Counseling For Change
Ponderosa Pines can be found in the mountains outside of San Diego, California & Santa Fe, New Mexico - the hometowns to Andrea and Amanda. These trees grow strong and majestic for hundreds of years. Their branches grow in every direction. Their bark is thick and smells of sweet Vanilla. Both women find calm and peace in their forests. Ponderosa Pines have the ability to survive wildfires by protecting their most important inner cambium, the veins of the tree, while their needles go up in flames. After being blackened by the fire their outer shell comes to life again, sprouting green needles along roasted limbs. This ability to regrow and stand majestic despite severe setbacks offers us inspiration.
Andrea Vaz Antunes LCSW
Turning inward is never easy. It requires courage and faith that doing the deep work will be worth it. I have learned through my own therapeutic process that the relationships we have with others eases the pain we feel during transitions or changes. For this reason, I am here to connect with you and support you through your journey. There is no better time than now to take healing by the hand and welcome it into your life. Grief is a process, healing is a journey and humans are not designed to do it alone.
Amanda Perez LCSW
Opening up to a new person can be daunting. My hope is that through authentic and spontaneous conversation we can get to know each other and pave the way for looking more deeply at what is going on for you. As humans we are our best selves when we feel acknowledged, validated and connected. This guides my approach to our work together. Being a therapist improves my own mental health because each time I witness a person change, I am reminded we are all still growing…
Our Approach to Therapy
We are all in a state of change. We are either approaching a change, in the midst of change or looking back at a change. These transitions are unavoidable and they can be both liberating and/or paralyzing. Our work together will initially focus on relieving the distressing feelings you are experiencing within your body and mind. We will then begin to identify your own style of change. We will practice it together and you will begin to meet these changes with grace and less stress. A tailored approach is imperative because each persons life experience is unique and can not be approached in the same way.
Our Specialties
Relationship Transitions
Marriage
Divorce/Separation
Death of a loved one
Life Stage Transition
Aging
Career Changes
Relocating
Parenting Transitions
Pregnancy/ New baby
Children leaving the home
Adjustment to Child’s Diagnosis
