I lead a group practice of Christian therapists and consultants who are affiliated with New Life Network and New Life Ministries. We work with: -Depression, Anxiety & Anger -Adolescent & Children’s Issues -Adults & Teens Abused as Children -Dependency & Co-Dependency/ACA -Family & Marital Communication Problems -Special Treatment Options for Childhood Wounds -Spiritual Dryness -Post Divorce Issues -Identity Problems -Eating Disorders CONSULTATION FOR: -Work Conflicts & Management Difficulties -Poor Morale, Loss of Productivity & Burn Out -Boundaries @ Work Problems -Leadership Coaching & Development --------------------------------------------------- As a leadership coach, I have worked with leaders from such diverse organizations as the U.S. Coast Guard, SC Johnson & Company, Kaiser-Permanente, SpineCare-SOAR, and the East Bay Lutheran Youth Leaders Association. I've also worked with the Northern California Conference of Seventh Day Adventists and the media company, Live Nation. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other helpful forms of coaching that help clients get unstuck, I have helped many leaders get through impasses in their careers. As an academic consultant, I have consulted for Cal Berkeley’s, Graduate Department of Bioengineering, Cal’s Graduate Department of Public Policy and the San Jose State University, Department of Instructional Design. I have also worked with students on dissertation design and experimental implementation at Argosy University and The Wright Institute. I am currently a graduate instructor in leadership in the business department at California Pacific University in Pinole. Here is a list of services we provide through our leadership and organization development group: As Founding Partner & Consultant with The John Maxwell Team - The Six Core Learning Systems + Two ~ Delivered in seminar or workshop formats listed below: 1. Leadership Gold 2. Put Your Dreams to the Test 3. Becoming a Person of Influence 4. Everyone Communicates Few Connect 5. How to Be a REAL Success 6. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth 7. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership 8. Sometime You Win, Sometimes You Learn Delivery 1) MasterMind Leadership Groups: Free or Low Cost Six to Ten Week Process and Discussion Groups Based on the content of the Six Learning Systems. These groups can be customized and set up for a specific organization, association, or group of leaders. 2) Lunch N’ Learn: Set up as a mid day seminar based on the content of the Six Learning Systems for a specific organization or sub-group that acts as a showcase for introducing leaders and others to leadership concepts and leadership development. 3) Partnership Events. These are designed to create a mutually beneficial situation where the John Maxwell Team coach provides a half day seminar for a fee that an organization can use to attract and invite clients or customers in to introduce or emphasize products or services. . Customized Consulting: I) Executive Coaching For 1. Derailing Leaders: Do you have a “Wrong Fit”, a “Burned Out Boss”, a “Personality Problem”, a “Work-Aholic”, a “Major-In-The-Minors” Manager, a “Hates Conflict” or an “Abrasive Abe”? 2. Tech-Head-To-Leader who is high on knowledge of the business but low on knowledge of the people and how they work. 3. Selection: Finding the next leaders and grooming them for leadership at the top tiers. Evaluations and interviews that get proven results create a highly desirable natural fit. II) Organization Development For: 1. Teams that need building and direction 2. Family-Owned Businesses that are in transition 3. Growing interests that are having trouble keeping up with their own change. 4. Any organization that needs a good evaluation and OD audit to help them get their bearings.

Are you feeling lost, confused, sad, unsure, angry or disconnected? Are you sick of the same patterns, same outcomes, but don’t know how to change? Perhaps something has happened in your life that is overwhelming and you need a place to figure it out. There are numerous reasons someone comes to therapy, but if you are exploring these questions you owe it to yourself to check therapy out. Seeking therapy does not mean there is something wrong with you. Seeking therapy means you have enough insight to know you need some help figuring out next steps, making change, and creating support. If you choose to commit to therapy with me you will find our journey to be a partnership in which ultimately you are helping yourself. That may not appeal to you at this point, but ultimately my job is to work myself out of a job. I believe individuals have the ability to uncover, rediscover, create, and foster enough internal strength to help themselves. This especially happens when they are given a safe space to explore themselves and engage with a skilled, open-hearted, non-judging, person to help them reflect, analyze, see patterns, create goals and make change. We will walk this journey together creating goals and achieving insight derived from the brilliance that shines within you.

"Every human being is a unique individual. Psychotherapeutic success depends ultimately not on theory, and not on a stereotyped technique, but on the individual therapist's ability to understand intuitively and accurately this particular patient." Harry Guntrip "The will to be oneself is heroism." Ortega y Gasset A deeper knowledge of yourself changes who you are. For almost 40 years Richard Bloom, with compassion and keen understanding, has helped individuals deal with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and recovery from addictions and couples deal with conflict and change. He is aware of the profound injuries of childhood abuse and neglect and helps people to reclaim their wholeness, the unique selves that they were forced to mask or abandon in order to survive in the difficult emotional environments of their families.

Compassionate psychotherapy services for adults, adolescents and children with focus on trauma recovery, PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression and life transitions. Professional consulting services in EMDR Therapy are offered to licensed mental health professionals trained in EMDR Therapy. Psycho-educational and consulting services on issues such as domestic violence, parenting, cyber-safety and loved ones who suffer from PTSD are offered. Support groups - post wildfire and natural disaster small groups. Call for availability.

With over 25 years of experience as a licensed psychologist, I help adults, adolescents, and first responders (and their families) navigate life’s toughest moments—including depression, grief, codependency, career burnout, anxiety, and emotional regulation challenges. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready to make a meaningful change, I offer a supportive space to gain clarity, build resilience, and reconnect with your core strengths. I provide therapy in person in Sonoma and Marin Counties, as well as virtually throughout California.

Although often difficult periods of change can give us opportunities to bring our lives more in alignment with what has true value and meaning for ourselves. I work with people during important transitions in their lives, for instance either starting or leaving a significant job or relationship. Communication, trust, intimacy and/ or sexual issues win your relationship? I am very comfortable working with traditional, open/ poly and queer relationships. I can assist you and your partner(s) to develop better communication and understanding around sensitive topics such as betrayal, intimacy and trust. I use an approach called EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) developed by Dr Sue Johnson. Clinical research shows that 90% of couples report significant improvement within 12-20 sessions of EFT. As former Director of the Eating Disorders program at Community Institute of San Rafael, Marin, I work with people who obsess that if they only had the perfect weight their lives would work out. So many of us through over dieting and body hatred have lost our connection to ourselves. The body instead of being home for our psyche/ spirit becomes the battleground. I work with clients to end their battle with food and their bodies. Look at my video describing the popular teleclass series for how to empower yourself during the holidays especially when dealing with stressors around food and family: "Empower Don't Devour!' Do you feel emotionally stuck in the past? You might be suffering from trauma. I help my clients move through past traumatic experiences using EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) This well researched method has fast and effective results in working with people suffering from trauma. I also help my clients release the cellular and muscular memory of the trauma (which is where trauma is often stored) using somatic psychotherapy. This is an approach that taps into body awareness and mindfulness, which does not involve touch. Finally I have found Depth Hypnosis to be a highly effective tool for helping my clients get out of stuck places and create the change they want.

If you are looking for a very compassionate and accepting yet active therapist, that is definitely my style. Clients often comment on how comfortable they feel with me, even in the first session. Are you wanting help in setting clear goals at the beginning of the therapy process? We can easily collaborate on that, and make it easier to track progress. As a result, you will be able to heighten the chances of resolving your issues more quickly. If you like, we can also look at deeper, underlying issues. You will be less apt to repeat old, unwanted behaviors as a result.

Are you finding that your relationships aren’t working so well? It can be your relationship to yourself (just not feeling good about your self), your relationship to work (such as difficulties with co-workers or a boss), or your relationships with your family and/ or partner or friends. I believe that we are always striving to move towards personal growth and health. Our work is to remove these blocks with compassion and understanding so that you can achieve the changes that you want to make. My style is an interactive one with warmth, support, insight and humor.

When the early excitement of falling in love fades, differences which once felt trivial become the source of disagreement and frustration. In a safe and confidential setting, I welcome individuals and couples into my private practice to improve their communication skills, increase their positive self esteem, and restore the connection in their primary relationships. Imago Relationship Therapy is based on the best selling book, "Getting the Love You Want," by Harville Hendrix, PhD and Co-Founded Imago Relationships International together with his partner, Helan LaKelly Hunt, PhD. As a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, I give couples the tools they need to tranform their relationship difficuties into the shared path of healing for optimum growth and connection. The Imago Dialogue is a simple, respectful and effective way to talk to your partner about the things that really matter. Exploring, understanding and appreciating your differences can become the most joyous experiences of your life, and the path to lasting love. In Imago their is no blame, shame or harsh criticism. Instead, a stronger connection comes through attentive listening and being deeply heard in an emotionally safe environment. Then surprising answers to age old conflicts can emerge from the relationship itself. Conflict and frustrations are truly growth waiitng to happen. Imago gives couples the tools they need to restore the loving connections they seek.

Dr. Martin specializes in the treatment of Anxiety and Fears: Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Medical Procedure Fears, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Work Stress, Marital Stress, Specific Phobias. Treatment emphasizes Exposure-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Treatment is active, collaborative, supportive, and custom tailored to each individual. The patient works at his or her own pace while actively learning to think and behave in ways that increase confidence. Successful therapy leads to reduced anxiety, depression, avoidance and impairment. Dr. Martin has offices in both Marin and Sonoma Counties. Problems Treated: PANIC DISORDER: Panic Disorder essentially means fear of panic attacks. Many people (perhaps one out of five) experience panic attacks, yet most are not frightened about them. They are very uncomfortable, but are usually understood not to be dangerous. Most people float with them while the adrenalin burns off and within a half an hour or so, feel recovered and may feel a little “off” for an hour or so afterwards (like they just ran an Olympic sprint). A panic attack is a sudden and severe onset of anxiety which may include, for example, heart racing, difficulty breathing, feelings of dread and needing to escape, light-headedness or dizziness. AGORAPHOBIA: In most instances, Agoraphobia refers to the experience of great emotional distress in, or avoidance of situations where one fears having a panic attack. In other words, it often accompanies Panic Disorder. Situations include shopping malls, church services, parties, restaurants, airplanes, bridges, freeways, doctors offices and even medical and dental procedures such as MRIs where the patient feels trapped and afraid of having a panic attack or in some cases a more limited symptom (not quite panic). Again, the underlying fear here would be either physical harm; social humiliation; or losing mental control and somehow not being able to get help. OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD may take a variety of forms. Six of these seem to account for most of OCD. Many sufferers experience more than one form and symptoms may change over time. GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER. These patients have frequent episodes of worry, often many times a day. They worry excessively about such things as paying bills, traffic accidents, illness, etc. Their anxiety goes up and down as the individual is confronted situationally or mentally with a worried thought. SPECIFIC PHOBIAS. These include for instance, fear of heights, flying, driving, public speaking, closed spaces, or animals. These individuals usually know their fears are exaggerated but like all anxiety disorders they continue to wonder “what if.” Thus, they either avoid situations or endure them with much distress. DEPRESSION. Unlike an anxiety disorder, clinical depression often affects mood in many situations which are not stressful in and of themselves. Getting easily frustrated over small things is a common symptom of Clinical Depression. Depressed mood, tearfulness, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, lowered feelings of self worth and suicidal feelings are common symptoms. Getting increasingly frustrated or irritable, having constant ruminative worry, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, problems sleeping or with appetite can all feel like symptoms of anxiety. But they are also common symptoms of clinical depression. SITUATIONAL STRESS. Marital problems, grief over loss of a friend, work conflicts, or financial uncertainty are all examples of situational stress. These stressors may be temporary, but can also be quite distressing and impairing and can lead to more serious problems over time such as an anxiety disorder or clinical depression.

I have been in private practice for over twenty years and have helped many people overcome issues affecting their lives. I work with all populations except children. If you are having problems in your life, whether it's loneliness, the desire for a relationship, relationship issues including infidelity, boredom or sexual issues, anxiety, depression, job unhappiness, creative blocks, feelings of emptiness or failure, grief, trauma, low self-esteem, childhood issues or struggling with alcoholism, I can help you heal and become all that you want to be and were meant to be. I am interactive, supportive, and join with my clients, helping them find solutions to their problems. I also coach people regarding life issues and job issues. If you are living outside of California, I can't be your therapist but I can coach you for all problems, except severe depression or severe mental illness, via telephone, email, or video conferencing. I see or hear sessions via doxy.me or phone I am available for phone sessions and email sessions until very late in the evening. I generally don't do sessions after one am.

Great counseling starts with a strong commitment to making changes and a careful selection of a therapist who is right for you - one who is genuine, compassionate and insightful. As I listen, interact and guide, these are the values I hold most highly. I take an empathic, common-sense approach to helping you find more satisfaction in family, work and community life. Contact me about relationships, depression, grief, loss, sexuality, stress, anxiety and other personal issues. Trust, respect and mutual understanding are hallmarks of an effective therapy relationship. They allow us to work toward lasting change with safety and support. The goals: to challenge self-defeating patterns, to deepen self-understanding, and to participate in relationships with courage, integrity and an open heart.

I have been in private practice for over twenty years and have helped many people overcome issues affecting their lives. I work with all populations except children. If you are having problems in your life, whether it's loneliness, the desire for a relationship, relationship issues including infidelity, boredom or sexual issues, anxiety, depression, job unhappiness, creative blocks, feelings of emptiness or failure, grief, trauma, low self-esteem, childhood issues or struggling with alcoholism, I can help you heal and become all that you want to be and were meant to be. I am interactive, supportive, and join with my clients, helping them find solutions to their problems. I also coach people regarding life issues and job issues. If you are living outside of California, I can't be your therapist but I can coach you for all problems, except severe depression or severe mental illness, via telephone, email, or video conferencing. I see or hear sessions via doxy.me or phone I am available for phone sessions and email sessions until very late in the evening. I generally don't do sessions after one am.

Great counseling starts with a strong commitment to making changes and a careful selection of a therapist who is right for you - one who is genuine, compassionate and insightful. As I listen, interact and guide, these are the values I hold most highly. I take an empathic, common-sense approach to helping you find more satisfaction in family, work and community life. Contact me about relationships, depression, grief, loss, sexuality, stress, anxiety and other personal issues. Trust, respect and mutual understanding are hallmarks of an effective therapy relationship. They allow us to work toward lasting change with safety and support. The goals: to challenge self-defeating patterns, to deepen self-understanding, and to participate in relationships with courage, integrity and an open heart.

I treat Adults, Adolescents and Couples primarily utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral approach but also incorporate Positive Psychology, Solution Focused, Transpersonal and Mindfulness concepts. Helping people learn to understand their thinking processes and also identify patterns of behavior that may no longer meet their needs is an important part of the process of making both short term and long terms changes. My philosophy stresses personal insight and responsibility, health and wellness - integrating the physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional in an open environment that allows people to commit to change. I believe that giving people skills, allows them to manage their lives in a healthier manner regardless of what the future holds for them. .

When the early excitement of falling in love fades, differences which once felt trivial become the source of disagreement and frustration. In a safe and confidential setting, I welcome individuals and couples into my private practice to improve their communication skills, increase their positive self esteem, and restore the connection in their primary relationships. Imago Relationship Therapy is based on the best selling book, "Getting the Love You Want," by Harville Hendrix, PhD and Co-Founded Imago Relationships International together with his partner, Helan LaKelly Hunt, PhD. As a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, I give couples the tools they need to tranform their relationship difficuties into the shared path of healing for optimum growth and connection. The Imago Dialogue is a simple, respectful and effective way to talk to your partner about the things that really matter. Exploring, understanding and appreciating your differences can become the most joyous experiences of your life, and the path to lasting love. In Imago their is no blame, shame or harsh criticism. Instead, a stronger connection comes through attentive listening and being deeply heard in an emotionally safe environment. Then surprising answers to age old conflicts can emerge from the relationship itself. Conflict and frustrations are truly growth waiitng to happen. Imago gives couples the tools they need to restore the loving connections they seek.

I receive great satisfaction from helping individuals and couples resolve issues that are causing distress. In a safe space while learning practical tools, our work together creates healing and resolution. I use EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) to resolve traumatic events as well as negative thoughts which keep you from reaching your full potential. The Enneagram of personality types helps create a deeper self understanding and compassion for others in your life. Mindfullness is another important aspect of how I work; learning relaxation and stress reduction techniques are beneficial to leading a healthy life.

My intent is to help you deal with problems you're facing and lead a more fulfilling life. I have a strong track record of helping people overcome difficulty, struggle and confusion in their lives. I'll work to help you discover new ways of experiencing yourself in the world. I use an integrative mind/body approach to psychotherapy in facilitating change toward contentment and vitality. I work with couples and individuals around issues of intimacy, self-worth, life transition, purpose and spiritual inquiry. My background includes extensive training in Hakomi Body-Centered Psychotherapy. This approach incorporates the Buddhist practice of mindfulness, or compassionate self-observing, to help explore unconscious beliefs and change self-defeating patterns. I draw on many sources and therapeutic models in my work. I also place great importance on providing an environment where you feel safe to freely and creatively explore your inner world. My style is collaborative, engaged and supportive. I’d be glad to talk further about your particular situation and needs.

If you are looking for a therapist, I would encourage you to speak to at least three different clinicians on the phone or take the time to have an initial consultation visit. It's important that you feel comfortable enough to let yourself be known by whomever you choose to work with. For no other reasons than chemistry and connection, some of us will be a good match for you and others won't. When I commit to working with a couple or individual, I am intending to create an intimate relationship that is built on trust and connection. The relationship needs to be able to withstand the tumult of painful and positive memories, angry outbursts as well as joyful hopes for the future. I have been working as a psychotherapist for twenty five years. As I age and grow, my own life perspective certainly effects the work that I do.However, the foundation of my work is rooted in a strong connection between me and the people I come to know.

My intent is to help you deal with problems you're facing and lead a more fulfilling life. I have a strong track record of helping people overcome difficulty, struggle and confusion in their lives. I'll work to help you discover new ways of experiencing yourself in the world. I use an integrative mind/body approach to psychotherapy in facilitating change toward contentment and vitality. I work with couples and individuals around issues of intimacy, self-worth, life transition, purpose and spiritual inquiry. My background includes extensive training in Hakomi Body-Centered Psychotherapy. This approach incorporates the Buddhist practice of mindfulness, or compassionate self-observing, to help explore unconscious beliefs and change self-defeating patterns. I draw on many sources and therapeutic models in my work. I also place great importance on providing an environment where you feel safe to freely and creatively explore your inner world. My style is collaborative, engaged and supportive. I’d be glad to talk further about your particular situation and needs.

"Every human being is a unique individual. Psychotherapeutic success depends ultimately not on theory, and not on a stereotyped technique, but on the individual therapist's ability to understand intuitively and accurately this particular patient." Harry Guntrip "The will to be oneself is heroism." Ortega y Gasset A deeper knowledge of yourself changes who you are. For almost 40 years Richard Bloom, with compassion and keen understanding, has helped individuals deal with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and recovery from addictions and couples deal with conflict and change. He is aware of the profound injuries of childhood abuse and neglect and helps people to reclaim their wholeness, the unique selves that they were forced to mask or abandon in order to survive in the difficult emotional environments of their families.

Of course you are affected by your loved one's behaviors. How could you not be? It makes perfect sense that you would want to support and give to the dear ones in your life. But sometimes focusing on other people can become a problem. Especially if prioritizing others and trying to anticipate their needs before they've even voiced them has been the main source of one's validation, praise, even identity. This pattern can stand in the way of your success if it leaves no energy for your personal development. People can find themselves feeling lost and lonely in their own lives. Feeling purposeless, unmotivated, drifting, can be signs that something is wrong. Because in study after study, human beings have shown themselves to be overwhelmingly drawn to work they are passionate about, motivated to be part of making a difference, endlessly creative when given the right circumstances, wanting to make connections Often people don't talk about the way they are feeling because they're afraid of the stigma of DEPRESSION, what if that's what they're feeling? Perhaps, but most of the time there are simple Life Skills missing in these instances and with a few simple evidence-based tools in hand there can be major change. A person can see themselves having more success in communication in general, but specifically in negotiating what they need at their jobs to make it worthwhile for them to be there. They can see themselves suddenly not paralyzed when major things don't go as planned because they know how to talk themselves through it, who to reach out to for help, and how to take care of themselves until they feel better enough to make decisions from a healthier emotional/mental state. They are able to put into play a few regular practices that support self connection and develop emotional intelligence allowing them to think on their feet, experience and identify emotion in the moment and not have to act on it, see and articulate choice and so many other emotional intelligence capacities. If you are experiencing difficulty in personal relationships, finding it hard to function at work or in the rest of your life, experiencing either a confused, dissociated state or an extreme loss of motivation, struggles with self-esteem, a chronic self criticism, not acknowledging your successes or thinking you have none? You can stop feeling badly that you struggle with these things. They are often part of a set of behavioral symptoms that has points to a lack of Life Skills, one of those repurposed words, which means several things: *you aren't alone *you are ok *you can feel better because there is help, support, and these skills can be learned There's no reason to struggle alone with this any longer. I offer free consultations so you can call and schedule one today. 415-378-7506

I am bicultural and enjoy working with clients from all cultural backgrounds. I especially enjoy working with younger adults (20s-30s) and those who are new to therapy. I have extensive experience working with young professionals. I can help you if you are struggling. Some of the issues I can help with are depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and grief (specialized training and experience in grief counseling). I can provide a safe, nonjudgmental setting for you to discover and change unconscious thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors may be interfering with your goals, relationships, and personal growth. I also offer the practical and emotional support needed during challenging life-stage transitions. Therapy is also a place to explore thoughts and feelings you might not feel free to share with friends and relatives, for whatever reason. I provide a safe, supportive, therapeutic relationship as a context in which to work through a variety of concerns, including: Family-of-origin issues, effects of childhood trauma and neglect Depression Anxiety, worry, panic, emotional overwhelm, stress management Relationship problems Communication problems Grief & loss (recent or delayed)* Life transitions/adjusting to change Bicultural difficulties Academic concerns, career choice Changing self-defeating thoughts and behaviors Self-esteem Trust issues Values clarification, life purpose/meaning *Certificate of Completion, Professional Program in the Study of Loss & Grief, University of California, Berkeley, 2004.

As a highly specialized Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I offer tailor-made and structured treatments for all forms of mood and anxiety disorders. If your symptoms include medical issues or chronic pain conditions, I can particularly be helpful as I am a trained medical psychologist and my practice is set up to help individuals who are coping with ongoing health conditions that have affected their quality of life. I use the most up-to-date clinical assessment tools to obtain specifics on ways a person's life has been affected by their illness or mood problems. We will then set out a short-term but intensive treatment program that will address the specifics of your needs. You can expect in-between-sessions therapy homework which leads to the improvement and the change you are looking for. Most patients report an incredible reduction in their pain or the status of their mood problems, and most patients find that they have gained significant improvement over the way they cope with their disease. An initial phone consult is free. Let us see if Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is for you.

“If we want to help our clients to realize themselves as more complete true human beings, we must ourselves have the courage to risk the dangers of being human.” –Laura Perls- If your life isn’t what you’d like it to be, if you are burdened by feelings of unhappiness, or if you are just not happy, then therapy can help you to feel more supported and better understood. My approach is to provide you with a safe and respectful environment where you can be yourself, your true self. Therapy is about growth and realizing your idea of a complete and satisfying life. Get to know the many different sides of yourself, learn to appreciate all of yourself and explore the risk of taking new steps in order to heal old wounds. I specialize in working with LGBTQ youth and adults, people in the coming out process and those who are dealing with difficulties with their family due to the different choices they made in their life’s. My goal is to help you face the pain and struggles you hide from. Let’s address them together and start the process towards a life full of abundant happiness you deserve. I am fluent in English, German, and Dutch. Free 20 minute initial consultation upon request.

Has your relationship become like roommates or a war zone or you just feel that something's missing but you don't know what it is? Maybe you feel the connection is lost. You may both feel isolated, hurt and angry. In therapy I'll help you to improve communication. We'll unpack "old baggage" from the past to understand its impact on the present. You may be longing to get your needs met and to feel heard. We'll tackle issues such as escalating arguments, walls of silence, infidelity, shame and anger. I offer you interactive, nonjudgmental guidance. I use my insight, empathy and sense of humor to help you. Let's talk. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation, For struggling couples it's rarely just one person's problem, it's the dynamic between you, and it can change. In working with me, you'll each feel heard and learn to truly listen. You'll develop greater empathy for each other. Intimacy that you've lost can return. We may unravel the pain of old or new relationship wounds still affecting both of you. Every couple is different and I strive to meet you where you're at. In my 30+ years of experience, I have helped a great many individuals and couples of varied ethnicities, religions, classes, gender identities and sexual orientations. By working with you interactively, empathically and respectfully, I can help you too.

Do you have the relationship blues? Relationships are the basic fabric of our lives, but they can be so hard. You may be struggling with feeling distant or overly involved, with not knowing how to get your needs met or deal with others' needs. I can help you discover the underlying blocks to having a more fulfilling relationship. We’ll unpack your “personal baggage” from the past, improve your communication skills and dismantle your repetitive negative cycles of relating. I have worked with individuals and couples to improve relationships with self and other for 25 years. I can help you to overcome the stumbling blocks that keep you from having the satisfying relationship that you want. Couples usually come to therapy shut down, hurt, and/or angry. Through counseling you can open up and regain connection. I'll help you identify and change dysfunctional relationship patterns, learn new ways of communicating and understand how you are bringing some experiences of the past into the present. You'll build your communication and intimacy skills, deal with issues such as becoming parents, escalating arguments, infidelity, walls of silence, fear and anger. You will learn to see your relationship problems as about the dynamic between you, not one person's or the other's fault. BRIEF INDIVIDUAL THERAPY In brief (10 -12 weeks) individual therapy, you’ll gain insight by looking deep inside at what is blocking you or driving you in the wrong direction. We will strive towards self-acceptance, which also leads to better relationships to others. You need understanding of what is going wrong and why, in order to do it differently in the future. When you know where your problems are rooted and how they show up, you have the opportunity to change. With both couples and individuals, I work collaboratively to help you gain insight, to look deeply and understand what is blocking you or driving you in the wrong direction. You need understanding of what is going wrong and why, in order to do it differently. I am interactive, empathic, respectful, warm and at times, humorous. Experience is the best teacher, it's true. In 30 years of practice, I've gained much experience with clients of all ages, ethnicities, sexual preferences and class backgrounds. It's an honor to share in your journey and to have you courageously allow me into your private world.

Of course you are affected by your loved one's behaviors. How could you not be? It makes perfect sense that you would want to support and give to the dear ones in your life. But sometimes focusing on other people can become a problem. Especially if prioritizing others and trying to anticipate their needs before they've even voiced them has been the main source of one's validation, praise, even identity. This pattern can stand in the way of your success if it leaves no energy for your personal development. People can find themselves feeling lost and lonely in their own lives. Feeling purposeless, unmotivated, drifting, can be signs that something is wrong. Because in study after study, human beings have shown themselves to be overwhelmingly drawn to work they are passionate about, motivated to be part of making a difference, endlessly creative when given the right circumstances, wanting to make connections Often people don't talk about the way they are feeling because they're afraid of the stigma of DEPRESSION, what if that's what they're feeling? Perhaps, but most of the time there are simple Life Skills missing in these instances and with a few simple evidence-based tools in hand there can be major change. A person can see themselves having more success in communication in general, but specifically in negotiating what they need at their jobs to make it worthwhile for them to be there. They can see themselves suddenly not paralyzed when major things don't go as planned because they know how to talk themselves through it, who to reach out to for help, and how to take care of themselves until they feel better enough to make decisions from a healthier emotional/mental state. They are able to put into play a few regular practices that support self connection and develop emotional intelligence allowing them to think on their feet, experience and identify emotion in the moment and not have to act on it, see and articulate choice and so many other emotional intelligence capacities. If you are experiencing difficulty in personal relationships, finding it hard to function at work or in the rest of your life, experiencing either a confused, dissociated state or an extreme loss of motivation, struggles with self-esteem, a chronic self criticism, not acknowledging your successes or thinking you have none? You can stop feeling badly that you struggle with these things. They are often part of a set of behavioral symptoms that has points to a lack of Life Skills, one of those repurposed words, which means several things: *you aren't alone *you are ok *you can feel better because there is help, support, and these skills can be learned There's no reason to struggle alone with this any longer. I offer free consultations so you can call and schedule one today. 415-378-7506

If you had a mom (or dad) who was critical, emotionally cold or distant, demanding or dismissive, you probably struggle with feeling not-good-enough. You might find you work way too hard to prove your worth. You might be overly responsible - to everyone but yourself. You might feel anxious about being judged or rejected. But no one judges you as harshly as your own inner critic. And that might be leaving you exhausted and depressed. Having a parent who can't convey that you mean everything to them, all the time, without ever having to earn love leaves us scrambling to earn love, respect and approval in every area of life - work, love, and friendship. It's terrible to feel we can lose respect, admiration and care if we make a wrong move. What's really true is this: You can't earn love (and don't have to) to feel valued. It is being loved without limits for no good reason that makes us feel secure in the knowledge that we are lovable. If you didn't get this kind of love as a kid, no worries. You can have it now. The key is learning how to give it to YOURSELF. My job is to teach you HOW. When you have your own love, everything else changes. It becomes easier to say no to situations and people who don't feel right for you. You feel empowered to set the boundaries you need. It becomes easier to ask for what you need without worrying about burdening others. You become your full, real self, discovering who really loves YOU (not what you do for them). If this sounds like you, please contact me to schedule a free consultation.

I treat Adults, Adolescents and Couples primarily utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral approach but also incorporate Positive Psychology, Solution Focused, Transpersonal and Mindfulness concepts. Helping people learn to understand their thinking processes and also identify patterns of behavior that may no longer meet their needs is an important part of the process of making both short term and long terms changes. My philosophy stresses personal insight and responsibility, health and wellness - integrating the physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional in an open environment that allows people to commit to change. I believe that giving people skills, allows them to manage their lives in a healthier manner regardless of what the future holds for them. .

Although often difficult periods of change can give us opportunities to bring our lives more in alignment with what has true value and meaning for ourselves. I work with people during important transitions in their lives, for instance either starting or leaving a significant job or relationship. Communication, trust, intimacy and/ or sexual issues win your relationship? I am very comfortable working with traditional, open/ poly and queer relationships. I can assist you and your partner(s) to develop better communication and understanding around sensitive topics such as betrayal, intimacy and trust. I use an approach called EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) developed by Dr Sue Johnson. Clinical research shows that 90% of couples report significant improvement within 12-20 sessions of EFT. As former Director of the Eating Disorders program at Community Institute of San Rafael, Marin, I work with people who obsess that if they only had the perfect weight their lives would work out. So many of us through over dieting and body hatred have lost our connection to ourselves. The body instead of being home for our psyche/ spirit becomes the battleground. I work with clients to end their battle with food and their bodies. Look at my video describing the popular teleclass series for how to empower yourself during the holidays especially when dealing with stressors around food and family: "Empower Don't Devour!' Do you feel emotionally stuck in the past? You might be suffering from trauma. I help my clients move through past traumatic experiences using EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) This well researched method has fast and effective results in working with people suffering from trauma. I also help my clients release the cellular and muscular memory of the trauma (which is where trauma is often stored) using somatic psychotherapy. This is an approach that taps into body awareness and mindfulness, which does not involve touch. Finally I have found Depth Hypnosis to be a highly effective tool for helping my clients get out of stuck places and create the change they want.

I welcome individuals and couples from traditional, non-traditional, heterosexual and lgbtq ifestyles who live in the Northern California Bay Area. My areas of specialization are EMDR for trauma resolution and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. I am Certified as an EMDR Therapist by EMDRIA ( the EMDR International Association) and Certified as an Emotionally l Focused Therapist by ICEEFT ( The International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy). My style reflects a synthesis of cognitive, body-centered (somatic), emotionally focused and psychodynamic approaches to couples, individual and group therapy. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: Many people who suffer from low self esteem, anxiety, symptoms of trauma or relationship struggles also grapple with negative core beliefs about themselves. Some of the common negative core beliefs include: I'm a bad person, I'll always get it wrong, I'm defective, It's my fault, I'll never feel safe, I'm helpless, I'm stuck and I don't have any choices. Those beliefs usually come from a time when we were profoundly overwhelmed by a frightening, chaotic or unpredictable situation. A type of therapy called EMDR which stands for ( Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be a way to turn around those beliefs and create a new adaptive way of seeing oneself that is grounded in a healthy adaptive adult view of reality. In addition to EMDR, I often incorporate body-centered ( somatic) therapy. Somatic therapy is a way to study how we form our habitual body-based patterns- some of which work very well and others that are not working so well in relation to ourselves and others. In the process, we can learn how to create new ways of organizing ourselves in a muscular-skeletal way that result in greater options and choices in how we live our lives. COUPLES and FAMILY THERAPY: One of my specializations is Emotionally Focused Therapy- an evidenced-based approach to helping couples and families tap into their emotions ( the good, the bad and the ugly) and create a solid foundation for deep, resilient, intimate emotional healing and connection based on trust and understanding.

Many of us are reluctant to try psychotherapy until we have exhausted every conceivable means of coping with our problems. The reasons that we don't seek professional help is complex. But whether it is fear of change, pessimism or defensiveness the root may be not wanting to face ourselves. Effective therapy is about facing things about ourselves that we either can't or don't want to see. There are obvious reasons for our lack of success in love, work and relationships, yet we remain blind to them. We know that angry communication never works but we continue to act as if it does. We withhold our true feelings not only from others but ourselves. We wander through our lives sometimes dazed, sometimes confused and often disconnected. We are hurting but act as if we are invulnerable. We can be pleasant, polite to a fault, generous and kind, but, alas, feel empty at the same time. Media about movies about aliens, robots and the undead reflect the alienation from self that is so prevalent in contemporary life. We look away from ourselves. We think that problems are outside of ourselves not within us. Learning to solve the problems within us is a major goal in psychotherapy. “You have every right to expect psychotherapy to be a force for personal growth. An effective therapist will help you see your problems clearly, so that solutions become emotionally apparent and therefore, accessible. Successful therapy will address your anger and anxiety. will diminish your shame, self-blame and self-doubt. It will help you to face yourself in ways that you have avoided or been unaware of. Effective therapy makes change inevitable. If therapy does not succeed in addressing of deep frustration with self and others, it's not working. Interventions are designed to raise self-esteem, self-respect, personal authority and improve interpersonal communication underlying feelings of loneliness and isolation. I have been a licensed therapist for over four decades. My expertise is based on a wealth of personal as well as professional experience. I am familiar with every phase of the life cycle and the particular issues that arise in each phase of your journey. I encourage you to take the first step toward self-exploration. I hope to aid you in your self-affirmation.

Many of us are reluctant to try psychotherapy until we have exhausted every conceivable means of coping with our problems. The reasons that we don't seek professional help is complex. But whether it is fear of change, pessimism or defensiveness the root may be not wanting to face ourselves. Effective therapy is about facing things about ourselves that we either can't or don't want to see. There are obvious reasons for our lack of success in love, work and relationships, yet we remain blind to them. We know that angry communication never works but we continue to act as if it does. We withhold our true feelings not only from others but ourselves. We wander through our lives sometimes dazed, sometimes confused and often disconnected. We are hurting but act as if we are invulnerable. We can be pleasant, polite to a fault, generous and kind, but, alas, feel empty at the same time. Media about movies about aliens, robots and the undead reflect the alienation from self that is so prevalent in contemporary life. We look away from ourselves. We think that problems are outside of ourselves not within us. Learning to solve the problems within us is a major goal in psychotherapy. “You have every right to expect psychotherapy to be a force for personal growth. An effective therapist will help you see your problems clearly, so that solutions become emotionally apparent and therefore, accessible. Successful therapy will address your anger and anxiety. will diminish your shame, self-blame and self-doubt. It will help you to face yourself in ways that you have avoided or been unaware of. Effective therapy makes change inevitable. If therapy does not succeed in addressing of deep frustration with self and others, it's not working. Interventions are designed to raise self-esteem, self-respect, personal authority and improve interpersonal communication underlying feelings of loneliness and isolation. I have been a licensed therapist for over four decades. My expertise is based on a wealth of personal as well as professional experience. I am familiar with every phase of the life cycle and the particular issues that arise in each phase of your journey. I encourage you to take the first step toward self-exploration. I hope to aid you in your self-affirmation.

As a licensed clinical social worker and certified sex therapist with over 40 years of experience, I bring a broad perspective and a practical approach to my work. I deal with issues of relationships, parenting, depression and anxiety, as well as concerns around sexuality, including disparate desire, dysfunction, lack of desire, unusual sexual preferences, sexuality and disability and aging, sexually transmitted diseases, and polyamorous relationships. I have a solo practice with an office in the Mission-Noe Valley district of San Francisco. I offer brief phone consultations, have no office staff and look after all facets of the practice myself. Providing a safe and private enviornment is a priority. Although trained in the psychodynamic model of therapy, I have evolved a briefer, present-focused treatment approach using cognitve and behavioral strategies.Treatment focuses on developing insight about unproductive behaviors, building communication and relationship skills and solidifying gains made in therapy.

I welcome individuals and couples from traditional, non-traditional, heterosexual and lgbtq ifestyles who live in the Northern California Bay Area. My areas of specialization are EMDR for trauma resolution and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. I am Certified as an EMDR Therapist by EMDRIA ( the EMDR International Association) and Certified as an Emotionally l Focused Therapist by ICEEFT ( The International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy). My style reflects a synthesis of cognitive, body-centered (somatic), emotionally focused and psychodynamic approaches to couples, individual and group therapy. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: Many people who suffer from low self esteem, anxiety, symptoms of trauma or relationship struggles also grapple with negative core beliefs about themselves. Some of the common negative core beliefs include: I'm a bad person, I'll always get it wrong, I'm defective, It's my fault, I'll never feel safe, I'm helpless, I'm stuck and I don't have any choices. Those beliefs usually come from a time when we were profoundly overwhelmed by a frightening, chaotic or unpredictable situation. A type of therapy called EMDR which stands for ( Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be a way to turn around those beliefs and create a new adaptive way of seeing oneself that is grounded in a healthy adaptive adult view of reality. In addition to EMDR, I often incorporate body-centered ( somatic) therapy. Somatic therapy is a way to study how we form our habitual body-based patterns- some of which work very well and others that are not working so well in relation to ourselves and others. In the process, we can learn how to create new ways of organizing ourselves in a muscular-skeletal way that result in greater options and choices in how we live our lives. COUPLES and FAMILY THERAPY: One of my specializations is Emotionally Focused Therapy- an evidenced-based approach to helping couples and families tap into their emotions ( the good, the bad and the ugly) and create a solid foundation for deep, resilient, intimate emotional healing and connection based on trust and understanding.

If you have concerns for yourself or a family member I would be happy to speak with you. I would be pleased to answer your questions or to set up an initial appointment. My primary area of specialization is related to the treatment of traumatic stress responses, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, specific phobias, depression, and dissociative disorders. I work with a wide range of survivors of traumatic experiences including crime victims, industrial injuries, motor vehicle crashes, natural and man-made disasters, critical incident and cumulative stress in police, fire and other emergency responders, adults who were abused or neglected as children. I also have extensive experience in alcohol and substance abuse recovery. I work with individuals with co-occuring posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol or substance abuse. My original training was in marriage and family therapy and I have continued to work with couples over the last three decades. I work with couples at all phases of life. I help couples learn to communicate and work through issues with blended families, infidelity, infertility, and adoption. I support loving relationships by helping couples learn to communicate more effectively, develop trust and intimacy, work through areas of conflict, and resolve their issues.

I work with adults, couples, families, teens and children. In the midst of our daily lives, we can find ourselves in painful situations especially with the people who are closest with us such as our partners and spouses, or with whom we have frequent contact at work or school, etc. These difficult feelings often reflect our own inner wounds. To have our own peace of mind we must first find our own inner peace. I have found that this is more the work of our hearts than it is the work of our minds. It is our hearts that provide the gateway to our healing and to our peace of mind through compassionate understanding. So many people honestly don't know how to be compassionate with themselves. They may feel this readily for others yet when it comes to themselves find that they are painfully excluded from their own hearts. I look to create a safe place where you can come to connect with the compassion of your heart in order to have the healing we each seek in our lives.

Are you scared about what has happened to your relationship? Has your partner, or you, fallen out of love. There is help for marriages that are struggling. The average couple waits 6 years before getting help. Don't wait too long. The spark of love could go out - either in your heart or your partner's. Don't continue to do what you have been doing -- if it is not working. Talking to a couples expert can give you new approaches that have helped many couples have happier, more connected, and more loving relationships.

I am a clinical psychologist with over 25 years experience in an adult outpatient psychotherapy practice and 15 years experience as a staff psychologist in the Chronic Pain Department at the Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Complex. My areas of specialization include psychodynamic psychotherapy, Brief therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Hypnosis, crisis intervention and Somatic Experiencing Trauma Therapy. Presenting issues I work with include chronic pain and other chronic medical conditions, anxiety/panic disorders, phobias, depressive disorders, sleep disorders, dissociative disorders, stress, post-traumatic stress and psychosomatic conditions.

Do you feel lost, alone and tired of carrying your heavy load by yourself? Do you look in the mirror and wonder what happened to me, who am I? I specialize in working with the grief of a life that feels hopeless and or loss of relationship, friendship, health, job or pet. I offer a place where you learn how to start taking those steps forward.. As you experience speaking and expressing your inner thoughts to another human being you will begin to find your own way back to your life. Together will work toward making life simpler and less stressful You will start to feel better and your energy will come back. You may think you should be able to figure out how to move forward in your life. It helps to talk with someone who is a professionally trained listener. I will be here for you. Call or email me so we can get started. . I also train interns in private practice and do consulting work with licensed counselors.

Stanford-trained Trauma Therapist, Laura Strom, offers cutting-edge brief treatment developed at Stanford which can help. Even the most severe cases of trauma/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can dramatically improve. Laura also understands disabilities which complicate matters; she works with children ages 5 and up, teens, adults and seniors.

I am a compassionate Solution Focused Therapist, who specializes in helping Children, Adolescents, Individuals, and Families navigate life's transitions. I practice a strength based approach and accentuate the positive, helping you to discern what is working in your life and to capitalize on your unique and existing strengths, while encouraging you to let go of what is not working or even hindering your forward progress. I will join with you to determine obtainable, results oriented goals. Together we will establish individualized plans for you and/or your family, so that a clear path towards achieving your goals becomes conceivable, understandable, and most importantly, obtainable. I embrace people of differing ethnicities, cultures, nationalities, and religious orientations. I also enjoy working with people who believe that they have different sexual orientations and alternative lifestyles. I have experience working in the disability community with people who are differently able and my office is fully accessible. I am upfront about my values and any biases which I may have and always invite dialogue or feedback around sensitive issues where my knowledge and experience may be limited. I also believe in the connection between body, mind, and spirit and am trained in both holistic and somatic approaches, as well as in many "classical" talk therapy methodologies. In addition to becoming a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist (MFC34259) I also trained in the Expressive Arts Therapies at Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute (UCSF) and am a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT-948). After discussing your preferences, we will find a path that works for you. And last but not least, I hold a special place in my heart, for people who are living with chronic mental health challenges, such as Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bi-Polar Disorder, Major Depressive disorder, and any of the Anxiety Disorders. I believe in the Recovery Model and I will join you as an advocate, therapist, and case manager, if you so choose.

I work with parents seeking guidance in making the transition to parenthood or a larger family. Often new parents find themselves lacking support or feeling unsure of themselves, sometimes finding themselves turning to books alone to help them navigate their new role. Parents are often expected to express only happiness about having a new baby, or are expected to quickly move past the baby blues, the need for extra help, or any sign of uncertainty about their new role. Partner relationships are often challenged greatly by the changes brought with growing a family. It's a great blessing to be an advocate for people going through this amazing time in their life. Being a doula has given me a great and deep understanding and appreciation of the pregnancy and birth process, I'm well versed in complications, breast-feeding and other physical issues that mothers face. I draw on my counseling skills to direct other issues related to new parenthood- relationship shifts, identity crisis, self-care, and forming a new positive self-narrative, for instance.

Life offers us opportunities for growth, healing and self-discovery. I offer a compassionate and supportive environment utilizing a strength based approach. A vital part of my work is to support you in exploring your inner resources and innate wisdom while cultivating practices that will deepen a greater sense of well-being. May it be long term objectives or short term goals, my intention is to provide practical tools and guidance moving towards insight, self-acceptance, healthier relationships and deeper connections. I welcome individuals, couples and families of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and spiritual beliefs. I use an integrative and relational approach to tailor treatments that meet the unique needs of each individual. I specialize in transpersonal and somatic therapy in treating the whole-person. Some areas of focus include life transitions, PTSD, relationship issues, couples/marital counseling, anxiety, depression, loss/grief, anger management, substance abuse, spirituality, identity exploration, parenting issues, blended families, co-parenting and divorce. As a therapist I bring my education, training, professional experience, a diverse career background and my personal life experiences. I hold a deep commitment to my own healing and inner growth and believe in the healing potential of psychotherapy and counseling.

If you have ever experienced anxiety, depression, loneliness, obsessions, addiction, or a sense feeling stuck or lost, you are not alone. Over 25% of American adults experience some sort of emotional dis-ease in any given year. It is difficult to deal with these issues on one's own, and as human beings, we are wired for connection and contact. That means that we ALL need support; we cannot and should not remain alone in dealing with these challenges. My focus is on treating adult individuals, couples, and families, and together developing a safe, trusting relationship as the basis for healing and creating new patterns of healthy thinking, healthy feeling, and healthy behaving. I take a holistic approach, working somatically with the whole being- mind, body and breath. This means that in addition to talking, together we work with your breath so that it flows more regularly and freely; this facilitates release of stuck emotions in the body. We also work together with your body so that you become more aware of what you actually feel in your own body. This work allows for complete release, healing, and transformation and thus a greater sense of overall well-being. I work with people experiencing a wide range of issues, and in particular, people in transition. Transitions include situations such as relocation; career loss or change; life with emotional or physical illness or chronic pain; loss of a loved one; adjusting to sobriety; retirement, or any number of other life events that foster changes both within and without. Change in familial structure also often represents a difficult transition, and support can be highly beneficial with these changes. This could be the birth of a child; moving out on one's own; marriage; divorce; life after college; empty nesting, and other situational shifts. During these transitions, one often confronts anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, isolation, lack of ability to focus or concentrate, anger and other emotions that can be difficult to handle. As your therapist, I become your ally and together we work to explore and to excavate what is deep inside and is perhaps keeping you stuck. We identify tools and develop insights that allow you to move on more freely with your life and adapt to changes and transition with greater ease. We work collaboratively, finding what is most appropriate for you in any given session. If you are reading this page now, you have taken the first step in gaining increased emotional ease and equilibrium. I am committed to partnering with you through the next steps and supporting you towards your fully sustainable well-being. I look forward to hearing from you to begin the process together.

There are many reasons that bring individuals into counseling. It could be due to stress at work or in their relationships. Sometimes it is grief, the loss of a loved one, or a traumatic experience. For others it is worries or low self-esteem. My areas of specialty include working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, and working with couples. Everyone worries or feels anxious occasionally. However, when anxiety takes over your life and impacts your functioning it is time to seek help. Fear and anxiety are roadblocks in life's journey. It can show up as emotional as well as physical ailments. If you suffer from any of the following, you may be suffering from ANXIETY: Chronic Sleep Problems - difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Discomfort in social settings, making it difficult to maintain relationships and interferes with work and school, may be due to Social Anxiety. Feelings of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that can include heart pounding, sweating, dizziness, chest pain can be a Panic Attack. Obsessive thinking and repetitive ritual type behaviors, Perfectionism and Self-Doubt Fear associated with a specific situation like flying, heights, fear of snakes, dogs or other animals may be anxiety known as a Phobia. Physical Ailments - The gut is affected by emotional stress: chronic indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), muscle tension, chronic headaches are affected by anxiety. Depression - Research has shown a strong link between anxiety disorders and depression. Sexual Dysfunction can cause anxiety. Chronic Stress can contribute to feelings of anxiety. Blood Sugar Fluctuations - the body releases epinephrine to raise blood sugar which can cause anxiety like symptoms, i.e.: shaky, jittery, light headed. It is inspiring for me to share and witness the effectiveness of practical skills that allow you to manage anxiety and experience a sense of confidence and inner peace. COUPLES COUNSELING: Relationships can bring up wonderful feelings and on the other hand can stir up the most painful ones as well. Couples have expressed their appreciation in my approach. My style is interactive and I intervene with care. In a safe and supportive environment, I gently invite you to notice your triggers and response to your partner. With support and guidance, couples express their thoughts, feelings and needs without using blame or criticism. You can enjoy and achieve compassionate and respectful relationships. Equipped with non-threatening communication skills you are able to find resolution to the problems that brought you to counseling. Conflicts can be diffused easily and quickly and deeper understanding achieved. I support couples to: Improve their communication skills so that they feel heard and attended to by their partner Move away from attacking or defensive communication like: “I’m right, you’re wrong,” or “you don’t listen to me", and experience a relationship where they feel understood and held. To build on the positive aspects of their relationship and be a couple team If your partner is not willing to come into counseling, you may be pleasantly surprised how the dynamics of your relationship can change with just one person doing it differently.

If you have ever experienced anxiety, depression, loneliness, obsessions, addiction, or a sense feeling stuck or lost, you are not alone. Over 25% of American adults experience some sort of emotional dis-ease in any given year. It is difficult to deal with these issues on one's own, and as human beings, we are wired for connection and contact. That means that we ALL need support; we cannot and should not remain alone in dealing with these challenges. My focus is on treating adult individuals, couples, and families, and together developing a safe, trusting relationship as the basis for healing and creating new patterns of healthy thinking, healthy feeling, and healthy behaving. I take a holistic approach, working somatically with the whole being- mind, body and breath. This means that in addition to talking, together we work with your breath so that it flows more regularly and freely; this facilitates release of stuck emotions in the body. We also work together with your body so that you become more aware of what you actually feel in your own body. This work allows for complete release, healing, and transformation and thus a greater sense of overall well-being. I work with people experiencing a wide range of issues, and in particular, people in transition. Transitions include situations such as relocation; career loss or change; life with emotional or physical illness or chronic pain; loss of a loved one; adjusting to sobriety; retirement, or any number of other life events that foster changes both within and without. Change in familial structure also often represents a difficult transition, and support can be highly beneficial with these changes. This could be the birth of a child; moving out on one's own; marriage; divorce; life after college; empty nesting, and other situational shifts. During these transitions, one often confronts anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, isolation, lack of ability to focus or concentrate, anger and other emotions that can be difficult to handle. As your therapist, I become your ally and together we work to explore and to excavate what is deep inside and is perhaps keeping you stuck. We identify tools and develop insights that allow you to move on more freely with your life and adapt to changes and transition with greater ease. We work collaboratively, finding what is most appropriate for you in any given session. If you are reading this page now, you have taken the first step in gaining increased emotional ease and equilibrium. I am committed to partnering with you through the next steps and supporting you towards your fully sustainable well-being. I look forward to hearing from you to begin the process together.

Has the spark gone out of your marriage? The spark of love and romance does not have to fade away. If your marriage is filled with conflict and emotional distance...if your partner seems more like just a friend than a romantic partner...couples counseling may help in restoring love and desire to your relationship. You're pretty sure marriage is not supposed to be like this... If you're like most people, you are probably thinking that something is wrong with your relationship. It shouldn't be this painful…there should not be so many fights. You should feel more loved and cherished by your partner. Have you ever wondered if it's possible to repair your marriage? Would you like to build a more deeply loving relationship with your partner? You can learn how to get your needs met, improve your marriage, enjoy better communication, experience your home as a sanctuary, and work together in parenting your children. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I help individuals, couples and families achieve a more satisfying life. Couples sometimes settle for being miserable. I recommend that you don't just settle - come in to counseling and learn the secrets to more happiness and fulfillment. When a relationship has become strained or distant and you are not feeling close to your partner, you may feel hopeless that things will ever change. I believe both you and your spouse want to feel understood and that your needs will be met and respected. I think both of you want a happy and loving environment that you come home to at the end of the day. When there is too much alienation or conflict, it may be time to see a therapist for couples counseling. Counseling may help improve empathy and understanding. It will help both of you talk to each other, and will help you listen to what is being said. Counseling can help you and your partner move beyond a pattern of conflict and return to love. Issues that come up in couples therapy may include anger management, sexual problems, money issues, past hurts that never got resolved, affairs, anxiety and depression issues, alcohol and substance issues, and relationship with family and in-laws.

Are you scared about what has happened to your relationship? Has your partner, or you, fallen out of love. There is help for marriages that are struggling. The average couple waits 6 years before getting help. Don't wait too long. The spark of love could go out - either in your heart or your partner's. Don't continue to do what you have been doing -- if it is not working. Talking to a couples expert can give you new approaches that have helped many couples have happier, more connected, and more loving relationships.