Colleen Kane-Dacri, PhD
Personalized psychotherapy for individuals, couples, children and families


Individual Counseling in Marin and San Francisco

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. At other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce, starting a new relationship, a work transition, building ones family through adoption or numerous other life issues where you will benefit from having outside support. Some have come to therapy after a breast cancer diagnosis or diagnosis of another chronic medical disorder. Many of my clients have sought my advice as a counselor as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with me as your therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
 
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. While some people have never experienced any type of therapy and may be ambivalent about the process especially when they are faced with an overwhelming crisis others have used therapy as part of their growth process and return again and again to therapy just like they do to their family physician. Many people have self-awareness and realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
 
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. As your therapist I can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, parenting concerns, adoption questions, breast cancer support, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that I can be a tremendous asset to helping them learn to manage their personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. I can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty to sixty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. Therapy is an important process and what has been discussed can be integrated it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
  • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It has always been my therapeutic philosophy to give therapy a fair chance to help you resolve the issues you are facing before seeking medication to comfort your symptoms. Research shows that personal problems go on for many years before an individual seeks therapy to resolve their concerns and problems. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. However, it is important to state that the decision to treat your problem with medication is between you and your Medical Doctor. You may have health circumstances that need medical attention and your doctor will help you determine this with a full medical exam.

In general, your therapy sessions are confidential. The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from you. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
  • Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
I have two convenient locations for you to come to begin your therapy. I have an office located in Marin County at 119 Ward Street in old historic downtown Larkspur and a second location in San Francisco in the Marina/Cow Hollow district located at 2182 Greenwich Street the cross Street is Fillmore.

Skype Sessions are available for people who need therapy but are not in the geographic area to come to my office for face to face therapy. Sometimes clients travel on business or will be out of town during a schedule session. We are able to keep the sessions consistent on a weekly basis with Skype services. Skype is a video conference where we would be able to see one another using our computer webcams. It is possible to conference in several individuals across the world to discuss important matters and provide counseling when needed. I serve people who are across America and all over the World who need the expertise of an experienced therapist to help support them with their issues and concerns. Skype supports individuals, couples and families. Skype is often used to help families who live long distances apart resolve conflict with one another. In our modern times technology can assist individuals, couples and families resolve problems and work through challenges that would otherwise be impossible to heal.