she/her

Mary-Jo ForestaLCSW

Location

Virtual, California

Insurance Accepted

Anthem Blue Cross Of CA, Aetna, Health Net/MHN, Blue Shield of California

Communication Style

Action-oriented, Affirming, Empowering, Exploratory, Solution-oriented

Focus areas

Anger Issues, Animal Loss, Anxiety, Burnout, Caregiver Burnout, Depression, Divorce, Grief, Life Transitions, Panic, Relationship Concerns, Stress, Substance Use, Trauma, Women's Issues, Workplace Stress

Experienced with

Asian / Pacific Islander community, Geriatric clients, Parents, Veterans

Years of Experience

I approach therapy with the genuine belief that all people are worthy and capable of breaking destructive patterns and creating healthy relationships.

Mary-Jo Foresta,

LCSW

License number

#93144

Therapy style

My passion is working with adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or substance use disorders. I have an orientation that is holistic, and client centered. My approach is informed by several theoretical frameworks including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma and Substance Abuse. I believe what leads people to seek therapy is the feeling of uncertainty about life choices, the ineffective behavioral and thinking patterns that are acted on over and over again. These patterns can show up in our relationship to ourselves, to substances, and especially to others. I approach therapy with the genuine belief that all people are worthy and capable of breaking these patterns and creating healthy relationships with themselves, with others and creating an authentic life. Inner work is the principle that facilitates insight, that assists with identifying ineffective behaviors and thoughts, and overcoming them to create a life worth living.

Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Harm Reduction
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-focused
Strengths-based

Languages Spoken

English

Education

MSW - Social Work, California State University, Long Beach Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals Diplomate of Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies

Interests

I love spending time with my son and grandchildren. I am an avid walker and hiker as well. I travel from time to time and enjoy my friends. I also have 3 chihuahuas that bring me so much joy!