Paul Puccinelli, MS, LMFT (#105320)
Clinical Focus
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. My clinical focus and interests are in the following three areas – Couples Therapy, Child Therapy, and Grief or End of Life Challenges
Couples Therapy:
“Unfortunately, research says couples wait six years before getting help. Don’t wait.”
Being in a relationship can be both wonderful and hard, sometimes within a five-minute timeframe. Seeking support or guidance during challenging times could be very beneficial. If you think your relationship could benefit from couple’s therapy or if you have a question, call me for a free 15-minute consultation.
Since 2012, I have helped couples become friends again, learn how to have more constructive conversations, learn ways to prevent escalating arguments, move from “attacking and defending” to just more “listening and understanding” of each other, and get to a place that they can talk about persistent and problematic issues, rather than avoid them.
I use the evidence-based therapeutic approach called Gottman Method Couples Therapy, developed from over 40 years of research with thousands of couples by John Gottman PhD. In addition, I use The Gottman Relationship Checkup, an online relationship assessment tool, which can automatically score a couple’s relationship strengths and challenges.
“What I like most about The Gottman Method is that it is primarily a strengths-based skills development approach.”
Child Therapy:
“Parents want me to see their children due to a recent loss, a traumatic event, or for a behavioral concern.”
For instance, I have provided support for children, whose parents are going through divorce, or for a child who was exposed to abuse or violence in the home, or for a child who is exhibiting aggressive behavior, sad, or upset. Just as each child is unique and different so is each case or situation.
I take an integrative approach using proven evidence-based interventions, such as child play therapy, sand play therapy or mindfulness activities, to support the child in changing his perceptions of the perceived challenging events and thoughts in his or her life, as well as getting in touch with his or her authentic self.
“Just having a safe place that the child can go to be seen and held therapeutically by an empathic and caring other, can be incredibly helpful and beneficial.”
Grief or End of Life Challenges:
“Grief is about love.”
I provide therapy services for anyone struggling with grief related issues. Experiencing a loss can be a major life stressor, affecting people in many ways — emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually, and more. A persistent and debilitating form of intense grief is called complicated grief and it is treatable.
Please do not hesitate to call me for a free 15-minute consultation or if you have a question. My phone number is (415) 342-2839.