Secular and Non-Religious Therapists in Mill Valley, CA
Christopher S. Doorley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
2 Endorsed
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Chris Doorley, AMFT (DoorleyTherapy on the web) specializes in Anxiety, Sleep issues, Burnout, chronic Stress and ADHD. Therapy with Chris is about identifying and supporting your individual needs. His approach draws from Buddhist Psychology, awareness practices (like Gestalt), and Jungian myth-archetypes to provide support for your entire Self. In Chris's 9 years of clinical, graduate-level and pre-clinical work, he's seen that though we all share common suffering, it hits each of us uniquely. If you feel your life has begun to show you more "obstacle" than "flow", send an email or give a call— next-day intakes are available.
Chris Doorley, AMFT (DoorleyTherapy on the web) specializes in Anxiety, Sleep issues, Burnout, chronic Stress and ADHD. Therapy with Chris is about identifying and supporting your individual needs. His approach draws from Buddhist Psychology, awareness practices (like Gestalt), and Jungian myth-archetypes to provide support for your entire Self. In Chris's 9 years of clinical, graduate-level and pre-clinical work, he's seen that though we all share common suffering, it hits each of us uniquely. If you feel your life has begun to show you more "obstacle" than "flow", send an email or give a call— next-day intakes are available.
Stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed by work or personal relationships. Are you struggling? Maybe you want to change, but don’t quite know what’s holding you back or how to do it. It may be a feeling in the pit of your stomach when you wake up, or getting worn down by the relentless self-criticism. Maybe you don't feel understood by others and feel judged or mistreated. I understand how hard and impossible it can all seem, but it’s not too late to start to feel better. Together we can take curious eye to your feelings and relationships. It is possible to break out of patterns holding you back.
Stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed by work or personal relationships. Are you struggling? Maybe you want to change, but don’t quite know what’s holding you back or how to do it. It may be a feeling in the pit of your stomach when you wake up, or getting worn down by the relentless self-criticism. Maybe you don't feel understood by others and feel judged or mistreated. I understand how hard and impossible it can all seem, but it’s not too late to start to feel better. Together we can take curious eye to your feelings and relationships. It is possible to break out of patterns holding you back.
People seek counseling for so many reasons. Though Covid-19 shifted priorities and focus for many of us, there are still many other issues that bring people to counseling.
We can work on whatever you need, whatever issues feel most urgent to you - families, partners, work, health, money, worries about politics, etc. We'll focus on strengths, options, and possibilities, and decide together how best to move forward. Using a blend of coaching and counseling, we'll work to create your best life possible.
I use a Rogerian model - we are partners, and you are the expert of your life. You are a client, not a patient. We do this together.
People seek counseling for so many reasons. Though Covid-19 shifted priorities and focus for many of us, there are still many other issues that bring people to counseling.
We can work on whatever you need, whatever issues feel most urgent to you - families, partners, work, health, money, worries about politics, etc. We'll focus on strengths, options, and possibilities, and decide together how best to move forward. Using a blend of coaching and counseling, we'll work to create your best life possible.
I use a Rogerian model - we are partners, and you are the expert of your life. You are a client, not a patient. We do this together.
Using a strengths based approach that assumes wellness is within each of us and needs guidance to be fully realized, my style is collaborative and client centered. I teach skills and techniques to help improve daily life while also helping you explore and address the root causes of suffering and unhappiness so that healing can take place. I draw on a wide range of treatment modalities, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Self Psychology, IFS, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational counseling and mindfulness. Therapy is tailored to address your particular needs, strengths and desires at the time you enter treatment.
Using a strengths based approach that assumes wellness is within each of us and needs guidance to be fully realized, my style is collaborative and client centered. I teach skills and techniques to help improve daily life while also helping you explore and address the root causes of suffering and unhappiness so that healing can take place. I draw on a wide range of treatment modalities, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Self Psychology, IFS, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational counseling and mindfulness. Therapy is tailored to address your particular needs, strengths and desires at the time you enter treatment.
Taking care of ourselves can feel overwhelming and confusing. How do I keep track of everything? How do I manage discomfort or hardship? And when will I have time to actually enjoy life?
Sometimes self-care feels like a job we never signed up for—or a job we want to do but were never given a manual for. That’s where therapy can help. With me, therapy is a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore what’s getting in the way, clarify your goals, and build a plan that actually works for you.
Taking care of ourselves can feel overwhelming and confusing. How do I keep track of everything? How do I manage discomfort or hardship? And when will I have time to actually enjoy life?
Sometimes self-care feels like a job we never signed up for—or a job we want to do but were never given a manual for. That’s where therapy can help. With me, therapy is a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore what’s getting in the way, clarify your goals, and build a plan that actually works for you.
I love working with young adults by exploring identity, trauma, and relationships. My clients often identify a critical self-view, which noticeably ripples to other areas of life. Our work together involves curiosity about recurring thoughts, feelings, beliefs, & behaviors, and empathically exploring the origin of these patterns. I don’t shy away from big questions and offer a mix of depth and insight work. With authenticity and gentle challenges to negative self-narratives, we build insight and understanding. My clients begin to experience more self-compassion and less shame, leading to resilience and more fulfilling connections.
I love working with young adults by exploring identity, trauma, and relationships. My clients often identify a critical self-view, which noticeably ripples to other areas of life. Our work together involves curiosity about recurring thoughts, feelings, beliefs, & behaviors, and empathically exploring the origin of these patterns. I don’t shy away from big questions and offer a mix of depth and insight work. With authenticity and gentle challenges to negative self-narratives, we build insight and understanding. My clients begin to experience more self-compassion and less shame, leading to resilience and more fulfilling connections.
You may be on the right path, but stumbled, fell, or got lost along the way. Or you may be struggling to find the path. I want to help. In therapy, I aim to create a calm, sturdy, emotionally open, and radically nonjudgmental space where you can be deeply curious about your own experience. A patient, open-ended space where you can take your time. A space where you can slow down, breathe, reflect, be quiet or silent. A space where you can be loud, angry, triggered, upset. A space where you don't have to make sense, but we can try to make sense of things together. A space where we both can be genuinely curious about who you are.
You may be on the right path, but stumbled, fell, or got lost along the way. Or you may be struggling to find the path. I want to help. In therapy, I aim to create a calm, sturdy, emotionally open, and radically nonjudgmental space where you can be deeply curious about your own experience. A patient, open-ended space where you can take your time. A space where you can slow down, breathe, reflect, be quiet or silent. A space where you can be loud, angry, triggered, upset. A space where you don't have to make sense, but we can try to make sense of things together. A space where we both can be genuinely curious about who you are.
Feeling the joy of being a new parent, but also the stress this major life change is having on your daily life, identity, and relationship? It's common to feel disconnected from yourself and your partner during major life changes such as parenthood, but you don't have to get stuck in a touched out, misunderstood, isolated state. It is possible to integrate this new part of your identity and experience a grounded, fulfilling partnership & intimate relationship.
Feeling the joy of being a new parent, but also the stress this major life change is having on your daily life, identity, and relationship? It's common to feel disconnected from yourself and your partner during major life changes such as parenthood, but you don't have to get stuck in a touched out, misunderstood, isolated state. It is possible to integrate this new part of your identity and experience a grounded, fulfilling partnership & intimate relationship.
Are your relationships struggling? Going through a transition or major life event? My clients come seeking relief when their efforts are no longer yielding the quality of life they've worked hard to achieve. Confusion, resentment, loneliness or burnout have taken over and they need support to better understand what's going on and help guide their path forward. Together, we can achieve meaningful improvements in areas such as anxiety, depression, burnout, conflict, loneliness, perfectionism, stress, divorce, dating and parenting.
Are your relationships struggling? Going through a transition or major life event? My clients come seeking relief when their efforts are no longer yielding the quality of life they've worked hard to achieve. Confusion, resentment, loneliness or burnout have taken over and they need support to better understand what's going on and help guide their path forward. Together, we can achieve meaningful improvements in areas such as anxiety, depression, burnout, conflict, loneliness, perfectionism, stress, divorce, dating and parenting.
You may look capable on the outside yet feel overwhelmed or alone inside. I help you slow down, listen inward, and untangle what’s been held beneath the surface. Our work goes beyond talk—integrating mindfulness, body awareness, and emotional depth to restore clarity, self-trust, and forward movement. If you’re ready to meet yourself honestly and move forward with more freedom, I’m here to walk with you.
You may look capable on the outside yet feel overwhelmed or alone inside. I help you slow down, listen inward, and untangle what’s been held beneath the surface. Our work goes beyond talk—integrating mindfulness, body awareness, and emotional depth to restore clarity, self-trust, and forward movement. If you’re ready to meet yourself honestly and move forward with more freedom, I’m here to walk with you.
I work collaboratively with clients to explore and understand parts of themselves that may have been previously unacknowledged or unspoken, fostering a space of safety, acceptance, and growth. My approach is relational and client-centered, helping clients gain insight into their personal and relational patterns while empowering them with practical tools for healing and self-development. I specialize in working with couples and adult individuals facing anxiety, transition, grief, trauma and relational challenges.
I work collaboratively with clients to explore and understand parts of themselves that may have been previously unacknowledged or unspoken, fostering a space of safety, acceptance, and growth. My approach is relational and client-centered, helping clients gain insight into their personal and relational patterns while empowering them with practical tools for healing and self-development. I specialize in working with couples and adult individuals facing anxiety, transition, grief, trauma and relational challenges.
You look like you’re holding it together, but inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not like yourself since becoming a parent. Maybe your relationship feels strained, emotional and physical intimacy has shifted, or anxiety is showing up in ways you didn’t expect. I specialize in helping high-functioning women and couples navigate the emotional and relational challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood so you can feel like yourself again and reconnect with your partner.
You look like you’re holding it together, but inside you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or not like yourself since becoming a parent. Maybe your relationship feels strained, emotional and physical intimacy has shifted, or anxiety is showing up in ways you didn’t expect. I specialize in helping high-functioning women and couples navigate the emotional and relational challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood so you can feel like yourself again and reconnect with your partner.
If you’ve done therapy before and still feel stuck, you’re not alone. You understand your history and patterns, yet anxiety, burnout, grief, or relationship struggles keep repeating. You may feel like you’ve hit a wall in your healing. You’re aware of what’s happening, but insight alone hasn’t led to lasting change. You want real relief, emotional stability, and a life that feels more spacious, grounded, and aligned. I specialize in psychedelic preparation and integration, helping translate non-ordinary experiences into meaningful, lasting change. If you are looking for results, you've come to the right place.
If you’ve done therapy before and still feel stuck, you’re not alone. You understand your history and patterns, yet anxiety, burnout, grief, or relationship struggles keep repeating. You may feel like you’ve hit a wall in your healing. You’re aware of what’s happening, but insight alone hasn’t led to lasting change. You want real relief, emotional stability, and a life that feels more spacious, grounded, and aligned. I specialize in psychedelic preparation and integration, helping translate non-ordinary experiences into meaningful, lasting change. If you are looking for results, you've come to the right place.
My ideal clients are thoughtful adults and couples who may appear high-functioning on the outside but feel anxious, burned out, disconnected, or stuck internally or relationally. They are often navigating high-pressure careers, relationship strain, identity or cultural transitions, or major life changes.
They want a therapist who offers depth, clarity, and emotional attunement—not just quick fixes. Their goal is to better understand themselves and their patterns, feel more emotionally regulated and connected, and move through life with greater ease, meaning, and agency.
My ideal clients are thoughtful adults and couples who may appear high-functioning on the outside but feel anxious, burned out, disconnected, or stuck internally or relationally. They are often navigating high-pressure careers, relationship strain, identity or cultural transitions, or major life changes.
They want a therapist who offers depth, clarity, and emotional attunement—not just quick fixes. Their goal is to better understand themselves and their patterns, feel more emotionally regulated and connected, and move through life with greater ease, meaning, and agency.
Do you identify as a highly sensitive, high-achieving person hoping to live more authentically and easefully? Maybe you’ve tried something to change; yet the same patterns returned soon. My work goes deeper into the emotional and nervous system roots of perfectionism, relationship challenges, depression, cultural misfit, and complex and intergenerational trauma—so that change becomes lasting and embodied. I support: 1) Individuals healing from depression, impostor syndrome, and complex trauma; 2) Adult children transforming intergenerational family dynamics; 3) Tech professionals navigating mental health leave.
Do you identify as a highly sensitive, high-achieving person hoping to live more authentically and easefully? Maybe you’ve tried something to change; yet the same patterns returned soon. My work goes deeper into the emotional and nervous system roots of perfectionism, relationship challenges, depression, cultural misfit, and complex and intergenerational trauma—so that change becomes lasting and embodied. I support: 1) Individuals healing from depression, impostor syndrome, and complex trauma; 2) Adult children transforming intergenerational family dynamics; 3) Tech professionals navigating mental health leave.
They did it again - the same thing they've promised to change...so many times. It's the same argument on repeat between you and your partner—and nothing changes. You love each other, but you're so tired of ending up in pain, furious yet feeling helpless... wondering if you'll ever feel the way you did in the beginning - madly in love. Now it’s hard to even talk sometimes, you could cut the tension with a knife, and you’re drifting further and further apart. I focus on helping couples like you—high achievers, California professionals, and those managing ADHD or life stress—break these cycles, rebuild trust, and rediscover connection.
They did it again - the same thing they've promised to change...so many times. It's the same argument on repeat between you and your partner—and nothing changes. You love each other, but you're so tired of ending up in pain, furious yet feeling helpless... wondering if you'll ever feel the way you did in the beginning - madly in love. Now it’s hard to even talk sometimes, you could cut the tension with a knife, and you’re drifting further and further apart. I focus on helping couples like you—high achievers, California professionals, and those managing ADHD or life stress—break these cycles, rebuild trust, and rediscover connection.
I work with older adolescents and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or are overly self-critical. Many of my clients identify as highly sensitive, struggle with inner wounds that developed in childhood, or feel caught in patterns of people-pleasing, anxiety, or perfectionism often shaped by cultural, relational, and gender-based pressures. I’m especially passionate about supporting women who feel disconnected from themselves after years of prioritizing others, questioning their worth, or feeling “not enough” despite doing everything right.
I work with older adolescents and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or are overly self-critical. Many of my clients identify as highly sensitive, struggle with inner wounds that developed in childhood, or feel caught in patterns of people-pleasing, anxiety, or perfectionism often shaped by cultural, relational, and gender-based pressures. I’m especially passionate about supporting women who feel disconnected from themselves after years of prioritizing others, questioning their worth, or feeling “not enough” despite doing everything right.
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 45 years. I am an active therapist, committed to staying deeply engaged in our moment-to-moment exchange. I am able to go to the depths of a client's experience, allowing for the release of tangled feelings, and the breaking open of psychological "knots." I employ EFT, and EMDR and Flash (for trauma), as well as guided imagery, which allows clients to access and make use of the expansive and healing capacities of the unconscious mind. I am also skilled in working pragmatically, helping people communicate better, shift habits of negative thinking, and solve troubling life concerns.
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 45 years. I am an active therapist, committed to staying deeply engaged in our moment-to-moment exchange. I am able to go to the depths of a client's experience, allowing for the release of tangled feelings, and the breaking open of psychological "knots." I employ EFT, and EMDR and Flash (for trauma), as well as guided imagery, which allows clients to access and make use of the expansive and healing capacities of the unconscious mind. I am also skilled in working pragmatically, helping people communicate better, shift habits of negative thinking, and solve troubling life concerns.
You are competent, responsible, and high-functioning. On the outside, you manage careers, families, and complex decisions. On the inside, you may be exhausted, irritable, disconnected, or quietly overwhelmed. The pressure doesn’t let up — and you cannot afford to unravel.
I work with high-performing professionals navigating burnout, chronic stress, high-conflict relationships, and the weight of constant responsibility. Many of my clients are attorneys, physicians, executives, or caregivers whose stress is beginning to show up in their health, sleep, or closest relationships. Something needs to shift — let's figure it out together.
You are competent, responsible, and high-functioning. On the outside, you manage careers, families, and complex decisions. On the inside, you may be exhausted, irritable, disconnected, or quietly overwhelmed. The pressure doesn’t let up — and you cannot afford to unravel.
I work with high-performing professionals navigating burnout, chronic stress, high-conflict relationships, and the weight of constant responsibility. Many of my clients are attorneys, physicians, executives, or caregivers whose stress is beginning to show up in their health, sleep, or closest relationships. Something needs to shift — let's figure it out together.
If you are looking for ways to heal from past hurts, create a life worth living, or are dealing with anxiety, stress, or life transitions, I can offer you support and skills to help lessen your pain and make you more effective in moving your life forward. You may also be dealing with trauma and, with focused trauma therapy, I can help you find a greater sense of calm. If you are in a couple, and hoping to improve your connection and communication, deal with past hurts, or simply to be more loving to one another, we can work together to create a stronger relationship.
If you are looking for ways to heal from past hurts, create a life worth living, or are dealing with anxiety, stress, or life transitions, I can offer you support and skills to help lessen your pain and make you more effective in moving your life forward. You may also be dealing with trauma and, with focused trauma therapy, I can help you find a greater sense of calm. If you are in a couple, and hoping to improve your connection and communication, deal with past hurts, or simply to be more loving to one another, we can work together to create a stronger relationship.
See more therapy options for Mill Valley
Nearby Secular and Non-Religious Therapists Searches for Mill Valley
- Albany
- Corte Madera
- El Cerrito
- Kentfield
- Larkspur
- Novato
- Richmond
- San Anselmo
- San Francisco
- San Rafael
- Sausalito
- Tiburon
Secular and Non-Religious Therapists
What is a secular and non religious approach in therapy?
Secular or non-religious therapy is a theoretical orientation used by many therapists and describes a therapeutic approach that does not rely on any specific religious or faith-based beliefs in the therapeutic process. Secular counselors will often approach therapy with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients, instead of relying on religious practices, such as prayer or belief in God.
Is secular therapy primarily for non-religious people?
Both religious and non-religious individuals can benefit from secular therapy. People exploring their religious or spiritual beliefs may find it especially useful to work with a secular therapist who is unbiased toward any specific religion. While religious individuals might value the connection and familiarity of seeing a counselor who shares their beliefs, secular counseling can offer them the chance to develop coping skills independent of their religious practice, which can be beneficial in various aspects of their lives.
Can a secular approach to therapy help with religious trauma?
One major reason clients may seek a secular therapist is to process previous religious experiences, including religious trauma. Secular therapists can help clients manage symptoms of the trauma through practices such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They can also encourage clients through talk therapy or psychodynamic approaches to explore the roots of their religious trauma. Since secular therapists do not have any predetermined religious beliefs, they can be particularly helpful for clients looking to explore their own religious beliefs following a history of religious trauma.
What does non religious marriage and premarital counseling involve?
Marriage and premarital counseling typically involves a couple meeting with a therapist to discuss topics such as planning for marriage, navigating a new marriage, addressing relationship challenges, and developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. Non-religious therapists assist couples in achieving these goals without adhering to specific religious beliefs or frameworks, often emphasizing inclusivity and non-judgment, especially for "nontraditional" couples. However, seeking couples therapy from a non-religious counselor does not mean religious topics are off-limits. In fact, non-religious couples from different religious backgrounds may benefit from a secular therapist who remains neutral toward the beliefs of each partner.