Andrew Paves

I’m Dr. Andrew Paves (feel free to call me Andy), a licensed clinical psychologist passionate about racial identity development, intergenerational trauma, and enhancing motivation to change behaviors. Throughout my graduate training and professional career, I have worked with a variety of clients across the lifespan including individuals affected by trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic medical conditions, alcohol and substance use, as well as individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. My goal is to demystify the therapy process and provide access to care that is compassionate, culturally responsive, and individually tailored to your strengths.

My approach

A common therapist answer to almost any question is, “It depends.” It depends on what brings you into therapy, your treatment goals, whether an approach “fits” your current situation (e.g., life stage, work, or economic position) or family and cultural background, and how well we work together. My overall therapeutic approach is influenced by multicultural psychology and a holistic view of health. That being said, I primarily provide interventions informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Essentially, the goal of CBT is to identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Through this process, I help guide clients to reaching different conclusions (not ascribe them, which is a common misconception of CBT) and/or engaging in activities that are personally meaningful and rewarding. Additionally, my approach is informed by Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), a behavioral approach that emphasizes developing a strong therapeutic relationship.

My focus

I provide individual psychotherapy to adults from diverse backgrounds. I am especially passionate about serving communities where stigma towards mental health treatment has historically been a barrier to seeking care, and who have experienced systemic oppression. This also includes the BIPOC community attempting to navigate between their home and public life, and individuals exploring sexuality and gender identity. I also have experience in addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, chronic pain, family and relationship conflicts, stressors associated with various life stages and transitions, and struggling with life direction. I have extensive training and experience in specific evidence-based treatment including Behavioral Activation for depression, CBT for Chronic Pain, CBT for Insomnia, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure.

My communication style

So much of my work is focused on developing a strong therapeutic relationship guided by your goals and strengths. I know that therapy can be a scary (not to mention weird) proposition and my hope is to provide a space where you can feel comfortable, safe, and when needed courageous. The way I communicate with you may depend (“it depends!”) on what’s needed for the moment. On some days, I may provide nothing more than space and a listening ear. On others, l may challenge you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and provide open and honest feedback. Regardless, I’ll remain empathic and give my absolute all in hearing and understanding what you’re going through. I also hope to ensure that therapy remains collaborative, that you feel empowered to shape the treatment plan, and provide me with honest feedback when needed.

My journey to mental healthcare

Growing up in an immigrant family, I knew very little of the mental health field, and mental health struggles were rarely shared by my loved ones and my community. I was not sure what I wanted to do for a career, but I knew I wanted to follow in my parents’ footsteps in serving others, especially after assisting them on a medical mission. I became curious about counseling after having several rewarding experiences providing some emotional support for friends and mentees. This led me to my undergraduate degree in psychology, where my experiences included providing peer-led interventions to prevent problematic alcohol and substance use. Through this and my coursework, I came to see the true challenges of making changes within ourselves and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the field. I earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, where I trained in multiple outpatient and medical settings, while my research focused on the role of marginalization, ethnic identity, and stigma in API mental health. These experiences inform my passions for improving access to effective mental health treatment and empowering people to make the changes needed to bring out the best version of themselves.

My goals for you

I approach goal setting as a collaborative and dynamic process to help guide the course of therapy. There is zero expectation that you will even know exactly what you’re looking for when you first start. It may take several visits to figure that out and explore your core values. On the other hand, we can easily shift to different goals depending on the progress you’ve made or as your situation changes.

My first session with you

As I said before, entering therapy can be a little scary and weird. After all, you’re being asked to share some of your most personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It’s important to me then, to help ease you into the process so you can get a better idea if therapy and working with me specifically is for you. We’ll start by learning just a little bit about you, what brings you into therapy, and some of the things that you feel define you at your core (e.g. past experiences, current people in your life, and interests). I can say that I’ll provide a welcoming, laid-back, and judgment-free environment but that is up to you to determine. Depending on how much we get to, I will at least provide my take on what is going on with you and how we can potentially address this in treatment. I of course will also be happy to answer any other questions or concerns you might have. There is ZERO obligation for you to return if you find that my treatment approach, interpersonal style, or anything else might not fit for you.