Philadelphia Therapist Accepting New Clients: Joanne Gonzales, MFT
Finding a Philadelphia therapist accepting new clients can be difficult. CFR is proud to have Staff Therapist Joanne Gonzales, MFT, as a member of our organization. Joanne sees patients virtually or in person and is currently accepting new clients.
Continue reading to learn more about Joanne’s therapeutic approaches, goals, and training.
Joanne Gonzales, MFT, (pictured here) sees clients virtually and at CFR’s Center City Philadelphia office.
Joanne’s journey to becoming a therapist
I did my undergrad work in psychology and completed my graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with a Sex Therapy focus at Thomas Jefferson University. I chose this program specifically because it was a training in sex therapy practices, and its close relationship with CFR, and the opportunity to have my internship with an organization that works so closely with their community. I loved the idea of developing my skills alongside my cohort where I could be challenged and learn who I wanted to be as a clinician.
Guess what? Therapists do not have all the answers…and that is okay.
I always wanted to be one of those people who grew up knowing exactly what they wanted to do with their lives. And because I did not have that answer, I felt like I was missing something. It took a lot of reflection and work with my therapist to realize that I am not meant to have all the answers and that perhaps my purpose in this world is to be present, to experience life, and to make connections with those around me. I think that is how I landed here, with a therapy degree working with CFR. I was that person who wanted a therapist to tell me what I needed to do and how to live my life the right way….only she told me that there was no quick fix that made it all easier and that I needed to look inward and figure out the life I wanted to live versus the one I was only existing in. Words I hated at the time, but damn if she was not right! So I get feeling lost, unsure, and scared to start therapy, and to have someone reflect all of one’s insecurities. It is not easy. It will be incredibly hard at some points. But from someone who has been where you are at, I say: give it a go!
What you can expect in your first session with Joanne
A first session can be hard for a lot of people, especially if it is your first time, so I want it to be a conversation between two people looking to collaborate. I might ask you what brought you to therapy and why you are coming now versus earlier. Ultimately I want to get to know who you are, what you choose to do in your life, and what makes you you.
The goal of therapy is to help you feel comfortable in your skin and to gain control over your emotions, especially during times of high stress. Life is easy when your brain is firing on all cylinders, but if you are stuck in a cycle of distress or dysregulation, it can sometimes be overwhelming to just exist in this world. I want to bring you back to you and that might include increasing your self-awareness, forming or reinforcing boundaries, linking patterns of behavior between past and present, addressing past traumas, etc. Therapy goals are unique to every client and I trust you to identify your own goals. I want to offer support in helping you craft your narrative(s) while providing a safe, therapeutic space for your authentic selves(s) to explore and heal.
Are you struggling with the decision to request a therapy appointment?
Starting anything new is scary. But, anything worth doing is going to be a little difficult at first. You are leaving your comfort zone…you are going to be uncomfortable. The question is whether that discomfort is worth it. Also, do not stress over finding the right therapist the first time: see if they offer free consultations. Not every therapist is for everybody, and that is okay. So shop around, test the waters, and find the therapist that makes sense for you.
CFR therapists are accepting new clients. Ready to book an appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist? Questions about session costs?
Joanne Gonzales, MFT, is a Philadelphia therapist accepting new online or in-person clients. Click here to request an appointment.
See our Therapist & Psychologist Directory to find a different CFR therapist or psychiatrist near you.
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Philadelphia Therapist Accepting New Clients: Amy Leonard, MSW
Philadelphia Psychiatrist Accepting New Patients: Dr. Michael Antzis