new beginnings therapy and coaching llc

Theresa M Samuel Boko, LMFT 152823

“The most authentic thing about us is  our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform…….and to be greater than our suffering.”

Ben Okri
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welcome

welcome
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my website.
My goal is to offer a safe space where I can support you in your goals for seeking therapy. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. My work is focused on meeting the goals you choose for yourself while promoting your self-determination in the process.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California (License Number 152823).
Before graduate studies, I worked with individuals and families fleeing war and violence- an experience that empowered me to develop a depth of compassion and patience towards humankind. My knowledge and experience in the helping profession has instilled in me the passion to learn and connect.
I received my master’s degree in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University and completed my clinical training hours at different private practices as well as a community mental health agency. I also worked as a school-based therapist at various middle and high schools in the San Jose area.
I grew up in North-East Africa and immigrated to the U.S. as a young adult. I am a parent and in a different season of life, I was a foster parent. Outside my practice, I volunteer at several nonprofits and I consider myself a lifelong learner as I continue to apply my knowledge, training, and life experience to better understand the world and contribute meaningfully to it.

Areas of Expertise

Trauma, Abuse and Neglect
Adoption and Foster Care
Adjustment and Relationship Difficulties
Immigration and Acculturation

Credentials

University of Khartoum, B.Sc., Agriculture
Springfield College, M.A., Human Services Administration
Santa Clara University, M.A., Counseling Psychology
Certified Trauma Professional
Professional Life Coach

professional membership and affiliation

American Psychological Association
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists 
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists- Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Santa Clara University, School of Counseling Psychology 
ICMC-UNHCR Resettlement Deployment Scheme
Psychology Today
Trauma Healing.org

approach

I integrate elements from various approaches, and I draw from multiple therapeutic theories and techniques to fit the specific needs, preferences, and circumstances of the individual client.

Client-Centered Focus
I believe that each one of us is unique, yet complex. Therefore, instead of applying a unilateral method, I adapt my approach based on the patient’s personality, background, goals and response to therapy. I offer empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness rather than directing or interpreting the patient’s challenges. And I aim to support patients to develop self-acceptance and personal growth to resolve concerns.
An All-Inclusive Perspective
I seek an eclectic or integrative approach by combining techniques and principles from multiple therapeutic models to create a holistic, comprehensive and tailored treatment plan. My goal is to view the patient as a whole person, integrating diverse aspects of their life (biological, cultural and social, blending evidence-based techniques and accounting for environmental influences) rather than focusing on one dimension
A Logical Focus
I focus on what is effective and how can I use evidence-based techniques from different frameworks to achieve the best outcome rather than applying theories that might not work for the patient. A logical focus approach centers on rational, analytical, or problem-solving techniques to help patients understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.
Integration of Approaches
I draw from multiple theoretical frameworks and techniques rather than adhering strictly to a single school of thought I utilize an integrative, trauma-informed approach that incorporates elements of psychodynamic, attachment-based, humanistic / existential, postmodern / narrative and cognitive behavioral (CBT) therapies.

fees

Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation and we can discuss if we would be a good fit to work together.
Individual sessions
50-min $200
An approach that involves one-on-one sessions with the goal of addressing the patient’s specific mental health concerns, such as those outlined in the DSM-5 (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders), through tailored interventions.
Collateral sessions
50-min $225
An approach that involves sessions between the clinician and individuals closely related to the patient (e.g., family members, caregivers, or significant others). These sessions are typically conducted separately from the patient’s individual therapy sessions to gather information, provide support or coordinate care.
Coaching sessions
50-min $150
Coaching sessions, in the context of mental health and personal development, are structured interactions between a coach or clinician and a client - aimed at enhancing personal or professional growth, goal achievement, or skill development. Coaching sessions target non-clinical goals, such as improving performance, decision-making, or life satisfaction.

Sliding Scale Fees

I offer a sliding scale based on financial need. If I’m unable to offer a sliding scale, I can provide referrals for local low fee providers as part of your initial consultation. I’m not under any insurance panel, but I can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. We can discuss payment options during our first free intake consultation.

Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers, like ourselves, need to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask us for a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

contact

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Contact me today to learn more about my services and how I can help you achieve your goals. Please fill out the short form below and I will get back to you shortly.