Sharon Kaplan MA, MFT

Vegan Therapist in Santa Cruz

My therapeutic technique is rooted in my deep respect for all people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the client. As a team we work together to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles to growth and well-being.

Mission Statement

My intention in providing therapy is to provide a safe, nurturing, supportive environment in which clients can grow into their authentic selves more fully, and experience more empowerment in themselves and their lives. I believe that people make better decisions for their selves and affect others’ lives in more positive ways when they are able to actualize their genuine selves without apology, guilt, or fear. From there, we can contribute to a healthier community, society, and world which we all share.

OFFICE HOURS AND NOTES

I see clients in the afternoon and in the evening during the work week, from Monday to Friday. All sessions are arranged by appointment. Please contact me so that we can make an appointment for you and talk about your needs.

My office is an animal friendly place; clients are welcome to bring their companion animals along. My office is also a very clean environment with three different top-of-the-line air filters.

Therapy Styles

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a theoretical approach geared toward changing thought patterns and/or behaviors that are unhealthy or undesired. It is based on the premise that people can change simply by re-training the brain through a means of replacing old, habitual thought patterns with new, healthy thought patterns, thereby affecting how we think, act, and ultimately how we feel.

Many people in western society assume that what and how they think is based on irrefutable truths, i.e. “2 + 2 = 4,” and therefore do not question them. However, much of what we are taught as our brains are developing during childhood is subjective, i.e. “I am stupid.” It may seem that that is an irrefutable truth to some people due to multiple occasions where they have been told that. At some point it may become a constant, base truth like 2 + 2 = 4, and therefore the basis of the statement can no longer be considered as subjective. This process does not allow for the opportunity for the statement or idea to be reconsidered and re-evaluated as to its effect.

CBT is, in essence, a way to reprogram the brain by exposure to new information, followed by practicing a new idea or concept until it becomes familiar enough for the brain to accept its plausibility initially, and to ultimately embrace it.

GESTALT THERAPY

Gestalt Therapy is an experiential, creative process, which helps us discover more options and clarify authentic wants and needs. It supports the individual in working toward growth and functional change in a supportive relationship. It assumes that our learned rigidity and unhealthy responses were at one time necessary and creative adjustments to difficult situations. With increasing awareness and experimenting with new ways of being, utilizing past experiences, courage and wisdom, we can become healthier, happier and more alive in the present time.

ROGERIAN CLIENT-CENTERED THERAPY

Rogerian Client-centered therapy is a theoretical approach developed by Carl Rogers, the premise of which is that each person is the expert on him or herself. The therapist’s job is to provide an unconditionally compassionate, safe space for clients to move and grow in the direction that they themselves choose to go, at their own pace. It is a process that values respect for the client and is guided by the client to promote self-empowerment.

CONSTRUCTIONIST/DECONSTRUCTIONIST THEORY

Constructionism/Deconstructionism is a theory that takes into consideration the larger community and societal roles, messages, and values that affect individuals in insidious ways. In therapy, it can be very helpful to identify and determine what these messages mean to the individual, allowing the client the opportunity to shed negative beliefs that prevent the growth of the individual, and instead, apply values that promote a healthy sense of self-worth.

Areas of Exploration

1) Multicultural Issues and Disabilities

2) Disabilities or Different Abilities

3) Womens Issues

4) GLBTQ

5) Depression

6) Anxiety

7) Self-Esteem

8) Anorexia and Bulimia

9) Bipolar Disorder

10) Relationship Issues

11) Childhood Issues

12) Life Transition

13) Grief and Loss

14) Trauma

15) Addiction

16) Sleeping Problems

17) Panic Attacks

18) Self Harm

19) Spirituality

http://www.sharonkaplantherapy.com/contact/