Insight Alliance Psychotherapy
Heather LaBouy, PsyD
Psychotherapy is the act of talking through emotions and thoughts within a confidential relationship. When embarking on psychotherapy, individuals should be prepared to encounter their emotional experience in a more up-front and personal way. This can result in feeling "more emotional" for a time, not always "feeling better" when leaving weekly sessions, and overall a transition to thinking about your behavior and emotional experience in new ways. For this reason, psychotherapy is a courageous choice and one that requires a desire to look within; exploring both the past and present.
The name Insight Alliance refers to what I believe are the two most fundamental and transformative aspects of therapy. Insight tends to be the factor which leads to individuals "feeling better" following a healthy therapeutic relationship. Learning why we do what we do often leads to a sense of self which is "lighter" and greater self confidence. The alliance between psychologist and client is often what assists individuals in making lasting change outside sessions.
These two elements are inextricably linked and inform my work addressing the needs of my clients.
Growing into my private practice over the last 8 years continually expands my approach. Clients can expect to engage in a non-judgmental curiosity around their experience, explore the influence of their earliest relationships on the here and now, as well as develop their own practice of self-compassion. Compassionately asking ourselves to move towards change, not letting ourselves off the hook, is a practice which is fundamental to improving not just our emotional wellbeing but relationships, physical health, and other personal goals. Each of my clients is on a journey toward shifting their wellbeing to the foundation of their priorities-helping it drive the deepest and fullest connections they seek. Vulnerability, courage, and compassion are the foundation of creating change and living an authentic, imperfect existence.
I strive to uncover clients' experiences as they relate to family of origin, gender, ethnicity, ability, and other factors of identity. My goal is to create a transparent interaction where actual and perceived differences between clients and myself can be addressed. My focus within Clinical Psychology is Multicultural Psychology, which refers to understanding human behavior as it occurs in settings where individuals of different backgrounds encounter each other. My experiences entering, joining, and embracing communities which differ from dominant, Western culture has made a significant impact on my ability to understand the intersections of culture and identity. I earned a Psy.D., or Doctor of Psychology, in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in California's Bay Area. Unlike a Ph.D., or Doctorate of Philosophy, which tends to focus more on conducting research, my doctoral degree focused on learning how to assess and treat clients. I was trained in the area of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness, as well as conducting psychological testing.
"In my experience, psychotherapy at its best is like dual meditation - it's like a container in which you can be compassionate and mindful toward yourself."
Jack Kornfield
Heather LaBouy, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist and Owner of Insight Alliance Psychotherapy
PSY 60536432
hlabouypsyd@gmail.com
If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 911. You can also reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
at 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.