Women's Therapist Fresno | Joanne Lai, LMFT
Spiral & Bloom Embodiment Sanctuary is a place for women to embrace every part of who they are. Together, we’ll explore your layers and identities and give you the tools needed to connect with your mind, body, and spirit.
Women face unique health challenges and stressors in everyday life. When searching for a clinician, it's crucial to find an empathetic provider who understands what you're dealing with, as well as barriers that impact marginalized groups. These traits can often be found in certain women's counselors. If you're searching for a women's therapist in Fresno, reach out to Spiral and Bloom today for a free consultation.
Takeaway:
My Approach |
to women's therapy
Regardless of where you find yourself, I'll meet you where you are without judgments or expectations. In therapy, you'll be free to embrace yourself fully, including all aspects of your identities. My therapeutic approach is based on using the mind-body connection when addressing women's mental health issues, trauma, relationship issues, chronic pain, cultural issues, and life changes.
It's common for women to feel disconnected and detached from their bodies and emotions. I use both psychotherapy and somatic practices to help you reconnect with your body and release stored emotions or trauma. Therapy is a safe space to learn to listen to your body and innate wisdom. We'll use these strengths to guide your healing, restore your sense of connection and self, and build your coping skills.
Women's issues therapist in California
I'm Joanne Lai, a licensed therapist for women in Fresno, California. I support women like yourself in facing and healing from burnout, past wounds, trauma, burnout, stress, relationship issues, and cultural concerns. I believe you can heal when you connect with your body and true self.
During our time together, I’ll guide you in exploring all of yourself and your unique identities. I’ll use embodiment and psychotherapeutic methods to help you reconnect with your whole self. Throughout therapy, I’ll support you as you journey toward wholeness and healing.
Learn more about my therapeutic services.
During our time together, I’ll guide you in exploring all of yourself and your unique identities. I’ll use embodiment and psychotherapeutic methods to help you reconnect with your whole self. Throughout therapy, I’ll support you as you journey toward wholeness and healing.
- Credentials: Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified GYROTONIC® Trainer
- License number: 121155, California
- Education: Master’s of Art in Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Illinois Master’s of Science in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, California State University, California
- In-Person and Teletherapy Available
- Providing trauma therapy since 2016
- Modalities used include: Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment-Based, Breathwork, and Family Therapy
Learn more about my therapeutic services.
Meet Joanne Lai |
Spiral and Bloom offers a welcoming and safe space for women to feel heard, valued, and respected without judgment. You’ll receive compassionate support and guidance, allowing you to explore vulnerable emotions and experiences at your own pace, free from fear or shame.
Safe and Supportive Environment
I believe in the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. I incorporate a variety of practices to meet your needs, including mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and talk therapy. By addressing your whole well-being, I help you cultivate resilience, find inner balance, and tap into your innate strength and wisdom.
Holistic Healing Practices
Every woman's journey is unique. That's why I tailor therapy to address your specific needs, challenges, and personal goals. Whether you're dealing with trauma, relationship issues, or seeking personal growth, I’ll work collaboratively with you to create a customized treatment plan that honors your individuality and fosters empowerment.
Tailored Approach to Women's Needs
Seeking therapy can be a significant step towards personal growth and healing, especially for women navigating the complexities of life. I created Spiral and Bloom so that women would have a place to be fully themselves. A non-judgmental environment rooted in compassion and acceptance.
Why choose Spiral & Bloom for women's therapy in California
I believe in empowering women to become the architects of their own lives. Through therapy, I’ll help you attune to your inner resources, cultivate self-awareness, and discover your inner wisdom. I'll support you in making meaningful changes, embracing your strengths, and creating a life aligned with your values.
Empowerment and Self-Discovery
Specializing in women's issues means understanding the unique challenges and experiences that women face. These may include:
At Spiral and Bloom, I specialize in helping women facing burnout, stress, trauma, cultural concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. My work is intersectional, meaning I honor the fact that your experiences are shaped by all of your identities, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status. I acknowledge the overlapping systems of oppression and advocate for inclusive approaches to addressing women's issues.
- Reproductive health
- Violence against women (e.g., domestic violence or sexual trauma)
- Gender inequality
- Body image
- Eating disorders
- Self-esteem
- Women's mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and postpartum depression)
- Work-life balance or stress management
- Life transitions
At Spiral and Bloom, I specialize in helping women facing burnout, stress, trauma, cultural concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. My work is intersectional, meaning I honor the fact that your experiences are shaped by all of your identities, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status. I acknowledge the overlapping systems of oppression and advocate for inclusive approaches to addressing women's issues.
What does it mean when a therapist specializes in women’s issues?
Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision. While some individuals may feel more comfortable working with a woman therapist, the most important factor is finding someone with whom you feel understood and supported.
Some common reasons women choose to work with a woman clinician include:
Some common reasons women choose to work with a woman clinician include:
- Shared Experience: Women may feel more understood and validated by a therapist who shares similar life experiences, such as navigating societal expectations, gender roles, safety issues, and reproductive health concerns.
- Comfort and Trust: Some women may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics, such as relationships, trauma, or body image issues, with someone of the same gender.
- Cultural and Social Factors: Cultural or religious beliefs may influence a woman's preference for a female therapist, especially in cultures where it’s more appropriate to meet one-on-one with someone of the same gender.
- Gender Dynamics: For survivors of gender-based violence or discrimination, working with a female therapist may provide a sense of safety and security.
Should a woman see a female therapist?
If you're experiencing overwhelming emotions, struggling with relationships, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can offer valuable support. This guidance and care is also helpful if you have past trauma, unhealed emotional wounds, or are struggling to get through the day.
Each person is different, and the decision to begin therapy is completely yours. However, if you’re suffering or having difficulty functioning, consider reaching out for help.
Each person is different, and the decision to begin therapy is completely yours. However, if you’re suffering or having difficulty functioning, consider reaching out for help.
How can I tell if I need a therapist?
therapy for women
FAQs about
More womens therapy resources:
2 highly recommended womens therapists in Fresno
1. Paola Caraker, LMFT
- Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Additional training: Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Specialities: Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Sports Performance
2. Karin Robbins, LCSW, SEP
- Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Additional training: Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, Enneagram Coaching, Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM) Therapist, Essential Oil Educator, Kathy Kain’s Touch Skills for Trauma Therapists, Yoga and Ayurveda Specialist
- Specializes in: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma
I’m here to support your holistic healing journey.
Spiral and Bloom Embodiment Sanctuary was formed to provide women with a space where they can be fully themselves. My role as a family therapist is to guide you through life transitions toward joy, purpose, and authenticity. Whether you're facing work stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, or other women's issues, I'm here to help. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey with a women's therapist in Fresno, schedule a free consultation. Together, we'll embark on a path of self-discovery and growth.
