Therapists in Sebastopol, CA

My main approach to counseling is establishing a collaborative, strength-based, and goal-focused relationship. I believe we all have the capacity within ourselves to address roadblocks in our lives, heal from emotional wounds, and move towards growth and contentment. We also all feel stuck at times along the way and can use a little help. I work alongside my clients on identifying clear goals to strive for and by which to measure success. I highlight my clients’ strengths and areas of progress during this work, as a large part of that feeling stuck is the harsh perceptions we tend to have about ourselves.

I have been a licensed bilingual therapist for the last 10 years, offering a mindful approach with experience in a wide range of settings and different populations. I find it incredibly rewarding to sit with people and witness their transformation. I create a space of emotional safety where the totality of yourself is welcome. Through mindfulness and other ways of dropping in, we will explore what is important for you: the connection to the different resources that can help you, and when ready, we will delve into other aspects such as fear, anxiety, or grief.

Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful thinking or behavior patterns? Is anxiety interfering with your ability to enjoy life? Do you need help with parenting or relationship issues? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you struggling with chronic pain or illness? Is it difficult to make decisions?

The typical client comes to therapy when familiar patterns are no longer working. Together we will build a trusting relationship allowing us to uncover obstacles to change which often include feelings of grief or loss. As these and other painful memories and patterns are revealed, we are able to move the client toward more productive behavior and a healthier, happier life.

Is the suffering that you keep circling back around to your soul calling out to you to dig deeper and really heal yourself? Many of us wonder why we suffer so much in our relationships, why we are afraid of love, why we stay in less fulfilling places in life rather than taking the steps to live a more meaningful, larger life. The calling for humanity is coming from our souls. If you can at least be open to this possibility, I invite you into the therapy process of tapping into your soul's wisdom and letting it guide you.

Whoever you are, particularly if you sometimes find yourself lonely in the world, if you are a person of color, part of the LGBTQ community, if you wonder if you are too different, too difficult or just too much...You are welcome here. Here are some of the reasons folks find their way into my office: Depression/ Anxiety/ Grief/ Overwhelm/ Low Self-Esteem / Self Hatred/ Feeling lost or stuck/ Sorrow or fear about Climate Change / Degradation of the natural world.

YOU are here! I invite you to take your hands to your heart and sit for a moment to really feel this present moment. In this moment, you have come SO far! You are now in the first step in your healing journey. Acknowledging that you are showing up for yourself here, and looking for support from a therapist, is something to be celebrated! Acknowledging that you need help is a journey. Perhaps you have lost yourself and your mood is impacting your energy and motivation. How we are feeling on the inside effects how we are showing up in the world. By working with me I will help get you get to your desired mood and goals.

Welcome! I work well with those experiencing depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, PTSD/Trauma, identity questions, adjustment disorders, stress, sibling/family conflict, life transitions, and spirituality exploration. I see adolescents and adults.

Whatever has brought you here, I've no doubt it's an opportunity to create something better. I can help you release old, painful patterns that go nowhere, so you can create the life you want. Or, If you're on your knees in transition or loss, I can support you through it. I'm an enthusiastic catalyst for you to be a game changer in your own life! You can rely on my 25 years of experience and will find me playful, compassionate and generous with clear, inspiring feedback. We'll work as collaborators for your best evolution.

I believe that humans inherently possess the ability to grow and change, and I want to work collaboratively with you to identify deep rooted narratives, increase coping skills, and build on your existing strengths. If you are suffering from trauma, mental health issues, relationship issues, or are challenged dealing with the stressors of daily life such as work or parenting, we can work on it together.

I specialize in couples counseling, relationship issues, and women's issues. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) and have worked primarily with couples and women for the last several years. Do you find yourself stuck in a painful cycle of arguing with your partner about the same things with no resolution over and over? Whether you’re single or partnered, seeking love or struggling in a relationship, I can help. I offer both a spiritual and practical perspective. We'll look at your limiting beliefs and the stories you tell about yourself and others that are keeping you stuck.

I believe we are remarkably resilient; have an innate ability to understand ourselves and to repair; are multifaceted and unique; and are made to live in connection. My therapeutic approach is informed by 50+ years of life experience. I became a clinical psychologist by way of leading wilderness trips with children, teenagers, and adults; teaching in alternative and comprehensive high schools; doctoral training in psychology; and subsequent internships in Sonoma County (Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic, Chrysalis Community Counseling Services, West County High School Outreach Therapy, Hospice of Petaluma, and Memorial Hospice).

Whatever issues, conflicts, or relationship problems that you may be struggling with, I can help you begin to have a new experience of yourself, to be able to create more satisfying results. Within a gentle, yet direct, relationship, I will offer you more clarity and encourage needed changes. I am highly experienced at teaching practical skills and tools to better understand and deepen your relationship with yourself, your loved ones, and life in general. People who have worked with me over the years say that what is immediately noticeable about my style is the safe, down to earth experience and support I provide.

I have been in the mental health field for over 40 years. During that time, there is very little I haven't been exposed to. I teach in the Counseling Department at Sonoma State University which keeps me current on the latest in the psychotherapy world. I have supervised Trainees and Associates as their Clinical Supervisor. Supervising other clinicians helps me become the best Therapist I can be. Despite all my years of experience, I remain a lifelong student because to be an excellent therapist you need to stay humble and curious.

I believe some of our greatest challenges can reveal themselves to be opportunities for growth and change. Within ourselves we all carry innate wisdom and the ability to heal. As a clinician it is my goal to support you in reconnecting with your Authentic Self and rediscover the answers already within you, which may help ease your pain and suffering. When burdened by depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, or substance abuse, a person's ability to connect to their true self becomes blocked. My focus is to create a safe an nurturing environment to guide to back to your Authentic Self.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist located in Sebastopol, CA. B.A. in Psychology UC Berkeley, M.A. in Counseling Psychology: Professional School of Psychology, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology: Meridian University. I was the staff psychologist at the Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic in where I supervised and trained psychologists for many years. I work with individuals who wish to unfold their full potential and who have current or past material that is blocking them. In my work I, use many different psychotherapeutic modalities and integrate them to fit the unique needs of each individual.

A wise man once said that all life is relationship. Indeed, we all want to be seen, valued and supported. Connection with ourselves and others is also the most challenging aspect of being human. Often we do not receive the skills to create safe connections or have had experiences that leaves us reluctant to reach out. We can be left feeling alone, anxious, and depressed. We may struggle with communication skills and habits that undermine us and leave us feeling dissatisfied with ourself and our relationships.

I support individuals, couples and families with diverse needs, and specialize in work with children, adolescents, parents, and families. I see my work with clients as a co-creative process, drawing on my clients' unique character, strength, and values, as well as a variety of therapeutic techniques and tools. I have a holistic view of health and well-being, and take into account the mind, body, and spirit. I offer support for a variety of issues, especially anxiety and mood issues, grief, loss, trauma, and parenting issues. I am an Art Therapist as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

A strong interest in human nature and an insistent curiosity about life has led me to become a psychotherapist. I am committed to offer clients a safe environment for their explorations of their own lives in pursuit of a more satisfying existence. I utilize a variety of different therapeutic approaches based on each client’s individual needs. Whether you are looking for support through difficult life transitions, want to explore new areas of yourself, are a concerned parent needing help with a challenging home situation, or need a place for your child to deal with life’s challenges, I will do my best to assist you.