Therapists in Portola Valley, CA

Older adolescents, adults & couples are all welcome to my practice. In collaboration with you, I will help guide and support you in attaining your therapy goals by understanding the patterns inhibiting your success, happiness and fulfillment. Together we will chart a therapeutic course specific to who you are and what your goals are. I invite feedback and make corrections as needed along the way. My framework is psychodynamic to which I bring training in other theories/techniques, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, CBT, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), EMDR and trauma focused.

Navigating life’s inherent difficulties can be challenging. Sometimes therapy can help. From confronting issues such as loss/grief, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems, to facing significant life decisions or struggling with marital/relationship concerns, many factors can prevent any of us from engaging in our lives more fully. Whether you are new to therapy or you're returning to work through a new or lingering issue, creating a safe place to explore, understand, and respond to your concerns is crucial. Utilizing warmth and transparency, I hope to cultivate a trusting partnership with you.

I work best with individuals and couples who are interested in understanding how they got stuck and who want to develop skills and insights to move forward. Everyone gets stuck in their life or relationships at times. Perhaps there is job stress, a new baby, a divorce or break up, sexual/intimacy problems or a last child leaving home. Sometimes we know we are distressed but don't really know why. I strive to create a safe and accepting atmosphere in my office that enables people to be less reactive and more thoughtful and creative in addressing their conflicts.

Are you feeling disconnected, frustrated or overwhelmed? Do you find it challenging to build close, intimate relationships? If you are looking to improve the quality of your most important relationships or to feel more skillful at building new relationships, I would look forward to working with you.

At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.

Are you looking for a new and different approach to healing? Do you feel like your mind "already knows" but you are still not FEELING better? The answer lies in your body. As much as your mind can't digest your food it can't resolve your emotions. The body plays an important role in the healing process. It serves as a visceral map to the subconscious mind. As you learn to access the wisdom of your body, emotions can begin to resolve on a deeper level, restoring health, harmony, and balance. Please allow me to teach you how...

My clients feel accepted and not judged, but also know that I give feedback and perspective, not just support. I don't view my clients as "ill", "broken" or "dysfunctional", but rather as spiritual beings, challenged by life to grow in some way. I do 70 minute sessions, because I view counseling as a way to help you get on with your life - not as a way of life - and most of my clients move through the process fairly quickly. I have over 45 years of experience in general practice, with a particular specialty in relationship counseling - couples and families.

Life experiences shape who we are and influence how we see the world and people around us. Certain experiences can get in the way of us fulfilling our deepest longings, hopes and dreams, and of being the authentic, confident and happy person we always wanted to be. I work with a culturally diverse population of individuals and couples who may be struggling with interpersonal conflict, anxiety, anger, depression, panic, low self-esteem, procrastination, unexplained somatic symptoms, trauma, grief or loss. I am here to help you resolve the challenges that keep you stuck and make your life so miserable.

There are many things that draw us to therapy. Some arrive struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or career uncertainty. Others have difficulty managing  the roller coaster of emotions inherent in the journey of becoming a parent, while some experience a more general or vague sense of distress. Whatever your goals and challenges, I welcome the opportunity to see whether I may be a good fit for your journey.

My life’s work is to improve & understand human relationships, and to help others live a life of meaning and authenticity. I strive to build bridges of understanding between multiple realities and reframing perspectives. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I specialize in trauma, transitions, cross-cultural adjustment, personal or professional relationship difficulties, parenting, grief, and marital issues.

What is important in your life? You and those you love are the start and end of this list. When we struggle internally and within our relationships, every part of our life is affected. Our work together gets to the real stuff, where you get to live and love by your values. Together, your concerns and heartaches lessen and you are able to show up as the best version of yourself. It's not to big of an ask to want to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. We can get you there.

I specialize in working with and supporting individuals facing challenging life transitions, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and difficulties with emotional connection, intimacy, and sexual issues. My goal is to help you identify and change unhealthy cycles that may be causing you to feel stuck. With a focus on respect, sensitivity, and expertise, I work to enhance your relationships, foster more meaningful connections, and improve your overall well-being.

Worried? Anxious? Blue? Feelings can be the result of your situation,or they can be triggered by deeper issues such as attachment, trauma, and unprocessed memories. EMDR "turbocharges" the processing of painful memories. Adults, teens, and children with a history of abuse, trauma, and loss can heal quickly. I also specialize in resolving relationship issues and helping families become stronger. Whether you need help to navigate life transitions or to realize your full potential for emotional growth, therapy is a highly interactive process. Together we develop a plan for treatment involving care and commitment. Feel better!

You’re considered to be quite successful in many areas of your life. Even though you know this is true, you don’t feel like you’re doing well at the moment. You’re smart, capable, and usually able to solve your problems, but trying to “fix” your emotional struggles just hasn’t worked. The demands of your work and personal life feel like they're just too much for you to handle right now. Your relationship with your partner might be a struggle. You may feel burned out.

Life can be challenging in the best of circumstances, and during the pandemic (and since then) we all know how much harder things became for so many people. Isolation. Frustration. Depression. Grief. Relationship conflict. Job stress. These stressors can be overwhelming for anyone. My therapeutic approach is flexible based on the needs of my clients. I frequently draw on clinical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Attachment Therapy. I am also committed to helping couples navigate relationship difficulties using components of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and DBT.

I provide therapy for those experiencing a wide range of life challenges including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, trauma recovery, grief and loss, life transitions and relationship concerns. With my background in Technology and corporate work (over a decade) I am very conversant and knowledgeable of that world. I have extensive experience and expertise in working with Anxiety, relationship issues and highly sensitive people.

Our world today is full of challenges. Many stressors in life knock us off balance, and we feel overwhelmed, distressed, sometimes angry, sad and lonely. But you do not need to face the challenges alone. I am passionate to help people regain the balance by being more attuned to themselves - their identities, emotions, and physical needs. I work collaboratively with my clients to explore and identify ways to meet their goals, and provide tools and interventions as fitting. Most importantly, I walk alongside them in their journey to attain health and growth.

I’m here to help you Create your Dream Life by setting & achieving your goals, overcome blocks, set new patterns & tap into your Alignment, Embodiment & Empowerment. My focus is on guiding you to your inner wisdom, transforming your relationship to self, forming new beliefs & patterns while rediscovering your unique talents. By working together my aim is to support you in achieving your hearts desires, achieving success & helping you flourish in your life. We will take a holistic approach that respects the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe in your innate wisdom, wholeness, resilience, and capacity for growth.