Tonya Gulbranson LCSW

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

An accomplished, experienced and highly-skilled professional, whose style is compassionate, enthusiastic, dedicated, passionate, creative, resourceful, thorough, practical, collaborative, as well as, ever-evolving. Embracing a sense of joy, creativity, and humour, while also being committed to practices that are evidence-based, golden standards, supported by science and years of experience. Started her clinical experiences in 1990, earned an MSW in 1995, achieved clinical licensure in 1997. This professional continues to value her experiences, the resilience of others, witnessing others discover their strengths, and tap into the best parts of themselves. Forever-curious, embracing the constant pursuit of learning something new, impactful, meaningful. Regularly recognized through the years, by clients and colleagues, for a spirit of energy and commitment. Currently licensed LCSW (California )

Professional motto: “I partner with people in order to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be”

Words that describe my style: collaborative, compassionate, enthusiastic, practical, resourceful, creative, active, dedicated. It is also ever-evolving.

DEGREES

Bachelor’s of Science in psychology

Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW)

CLINICAL LICENSE

Originally earned a clinical license in the 1990s in Virginia and Maryland.

Earned California license in 2006 upon relocating to the West Coast.

(Currently holds California license)

MY APPROACH

Nobody comes to therapy because they have nothing better to do. People seek out treatment to address areas in which they feel stuck, scared, frustrated, sad, confused, depressed, or unhappy with one or more areas of their life. I strive to help clients identify obstacles that are getting in the way of their goals. I collaborate with them to come up with a plan to address these.

Taking the 1st step towards treatment is incredibly brave and extremely significant. For many of us, it can be difficult to ask for help. I view this as a genuine strength, that should be recognized and celebrated. This shows a willingness for people to take part in their own lives.

I make every effort to provide a safe space for people. Because our work is guided by a standard of wellness, I also owe it to you to be honest and direct. I believe in a sense of joy, play, and creativity.

I want to help you realize your strengths, worth, and resilience. My role is not to "fix" you or tell you what to do. Instead, I want us to come up with a plan together to help you reach your goals.

My grandparents owned a hardware store in the deep South. I spent summers there and learned the value of having the right tools for the job. I have developed a different kind of toolbox, which I have been adding to for the past 30 years. Many of these tools have significant support that indicates they are effective.

We call this evidence-based practice, and sometimes “best practice”. We will work together to custom build YOUR toolkit. I will work with you to throw out old “rusty” (or even dangerous) tools and maybe even rediscover or uncover some tools you already had.

WHY I LOVE THIS WORK

I am passionate about this work. I am constantly inspired by people as they discover their own resilience. I have the honor of witnessing people tap into the best parts of themselves, as they grow and move towards their goals. I meet people with so many different stories, experiences, backgrounds, cultures-so different from one another and yet, as humans, with so many things that make us alike. I am forever curious. I embrace the constant pursuit of experiencing and learning something new, impactful, meaningful.

This work has given me that gift, and in turn, allowed me to grow as a person as well.

WHAT I WANT FOR YOU

I want your to realize your strengths and resilience. I want you to be hopeful, and active in your own life. I want you to see your trouble areas as “areas of growth” and not flaws, failures, or deficiencies. Overall, I want people to be kinder to themselves and learn the very important practice of self-compassion.

I want people to know that there may be ways of dealing with the challenges of their lives in ways different than what they have been doing. I also want people to realize that sometimes acceptance and surrender can be incredibly powerful. I really want to stress that much of what brings people into therapy is very treatable.

MY SPECIALTIES, BACKGROUND, AND PERSONAL INTERESTS

BS, Psychology, Illinois State University

MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University

I have been in the field of psychology in one way or another since the late 80’s. I have worked in a variety of settings as a clinician (which includes individual, relationship, group therapy). I adore facilitating groups, classes and presentations on all things coping and thriving. I have extensive experience in anxiety disorders and have served as the best practices coordinator on anxiety disorders. I have done a great deal in the field of employee wellness.

I have been very involved in training the other clinicians and those studying to be therapists. I often incorporate music, art and drama in my work. I have also developed policies and procedure protocols, as well as programs and standards for agencies. I have written articles on a variety of topics related to the field.

My personality dictates that I am always looking at addressing ways to do better, to grow (through self-reflection or assessing systemic, clinical or client needs) I am very proud of the recognition and awards I have received throughout my career for my work. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy spending time with my animals and my husband, reading and napping in my hammock, singing, redoing furniture, writing letters, looking at the stars, and watching silly movies.

AFFILIATIONS

National Association of Social Workers

Greater Good Science Center (UC Berkeley)
Psi Chi-National Honor Fraternity for Psychology