Services
KATHY LABRIOLA
Counselor/Nurse
Low-fee, affordable COUNSELING and HYPNOTHERAPY
* Education and coaching for people in non-traditional relationships: polyamory, open relationships, BDSM
* Maximum health for people with disabilities and health problems
* Living well with HIV
* Sexual orientation issues for
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans people
* Surviving grief and loss
* Survival skills for political activists
* Class issues faced by working-class and poor people
* Hypnotherapy for addressing addictions,
and managing pain, chronic health conditions, and stress
(510) 841-5307
CALL FOR COPIES OF MY FREE PAMPHLETS
*Unmasking the Green-eyed Monster:
Managing Jealousy in Open Relationships
*Models of Open Relationships
*What is Bisexuality? Who is Bisexual?
*Survival Strategies for Activists: Stay in
the Struggle Without Losing Your Mind
*Could Anti-depressant medication help you?
BOOK IS AVAILABLE
I have also had a book published by Greenery Press, entitled
Love in Abundance: A Counselor's Advice on Open Relationships
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
call (510)-841-5307
email: anarchofeminist@yahoo.com
website: www.KathyLabriola.com
Kathy Labriola, Counselor/Nurse
1307 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA. 94702
With literally thousands of therapists and other healing professionals available in the Bay Area, why should you consider working with ME? Because I offer:
PERSONAL INTEGRITY
I am honest, down-to-earth, caring, and supportive.
EXPERIENCE
I have 40 years of experience as a nurse and a counselor, and I have been in private practice for 20 years providing counseling and hypnotherapy.
SKILL
I have the patience, skill, and empathy to support you in tackling painful, frightening, and overwhelming problems.
EMPOWERMENT OF CLIENTS
I actively work to prevent the intimidating and condescending relationship that too often accompanies traditional psychotherapy.
PERSONAL AND POLITICAL VISION
I have been a political activist for over 40 years, working to change the world as well as helping people change themselves. I've learned from personal experience how difficult, complex, and slow both personal and societal transformation can be.
LOW FEES
I deliberately keep my fees very low, to make counseling affordable to low-income people, People of Color, women, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, and elders. Even my fees are too high for some people to afford, and I can provide numerous referrals to other free or low-fee counseling situations.
LONGER SESSIONS
I provide 90-minute counseling or hypnotherapy sessions to allow each client plenty of time to talk through everything that is on their minds. This can create the space for greater depth and catalyze positive change. Many people prefer the “90-minute hour” as a refreshing change from being rushed through the traditional “50-minute hour” most common to the counseling experience. Some people have reported moving more quickly through painful experiences and generating useful strategies as a result of longer sessions.
PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE
Many clients appreciate having phone sessions with me if they do not live in the Bay Area, or are out of the area traveling or working elsewhere. Other clients enjoy the flexibility of having phone sessions if this proves more convenient due to their work shifts, child-care responsibilities, or an illness or disability that makes office visits more difficult to arrange.
WHY CHOOSE ME AS YOUR COUNSELOR?
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM COUNSELING WITH ME?
RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING FOR NON-TRADITIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Our community has a rich diversity of relationships and family structures. I have extensive experience counseling people in many types of non-traditional relationships: polyamorous or open relationships, and triads, group marriages, BDSM relationships, interracial families, and magnetic couples (HIV-positive and HIV-negative mixed couples). I provide the non-judgmental support and problem-solving necessary to build and maintain creative, successful relationships, and to resolve conflicts realistically and ethically.
PEOPLE WITH HEALTH ISSUES AND DISABILITIES
As a nurse and counselor working in a variety of health care settings, I have developed expertise with many medical problems. And my own disabilities and health problems have given me both insight and empathy for the challenges created by a health crisis. I assist clients to manage and minimize symptoms, utilize support services, and move forward with career plans, relationships, community, and life goals. Clients receive support and resources to integrate their disabilities and live with as few restrictions as possible. In some cases, I am able to make house calls for people unable to come to my office.
PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS
Having worked with people with HIV since 1981, I am able to provide information as well as strong emotional support. For clients facing the overwhelming challenge of living with the medical and emotional aspects of HIV, it is essential to work with a counselor who understands both aspects and can help develop personalized coping strategies. Central to my approach are honest communication and feedback, holding firm to a middle ground of hope between denial and despair, and complete respect for clients to follow their own individual paths.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION ISSUES FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANS PEOPLE
Because homophobia is pervasive in every aspect of society, sexual minorities face discrimination, isolation, and even violence. Many of us need support, and counseling can be helpful to accept and fully embrace our true sexual orientation. Living our authentic orientation openly is very difficult, and talking through feelings and experiences can lead to more effective coping strategies to not only survive but to thrive.
SURVIVING LOSS AND GRIEF
Epidemics of HIV, cancer, violence, suicide, drugs, and alcohol have touched all of our lives and devastated our communities. Counseling can help clients to fully cherish their relationships with loved ones who have died, while at the same time learning to continue with their lives and ease the intense pain of grieving.
SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR POLITICAL ACTIVISTS
As a veteran political activist, I have first-hand experience with the burn-out, depression, and frustration which so often accompany long-term political involvement. I encourage clients to fully express their feelings of sadness, fatigue, alienation, and anger, and to take constructive and realistic steps to take care of themselves. Integrating the personal and political spheres of our lives, and making peace between them, can lead to greater satisfaction and effectiveness in all areas of our lives.
HYPNOTHERAPY FOR HEALING AND CHANGE
I am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and use guided imagery and hypnotherapy techniques when appropriate, with the client’s consent. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for healing. Going into a relaxed trance state creates the safety and openness to give the client access to information, feelings, and history which may have not been obvious to the conscious mind. These techniques are especially useful for empowering clients to work on depression, manage chronic pain or other medical problems, relieve stress and anxiety, and overcome addictions such as smoking, alcohol, drugs, or compulsive eating. I would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you have about whether hypnotherapy might be beneficial for you.