You are worthy of creating a fulfilling life - even if other people don’t get it.
We all have a moment of realization that our lives aren’t like everyone else’s. Sometimes, life’s curveballs hit us right in the gut.
For me, that moment lead to a long journey of radical acceptance, going no contact with people in my life, and learning to create a new support system. It meant taking time to be alone, before I let others into my life.
These few sentences seem simple. But it was a long and complex process that ruffled a lot of feathers.
Repairing the fallout of these unexpected life experiences has made me a better therapist.
I take people’s pain seriously. I take chosen family seriously. I fundamentally believe that we know what’s best for ourselves, even if other people don’t get it.
I use my lived experience to validate people who protect themselves in ways that are often misunderstood.
I hold compassion for you while you learn to have compassion for yourself. I support you while you learn to accept support from others. And I help you learn to decide who gets to be in your life.
Who are my clients?
Perfectionists and high achievers.
You know what, perfectionism WORKS. It can help you survive living with a critical family. It deflects attention from your quirks and sensitivities onto an area of life that you can control.
But it can also cause you to crumble, and chase validation from people you may not respect or even like. So… it’s great to want to pursue excellence. It’s not so great to feel stuck in a trap of your own making. Let’s pick and choose a way forward together.
Socially awkward, socially minded.
My people have big feelings about local and global issues, which often leave them feeling small. We might have a love-hate relationship with social media or news apps in the age of information. When I feel void of hope or solutions, online communities have helped me feel less alone.
If you have a hard time connecting with others - either they call you aloof, or too sensitive - it might be that you’re having a hard time connecting with yourself. Therapy with me can help quiet everyone else’s expectations and opinions, give you some perspective, and help you feel more grounded & embodied.
Creatives, artists, and makers.
The creative process can be therapeutic on its own. When you’re creatively blocked, it can be not only miserable, but indicative of a deeper block in your heart.
As a fellow artist, I get to bring a shared language and experience to our work that can help us uniquely understand your emotional wellbeing. How long has it been since you’ve felt inspired? I want to hear about it.
What does therapy with you feel like in the room?
Guess what? In therapy, you are the center of the universe.
Let that sink in.
It doesn’t mean we don’t care about others. In fact, we can’t do my kind of therapy without acknowledging others.
I’m just saying, I center my client’s experience so that
1. We welcome parts of yourself that you have learned to hide;
2. You trust your own intuition, needs, and wants; and
3. My own stuff (privilege, opinions, etc.) doesn’t get in the way.
My style is explorative rather than shameful, so we might consider the origin of your presenting problem without scrutinizing your past or present self.
If you and I do not share a mutual identity or culture, it’s natural to wonder if you’ll be able to show up as your full self with me. You’ll want to know, “Am I safe with this person?”
No amount of my “safe spacing” or acknowledging my privilege will convince your body to feel safe. That is a question only you can answer. For my part, I make sure to center my client and their experience in the therapy room, while learning and observing outside of the therapy room too.
What’s important to you is important to our work.
The details
Brianna Patti, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #129941, under the clinical supervision of Sara Stanizai, LMFT #98421.
Certificate from California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals to work with LGBTQIA2S+ clients
BA, Psychology from San Francisco State University
MS Counseling Psychology from California State University, Long Beach
Outside of work, you can find me crocheting a blanket with super fuzzy yarn, sewing a purse from upcycled denim, or painting an abstract piece with one of my comfort shows on in the background
I can guarantee that I’ll pick up on any reference from The Office or Degrassi and most Sex and the City references
I’m a proud kid of queer parents.
I’ve had dogs my whole life– mostly corgis! I’m now a proud owner of a Shih Tzu named Charlie