Couples Counseling Therapists in Sonoma, CA

I work with adult individuals and couples in transition or crisis. When you are in a state of transition, some catalyst has occurred that has disrupted your sense of normalcy, security and satisfaction with your life and relationship. It may be an external change like a health diagnosis, loss of work, an affair, a death, or an internal change like a ‘mid-life crisis,’ or an increased sense of disconnection from your work or the people you love. This can be profoundly disorienting; you may experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. You realize that change is required, but it is scary and confusing. Where do you start?

My clients are talented, intelligent, well-educated people who feel they are not living up to their potential in work or relationships. They may feel anxious or depressed, or at a loss about how to resolve a difficulty with a friend or family member. I love working with small business owners and the struggles encountered in making a business successful. I am a licensed psychotherapist with accessible offices in San Francisco and Sonoma, Ca. I have many years of experience helping individuals and couples discover ways to live authentically and creatively. Get back to enjoying your life.

Relationship is at the root of my work as a therapist. My goal is to establish trusting connections through empathy, humanness and humor. I work with individuals, couples and families on relationship issues as well as depression, anxiety, loss, mourning and self-esteem.One speciality is helping elders address issues of aging. I also work with groups for adult children dealing with the challenges of aging parents. My approach is insight oriented – seeking understanding of problematic patterns and their probable origins. I also attend to somatic experience (physical sensations) as an additional inroad to exploring feelings and thoughts.

I bring a positive approach to my work with people and believe therapy needs to be practical and strength-focused. Your strengths are key to creating the changes you want. If you are in crisis or struggling, you may not be able to readily identify your strengths right now. Even if you know your strengths it can be hard to see your way clear.

Many people come to me with prior experiences of therapy that were not helpful. This happens for many reasons but sometimes it's as simple as it wasn't the right fit. A wise mentor explained that "all human growth and healing takes place in the context of relationship, from infancy on". Therapy is a relationship of growth, change, healing. Many people are driven to therapy because of suffering in current or past relationship. Often the most challenging and hurtful relationship we have is the one with one's self. The "right" therapist is one that makes moving through this vulnerable process possible and bearable.

Couples face endless challenges, which often improve with simple communication. Intimacy, sex, love, trust and/or cheating often bring couples to therapy ... although anger, disappointment, dishonesty, family, finances, illness, in-laws, parenting, and power struggles may contribute as well. Effective therapy begins with trust, which allows couples to explore issues and express emotion. I take a kind, common-sense approach as I assist couples to heal and to bond. My work is deep, compassionate and supportive so that you can clarify your goals, create new solutions, and work through problems and pain. (707) 996-9434.

I know first hand that healing from trauma and "the dark nights of the soul" are not only possible, but hold within them a gateway to more love and joy. No one goes through life without pain. Yet how we address our pain will make all the difference in how deeply we suffer, how resilient we are and how much we grow from these experiences. I will infuse our collaboration with compassion, acceptance, curiosity, and humor--focusing on your strengths.

I welcome whatever you bring and offer an open compassionate space to explore those parts of yourself wanting attention. Through focused inquiry, you will gain a deeper sense of understanding and acceptance.

Marriage can be extremely challenging, especially if your childhood was less than ideal. I help couples learn to listen to each other and talk about difficult issues without being triggered by past events or experiences. These reactions can cause defensiveness, or result in attacks on, or withdrawal from, the other. I help change these patterns, facilitate productive discussions and help you get the love and closeness back in your marriage. Couples can heal, become stronger in their bond and rejoin in love even after an affair or infatuation. I have 29 years of experience as an insight-oriented psychotherapist working with individuals and couples .

I offer individual, couples and family therapy that honors the spiritual life of my clients. I specialize in relationship counseling and use Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Kunkel's We Psychology in my work. I welcome clients of all faiths and those who are spiritual but not religious. I am a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA). My life-long interest in spirituality has included study in world religions, prayer, meditation and depth psychology. My training in behavioral science and theology supports an integrated approach to creative work and healthy relationships.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Napa County, providing in-depth psychotherapy for individuals, couples , and teenagers. My approach is warm, engaged and interactive. I draw from psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theories. I synthesize education, personal growth and psychological treatment for a wide variety of challenges, such as, depression; anxiety; marital discord; co-parenting; and 'positive' parenting. I have been trained through The Couples Institute with Ellen Bader, focusing on the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy and integrating Attachment Theory.

Effective therapy begins with trust, resonance, and respect. This allows individuals and couples to explore personal issues and to express real emotions. I take a kind, common-sense approach as I help people to confront problems, discover insights, and develop solutions -- all of which lead to lasting change. My work is deep, compassionate, and supportive so that you may clarify goals, rediscover feelings, work through pain, and reclaim your life. Please call me at (707) 996-9434 for a phone consultation.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialization in working with couples and trauma survivors. I draw from research and clinical experience, along with an understanding of your unique background and strengths, when creating an individualized plan for helping you meet your goals. Whether you are feeling lonely and misunderstood in your relationships, struggle to manage the stress of daily life, or can't seem to move forward after trauma, therapy can help you develop more meaningful and intimate connections, learn effective strategies for addressing problems, and find a greater sense of fulfillment in life.

The hardest part of therapy is making the choice to seek help. If you’re reading this, you’ve already begun the work! When working with me, you or your loved ones can count on receiving loving, respectful, and supportive treatment while exploring the issues you bring to therapy. All thoughts and feelings are safe in this space. In therapy with me, you are in the driver's seat, and I will be your navigator, partner , passenger, or guide - it's entirely up to you. Life can be challenging. My goal is to help you manage the tough times and celebrate the good times in a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.