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.

“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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. .

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tired of knowing what the problem is, but not knowing how to solve it? I have helped many people recognize their true potential while helping them overcome their emotional difficulties. I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which has a strong basis in science with studies demonstrating effectiveness in depression, anxiety and other problems. With this technique, we change your thought processes in order to alter behaviors and feelings. I look forward to helping you explore practical methods to help you through difficult times, as well as for self improvement. In addition, I help my clients understand how their past experiences are directly connected to some of their current emotional roadblocks. I use EMDR to address past and present trauma, phobias, anxiety and depression. Couples Counseling - Many couples are inundated with work and child rearing responsibilities and, as a result, lose touch with each other. Utilizing techniques from Dr. John Gottman, and Dr. Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, I have helped many couples reconnect and reestablish their love relationship with a deeper understanding of one another.

Therapy for adolescent and adult individuals as well as couples. Strong background in ethnic, cultural, religious and racial diversity and specialty in extramarital affairs. If you are looking for someone who is welcoming, sensitive, down to earth and who doesn't use prefabricated techniques but believes in the healing power of therapeutic relationship we just might be a great fit. Offices in San Francisco and Walnut Creek.

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.

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.

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.

Paul Ginocchio, MFT, CSAT is a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex addiction therapist with a private practice in Danville, California. Paul works with both individuals and couples with such presenting issues as anger, addictions, and relationship issues. He is a certified Relational Life Therapist - a model of working with couples developed by couples expert Terry Real, author of "The New Rules of Marriage". - Paul is a certified sex addiction therapist - a model of treating sexual addiction developed by addiction expert Patrick Carnes, author of "Out of the Shadows". Paul specializes in couples therapy and the treatment of sexual addiction. Paul has been helping individuals and couples to have more authentic lives and relationships for many years. Whether you're depressed, anxious, suffering from low-self esteem or addictive behaviors, Paul can help you with the emotional pain that keeps you stuck in your life. It takes courage and strength to ask for help. I can guide you to the truth of your inner most wants and needs. I connect with my clients through extensive listening, probing questions, and direction. My work with you will be supportive at times and gently challenging at others. I believe that it is important to educate my clients beyond the traditional “here and now” psychotherapy. I use a variety of materials to teach deeper self-reflection and communication skills in interpersonal relationships. Psychotherapy provides a confidential place where deeper feelings can be expressed, truths can be revealed, and new relationships with self and others can be created. Paul works with clients of all ages, genders, and sexual identities and with treatment for: · depression and anxiety · trauma · marriage and relationship issues · addictions · anger management · men's issues · affair and sexual addiction recovery

Palo Alto Parenting Solutions is a specialty practice that helps children who are having difficulty with behavior, emotions and socializing. We work with the whole family to find compassionate and caring solutions, so you can see your child happy and capable. Does your child struggle with: → Anxiety; persistent worrying? → Behavioral outbursts? → Difficulty going and staying asleep? → Problems at school, falling grades? → Feeling sad or crying much of the time? Is stress affecting family relationships? We can help.

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.

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.

It is a privilege for me to be invited to help guide you along on your growth journey. I have extensive experience working with adolescents and their families, and women in transition(re-entering workforce, divorce, empty nest, etc). I am very comfortable working with diverse populations, and many clinical issues. If you are struggling with relationship issues, depression or anxiety, I can help. Wondering how to change your teen's out of control behavior? I can help! Currently I work part time and see clients by appointment--daytime and evening hours are available. Please call and see what a difference therapy can make to your happiness, your effectiveness and your life satisfaction.

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.

I provide therapy for individuals who wish to make changes in their lives and; relationships that are long-lasting and positive. I offer safe, compassionate and supportive counseling in an atmosphere that deepens understanding, promotes healing, and releases potential. Unresolved emotional issues can stifle creativity, confidence, ambition, and our ability for good relationships. Trauma and loss can cause sadness, depression and pain that inhibit and block. My style of therapy is empathic and respectful of personal values and lifestyles. I use; interactive talk therapy and other appropriate techniques, such as EMDR. The presenting problems are first alleviated. Profound change and personal growth are then able to take place through understanding and healing of the deeper underlying issues.; My specialties include:; • Depression / Anxiety • Grief / Loss / Bereavement • Effects of Childhood Abuse / Trauma / PTSD • Sex and Love Addiction / Sexuality /Internet Addiction • Social anxiety / Self-esteem / Shyness • Relationship Issues / Anger Management • Couples Counseling • Divorce / Co-parenting • Family Therapy / Child Therapy Feel free to call or e-mail me if you have any questions, or wish to make an initial appointment. If we can't work together for any reason, I will do my best to provide appropriate referrals. I am available days, evenings, and Saturdays and offer a sliding scale. I also offer telephone consultation.

John Montopoli, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist and certified cognitive therapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of Anxiety Disorders located in the Noe Valley area of San Francisco. He also provides services as an associate of Palo Alto Therapy on Sherman Avenue in Palo Alto. John is dedicated to providing high-quality therapy to adults struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder (extreme shyness), Phobias, Health Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Generalized Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Depression. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical form of psychotherapy that has been shown in numerous research studies to be effective in treating anxiety and mood disorders. The therapist helps clients overcome symptoms and improve overall functioning by developing skills to cope with the thoughts and behaviors that maintain their problems. Compared to other forms of psychotherapy, CBT tends to be goal-oriented, present-focused, and collaborative. Typically, the client and therapist collaborate on forming specific goals to be addressed in the therapy. Given its focus on symptom reduction and goal achievement, it tends to be a shorter term form of psychotherapy.

We are a group of psychotherapists who are committed to providing high quality, affordable therapy. We see children, adolescents, adults and older adults. San Francisco Counseling Center provides play therapy, child therapy, adolescent therapy, couples therapy, marital therapy, individual therapy, family therapy and group therapy. In addition, our therapists provide parenting coaching, and pre-marital counseling. We hold talks for the public on topics such as family life, parenting issues and concerns, and couples communication. We also hold trainings for graduate students on a variety of topics pertaining to the theory and practice of psychotherapy. Some of our therapists provide training and consultation to other therapists.

I approach therapy as a creative and collaborative healing process. My work incorporates a solution-focused approach - which is excellent for many life transitional issues, including divorce/break-up, relationship conflict, career planning/job stress, grief/loss, exploring life purpose, parenting/family work, health challenges and building self-esteem. My focus is to help individuals and couples move through and release emotional blocks and challenges, to increase capacity for joy, and to use personal intuition to make positive life choices. Private payment is accepted and I have a select number of lower fee spaces for students or clients who have a low income. I can also bill directly to some insurance plans or provide receipts if you are eligible for reimbursements through your insurance or employee flex savings account. My office is located between Pacific Heights and Japantown, and near Hayes Valley and the Downtown Financial District.

I provide therapy primarily to individuals; however, I also work with families and couples. My approach holds the belief that you, the client, are the expert in your life and that my role is to provide guidance and support on your journey. While the type of therapy I conduct is integrative, I often use cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques in my work, depending on the needs of the client. In addition to therapy, I have experience providing assessment services to children and adults, for ADHD and learning disabilities. Here are some of my areas of therapy specialization: *Addiction & Recovery *Bipolar Disorders *Eating Disorders *Depression *Gender Identity Development *Grief Counseling *Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders *Relationship Development *Sexual Identity Development *Social Anxiety *Trauma and PTSD Supervised by Shawn Giammattei, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist (PSY22570).

I am a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist in San Francisco, CA. I help people emerge from depression, heal from traumatic experiences, improve relationship patterns, decrease anxiety and become more relaxed and confident in their lives and relationships. I also provide couples counseling to help couples talk about the tough subjects they need to address. I help them improve the way they communicate, resolve or accept differences, deepen their mutual understanding and intimacy. I work from a holistic perspective that integrates body, emotions, mind, and spirit, and I’m flexible and open in how I approach each person.

Life’s unfolding path can be difficult and painful, but you don’t have to walk that path alone. The challenges and struggles we face in life can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed with responsibilities. You might be taking care of other people and neglecting yourself. Or you might be struggling hard to make an important relationship work. You’ve tried more traditional kinds of self-help or therapy, and you’re ready for a different kind of therapy which integrates the mind, body and spirit. Holistic therapy can help you to: – Create joyful & fulfilling relationships – Find self-acceptance & self-confidence – Know that you are worthy of love & success – Feel more grounded & courageous By going tenderly into our suffering we can cultivate strength and emerge anew. We all have the innate wisdom to grow and heal our own wounds. As a holistic therapist I pay careful attention to who YOU are. I want to understand your goals and learn about your unique strengths. Together we we will bring compassionate healing to all parts of you: mind, body and spirit. You can create a healthy and balanced relationship with yourself and others.

I'm Erika Shershun, MA, LMFT, specializing in somatic therapy and EMDR to help survivors of sexual assault and trauma heal. I offer telehealth sessions across California and coaching outside the state, ensuring accessibility wherever you are. As the author of the Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook and facilitator of PESI's Sexual Trauma Clinical Training, I aim to create a safe, supportive environment for your healing journey while getting you results, whether starting or deepening your recovery.

My ideal client is a highly ambitious young adult or adult navigating the complexities of ADHD. They face hurdles with concentration, managing time, impulsivity, and social interactions. They need personalized telepsychiatry services, evidence-based therapies, and practical tools to manage their ADHD symptoms. Their ambition is to conquer ADHD-related obstacles, enhance focus, attain their academic and professional objectives, and foster healthier relationships. They are determined to unleash their innate potential and harmonize their aspirations with mental well-being. In my own journey with ADHD, I've found a Hidden Power, unlocking the potential that lies within. With grit and a resilient spirit, I embrace the journey of nurturing the inner flame, transcending perceived limitations, and defying expectations. I believe that by inspiring others along the journey of self-discovery, we can illuminate the path of possibility. Let's embark on a journey together, where your thoughts, concerns, and dreams find a safe space to be heard and understood. Reach out to me and let me have a positive impact on your life. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the human experience and forge a deep connection built empathy, unconditional positive regard, and shared understanding.

Although seemingly simple, reaching out for help can be difficult. But finding the courage to do so might be the first step towards the more fulfilling life you seek. Whether you are looking for relief from painful confusion, sadness, or worry, or are just looking for more meaningful life experiences and relationships, I welcome you on this journey. I work with adults, adolescents, children and couples who are facing depression, anxiety, addiction and/or relationship challenges. My work emerges from a collaborative, trusting, and respectful exploration within the therapeutic relationship. If you think we might be a good match, I would be honored to support you in your journey towards healing. Through our work together, we will examine and dismantle old patterns that hold you back from being open, wise, relaxed, and spontaneous in your work, play, and love.

The purpose of my psychotherapy practice is to help you foster the personal growth and change you seek. I hope to help you explore whatever issues bring you to therapy in a safe, healing, supportive and effective manner. My approach to therapy is client-centered and collaborative. Each person is the expert in his or her life. My role is to assist you by teaching new skills, pointing out and reinforcing existing coping strategies, providing supportive feedback and exploring and helping resolve issues that cause you stress and suffering. I am skilled at helping you create clear goals and develop a plan for how to reach those goals. I am also flexible and supportive if exploration is more appropriate to help you get what you seek from therapy. My style is warm and interactive and incorporates humor. In addition to working with adults and teenagers individually, I enjoy working with couples and families. Much of my work with couples and families is focused on improving communication and problem solving skills. One of the essential goals is helping you be on the same team with one another, and to see difference less as an obstacle and more as a strength with opportunities for growth. I specialize in working with people who are: managing career and life transitions wanting to create lasting change with couples/relationship counseling looking to change their relationship with drugs and alcohol overcoming traumatic life experiences with EMDR adolescents and their families, and gay men and lesbians Please feel free to contact me for further information.

Thank you for visiting my site. I am a licensed therapist and wellness coach whose specialties include: obesity/weight management, bariatric surgery, self-esteem, disordered eating, emotional eating, self-esteem and body image, life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress management, decision making, communication skills, and anger management. WHO I WORK WITH I provide both therapy and life coaching services and am particularly passionate about working with the specific challenges faced by young adults living in the Bay Area. My specialty areas include life transitions, navigating your 20’s and beyond, self-esteem, body image, disordered eating, anxiety, dating and relationships, healthy communication, and entrepreneurial stress. In addition, I have extensive expertise working in the field of weight management and supporting clients who are considering, or who have already undergone, bariatric surgery. MY APPROACH First and foremost, I believe that it’s the relationship between the therapist and client that creates the foundation for change. My clients will tell you that I’m accepting, hopeful interactive, and often incorporate humor (as appropriate) in my work. I believe deeply in the power of positivity and personal connection and offer a highly personalized approach (blending psychotherapy and coaching techniques) tailored to fit each of my client’s unique needs, personality, and preferences. I also believe that you are the ultimate expert on your own life. It’s my job, however, to ask the right questions and act as your guide. I’ll help you identify your strengths and talents, develop self-awareness, and gain confidence where you need it. I’ll challenge you at times and provide feedback on the thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. A BIT MORE ABOUT ME... My life has been a series of adventures (both exhilarating and heartbreaking) and I’m a prime example that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. It took me a long time, and a lot of mistakes, to feel like I was finally getting life right. This is why am so passionate in guiding others through their toughest times and helping them live a meaningful life with intention and direction. I find happiness in nature and in the color green. I value friendship and a good belly laugh above all things and will never turn down an opportunity to listen to live music or sit in the sunshine. I fill my free hours with family time, road trips, being creative, and learning how to be a better ME. I’m left handed and was voted Most Shy in junior high school (yeah, I’ve come a long way).

I work in Palo Alto and San Francisco seeing individuals and couples. I lead a Writing for Healing group through Meet up that currently meets twice a month in Palo Alto. Are you feeling stuck with a problem or feelings that won't go away? Do you have flashbacks from the past or fears about the future, trouble sleeping, worries that go on and on? Have you tried therapy before but don't know where to turn now for help? Therapy is an important part of healing and finding the right fit is really important. I try to be as sensitive to your needs as possible, using my years of clinical experience, intuition, and theoretical training to help you find your way. I take your needs and wishes seriously and find ways to collaborate towards your desired goals. I am trained in using EMDR for healing trauma and other problems. I also have a special interest in writing for healing and using poetry for therapy. I use writing with individuals if it is helpful and indicated, and also with groups.

Brittany Olsen, MA, MFT is a licensed psychotherapist offering counseling and therapy for adult individuals and couples. She specializes in relationships, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-esteem/identity, and the general difficulties that one may experience from major and minor life transitions. Brittany counsels couples in all phases of the relationship – from pre-marital counseling to marital challenges (communication, infidelity, negative relational patterns) to the uncoupling process. Brittany has had great success in helping her clients, mainly by fostering a supportive yet challenging therapeutic environment. Her approach is strength-based, solution-focused, and pragmatic. She believes that her clients ultimately know what is best for them, and it is her job to facilitate improvement through a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic forum. Brittany generally employ a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) orientation. This focus entails identifying those faulty thinking patterns that are skewing one’s view of the world and contributing to one’s distress and life difficulties. This approach has consistently been shown to be the most effective in relieving symptoms and producing change.

In my opinion, the only way that people really change is through the experiences they have with other people. In other words, we are the way that we are because of the impact others have had on us. This is key to my work. With my patients, I explore the way they relate to their friends, their family, and to me. My work focuses on human relationship and emotional expression. My patients learn how to listen more closely to themselves, they become more connected to their feelings, and they understand more fully their relationship to others. I have experience working in depth with adults, children, adolescents and couples who struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and relationship issues. I also have experience working with eating disorders and addictions of all sorts--substance use, sex addiction, etc.

With my 30 years of experience as a licensed psychologist (PSY 9561), with many books and professional articles written on healing and psychotherapy, I give you leading-edge methods tools from Eastern and Western traditions to help you deal with a wide range of psychological issues. My approach is integrative; and I adapt my approach to your unique needs. I have conveniently located offices in San Francisco, Berkeley and Contra Costa County.

As a humanistic and solution-focused therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. With sensitivity, compassion and curiosity I help clients to explore and to come to new understandings of a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues. Blending conventional and alternative approaches, I draw on a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client.

I help people overcome obstacles that prevent them from realizing their goals. Often when people suffer from depression, anxiety, anger, or guilt, they experience self-defeating attitudes and behaviors. Additionally, they may feel irritable or demoralized in relationships with friends, family, and work. When men and women feel blocked, leading a life rich in creativity can be difficult. My approach to therapy involves working collaboratively so that I can provide feedback, ideas, and observations. Clients are free (and encouraged) to develop their own insights and solutions based on our dialogues or based on their own thinking and feelings.

When you feel like this isn’t the person you married; when you worry that the gap in between you is widening every day; when it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you after discovering the affair... it can feel like you are in over your head, and you may ask “Is it too late to save my marriage?” My special focus is in couples therapy (marriage counseling), helping couples in crisis to break out of the vicious cycle of hurting and being hurt. I also specialize in helping multi-cultural couples deal with cultural and religious differences that often pose major stumbling blocks to their relationship. If you're single, dealing with a break-up, or your partner is not willing to attend couples counseling, individual therapy can help explore past, current, or future relationships, and gain insight into other personal areas of your life.

Are anxiety, depression, anger or loneliness getting in the way of living a more full and satisfying life? Psychotherapy can be very helpful in relieving the symptoms and underlying causes of depression, anxiety, defensiveness, and stress. The hardest step is the first one: making yourself a priority. By acknowledging your need for change you begin a process of understanding that results in more freedom in your life.