Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Novato, CA

In individual therapy I join with the patient to establish a relationship in which we will explore developmental relational issues that cause pain and suffering. Such issues begin as intense emotions, but they can be understood, accepted, and integrated. This process leads to healing and change. Life takes on new perspectives as the emotional self provides new information about the external and internal world that brings stability and vitality to the personality. The relationship between us deepens allowing us to explore the complex dimensions of personality that allow for growth and development unique to the individual.

Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.

If life events, relationships, performance, school or job stresses have brought you here, you deserve congratulations for having already done 50% of the work. Your willingness to consult and collaborate with a practiced professional means you have taken an all important first step in developing a lifelong plan toward a sense of well being and vitality. My practice combines a research degree in Developmental Psychology with PhD in Clinical Psychology to identify and disable hidden, often old, myths that have blocked or hindered my clients' access to happy, fulfilled lives at each stage of development. Together we can do it.

What brings you into my office is my first concern. I want to help you resolve your issue(s) as swiftly as possible. To that end, we begin.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist, a certified relapse prevention specialist, and a registered art therapist. I provide individual therapy for adults and adolescents in Marin County and Sonoma County . I help my clients' to learn how to set clear limits with others and how to create healthy boundaries for oneself; as well as to learn what your own personal boundaries look like. I assist people in discovering how to lead meaningful and authentic lives; and to become self-actualized. I guide my clients in refocusing on what makes him or her most human: creativity, agency, free will, intentionality, self-determination, imagination, and values.

Whatever is troubling you, anxiety or depression, a personal crisis or loss, difficulties with a partner or concern about a child's behavior - relief is possible. I work with individuals, children, teens, adults, couples and families, and treat a wide range of the human experience, including anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, panic attacks, borderline personality disorder, bi-polar conditions and anger management. My approach is character analytic which offers an opportunity for clients to experience a wider range of feelings, resulting in more energy and an ability to move through life's difficulties and experience life's pleasures.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.

It takes a strong person to realize when they have exhausted their own resources and need help. I applaud that courage and treat all clients with dignity and respect. I have known since age 14 that I wanted to be a therapist. I got my Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling in 1992 and have been licensed since 1999. I am passionate about providing professional therapy services and feel blessed that I get to do this everyday. 12 Step Friendly!

I have many years of experience and training and feel fortunate to work with adults, couples and teens. I find that most clients come to me when their old ways of coping are no longer working (or they are unhealthy) and the stress is too much! Why do it alone? I hold the hope for my clients when they aren't able.

I have worked more than 30 years w individuals & families with serious psychological and relational problems including the mood, behavior and substance problems that tear families apart. I help individuals and families navigate the perilous course of finding solutions while we work to improve serenity and sanity for all. Individual work is relational w/psychodynamic and a Real World approach. I have developed the “Stress-Induced Impaired Coping" model for family system distress and recovery. See my 2019 book: “Freedom From Family Dysfunction: A Guide for Families Battling Addiction or Mental Illness.” http://bit.ly/FreedomFamHC

We all have difficulties in living. Problems of self esteem often underlie these difficulties. Resulting depression and anxiety, compulsive behaviors such as overeating, overspending, alcohol abuse and unhappy, frustrating relationship choices, can be changed. My style of working has developed over many years of practice and is interactive. Clients would most likely describe me as warm, and responsive. While serious in my work I have a good sense of humor; which I believe is essential for a productive, happy life.

I work with Individuals and Couples who are hoping to obtain a deeper understanding about themselves and their past experiences. I believe therapy can be an opportunity for people to change unhealthy patterns of relating to themselves and others. These patterns often continue to cause pain and suffering. I hope to create an environment for people to explore what aspects of their past may be getting in the way of their present and future. I work in a collaborative fashion, hoping to help people find the freedom to live their own lives.

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.

Many people feel disconnected from their true selves going through life looking o.k. on the outside but feeling awful on the inside. This causes all kinds of symptoms: depression, irritability, anxiety, alienation, boredom, dissatisfaction, lack of motivation, and disinterest in life. Through our work together, I help you to access deeper parts of yourself which can bring back vitality and meaning into your life. Problems often arise from childhood issues or from life transistions; college, marriage, birth, divorce, or death of a loved one. Through developing a deeper connection with yourself suffering can be transformed into growth and strength.

I believe human beings change and develop throughout their life span. In some 30 years of practicing psychotherapy I have come to view most emotional symptoms and all relationship crises as opportunities for re-engaging and supporting aspects of self development. I was educated in Germany and the US: my professional experience ranges from work in very traditional clinical settings to being a therapist and group facilitator for staff at the Esalen Institute.

People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons: Relief from sadness or anxiety, to break patterns that cause pain, to get clarity when you just don't know why life feels like an uphill battle or to simply get an "emotional tune-up." With compassion, emotional safety, and a clear, candid therapeutic style, I help people work through life's challenges using effective, evidence-based treatments that target the underlying causes for painful feelings. I believe healing happens holistically; Mind-Body-Spirit are aligned when people feel "right" within themselves.

Welcome. Are you feeling stuck or confused? Experiencing a major change or loss in your life? Wondering how you ended up in the same uncomfortable situation again or wishing you could just a handle things a little differently this time? Struggling with the uncertainty of life? Maybe you have been feeling out of sorts or unmotivated and can't figure out why. When these feelings and situations arise, therapy can help. I believe, that while it takes courage to ask for help sometimes help is exactly what we need to feel better, improve our relationships, gain clarity and experience more ease in life.

I have a special interest in working with men to improve their relationships. Maybe your marriage or partnership is on the rocks. You might be divorced/post break up and wondering what lies ahead, not wanting to repeat the same mistake twice. Have you had difficulty finding love or maintaining close ties with people you care about? I can help. For the last 20 years, I've been helping men have better relationships. I offer my genuine care, straight talk, and a sense of humor. Together we get to the bottom of it and find a new way forward.

It is an act of courage to finally say “yes” to psychotherapy and so important to connect with the right person, wherein you can feel safe and be heard. I offer a 20 min phone or Zoom session as your opportunity to know if we are a good fit for together. This has been my passion for 28 years along with teaching Mindful Self Compassion groups. Whether with me or someone else, I hope you find the right person for you to experience the peace and joy that is awaiting you.