Therapists in Sonoma County, CA

I have been licensed as a Psychologist (PhD-Doctor) since 2001. I received my Master's Degree in Psychology in December of 1988 and thus have 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist. In 2018, I published my first AudioBook, "Meditative Visualization; How 2 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Life," available via Amazon.com, iTunes.com, CDBaby.com, and more. I began meditating in 1998 & teaching Meditation +/-2004. My clients have asked me for years to publish my techniques on stress management, creating dynamically balanced lifestyles, problem-solving, goal setting, & creating internal resilience in our ever-changing world.

Healing involves the whole person, not just the problems that person is struggling with. I believe that depression and anxiety are not random occurrences but have meaning. It is our task to discover the message contained within the pain. The sense of separateness that comes from this pain is often a separation from the self. As a trained homeopath, as well as a psychodynamic therapist, I have tools to treat both psychological and physical symptoms. I am faculty emeritus at the Women's Therapy Center and am a supervisor and instructor at The Psychotherapy Institute in Berkeley. I have also taught at Sonoma State University.

It is possible, I believe, for life to be deeply satisfying, fulfilling and vital ~ whatever the beginning, and however difficult or confusing the present time might seem. For over 30 years in my practice, I have witnessed this again and again -- and have developed a deep respect for the stamina and resilience of the human spirit. I work to provide you with the kind of supportive context that can help you find your innate gifts, and make real the changes you envision. I focus on the ways awareness of difficulty or pain can be a key to hidden strength and renewal.

Psychotherapy can offer a process to better understand the relationship between our thoughts, feelings (emotions and physiology), and behaviors. I work with people from all walks of life and specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, career/identity issues, and adjustment difficulties related to life transitions and illness. Some of my therapeutic goals include helping clients manage symptoms of distress with healthier coping, improving relationships (with self and others), and exploring the ways in which current problems may be linked to unresolved issues from the past.

My early training as an artist, art therapist and body therapist as well as my spiritual practice of more than fifty years, informs my work as a psychotherapist with individuals, couples and groups. I work with a range of issues, having integrated many models of therapy. The core of my work is the relationship that the client and I co-create together. When a client feels seen, heard, received and respected, a container of trust and safety is created. This process is essential for clients to explore the issues that bring them to therapy and to do the inner work of healing.

I provide a safe, supportive place for creative problem solving and self exploration. Each individual has a unique combination of strengths, needs and personal history that need to be identified and used to best achieve their goals. I view psychotherapy as a tool that can help people see new possibilities and potential in their lives, conquer fears and expand imitations.

Are you are feeling overwhelmed or stuck? Is your life not working as well as you would like? Are you feeling stressed or experiencing negative relationship patterns? I can help. Sometimes clients know exactly what they need, and sometimes it isn't clear. Together we will identify your goals and priorities and then I can help create a clear path to healing. My desire is to provide a place where clients can share freely and be true to themselves.

I have 17 years experience working with children and youth in a variety of settings. I work with parenting issues, PTSD, anxiety, depression and high functioning youth on the autistic spectrum, as well as learning disabilities. I use sand play, play therapy, as well as behavioral and cognitive approaches. I help clients learn coping and communication strategies using a mindfulness focusing approach and non-violent communication skills.

As a therapist, I aim to help you feel better prepared to address life transitions. To find calm and clarity with the unknown. I hope to help you slow down and focus on achieving positivity and happiness in a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore feelings of confusion and personal concerns. My goal is to help you feel more fulfilled and content with your life. My approach to therapy is integrative, providing services through a holistic lens.

Hello and welcome! I am honored that you are visiting this page. I am committed to creating a space in which you will feel safe, deeply heard and seen, and can be a co-collaborator in the therapeutic process. Having a solid therapeutic relationship is essential to the success of your experience in therapy and my approach is that I am a human in the room first, therapist second. I enjoy serving as a guide for those who are in grief and those struggling with the challenges of being human, life change and transition, anxiety, low self esteem, and trauma.

Individuals desirous to discover the deeper self that resides within. Persons committed to growing beyond the history that stunts curiosity and a sense of purpose in life. People with enough life experience to know that life requires introspection, discomfort at times and build the capacity to appreciate personal and psychological accomplishment. Couples that want to build a better relationship by solving problems from the foundation of love that brought them together. Men who have reached mid-life and seek to live fully the next part of life . People who will invest the time and money it takes for positive change.

I have a passion for working with adolescents & adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, suicidality, low self-esteem and codependency. I adhere to a Person-Centered counseling approach which means, therapy gets to be all about you, where you are valued and you can say what’s on your mind without fear of judgment. Therapy is a process that takes time, effort & a willingness to be vulnerable and self-reflect. But the biggest predictor of success in therapy is having a good relationship with your therapist, so why not give me a call for a free consultation.

"Teens are tough!" The challenges of adolescence and young adulthood can be difficult and disruptive to a family. In today's fast paced society there are times when we need extra help navigating the ups and downs. Let me help. I have over 15 years of experience working with families, adolescents and individuals using a range of treatment modalities including; cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, and positive psychology.

Much of philosophy today contends that modern life is damaged life. Theodor Adorno tells us that this life is wrong and cannot be lived rightly, while Walter Benjamin observes that, in terms of our structures of feeling and knowing the world, “we have become impoverished”. Adorno and Max Horkheimer suggest that magic died long ago. Wrong life, poverty of experience, and the death of magic: how then can we live? This question animates my thought as psychotherapist and educator. Over two decades of clinical practice have taught me that damaged life can be beautiful life, capable of the most radical kind of joy.

You’re tired of beating yourself up. Nothing you do ever feels good enough. You are always trying to do everything “right” because that's what you're supposed to do. But it really feels like an incredible amount of stress, doubt and exhaustion. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel like you aren’t under the constant pressure of your own mind spinning its negative thoughts about yourself? What if you could just relax and be yourself without worrying about living up to other people’s expectations?

It is the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit and the natural world that creates the pathway towards healing. We do this with the guidance of the Self. During difficult times we sometimes need an outer guide to remind us of our inherent gifts as humans. I consider myself a guide and advocate for the soul and well being of my clients. I strive to empower my clients with deep self-knowing and the confidence to discern the best way towards healing, which is unique to each client. I view mental health symptoms as a form of communication between the body and that part of the psyche which needs attention and tending.

You may be thinking about psychotherapy for yourself. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. And your relationships, health or even finances may have been affected. Whether your problems are new, or are deeply rooted, even perhaps in trauma, therapy can help. In therapy you can build on your own wisdom to heal a difficult past and deep wounds. Difficult life experiences can help us develop greater insight and resilience. I am here to help you create your own goals and work towards a better life.

Experience compassion and open-heartedness in everyday life and freedom from patterns of the past. I see individuals, couples and families with issues of integrating trauma, communication/knowing your truth, healing sexuality/deep connection, infidelity, addiction and family concerns. I help clients find a fuller, more alive life, in partnership with the people and family, chosen or from birth, around them.

Is there something in your life that you want to change but are uncertain how to begin? I’m here to help. My goal is to help you get what you need by actively listening and providing you with the skills and tools to overcome your obstacles and make that change. Because every person is different, I offer a person-centered approach to exploring and tackling the unique challenges you’re experiencing. As an openly gay parent in a loving long-term interracial marriage, I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for you to process and work through issues.