
At this time, I accept checks and cash.  If you decide to pay in cash, please bring exact change.
*** If your question wasn’t answered here, please contact me to discuss.

Hours:​
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​Wednesday-Friday-Saturday

Confidential Voicemail:  ​
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415.309.2396

E-mail:
​​info@melissaforrestgarcia.com

  • Welcome
  • About
  • Approach
  • FAQ
  • Contact & Fees