Nina Poletika, LMFT
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who works with adults, couples, adult families, and groups in my general private practice. I know that there are confusing and difficult periods in anyone's life when a person may find he or she needs support/help from someone other than their friends or family. At these times, it can be a strange process to seek such assistance from a virtual stranger. In an effort to help you with this process let me share my approach to my work.
My experience as a therapist has made me come to trust that individuals, with the help of another, have the capacity to know themselves better than anyone else, to access their own answers and wisdom, and attend to their own wounds. My belief is that people can grow and heal no matter how intense their difficult experiences, defenses and hurts may be. I view myself as the skilled and committed partner in this internal journey of exploration and emotional resolution.
Specialized Areas of Interest & Training
* I understand and know the experience of Depression and can sit with a person's deep pain as he or she
explores its components and begins to heal.
* For the past eight years I have been on the emotional journey of caring for my mother, who is living with
dementia. As a result, it is my strong wish and intention to support other families who are dealing with
the Alzheimer's disease process with a loved one. Currently, I offer a weekly Support Group in my private
practice setting for any individual who is helping and relating to a person who is living with any type of
Dementia
* I have extensive training and interest in helping people with Bereavement & Loss in their lives. Whether
the grief is the result of a divorce, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one, it can be very helpful to
work with a compassionate and experienced therapist who can accompany you through this often lonely
and isolating process.
Education/Training
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA BA Magna Cum Laude
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA MA
UC Berkeley Extension, Berkeley, CA Professional Certificate in Loss & Grief
International Institute of Humanistic Studies, Petaluma, CA Advanced Training in Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy
Bio
I received my BA degree from the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma, WA where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I returned for graduate training later in life and received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, CA. Doing so was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and calling to the field of psychotherapy. It has been one of the most meaningful choices that I have made in my life.
In addition to my special training in Depression, Adult Family Therapy, Grief & Loss, and Alzheimer's support I am also an adjunct instructor at JFK University in their Continuing Education Department where I teach ongoing courses about various aspects of Alzheimer's disease & Related Dementias to other mental health professionals, nurses, and occupational therapists.
As a group leader I have run a number of Bereavement Groups for adults who have lost a parent at Pathways Home Health & Hospice in Sunnyvale, Ca as well as Alzheimer's Family Support Groups at local Assisted Living Facilities.
Memberships
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Association of Death Education & Counseling (ADEC)
International Institute of Humanistic Studies (IIHS)
National Council of Hospice & Palliative Professionals (NCHPP)
American Psychological Association-Humanistic Division (APA)
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Loneliness
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Marriage Counseling
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Body Image Issues
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Caregiver Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Chronic Illness
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Couples
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Relationship Issues
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Depression
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Divorce
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Stress Management
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Grief and Loss
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Trauma and PTSD
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Group Therapy
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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