Ross Farley Counseling
Monterey, California, Monterey
(1)
Monterey, California, Monterey
(1)
I offer affordable, effective, and compassionate sliding scale psychotherapy in Monterey, CA.
I have spent many years working with a number of different populations, from Autism Spectrum Disorders to Eating and Feeding Disorders. The beauty of working in mental health for almost half my life is that I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic process and how we address the things in life that are no longer functional.
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1 customer review
Bobbie Rea Watson
Life Changing!!!! My year has been very traumatic & I developed a shaking all over the that was uncontrollable, after my first session with Ross it became almost nonexistent! I was on anxiety medication - I’m now off of that! Every week is a deeper insight to who I am, what I can be, and basically a new lease on life! The first visit I couldn’t even tell you one dream or vision for my life...... I now have a dreams & I can see how to get there! I feel very energized every time I walk out even if it’s been tough dealing with something that day! For the first time in my life - I really “SEE ME”! #knowyourself I feel empowered to be who I was created to be, I feel I have a valuable purpose, & I can conquer my world!! This is one of the most life changing, absolute best decisions I have ever made by making this choice to see Ross!!! I’m stronger than I ever have been & I’m actually sleeping now!!! Thank you Ross Farley, you & your knowledge are a true GIFT! More...
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What do you love most about your job?
I love the career I chose. I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to hold space for others in a way that enacts and evokes insight and change. My clients already have everything they need to address the issues that are present and it is a continually rewarding gift to assist in illuminating the inner strength, wisdom, and compassion they carry.
What inspired you to start your own business?
My goal is always to find the root cause of what it is in your life which is no longer working for you. Much of our maladaptive behaviors are symptoms of past experiences and finding closure is key. I want to offer folks the opportunity to unburden themselves of these maladaptive behaviors and live their fullest and most complete life. I also want therapy to be affordable. Mental health is so vastly important, however, quality counseling is expensive. I offer all of my knowledge, experience, and insight to my clients at an affordable and adjustable rate.
Why should our clients choose you?
I have been a student of psychology from a very early age. I remember curiosity. I remember wanting the name, or label, or the secret formula to explain the things in my life I could not. Thinking, all the while, "if I can just figure it out...everything will be ok". I may not have been aware of it at the time, however, the experiences in my life have helped shape and mold the clinician I am today.
My more formal training occurred at the University of California San Diego, receiving my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. And, most recently, receiving my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Palo Alto University.
At UCSD, I focused on psychopharmacology as I was absolutely fascinated by how the brain filters, activates, and processes neuro-chemical interactions.
At Palo Alto University, I focused on the art and rhythm of the therapeutic experience. The timing and rapport, earning trust, and engaging individuals, couples, and families in enacting real and lasting change.
Eating Disorder Counseling
Eating disorders are, quite simply, symptoms of emotional distress. Eating disorders are used as tools to cope with historic and daily stressors, much like those who use other maladaptive coping mechanisms such as drugs, alcohol, work, or sex. The eating disorder was created in a time of great need. A time where the person was needing escape, where they were needing support, when they were needing to make sense of the world, and when they were needing care.
It may be counter-intuitive to think of an eating disorder as something necessary, and yet, the eating disorder provides many opportunities to make sense of then world, to cope, to be numb, and to provide control and stability when it is lacking in the environment. The prevalence of eating disorders crosses all cultures and genders. Although it is heavily under-reported, I posit that the rate of eating disorders between men and women is closer to 60%-40% (women-men), than what is popularly believed to be 90%-10% (women-men). Under-reporting in a situation such as an eating/feeding disorder is not surprising due to the stigma associated with eating disorders as well as the core foundational shame intertwined within.
The goal of eating disorder therapy is to find the catalyst or catalysts of the behavior, understand the function of the behavior, learn alternative ways in which to cope, and implement those new coping skills into daily life. This can be a lengthy process as the person has likely had their eating disorder for multiple years. Eating disorders can be difficult to let go of, as they have historically functioned in helpful ways in a person's life.
Body Image & Self-Esteem Counseling
Body perfection and image is constantly being reinforced in the world. The constant media bombardment of health, weight, dieting and image is unrelenting. The way in which folks speak about themselves and others is based in such shame and it is important to address this as early as possible. I believe in changing the conversation people have about themselves. I believe in the benefit and discomfort that comes when we attempt to speak to who we are as unique, creative, wise, and infinitely special.
The difficult truth is that our current culture is perfection-driven. It does such a great disservice to newer generations to put such incredible importance on physical beauty and the pursuit of the perfect body. We have seen this pursuit end tragically time and time again. And, until change happens or our culture shifts, how do we protect ourselves from the negativity? from the shame? from the allure of chasing perfection?
The pursuit of perfection and the expectations folks take on from the messages in the environment can have devastating effects to one's self-esteem. It is important to address these effects as early as possible and attempt to understand how the environment effects how people see themselves.
I have a tremendous amount of experience facilitating body image groups and have accumulated many different techniques and agendas that address both issues with esteem and body image.
Trauma Resolution
Traumatic experiences are a natural part of life. In very simple terms, trauma is any overwhelming situation that causes the body to react. Trauma can occur in an instant, like a car accident. A single event trauma is one that comes out of nowhere and leaves the recipient both stunned and disconnected. Trauma can also be systemic, it can occur across many years. Developmental trauma is a state of fear and stress perpetrated over a long period of time, causing distress and a subsequent deterioration in mental and physical health.
Therapy seeks to unlock and empower an individual towards understanding the defenses they have built (behaviors); the old necessity of those defenses; the idea that those defenses/behaviors were integral in protecting the individual; and now that they have reached a safe place, they can unburden themselves and re-purpose the energy of those maladaptive defenses/behaviors into beneficial and life-fulfilling roles.
Depression
Depression goes beyond the occasional sadness that people feel from time to time. Depression goes beyond grieving losses in life. Depression is a state where folks feel sadness and grief, but also experience hopelessness and helplessness in the midst of the sadness and/or grief.
My aim with depression is to focus on both the "top down" and the "bottom up" processes occurring with my clients. I feel, all too often, folks fall into the willpower trap which can be counter-productive when discussing mental illness. The goal is to find the balance between proper resources, creating and maintaining safety, working on what the driving forces are, and developing ways to cope with the stressors and find worth in life.
How does one find worth in self and in the world? How does one unlock internal motivating factors that lead to lasting shifts? It is a very explorative process and I am always grateful to be able to join with someone on that journey.
Couple/Relational Therapy
How we communicate is a product of how relationship was modeled for us, and many times these can clash or cause disruption. Learning effective communication is key in joining with those we care about.
