Somatic Therapists in San Mateo, CA
San Mateo Child and Family Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
2 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
I enjoy working with children, teens, individual adults, and couples! Are you stressed out because your child or teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, academic, or behavioral problems? Are you yourself feeling anxious, depressed? Are you struggling in your marriage to feel that emotional and physical connection you once felt? I believe you are unique and special, and I look forward to working together to create growth and change in your life. I am the owner of a group practice with seven therapists who work for me, and I enjoy connecting you with the therapist who is your best fit!
I enjoy working with children, teens, individual adults, and couples! Are you stressed out because your child or teen is dealing with anxiety, depression, academic, or behavioral problems? Are you yourself feeling anxious, depressed? Are you struggling in your marriage to feel that emotional and physical connection you once felt? I believe you are unique and special, and I look forward to working together to create growth and change in your life. I am the owner of a group practice with seven therapists who work for me, and I enjoy connecting you with the therapist who is your best fit!
I also now provide movement based practices derived from Qi Gong, as potential supplement to therapy as a for somatic soothing and release, nervous system regulating for stress relief!
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
I also now provide movement based practices derived from Qi Gong, as potential supplement to therapy as a for somatic soothing and release, nervous system regulating for stress relief!
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I help you listen to your body with self compassion & patience.
Do you struggle with intimacy, sexual desire or trauma ? Let me help you reconnect with your core desire in a simple way. Sexuality can be a wonderful topic to explore. I will create a safe environment where you are the leader of your own journey, and where you are invited to renegotiate sexual challenges, stress and trauma at your own pace. I have a holistic approach: exploring body, heart, mind & spirituality. Together, we can find the most effective way to regain your full potential in intimacy and relationships. I am a Certified sex therapist, this means I studied an extra 3 years to better support you.
As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I help you listen to your body with self compassion & patience.
Do you struggle with intimacy, sexual desire or trauma ? Let me help you reconnect with your core desire in a simple way. Sexuality can be a wonderful topic to explore. I will create a safe environment where you are the leader of your own journey, and where you are invited to renegotiate sexual challenges, stress and trauma at your own pace. I have a holistic approach: exploring body, heart, mind & spirituality. Together, we can find the most effective way to regain your full potential in intimacy and relationships. I am a Certified sex therapist, this means I studied an extra 3 years to better support you.
Collaborating in reflective conversations and somatic practices, we will explore the interplay between suffering and growth.
Little is more human than struggle. Whether trying to better know oneself, understand a longing, or connect deeply, we perpetually face challenges. Struggles often come with discomfort— a nagging urgency, a rising heat, a constricted throat. Feeling discomfort, our response is often to distract, mitigate, or attempt to resolve the presumed catalyst. While possible and sometimes effective, such approaches merely quell the moment’s upheaval. The underlying dynamic remains. At times, we only have capacity for such responses. But you’ve found yourself here, reading this. Chances are you’re seeking to change something more fundamental.
Collaborating in reflective conversations and somatic practices, we will explore the interplay between suffering and growth.
Little is more human than struggle. Whether trying to better know oneself, understand a longing, or connect deeply, we perpetually face challenges. Struggles often come with discomfort— a nagging urgency, a rising heat, a constricted throat. Feeling discomfort, our response is often to distract, mitigate, or attempt to resolve the presumed catalyst. While possible and sometimes effective, such approaches merely quell the moment’s upheaval. The underlying dynamic remains. At times, we only have capacity for such responses. But you’ve found yourself here, reading this. Chances are you’re seeking to change something more fundamental.
Are you tired of talking endlessly about the problems in your relationships and are ready to find solutions? Are you frustrated with all the general relationship advice out there and just really want a professional therapist to understand your unique situation and guide you through it? I’m Dr. Melissa Risso, and I can help. I am a Licensed MFT, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator with a passion for helping individuals and couples live better lives. My education, professional experience, and life experience have taught me how to listen to people without judgment.
Are you tired of talking endlessly about the problems in your relationships and are ready to find solutions? Are you frustrated with all the general relationship advice out there and just really want a professional therapist to understand your unique situation and guide you through it? I’m Dr. Melissa Risso, and I can help. I am a Licensed MFT, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator with a passion for helping individuals and couples live better lives. My education, professional experience, and life experience have taught me how to listen to people without judgment.
At moments in life we find ourselves feeling lost and overwhelmed. Not knowing how to behave, manage thoughts and feelings, recover from life circumstances. You may feel a lingering inner turmoil preventing you from living fully. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. I approach therapy by helping you sort through layers of injury and protection that surround you, to access the deepest core of your being. I can help you break through old patterns that no longer serve you. It is investing in yourself by carving out time in therapy that can pave the way to more aliveness and connection to authenticity with yourself and others.
At moments in life we find ourselves feeling lost and overwhelmed. Not knowing how to behave, manage thoughts and feelings, recover from life circumstances. You may feel a lingering inner turmoil preventing you from living fully. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. I approach therapy by helping you sort through layers of injury and protection that surround you, to access the deepest core of your being. I can help you break through old patterns that no longer serve you. It is investing in yourself by carving out time in therapy that can pave the way to more aliveness and connection to authenticity with yourself and others.
Are you struggling with feeling down and stuck? Are there experiences from the past that are impacting you negatively now? I mostly work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I often find our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Are you struggling with feeling down and stuck? Are there experiences from the past that are impacting you negatively now? I mostly work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I often find our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
I mostly have experience in existential-humanistic psychology, psychodynamic, relational/attachment based psychotherapy and somatic psychotherapy.
I am an advocate of cultural diversity & have experience working with minorities, women, LGBTQ+. I'm affiliated with the PRIDE Committee as well as the Latino Collaborative in San Mateo County. I have over 10-years experience providing therapy to people of all ages and stages in life.
I mostly have experience in existential-humanistic psychology, psychodynamic, relational/attachment based psychotherapy and somatic psychotherapy.
I am an advocate of cultural diversity & have experience working with minorities, women, LGBTQ+. I'm affiliated with the PRIDE Committee as well as the Latino Collaborative in San Mateo County. I have over 10-years experience providing therapy to people of all ages and stages in life.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, stress, depression, a particularly challenging life transition, or some form of trauma, you don't need to keep struggling alone. In fact, you don't need to keep "struggling" at all. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying everything will get better as soon as you start therapy. Yes, I can provide the skills and tools you need to better cope with the symptoms you're facing. But healing takes effort. However, if you're ready to do the work to better understand who you are, the pain you're currently experiencing can serve as a catalyst for profound transformation, growth, and positive lasting change.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, stress, depression, a particularly challenging life transition, or some form of trauma, you don't need to keep struggling alone. In fact, you don't need to keep "struggling" at all. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying everything will get better as soon as you start therapy. Yes, I can provide the skills and tools you need to better cope with the symptoms you're facing. But healing takes effort. However, if you're ready to do the work to better understand who you are, the pain you're currently experiencing can serve as a catalyst for profound transformation, growth, and positive lasting change.
Inside a life that often looks successful or "handled," something can still feel heavy, disconnected, or stuck. Whether it shows up as relentless anxiety, burnout, or a subtle misalignment with your true self, you don't have to carry it alone. I’m Christina, a therapist with 20 years of experience. As a Queer woman, I provide a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to process trauma, explore identity, connection, and quiet the pressure of "having it all together" while managing life’s transitions. I also welcome anyone who values authenticity and is ready to move beyond simply getting through the day.
Inside a life that often looks successful or "handled," something can still feel heavy, disconnected, or stuck. Whether it shows up as relentless anxiety, burnout, or a subtle misalignment with your true self, you don't have to carry it alone. I’m Christina, a therapist with 20 years of experience. As a Queer woman, I provide a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to process trauma, explore identity, connection, and quiet the pressure of "having it all together" while managing life’s transitions. I also welcome anyone who values authenticity and is ready to move beyond simply getting through the day.
Are you an Asian American struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or lost while trying to meet expectations or manage the constant demands of your day? Do you ever wonder if life could be more balanced, fulfilling, or hopeful? Many individuals feel uncertain about how to overcome difficult relationships, process loss, rediscover their sense of self, or heal from trauma such as sexual assault. Ignoring these challenges can lead to deeper distress and a diminished quality of life. As an immigrant ourself, we understand how challenging it can be to balance all of it.
Are you an Asian American struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or lost while trying to meet expectations or manage the constant demands of your day? Do you ever wonder if life could be more balanced, fulfilling, or hopeful? Many individuals feel uncertain about how to overcome difficult relationships, process loss, rediscover their sense of self, or heal from trauma such as sexual assault. Ignoring these challenges can lead to deeper distress and a diminished quality of life. As an immigrant ourself, we understand how challenging it can be to balance all of it.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here to help you feel less stuck and more understood. I work with young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, and the emotional weight of trauma — whether it's a life-altering event (Big T trauma) or the quieter, chronic wounds we carry from childhood, relationships, or self-doubt (little t trauma).
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here to help you feel less stuck and more understood. I work with young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, and the emotional weight of trauma — whether it's a life-altering event (Big T trauma) or the quieter, chronic wounds we carry from childhood, relationships, or self-doubt (little t trauma).
I draw from CBT, Strength Based, Somatic, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, & Solution Focused.
I counsel children, youth, and adults through family problems, communication skills, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work/life balance, and relationship issues. In the session, I aim to incorporate an awareness of the physical body to reach a more inclusive feeling of wellness in your mental state. If you are feeling out of balance in your life, our work together can help you find a sense of calmness in your body and harmony in your mind.
I draw from CBT, Strength Based, Somatic, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, & Solution Focused.
I counsel children, youth, and adults through family problems, communication skills, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work/life balance, and relationship issues. In the session, I aim to incorporate an awareness of the physical body to reach a more inclusive feeling of wellness in your mental state. If you are feeling out of balance in your life, our work together can help you find a sense of calmness in your body and harmony in your mind.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 146802) offering telehealth therapy across California, including services for San Mateo County residents through Medi-Cal (HPSM).
Rooted in cultural sensitivity, my approach honors your unique worldview and lived experiences. Through collaboration and mutual respect, I strive to build a therapeutic alliance that supports your autonomy, self-acceptance, and overall well-being. Using a variety of evidence-based modalities, I tailor our work to what resonates most with you—helping you navigate challenges, strengthen resilience, and move toward meaningful healing and wholeness.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 146802) offering telehealth therapy across California, including services for San Mateo County residents through Medi-Cal (HPSM).
Rooted in cultural sensitivity, my approach honors your unique worldview and lived experiences. Through collaboration and mutual respect, I strive to build a therapeutic alliance that supports your autonomy, self-acceptance, and overall well-being. Using a variety of evidence-based modalities, I tailor our work to what resonates most with you—helping you navigate challenges, strengthen resilience, and move toward meaningful healing and wholeness.
Are you ready to step into the next version of yourself? Are you ready to take responsibility for your healing journey and move into a more empowered way of being in the world? I would be honored to work with you to develop awareness around patterns keeping you stuck or holding you back and to begin to establish new ways of relating to yourself and the world that are in alignment with your goals and values. I aim to collaborate with my clients to support them in creating a life that is meaningful and fulfilling for them.
Are you ready to step into the next version of yourself? Are you ready to take responsibility for your healing journey and move into a more empowered way of being in the world? I would be honored to work with you to develop awareness around patterns keeping you stuck or holding you back and to begin to establish new ways of relating to yourself and the world that are in alignment with your goals and values. I aim to collaborate with my clients to support them in creating a life that is meaningful and fulfilling for them.
Through a combination of talk therapy and somatic practices, we will delve into the underlying wisdom and protective functions that underpin your emotions and inner experiences.
In a mind-centered world, we have largely forgotten about the innate wisdom and healing capacities of the body. Many of us have learned to avoid uncomfortable and difficult emotions, viewing them as negative or undesirable. This misconception often leads us to escape our bodies and ourselves. I believe that the relational container created in therapy is integral for exploring our multifaceted identities, layer by layer, part by part.
Through a combination of talk therapy and somatic practices, we will delve into the underlying wisdom and protective functions that underpin your emotions and inner experiences.
In a mind-centered world, we have largely forgotten about the innate wisdom and healing capacities of the body. Many of us have learned to avoid uncomfortable and difficult emotions, viewing them as negative or undesirable. This misconception often leads us to escape our bodies and ourselves. I believe that the relational container created in therapy is integral for exploring our multifaceted identities, layer by layer, part by part.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in grief/loss, trauma, parenting issues, anxiety and life transitions. Blending my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies with my certifications in Yoga, Interactive Guided Imagery, Qi Gong, and meditation, I meld a variety of proven techniques to individualize your therapy based on your focused objectives. My goal is to empower children, individuals, and couples with the tools they need to face the challenges in their lives that arise authentically and self-sufficiently. My free time is spent with friends, watching movies or
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in grief/loss, trauma, parenting issues, anxiety and life transitions. Blending my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies with my certifications in Yoga, Interactive Guided Imagery, Qi Gong, and meditation, I meld a variety of proven techniques to individualize your therapy based on your focused objectives. My goal is to empower children, individuals, and couples with the tools they need to face the challenges in their lives that arise authentically and self-sufficiently. My free time is spent with friends, watching movies or
I am easy going and engaging and I believe in helping to empower individuals. I love the feeling of connecting with clients and walking through the therapeutic journey. I have experience working with many demographics and cultures and creating a safe and confidential environment for expression and intellectual freedom. I work primarily with adults, young adults and teenagers.
I am easy going and engaging and I believe in helping to empower individuals. I love the feeling of connecting with clients and walking through the therapeutic journey. I have experience working with many demographics and cultures and creating a safe and confidential environment for expression and intellectual freedom. I work primarily with adults, young adults and teenagers.
I draw from humanistic therapy, somatic awareness, IFS, non-violent communication (NVC), and mindfulness-based approaches.
I’m an AMFT dedicated to serving my community with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s unique experience. I offer a safe space to explore feelings, process the past, and reconnect with your voice. Whether you're grieving, healing from trauma, facing change, or seeking a deeper connection to yourself, I will help you make sense of what’s happening and find a path forward that feels more whole and true. Together, we’ll explore not just pain, but also your resilience, needs, and what’s possible. Therapy with me isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about supporting you as you reclaim who you are.
I draw from humanistic therapy, somatic awareness, IFS, non-violent communication (NVC), and mindfulness-based approaches.
I’m an AMFT dedicated to serving my community with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s unique experience. I offer a safe space to explore feelings, process the past, and reconnect with your voice. Whether you're grieving, healing from trauma, facing change, or seeking a deeper connection to yourself, I will help you make sense of what’s happening and find a path forward that feels more whole and true. Together, we’ll explore not just pain, but also your resilience, needs, and what’s possible. Therapy with me isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about supporting you as you reclaim who you are.
I am here to help if you are struggling with the following: anxiety, job stress, workplace politics, relationship problems, grief/loss, and trauma. Trauma can involve one event or on-going adverse events you have experienced. I offer culturally affirming therapy for AAPI and South Asians, including immigrants who are seeking support for intergenerational conflict. Therapy is an important aspect of self care which can help you feel more grounded and empowered despite these challenges. If left unattended, these problems can lead to self doubt and confidence issues affecting work function, relationships, and physical health.
I am here to help if you are struggling with the following: anxiety, job stress, workplace politics, relationship problems, grief/loss, and trauma. Trauma can involve one event or on-going adverse events you have experienced. I offer culturally affirming therapy for AAPI and South Asians, including immigrants who are seeking support for intergenerational conflict. Therapy is an important aspect of self care which can help you feel more grounded and empowered despite these challenges. If left unattended, these problems can lead to self doubt and confidence issues affecting work function, relationships, and physical health.
See more therapy options for San Mateo
Nearby Somatic Therapists Searches for San Mateo
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Foster City
- Half Moon Bay
- Hillsborough
- Millbrae
- Redwood City
- San Bruno
- San Carlos
- South San Francisco
- Woodside
Somatic Therapists
How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.
Is EMDR a somatic therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.
What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.