About My Work
About Me
I understand how important place and history are in an individual's life. I have lived in San Francisco for many years, but, I have a long connection with the southwestern United States, especially New Mexico, and I am nurtured and informed by its particular beauty. I return there frequently to renew a connection with earth and sky. The representation of an Anasazi turtle, seen on my home page, represents connection and wholeness, some of the goals of therapy.
I was drawn to social work because of its emphasis on the person in the environment. Human beings are not only intrapsychic beings. We interact with work, family, friends, and culture. Difficulties may be triggered in any of those areas—giving us a special opportunity for psychological growth. Through social work, we study society and gain a special understanding of working with individuals and groups.
Education and Credentials
I have done graduate work in Texas and in the Bay Area. I am continuing work on a Ph.D. at the Sanville Institute in Berkeley. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCS 18043) and have an additional credential through the National Association of Social Workers with the Academy of Clinical Social Workers.
What about Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is one of the healing arts: a time honored and powerful approach to healing the heart and soul. More simply, psychotherapy is the practice of talking things through with a skilled and trusted professional. Therapy provides a context for solving problems and working through emotional pain, and can be helpful in addressing some of the difficulties people face in their work and personal lives.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and talking to a friend?
The therapeutic relationship is unusual because both you and your therapist give full attention to you and your situation. This allows you to focus and to speak freely in a way which may not be available in your personal life. Even loving friends or family may find it difficult to listen without judgments or expectations, or without offering advice. A therapist is trained to help you find your own solutions. Whatever you share in therapy is protected by professional standards of confidentiality.
How does psychotherapy work?
Psychotherapy is a process that allows you to explore difficult areas of your life. You can come to understand yourself more deeply, your moods and feelings, your reactions and your behavior patterns--how you have become the person you are. Beyond that, old wounds can be healed when you are empowered to be yourself. The combination of new insight and freedom of self-expression can alter how you see and experience the world. It can lead to increased spontaneity, vitality, connection in relationships and the ability to make new choices. Therapy works well when a trusting relationship develops between you and your therapist. This happens gradually, as you experience that your therapist is non-judgmental, reliable and able to support you. Trust grows when you can experience that your therapist is on your side, providing a safe place for you individually or with your family or partner. A therapeutic relationship can promote healing, self-understanding and acceptance of self and others.
Paula Branch Holt, LCSW, ACSW, LCS18043
paula@paulabranchholt.com
415.378.5973