Therapists in 94901

Wanting change is hard. When I started my own work, It seemed like some kind of dream that things could be even a little different. Somatic Therapy was the magic that brought me through complex trauma and back to myself, to my emotions and to the possibility for connection and joy. When I work with you, I bring my training but I also bring my whole self. I am warm, compassionate, and above all present. Coming to therapy is a radical act of bravery and trust. I have the utmost respect for this act and will meet you with both my big heart and protective spirit.

We are all faced with many struggles today related to COVID-19, its health and safety issues, possible financial loss, and uncertainty about what the future may bring and now the fires. I have been fortunate over many years to experience wonderful people grappling with difficulties around work, relationships, parenting, illness and/or other potentially painful aspects of life. The work that we do in psychotherapy is individually tailored to help clients to reduce emotional (and sometimes physical) pain and to take the actions (small or big) that we figure out need to be done to face these difficult situations and make them better.

I work with adults and children (5 to 14), and people of all ages that are (or miss being) young at heart! Life can be wonderful, and sometimes extremely hard. Did you ever found yourself losing your compass, searching for a place to call home, yearning to feel part of something bigger? Unable to fully feel your feelings? Trying to escape from your own life? Lost in a limbo? Know that you are not alone. I see my role as a companion guide, supporting you in your journey to live and express your full potential, find what makes you tick, resolve past traumas, increase flexibility, develop resilience, create a more balanced life.

I am both a therapist and an ordained Zen Buddhist priest working with all faiths and beliefs. In our work together I use and am trained in traditional psychodynamic, Gestalt and body oriented modalities and use mindfulness based practices helping clients become grounded in the present moment. My areas of expertise include working with couples in mindfulness and communication, resolving conflicts and differences in ways that lead to a new start. I am able to work with you on a wide variety of psychological and/or spiritual issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, separations and other life changes.

**I am not currently taking new clients at this time, but I'm happy to offer referrals to other providers who may be a good fit.** My approach is collaborative, flexible, and engaging. I believe that change is sustainable when it involves community support, so I like to get everyone involved in the solution! In both therapy and assessment, I utilize a strengths-based perspective that highlights clients' natural resources and supports and makes space for positive change. More than anything else, I believe in the importance of relationships in our mental health, and I focus on developing a strong alliance as we work toward your goals.

I see adult individuals who would like to: feel empowered, self-compassionate and self-expressive, to know their heart's desires, and to overcome self-defeating thoughts, behaviors and anxiety. I see straight and queer couples who want to: learn new ways of relating to co-create secure and fulfilling attachment, to learn how to make effective repairs with each other, and to learn how to manage oneself and one's partner in the best way.

What Would You Like Help With? I work with adult individuals experiencing one or more of these with Psychotherapy and/or Hypnotherapy: trauma/post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, work and/or relationship issues, low self esteem, behavioral issues, career issues, coping issues, sexual orientation issues, grief/loss, spiritual awakening (intuition and more), and those who've had a near-death experience. While most come in for traditional Psychotherapy, if they are open to it, they find Hypnotherapy is a very helpful way to make progress (see www.HypnotherapyBayArea.com for more on what clients are saying.) Talk with you soon.

For the past 35 years, I have been helping people explore and work through barriers to living and loving well. If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, therapy can provide space to understand and experience ourselves in a new way. I work with people to change the way they think about and experience the challenges they face, to effect positive change and resilience. I can work with you to navigate the ups and downs of anxiety and depression, the hopes and fears of life transitions, the joys and challenges of creative pursuit, the pain of grief and loss, and the wounds of trauma and abuse.

Wether it be addressing a specific issue or utilizing therapy as a means for broader personal growth, I enjoy working with anyone who is willing and eager to develop a deeper understanding of themselves as a first step toward positive change. I am trained as a therapist but my passion lies in making authentic connections and creating a space in which you feel fully seen and understood. My practice is informed by evidenced-based therapies in conjunction with years of study and practice of Eastern philosophy. My formal training and clinical experience lend well to both solution-focused work as well as in-depth self-exploration.

What are the qualities that people look for in a therapist? First, they want someone they can easily talk to and connect with. They want someone who makes them feel safe. Someone that can provide an understanding of their problems which can result in practical solutions. A therapist who is willing to listen to their needs and pay attention to their concerns without any judgments. Someone who can make sense of their symptoms and pain, such as depression and anxiety, so that they can find emotional relief.

Do you have the feeling that something is missing in your life? Are you single & dissatisfied, or married but discontent? Is your social or work life not as fulfilling as it used to be, or difficult family relationships getting you down? Positive, solution-therapy can assist you to: *learn more about your unique personality type, and how you can work with it, instead of against it, to create more fulfillment in your relationships and life. *develop your ability to understand, empathize with and relate to others with ease & joy. *discover effective ways of dealing with your core issues, so you feel more fulfilled & alive.

I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.

Through many years of teaching and practicing Brief Psychotherapy, I have learned the value of a highly active, focused and interactive approach-- both for long term and brief psychotherapy. Whether the patient is an individual or a couple, I view my task as helping to define appropriate goals and keeping the therapy on track. While the purpose of the therapeutic journey is mutually decided and the patient is an active partner in evaluating the route, I particularly direct the journey when it turns to the past. While history is invariably interesting, therapeutic efficiency requires exploring only what's potentially most useful.

Are you feeling stuck and having difficulty breaking free from painful patterns? Fearful or overwhelmed? Somatic Psychotherapy goes beyond talk therapy and can help with underlying feelings of disconnection, isolation and helplessness. I'm happy to connect with you for an initial no-charge consultation about how somatic (body mind) therapy can help you. My priority is in creating an environment of safety, curiosity and compassion to support you in managing challenging emotional states and self-regulation.

Life is a beautiful journey. It is also a difficult journey, and just about everything in between. Whether you are struggling to find balance, coping with high anxiety, reliving past traumas, or struggling with navigating relationships, there is a way to heal. I offer Somatic Psychotherapy to individuals who are looking to cultivate wholeness by transforming their suffering and emotional wounding, into more self-love, compassion, and well-being.

I respect the courage it takes to begin psychotherapy and choose the path of healing. My kind, authentic presence supports a client's willingness to trust. My expertise is helping others learn to be more present with difficult emotions, help regulate body and mind and gradually create new beliefs and identities that serve them. I work with Individuals, Couples, Young Adults, Children and Families who have experienced trauma or crisis, relationship difficulties, a major life transition, addiction, loss and grief, or spiritual, medical or psychiatric issues. I've witnessed lasting change as clients become more secure, creative and alive.

Are you experiencing anxiety, having difficulty concentrating due to fear, upsetting thoughts, or unwelcomed physical (somatic) sensations? Are you taken by surprise with Intense and disturbing emotional reactions that seem out of place with the present situation? Do relationships trigger responses that you regret or feel out of control in expressing? These responses are the result of trauma - whether developmental trauma (trauma due to painful and/or abusive experiences in childhood) or trauma that is a result of a specific incident.

Perhaps you are going through a life transition and need support sorting things out. Maybe you are feeling anxious or depressed and this is bogging you down. Are you having difficulty visualizing a better life for yourself? Is your sense of self worth suffering? Maybe you are experiencing strained relationships with family or friends; or you may have a nagging feeling that major changes are needed. Let's talk; you don't have to go through this alone.

We all wish to live happy, successful and meaningful lives. Yet, life often challenges us in unexpected ways. In these moments, we may feel overwhelmed, confused, and filled with doubt. Difficulties in health, relationships, employment, or a child's development are some of the circumstances I have been contacted about for assistance. Through active listening and thoughtful inquiry, I will assist you in developing tools and strategies to address your concerns. Over the course of my years as a psychotherapist, I have frequently been moved by the persistence, courage and inner strength my clients have uncovered in the midst of their struggles.