Ren Fonbuena

Therapy Approaches & Training:

My therapy style draws from a blend of approaches, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed

• LGBTQ2IA+ Affirming and Sex-Positive Affirming Care

• Mindfulness-based approaches and Self-Compassion

• Person-Centered and Strengths-Based Care

• Trauma-Informed and Anti-Oppressive Practice

​​Meet Ren:

My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief of the inherent worth and respect for all persons. I am passionate about working with people to live their best life possible. The client is the expert in their life, my role is to assist in navigating it.

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I work with high school aged adolescents (14+) and adults. I specialize in treating those with chronic health issues, and it is also part of my lived experience. I have a special focus on supporting LGBTQ+ folx as a queer-identified therapist. Neurodivergent clients are very welcome. I am open to all people of all lifestyles and beliefs.

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Clinical Background:

I have an associates from Folsom Lake Community College and bachelors in Elementary Education from California State University Stanislaus. After changing professions from education, I worked in a variety of social work related settings while I got my Masters of Social Work from Walden University. I received additional training in addictions during that program. I served an internship in foster care and at clinical practice which included animal assisted psychotherapy. I have been working for a group practice for the last five years, during which I expanded the modalities I work with and gained experience. I’m committed to ongoing learning and training, particularly around anti-oppressive and trauma-informed care.

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What to Expect in Therapy:

I start with a thorough biopsychosocial assessment for each client. Even though I have to give your insurance a diagnosis, I want to treat people as people and not a pathology. I take a humanistic and systems approach to therapy where I treat the client as a whole person and not only their mental health struggles. I take a harm reduction approach over an elimination approach. I will work with you to support you in aligning your actions to be more oriented to your values. I am honored to be someone you feel safe around, and I take that duty seriously.