…as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life that you could save.

-Mary Oliver

Taryn Lawrence, MFT
Taryn Lawrence, MFT

What I Do

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) specializing in the treatment of people who have been harmed in important relationships in their pasts. My patients are people who have made the courageous decision to face complicated emotions and, at times, confusing behaviors. I work with adults who are ready to explore the complexities of painful relationships and understand how this has shaped their personalities and affected their intimate relationships.

It is my intention to help you find clarity in your life story and strength in your suvivorhood. It is empowering to confront what has been denied or hidden and rise above what was once overwhelming. A sense of mastery develops when difficult emotions are encountered and withstood.

To that end, I believe the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative process. I do not passively sit and listen to you. Rather, I get involved. I actively engage in exploring and resolving, with you, the problems you bring to therapy. In addition, my goal is to provide safety for you to do this important work and provide the respect and support you deserve.

Generally, I meet with patients on a weekly basis, but sometimes more often. Due to the nuances of problems and the individuality of each patient, I cannot predict the length of your therapy or guarantee a particular outcome.

My usual fee is $185 per session. In the event I am not a provider on your insurance panel, I will furnish you with the paperwork needed to submit to your insurance carrier for you to request reimbursement for out of network providers.

My Background

Prior to graduating from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), with a Masters in Family Therapy, I trained at the Rape Crisis Center, for three years, providing short and long term trauma-based therapy. Since graduating from CSUS in 1996, I have been involved in several advanced training programs devoted to psychotherapy:

  • Internship at Domestic Violence Solutions, 1998.
  • Five day Immersion Course, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), 2004.
  • Fielding Institute, Sam Osherson Fellowship, 2007.
  • AEDP Core Training Supervision group.
  • Numerous psychotherapy conferences focusing on the clinical application and understanding of attachment theory.
  • Online psychotherapy immersion course, Internal Family Systems (IFS), 2019
  • Six month IFS Circle, 2021

From 2004 – 2009, I worked as a staff therapist for St Vincent’s Residential Community for single moms and their children, working with the moms.

Immediately following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, I volunteered with the Red Cross to aid survivors in Mississippi, 2005.

I have four children and a partner who is also a psychotherapist. I have a dog named Dickens and seven sweet banti chickens. For fun, I enjoy ballroom dancing, hiking and travel adventures.

I am a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).