Susan Leksander
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
415.776.3109
Supervised by: Judith Kinst, MFT, Ph.D
License # MFC38127
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“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
~ Anais Nin
Your decision to pursue therapy, to risk blossoming, is a courageous one. You may believe that you’ve run out of options, that you’ve reached the limits of your vision, your faith, your hope. Have you heard that story about the prisoner? He gazes longingly out through the tiny window in his cell, mesmerized by the prospect of freedom. This window is all he can see--he spends years with his face pressed against its cold, metal bars, fantasizing about escape. He finally gives up, turns around and sees that the door to his cell has been unlocked the whole time…
What is your window and where is your door? Let’s look together.
I am honored to witness the life force which propels us toward growth and change, and am deeply moved by humanity’s search for meaning. You may feel as though its time to make changes in order to be in line with your highest capabilities and intentions. You know that the questions you’re asking are profound and are seeking companionship as you traverse this new territory. In our work together, we will tend to your experiences and feelings with acceptance, curiosity, warmth and, yes, even humor, creating spaciousness for all aspects of yourself.
You may realize that the old ways of doing things are no longer serving you. Sometimes you feel like you are your own worst enemy—you can’t do anything right, you doubt every decision you make and don’t trust yourself. You seek movement. I hold of equal importance and respect both the desire to change as well as the safety of the structures we’ve created. I realize that an unraveling of patterns can be painful, and must be gradual in order to be sustainable. In this process, we will explore ways for you to connect with and believe in your own innate wisdom. We will examine the opinions you hold about yourself and your potential, letting go of those that no longer serve you. Our work together will steer you toward integration, awareness and clarity.
Based on traditional Western psychology, my work is also influenced by transpersonal, existential and Buddhist perspectives on the human experience, especially as they pertain to change and healing. I work interactively, taking into account your unique personality, desires, needs and goals. We may incorporate role playing, experiential exercises, dreamwork, art therapy and brief meditations as tools to further your growth.
Together, we will explore the many facets of humanness expressed by you. We will contextualize your experience as existing within a society and culture with values that sometimes support humanity and that are sometimes dehumanizing. In this process, we will work toward greater knowledge of the patterns you repeat in your life, creating more choice. You may gain some new skills for understanding, changing and letting go of those things which hold you back from a fuller life. And, we will create an environment where your own happiness is a noble goal, to be pursued with courage and passion.
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