Individuals & Couples

Individual and Couples Counseling in California

You deserve to live the best version of your life. So, if something is bringing you down, Nancy Payne Lewis MA MFT may be the way to turn your life around. Nancy provides individual and couples counseling in California to help you understand and manage your issues within yourself or your relationship. Reach out to Nancy for the support you need to feel happy and confident in your daily life.

Individuals

Everyone goes through some hardship in life. We may feel lost and don’t know what to do. Sometimes, all you need is help from a licensed therapist. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you feel unsure of yourself?
Do you worry about making the right decisions?
Do you have trouble getting yourself to a party because you don’t think you have anything to offer?
Do you find yourself repeating negative patterns over and over again?
Is there a history of depression in your family?

If you responded yes to any of the questions above, it might be time to seek professional help. Anxiety and depression are feelings that are a part of life, but sometimes they can get in the way of living. Nancy will teach you to recognize these negative feelings and behaviors and build methods to deal with them.

Understanding Yourself

Each individual is different. Extroverts are outgoing, bold individuals seeking excitement in their lives. On the other hand, introverts tend to be more reserved, less outgoing, and less sociable. There are no rights or wrongs here, but understanding who you are can help you feel better about yourself. Hiding from the world isn’t a sensible move; knowing you need a night alone is.

Do you ever wonder if you’re drinking too much wine during dinner or smoking too much pot? Don’t fool yourself—marijuana might not be the ‘gateway drug’ that some people claim it is, but it can be just as addicting as any other illegal substance that comes with its own problems. Perhaps you’ve been overspending, gambling away your savings, or wasting hours online. Whether they’re substances you ingest or behavioral highs, these habits prevent you from recognizing your feelings. Numbing or ignoring your feelings will not make them go away—often, it just makes them worse.

Couples

Relationships can be fulfilling, but they can also be stressful and frustrating. It’s difficult to know whether a relationship is worth saving as there is so much to consider and discuss. Couples counseling is the most effective way to discuss your fears and worries. Take a minute to reflect on the following questions:

Is your relationship too good to leave and too bad to stay?
Are you wondering what happened to your relationship?
Do you ever feel that you and your partner are on opposing paths?
Are you feeling lonely and sad?

Managing a Relationship

Couples go through stages of being closer or further away, which is normal. However, people can become stuck and have trouble communicating at times. Nancy can teach you to ask your partner about your needs and see things fairly. She can help you understand how your personal history can impact your relationship and how to get around it. Regardless of your situation, she will guide you in strengthening your partnership or respectfully separating from it.