Lisa Graff-Marsh, LCSW
Lisa Graff-Marsh Inc.
San Diego CA
I work with my clients to get back in touch with their core self energy that was always inside but got covered by survival strategies or parts that got created to stay connected and safe in their families. The healing comes out of building a safe container through the relationship between the therapist and client. To help access the feelings that were buried through anxiety and defenses because feelings were unsafe to feel or overwhelming and no one was there to help accompany and undo the aloneness. In addition I also work with the interpersonal where accessing the younger self and then unblending her/him/they from the present day or future self. We then work on bring that younger self into the present with the adult self so the client can start to give that part of themselves what they should have gotten i.e. compassion, love, understanding, support etc. To hold the space for the core emotion that is there and creates open heart, authentic self, calm, curiosity compassion, confidence and clarity.
I have been a private practice therapist since February 1992. The client population that comes through my office are individuals and couples that are struggling in various ways. My passion is to help people get in touch with their authentic selves, access core emotions, become more present in their lives, more connected, in touch and able to identify the sensations that happen inside one’s body. This happens through compassion, connection, empathy, curiosity and the realization you do not have to struggle alone. This process helps the client to live a fuller, more satisfying productive life. If you have the idea that therapy is a sign of weakness, that could not be further from the truth. Asking for help does not indicate weakness or incompetence. It shows an advanced degree of honesty and intelligence. Therapy is a non-judgmental, compassionate meeting between client and therapist. Over time a trusting , safe relationship gets established. I have been particularly drawn to several modalities that I have come to integrate into my working with clients. They are Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Core Self Reclamation therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and Mindfulness. I am also trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.