MADISON VELASQUEZ-WALSH-SMITH, AMFT
she/her
Embracing Your Individuality
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Therapy looks different for everyone, and sometimes it can be really hard to reach out for help. It takes immense strength to ask for help and start your therapy journey. My goal is to create a safe space to embrace YOU- your stories, your struggles, your goals- and help you to grow in your journey to your best self.
After dealing with significant loss and grief growing up, I became incredibly familiar with the challenges of functioning in every day life while having the weight of anxiety and depression hanging onto you. I understand that it is a hard thing to ask for help when you are struggling. I am passionate about psychology and the way the mind works. I became a therapist to help others know that they are not alone. I want to learn about you, listen to your stories, be present with you in uncovering your grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, or whatever it is that is weighing you down, and work alongside you on your journey to your best self.
WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST...
CLIENTS I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH?
I connect very well with young adults going through life transitions and self-identity exploration and couple dynamics as they grow into their relationships. As well as helping those with trauma work through relational issues that may be a result of the unresolved trauma through relationships counseling. Being a part of the BIPOC community, I greatly enjoy my work with BIPOC identified women on working on women's issues and empowerment. I also believe in providing LGBT+ Informed and Affirmative care and love helping clients tackle issues like anxiety and work to a place of better daily functioning.
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Top Challenges I Work Best With:
- Women's Issues
- BIPOC Issues & Biracial/Multicultural Relationships
- PTSD &Trauma Recovery
- LGBT+ Care
What does starting therapy look like?
If you are interested in working with me, please call us at 949-329-5233 or fill in the contact form below and a representative from our office will get back to you to see if I would be a good fit for your needs.
If it is deemed we are a good fit, you will receive your intake documents through your email to be completed electronically in the client portal of our electronic health record. There will be about 6-8 pages to sign in order to begin services, including informed consent forms, intake questionnaires, demographic questionnaires, and credit card form, etc. The exact forms will depend on the treatment service and the need for counseling.
What can I expect in a first session?
During the first session, I will cover the practice policies and go over your intake questionnaires to ensure we have a good grasp for establishing treatment goals. The first session will be used to gather more information about yourself (or your relationship with your partner), your relationship with the problem at hand, and establishing clearly defined goals for treatment, as well as establish therapeutic rapport to ensure a comfortable space for your continued growth in treatment.
MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:
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Associate Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the state of California
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Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University
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Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)
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LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Affirmative Care Trained
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Experience working with Anxiety, ADHD & Trauma
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Relationships- BIPOC. Interracial & Intercultural, Tradition & Non-Traditional Relational Dynamics. & LGBT+
How do I help you reach your goals?
Under the supervision of Dr. Gonzalez, I utilize a collaborative, humanistic approach to help support you in exploring your most authentic self.
I hope to create a safe, affirming, and positive environment in session.
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Wondering whether you should start now or later?
If you are ready and open to finding a positive change to your everyday life, then the right time is right now! There may always be a reason why it’s NOT the best time to start therapy, but making yourself and your goals a priority can be the reason why it IS the perfect time.
Fees for Services
$80-175 - Individual Counseling
$115-215 - Relationship Counseling
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I accept CIGNA and Aetna insurance. I offer a few limited sliding scale. opportunities.
