Why do you do what you do?

I sometimes lightheartedly joke with colleagues about how therapists usually have their own personal reasons that lead them to entering this field. Growing up, I was heavily impacted by other therapists who helped me through my own journey. Throughout my personal experiences in therapy and my education, I realized not only the importance of the therapeutic process, but the value relationships truly have. Understanding this value is what specifically lead me to marriage and family therapy. I wouldn’t trade this field for anything, and I always look back and laugh when I think about how I started my bachelor’s degree in accounting!

How are you making the world a better place?

As I begin a PhD program, I’m excited to also transition into private practice and continue to do the work I love and feel passionate about. I make my best efforts to help clients through their journey with authenticity, honesty, and humor. It is my goal to create a space where clients feel comfortable and safe.

What are your thoughts on the stigma around mental health and what solution(s) do you have to destigmatize it?

As I continue to work with co-occurring disorders, I am always saddened by the stigma that exists around mental health and addiction. It’s sad to see the false ideas that people have about what therapy is, what it offers, and the ideas people have about those who seek treatment. Like how any global and large-scale change happens, it’s important that this change starts with each individual. Although this may seem challenging, simply creating conversation about this topic and changing the way in which we speak about mental health/substance use is a huge step in the right direction.

What would you like to bring to our attention at this time?

As we talk about stigma, I think it’s important to continue to spread the word that therapy is a service anyone can seek! I see that, too often, many people have ideas that therapy is only for people who are “extremely mentally ill” or “sick”. Not only is this wording part of what empowers the stigma, but it may discourage people from seeking help when needed. As helping professionals it’s important to encourage this conversation in and outside of work to spread awareness and create new ways of thinking.

What is the best way for people to contact you to learn more?

I can be reached at RachaelFarinaLMFT@gmail.com by email. I can also be reached by text or call at 860-578-2169. Please feel free to contact me for any questions!