EXPERIENCE LIFE
THROUGH
ANOTHER
LENS
Explore Your Story and Change Your Narrative
"Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do."
- Brene Brown
Are you ready to share your story?
THERAPY FOCUSED ON YOU
Guiding You On the Path of Self-Discovery
Therapy is a process of growth, self-discovery, and a lot of compassion. However, understanding what drives our thoughts and emotions can sometimes be the biggest hurdle. Are there moments when we may feel down or downright depressed for what feels like "no reason"? Or maybe you can't make sense of why you're always overwhelmed or have debilitating anxiety. Do you often struggle with feeling safe in ANY relationship? Or have you questioned if you're living the life how you were meant to? You may ask yourself "why do I do this" or "what causes me to get this way?".
However you understand your emotions and/or behaviors, there is hope in building skills and gaining understanding of what we are experiencing in our bodies and minds. We will work together in a non-judgmental, empathetic space to promote emotional and behavioral transformation. Side by side, we can explore the world beyond the surface that supports healing through shifting perspective, altering the narrative, and adopting new reactions to life's adversities.
ABOUT ME
Get to know Summer
Becoming a therapist has been something I've been passionate about since I was a teenager.
It was something I always envisioned for myself, but wasn't sure at what point in my life I would be ready to take on such an important and impactful responsibility; helping other's navigate through life's hurdles. I finished my undergraduate right out of high school, but took time to gain more life experience before going back to school and engulfing myself in the field of mental health.
And I'm glad I did, as those experiences, and all the other's I had along the way, have given me more insight and understanding to better support those I have the privilege to work with.
As a mother of two, and a woman that has endured and overcome some my own challenges that life naturally (and at times unnaturally) threw my way, I feel confident that I will be able to support you through the hardships and struggles you may be experiencing. My goal as your therapist is to ensure that you will get the most understanding and healing during our time together.
I offer a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your hopes and needs for therapy.
If I am not a good fit, I will happily take the time to consult with my peers and colleagues
to see if there is someone else that could better assist you.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I have worked in the field of mental health and recovery since 2013. I obtained a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2015. The initial years of experience were spent gaining expertise of mental health and addiction through working in residential and outpatient treatment programs. During this time, I took on a variety of roles that allowed me to obtain first hand trainings with more significant mental health disorders, and in turn, the many different and effective modalities to treat those in need.
Over the years, I have continued to gain experience working in private practice with couples, families, and individuals. This has allowed me the opportunity to hone in on the populations
I am passionate about, while continuing to expand my knowledge in the treatment modalities
I have trained in.
TOPICS OF PASSION
One of my passions is assisting adolescents and young adults struggling with traditional life transitions and responsibilities. My goal is to support each individual and/or family by providing intensive therapy sessions that are emotion and solution focused, at times identifying internal family system issues that play into the dysfunction that exists. In addition, parent coaching assist family’s efforts to provide meaningful, impactful interventions to encourage individuation within the family system . Educating families on effective communication and eliciting authentic empathy incites deeper connection and healing, all while preventing maladaptive enabling.
I have also found significant meaning working with individuals that have come to a place in their life where they want to begin to focus on their identity and fulfillment outside of their careers, families or other obligations. Through supporting these individuals in navigating through their life stories, we are able work together to better understand where roadblocks, or traumas, may continue to hold them back. With this identification, people are able to find meaningful fulfillment and feel more capable in moving forward in their next chapters of life.
During my time supporting these populations, I have found that couples counseling is vital to the foundation of the family (or impending family) and it's level of functioning. Working with couples has been such an important part of my work experience as I have had the opportunity to see impactful change that moves them towards building strong values together. For an already developed family, I support with establishing a united foundation to maintain in their family unit. At times, the focus may be to bring the attention back to the health of their marriage, while others may focus on incorporating stronger co-parenting skills into their family system.
SERVICES OFFERED
What to Expect in Our Work Together
COUPLES THERAPY
Relationships are built off strengths and values, our hopes for the future, and the support of one another. As you adventure together through life, challenges and life experiences impact the relationship and may interfere with ongoing growth together. During session, I assist in maintaining focus on emotions through the exploration of attachment styles and love languages to identify needs within the relationship. In addition, further exploration of internal family system dynamics help to uncover a better understanding of one another. This supports in development of skills to address life's adversities together while establishing effective communication that allows partners to feel safe and validated.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
During our time together, we will explore life experiences that may have impacted how you perceive and interpret the world around you. Side by side, we can work to navigate through this narrative, and potential complex traumas, that may unknowingly be holding you back. In this non-judgmental, safe and grounding environment, we will gather deeper understanding of your life experiences. Together, we will process these thoughts, feelings, and actions (or reactions) to gain further insight into your internal struggles. Additionally, I can assist in providing you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles, including effective communication skills that can assist you in gaining further support from those closest to you.
FAMILY THERAPY
The role of each individual within a family unit is a key factor when looking at the overall functioning of a family's dynamic. Often times these roles become rigid and unchanging, causing a loop to occur stemming from certain behaviors, beliefs, and reactions to particular situations. My goal is to support each member in the family to feel seen and heard by utilizing effective communication skills, while encouraging a more empathetic environment for the family to thrive in. This provides each individual a safe space to share their needs, fears, and hopes without judgment. In working with the entire family as the “client”, I allow for each member to have an equal role of importance in the therapeutic process. I join with the family unit, acting as a part of the whole, allowing for an opportunity to observe the dynamic as a member of the family. In doing so, I can explore with each member ways that they want to work towards progressing in their relationships.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Treatment Experience and Training
EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Understanding Your Diagnosis
It can be overwhelming to receive feedback about an acute and significant diagnosis. With a thorough examination of personal and familial history, in addition to consulting with outside professionals, I can assist you in understanding symptoms and triggers. Through providing psychoeducation to both you and your support network, you will be able to establish coping skills that support symptoms management while learning proactive actions to prevent relapse in symptoms.
EARLY ADULT TRANSITION
Autonomy, Independence, and Responsibility
The transition into adulthood is a period in life that often goes unspoken. The pressure to be “successful” can weigh on these individuals that are just accepting responsibility of independence and accountability. While this responsibility is necessary for their growth and success, it may feel discouraging. This shift in roles may cause equal distress with the parents and support networks, perceiving this struggle as a resistance to “grow up” or a “failure to launch”. This attempt to help them grow in actuality enables them to be codependent. I support this transition into these new roles, helping the young adult to thrive with responsibility while launching them into independence.
ADDICTION AND RECOVERY
Treatment Support and Case Management
Transitioning from the recovery world to “real life” can feel daunting and grim. In my work with addiction, I have supported clients in managing sobriety, finding fulfillment and a supportive community that is congruent with the recovery network that surrounds them. I work collaboratively with sober livings, treatment programs, and more importantly, family networks. I ensure frequent communication and assist with crisis management when necessary, including treatment placement or hospitalization.
DIAGNOSIS SPECIALIZATIONS
Including, but not limited to:
NUERODIVERGENT
DISORDERS
ADHD
ANXIETY DISORDERS
Social Anxiety
OCD
PTSD
MOOD DISORDERS
Bipolar
Depression
ADDICTION AND RECOVERY
Substance Abuse/Misuse
Treatment Placement
Case Management
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Borderline Personality
Histrionic Personality
Narcissistic Personality
CONTACT ME
Summer Gaynor, LMFT #11521
Thousand Oaks
660 Hampshire Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91361
(805) 667-0948
