Ezrimayr (Ezri) Chioma, LMFT

About me

Welcome! 
In the 6-8 weeks that we will work together, It is my goal to create a safe, warm and inviting space where the whole of you, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, can make full use of the therapeutic intent of our time together.  We keep an eye toward your better self, to help you find what makes you well and at ease, and from there, support management of your psychological challenges.  A healthy core self has a powerful impact on the capacity of the mind and body to organically heal.  We will establish a platform from which you can organize your experiences and get perspective.  Then we will reduce your remaining challenges into bite sized pieces that can be processed and digested more easily, moving you toward greater life involvement and satisfaction.  

The work of therapy doesn't have to be "hard work."  It can be an awakening, an adventure, it can be ground breaking, transformative, enlivening or sometimes even, playful work.

I have always had a Humanistic perspective and I have been deeply influenced by Attachment Theory and Buddhist Philosophy, but in the end, I chose to study Somatic Counseling Psychology at JFKU in the SF/Bay Area.  Studying the body oriented models of psychology and relevant neuroscience that informs the study of the body (brain and nervous system) in association with psychological concerns and disorders, has helped me make sense of my observations in people with complex PTSD.  Of all the styles of therapy I have learned, I most appreciate Process Oriented Psychology, Bodynamics, Hakomi, Somatic Experiencing, and DBT.  They are all powerful interventions that can be used together successfully to your benefit. 

My specialty is developmental trauma, also known as Complex PTSD, born of early traumas or chronic neglect type injury which often results in symptoms such as: general anxiety, intrusive memories, vigilance, specific fears, exhaustion, high sensitivity, compulsivity, health concerns, body/sexuality issues, anorexia, avoidance, control, chronic pain, autoimmune illnesses and altered states.
Symptoms of Anxiety and (stubborn) Depression can also benefit from this type of approach, because they are also often the result of early mental health injuries that could not be addressed at the time they were received.
Some other areas that may not be listed in Betterhelp's categories that also benefit from this treatment style are: stress management, self care issues, codependence, identity, dissociative symptoms, environmental and food allergies, boundaries, sobriety challenges, mental health hygiene, gender norms/roles, personal growth, individuation, etc.

I hope to be talking to you soon - Ezri ...

PS - I have a private practice outside of Betterhelp.com and so my availability is limited. If my available slots cannot accommodate you, you are welcome to wait for an open slot, contact me to inquiry about alternate options or seek an appointment with another therapist. I want what is best for you and will do what I can to support your healing.
PSS - Somatic Psychotherapy works best in-person, but we have video sessions here! So I only see clients in video sessions. At this time, BH would like me to do therapy over Messenger, but I would be breaching my ethics if I did that! I will Message for logistics and resource information. I would never want a client to misunderstand my meaning and thus, will never try to do therapy through written word. I made this decision to protect you - I am happy to help create the time, space and safety to meet by video. Also, we can just meet briefly by phone or video for you to decide if you are comfortable working with me.
PSSS - The rules that govern my license require me to refer a client out if I believe I am not the best fit for them as a therapist. I want the best for anyone I have contact with and if I believe you will be better served by a different therapist, I have to make the referral.
Having said that, it is one of the hardest and most serious decisions I have to make as a therapist and I do not make it lightly.
May you find your way!
Warmest regards, Ezri

Professional experience

Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Blended Family Issues, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Dependent Personality, Dissociation, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sex Addiction, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Women's issues

Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

License information

CA LMFT 97369

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ezrimayr (Ezri) Chioma. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.