Therapy for couples, for individuals, for better life
As a local marriage and family therapist intern, Shani Wichman gives insight on the healthy need for a relationship intermediary
Shani Wichman, M.A. IMF, is a marriage and family therapist intern at the Center for Therapeutic Alliance in Paso Robles.
Sometimes, the struggles we have with both our daily life and our relationships can signal underlying issues that can’t be solved objectively by ourselves, no matter how much we’d like to do so. That’s where the assistance and guidance of a therapist enters the picture — to help give individuals and couples alike the extra lines of communication, new coping techniques, and the solutions they need to facilitate not only better relationships in certain cases, but also a better quality of life, in most cases.
“Conflict is natural, but when couples lack respect for each other and focus on their partner’s negative traits more than positive ones, things go awry,” said Shani Wichman, M.A. IMF, a marriage and family therapist intern at the Center for Therapeutic Alliance, Paso Robles. “With therapy, the couple can learn to practice looking at things with a new perspective to help make their interactions more positive.”
Before working with Marlene Gilbert, M.A. (License MFC 38116), Wichman earned a masters degree in Psychology from Chapman University and a bachelors degree in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University. However, she says her client experience has shown her vast new aspects of interpersonal relationships and making them work through adversity.
“I enjoy being able to help people find relief from painful or complex issues they’re facing,” said Wichman. “As we work together to address each issue, they find new perspectives and skills with which to approach tough emotions and situations.” This process, she says, helps them find more peace and fulfillment in their relationship, as well as their lives.
As a marriage and family therapist intern, Shani Wichman guides individuals towards their personal goals, helping clients improve communication, boost well-being, relieve stress, explore new perspectives, and fortify relationships.
Along with the private therapy and support groups she provides, Wichman has also worked with a variety of Central Coast non-profits for more than 15 years, supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, bi-polar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, self-esteem, divorce, relational conflict, grief, and foster care, as well as families of children with developmental disabilities, and more.
“I design treatment to match their needs — the client chooses what they’d like to work on, and we set treatment goals together,” Wichman said.
From there, she guides individuals towards their personal goals, helping clients improve communication, boost well-being, relieve stress, explore new perspectives, fortify relationships or develop potential strengths. Whether a client needs premarital, individual, couples, life transition/grief, aging parent, divorce, depression, anxiety or more serious issue counseling, Wichman offers the first confidential consultation free for clients to see if she’s the right counselor for them.
“Some of my clients began therapy with serious issues,” Wichman said. “But I have noticed when people can share their worries and be heard, they feel a sense of relief early on in therapy. I have had the pleasure of seeing past clients thriving in the community, finding happiness within their relationships and careers.”
For more information, or to schedule a free confidential consultation with Shani Wichman, M.A. IMF, marriage and family therapist intern, call (805) 439-1825 or stop by the Center for Therapeutic Alliance at 625 14th St. Suite B in Paso Robles.
