Psychotherapy

 This page gives you more details about the process of therapy and some of my areas of specialization:  Men's Issues, Couples Therapy, Teens and Families, and Young Adults.

THE PROCESS OF THERAPY
Psychotherapy takes a different form for each client, be they an individual, couple or family. Common elements in every therapy process include: 
  • The creation of a trusting, supportive relationship;
  • The discovery of new inner resources and capacities, often including the wisdom held in the body and increased mindfulness regarding one's situation or difficulties;
  • Engaging with previously unspoken or unresolved truths about your life
  • Experiencing the surges of energy and wellness that arise as you address the issues that brought you in to therapy

MEN'S ISSUES
Becoming and being a man in today's world is perhaps as complex as it has ever been!  The roles, responsibilities and expectations for men (as for women) are not clear cut and many men still suffer in silence and isolation. 

I help men with the challenges of relationships, family, career, maintaining balance and vitality, seeking meaningful work/life, substance abuse, life transitions and other issues.

Results include:  Peace of mind, empowerment, more joy, more fulfilling relationships, intimacy, clarity about what you want and how to show up to your life in a way that feels good.


TEENS AND FAMILIES
Both parents and teens want teens to launch successfully into their own life.  My mission is to help that happen while maintaining personal safety and connection within the family.  I work with teens, the parenting of teens and family dynamics.  Special areas of focus include: 
  • How to navigate changing relationships within the family and still stay connected.
  • Helping teens deal with their overwhelm from living in a fast paced world with increasing responsibilities at school and home.
  • Coming of age obstructions and complications, including earlier life traumas and past relationship wounding.
  • How parents can provide adequate structure and maintain intimacy/connection with their teens while supporting them in embracing new privileges and responsibilities.
  • How to safely navigate the risks of teenage life – drugs, alcohol, high risk behaviors, healthy habits with technology and media (phones, video games, computer, etc.)

Results include: Successful launch of the teens into their life as an adult. Vastly improved communication between teens and parents- with flexibility, effectiveness and openness being hallmarks of effective communication. Greater connection and closeness within the family. Clarification of roles and responsibilities. More love and joy in the relationship with your teen and in the family as a whole. Teens have healthy social lives and are pursuing things they are passionate about.

YOUNG ADULTS
Becoming an adult in the 21st century is a complex and extensive journey!  On the one hand, opportunities abound for creative, inspired engagement with the world.  On the other hand, the job market is highly competitive and there is an ever-growing list of potential pitfalls and difficulties on the road to becoming a focused, productive, joyful, energetic adult in this world.  In addition, our culture offers no substantive landmark for when a person has arrived as an adult in this world.  From my perspective, a true adult is someone who is able to support themselves in their life, has a decent sense of what their life purpose is and is on the path to manifesting this purpose in their career and personal life.

Results include:  Resolution of blocks, past trauma or stuck patterns that prevent you from moving forward with your life.  Satisfaction from gaining greater clarity about one's life purpose and working to manifest those goals.  Renewed energy and enthusiasm for life following reduction of anxiety about social difficulties, career challenges or identity issues.
David Talamo, MFT, CHT (Certified Hakomi Therapist)  • (415) 339-7405
San Rafael Therapy Office • 705 4th St., Suite 200, San Rafael, CA 94901