NOTE: I am currently offering all services via Telehealth. I use a secure and confidential, HIPPA-compliant video service that is easy to use. What you need: A stable internet connection; a phone, tablet or laptop; and a private location where you can be during our sessions. (For those living in close quarters with others, sometimes sitting in the car can be a good way to get privacy)
Therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, is a structured setting where you make an appointment with both yourself and a trained therapist to take the time to look at your life, to consider what is working and what you don’t like, and to strategize about how to make improvements. Therapy usually works best with weekly appointments, but can also be done with appointments every other week or monthly, depending on the situation.
Therapists have specialized training to help you focus, and to provide an objective viewpoint. My background in working with others can also be a guidepost to help assess whether your experience is within a “normal” range.
I consider you to be the “expert” in your own life, and I work with you to help you feel better and/or make changes that you choose.
We would normally meet once a week, or more or less often as we agree, for approximately 50 minutes. During our initial session(s), I will gather background and explore your goals for therapy, assessing your situation and needs.
You can expect our meetings to be completely focused on your issues. I bring authenticity, support, and gentle honesty to my work, as well as a wealth of experience and counseling techniques. My work is holistic, eclectic and practical, using aspects of the following counseling theories: systems theory, psychodynamic, cognitive, strength-based, evidence-based and solution-focused. I have been trained in the Grief Recovery Method. I use the Enneagram, a powerful personality tool to help identify what works best for you and how to relate better to those around you.
I also offer Brainspotting, which is a body-based technique that can especially help resolve strong emotions, memories and trauma deep inside the brain. It is very different from talk therapy, and affects different parts of the brain than talk therapy does. See the separate page here on this website to find out more about Brainspotting.
Additionally, I have advanced training and experience in using diet, nutrition and supplements to help alleviate symptoms. While I am not a medical physician and do not prescribe anything, I can provide nutritional support and education which can be helpful for interested clients.
Change happens differently for every person, and is related to your motivation, insight, and how much you apply the concepts we talk about to your life.
I enjoy working with people of every ethnicity and religious background. I strive to offer a safe space to discuss all sorts of topics, including racial, gender, or lifestyle issues, as well as mental health issues.
How long will it take?
Counseling or psychotherapy can be short-term (4-6 sessions) or long-term (months or years). The duration of therapy depends on your goals and the issues we are addressing. Everyone is different, and my work is personalized toward your needs.
My services can include:
- Brief assessment and referral – 1 or 2 sessions to get you the help you need.
- Short term, solution-focused counseling – designed to address specific issues.
- Long-term therapy – to make deep and lasting changes in your life, or to provide support for ongoing difficult situations.
I currently work with individuals, adults and teens. I am not seeing couples or doing ongoing family work at this time. But changes made by an individual can definitely affect couples and family relationships for the better! You have the power to make change, even without the cooperation of others.
Julie Machado, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT 27937)
Phone: 510-581-7850 Note: this is a landline and does not receive texts.
Email: JulieMachadoMFT@outlook.com
The Historic Linekin Building
22248 Main Street
Hayward CA 94541
www.JulieMachadoMFT.com
Be yourself…everyone else is already taken. -Oscar Wilde