Machaelie Souza, MS

As a therapist, I am passionate about working with people who are struggling to understand the painful patterns in their lives. Often, the symptoms that bring people to therapy are an indication of deeper emotional wounds. The type of therapy I provide focuses on both resolving current symptoms and healing problematic relational patterns through the creation of a safe, consistent environment in which to understand the complexity of a person’s experiences and history. Together we will work towards greater self-knowledge, compassion, and growth. I have particular interest in helping people explore the ways in which trauma, loss, and grief impact their daily lives and relationships. My approach to therapy includes aspects of psychodynamic, relational, and self psychology. Each of these theories places an emphasis on understanding ways in which our past experiences influence and inform the ways we engage in our current lives and relationships. Making an Appointment I offer complimentary phone consultations to all potential clients. This allows for a brief conversation regarding your concerns and goals for therapy as well as time for us to determine if my experience and expertise will be a good fit for you. The face-to-face initial intake session is scheduled for 50 minutes. During that time I will explain my policies on confidentiality, fees, and other aspects of my practice. This is also an opportunity for us to get to know each other more and discuss more thoroughly what has brought you to therapy. I will often check in, towards the end of the session, on your comfort level in talking with me as this is a vital aspect of a successful therapeutic relationship. Once we have determined that the services I provide are a good fit for your needs, we will schedule regularly occurring sessions. For many people, this will be meeting at least once weekly. Duration of therapy is highly variable and often depends on the types of concerns you are hoping to address. If it is determined that I am not the right fit for you, I am happy to provide referral information to another therapist who may be more in line with your needs. Confidentiality The privacy of my clients is of the utmost importance to me. I follow HIPAA policies in protecting the confidentiality of the people I work with in an effort to create an environment in which they can feel safe to bring anything to the process. This includes content covered in session as well as communications outside of session. There are limited situations in which confidentiality might be broken and this will be covered in depth during your initial face-to-face session.