Individual, Couples & Family Psychotherapy
415. 846. 8069
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AM I RIGHT FOR YOU?
How I work
It can be hard to pick a therapist when so many qualified people may be in your area. It is often a connection with a person's words or a feeling from their photograph that leads to making a call. For most psychologists, there are specific theories that guide our thinking and approach. My own particular style has developed not only from sitting across from patients for 25 years, but also from my graduate studies, on-going consultation and personal therapy. I consider myself a flexible psychologist who will meet you exactly where you are. With me, the pace for change is thoughtful and gradual. We decide together what the weekly schedule/sessions might look like for the difficulties you are facing. I do not make set prescriptions for "this issue vs. that issue.” Instead, from the onset, the work is collaborative and is tailored to you specifically.
HELLO
I am a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. I have been in practice for 25 years and helped a variety of people with a wide range of psychological difficulties. I work with adults, couples and families.
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These are examples of issues I can help you with but not limited to:
Anxiety & Depression
Self-Esteem/Loss of Identity
Grief/Loss
Divorce/Separation
Family Conflict and Impasses
Difficult Childhood Events
Substance Use and/or Addiction
Workplace/Career Issues
Unregulated Eating
Physical and Sexual Abuse or Assault (including PTSD)
Previous Psychotherapy Ruptures
SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Individual therapy gives you a place to think and feel without judgement. It is a place away from distractions where you can make meaningful contact with yourself in the presence of a trained professional. It may be a place to grieve, a place to remember what is feared to be lost, a place to yearn, a place to say out loud what once was silenced, a place to dream without inhibition, or a place to practice new ways of being in the world. No matter what you are struggling with, it is through talking that creativity flows, ideas take shape, fears can be verbalized and lessened, and new ways of approaching "the same old problems" emerge. But, while therapy is often said to be a "talking cure," it is also a "listening cure." The exchanges between patient and therapist, if they are alive and creative, are the links to unlocking whatever is stuck-- and transforming it into something new.
COUPLES THERAPY
It is not uncommon for couples to seek therapy when their relationship is in a crisis. One partner may convince the other that it’s time to get professional help. At this juncture, one or both partners may feel panicked, desperately hoping that therapy can help mend whatever turmoil, betrayal, or upset may be jeopardizing the relationship. It is common for partners to feel frustrated when the same fight or disagreement arises time and again. This is often a sign that there are deeper dynamics at play keeping things going in a negative, painful, repetitive direction. Naturally, frequent arguments erode connections, and couples can easily begin to lose sight of strengths in their relationship. Therapy, surely a place to express upset and pain, can also be a place to recognize capacities inherent to both partners. Through therapy, positive exchanges, once buried by conflict can be unearthed.
PARENTING HELP
Parents need support. Raising a child, or multiple children, is one of the most transformative experiences in a person’s life. It can come as a surprise how challenging this endeavor is. The joy and love one feels can at times, be offset by exhaustion, frustration and even despair. When difficult feelings arise, it can be complicated. Feelings of guilt for negative emotions can be as equally powerful as loving ones, sending parents into a spiral of shame and silence which can be hard to admit to friends or family. It is my strong belief that parents require a particular kind of support. In my opinion, it is not enough to just listen when children are being affected. There are active interventions that can help parents understand and appreciate what is taking place in their children’s minds, as well as their own, so that the dynamic can change into into something new and healthy. As kids grow, so must the relationship. I commend all parents who are attempting to have difficult- sometimes scary- conversations with their kids.
FAMILY THERAPY
Families, similar to couples, often seek help when there is a crisis. Often a family therapist is called when hurt feelings have been mounting beyond what is tolerable, and/or communication painfully fails too many times. The family can feel broken. Members might express loss and sadness over what has become a family they don’t recognize anymore. Confusion about how things got so off course is common.
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Naturally, families are complicated. Each person in a family is also a person outside the family and feel their existence in their own right. Coming together as a cohesive group, therefore is not always easy. In good times, personal differences are accepted and even celebrated, but in tense times, these differences can lead to ruptures.
I work from the position that what is transpiring in the family is signaling a need for change (i.e. meaning is derived from the conflict). For example, why this? why now? become vital questions. Often families are surprised to uncover how their dynamics are actually expressing other hidden feelings/thoughts unbeknownst to them. In a paradoxical way, the conflict may be the best way in, or back in.
FEES AND INSURANCE
Currently, I am not on any insurance panels; however, your plan likely allows you to choose an "out of network provider." In these cases, I will provide the necessary paperwork so that you can be reimbursed for our sessions.
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It is best to call me to discuss my current rate. I will make every effort to work with you. It is my standard of practice to set a fee after we learn what your insurance carrier may provide.
PUBLICATIONS
Infant Psychopathology During the First Year of Life and its Return During Adolescence and Adulthood (2019).
Authors: David Rosenfeld, Anne Maria Vano & Valeria Ana Penela
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Published in The Scandinavian Psychoanalytic Review
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To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/01062301.2019.1599170
FEEDBACK I’VE RECEIVED
Dr. Anne Vano has a great depth and sensitivity in the clinical skill of the treatment of her patients. Her emotional capacity for making contact and creating a deep bond with her patients merits recognition. She always maintains and stays focused on the psychoanalytic perspective and frame. Her psychoanalytic thinking is a promise for the future of psychoanalysis.
David Rosenfeld, M.D. ex-vice president of the International Psychoanalytic Association; Consultant and Professor of Mental Health and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires
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Dr. Vano has an extraordinary depth and understanding as a psychologist working one on one with patients as well as in a management role as a program and clinical director. Her level of empathy, compassion and experience allow her to meet patients where they are. I know I can count on Anne for excellent clinical care.
Katie Gregory, Ex-Executive Director at Bridge to Recovery Treatment Center, Los Angeles, CA
In the 25 years I have spent working in a psychiatric hospital setting, Dr. Vano was the most caring and dedicated psychologist I have ever met who always demonstrated the highest degree of professional standards and integrity. Both staff and patients found her to be highly responsible, and always willing to do more than requested to insure a stable, safe, and healing environment.
Anne Johnston, RMT
Dr. Vano is a highly skilled, sensitive, intuitive and intelligent clinician. She works with compassion and dedication, and does not hesitate to get to the point. I recommend her without qualification.
Sue VonBaeyer, Ph.D. Member and Faculty, San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis; Personal Supervising Analyst, Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California
Dr. Vano is a skilled, intuitive, engaged and highly empathic clinician. She brings to her work an unusually deep understanding of the intricacies and self protective as well as self-restorative functions of the psyche. Her approach is further enriched by a nuanced and thoughtful appreciation of the ways unconscious processes influence relationships on both the individual and group/organizational levels.
Philip M. Alex, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist; Adult Psychotherapy, Consultation, San Rafael, CA
GETTING IN TOUCH
The best way to connect is to call me at 415. 846. 8069 but you are also welcome to email to amvano@gmail.com (with a prior text to alert me). I offer a 15 minute phone consult at no charge. If you prefer, you can also send me an email. My office is located at Shelter Bay in Strawberry/Mill Valley right off the 101 with easy parking.
Shelter Bay
655 Redwood Hwy; Suite 115
Mill Valley, Marin County 94941
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415. 846. 8069