Photo of Elizabeth McGinnis, Counselor in 94025, CA
Elizabeth McGinnis
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
You're too old to not have relationships figured out. But lately, you've started to wonder if it's just normal to feel invisible, if it's even possible for you to have a relationship that makes you want to smile. When you show up as yourself the way the latest article tells you to, all you hear is that you're too much and nothing changes. Now you just find yourself shutting down, keeping as out of the way as possible. You’re tired of feeling scared that your partner will leave. Or even worse, that she'll stay and you’ll be stuck feeling this way forever. Breathing deeply and stretching into your skin feels impossible.
You're too old to not have relationships figured out. But lately, you've started to wonder if it's just normal to feel invisible, if it's even possible for you to have a relationship that makes you want to smile. When you show up as yourself the way the latest article tells you to, all you hear is that you're too much and nothing changes. Now you just find yourself shutting down, keeping as out of the way as possible. You’re tired of feeling scared that your partner will leave. Or even worse, that she'll stay and you’ll be stuck feeling this way forever. Breathing deeply and stretching into your skin feels impossible.
(408) 351-1321 View (408) 351-1321
Photo of Dr. Caroline Stone, Psychologist in 94025, CA
Dr. Caroline Stone
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
As a clinical psychologist, I help both individuals and couples create more connected and fulfilling lives through personalized, supportive psychotherapy. My clients are looking to make specific changes and want an interactive clinician to provide perspective, as well as tools and strategies for coping with painful emotions and life stressors. I assist clients with relationship concerns, break-ups, anxiety, OCD, physical health conditions, trauma, social anxiety, parenting, and major life, academic, and career transitions. I also provide performance and executive coaching services across Silicon Valley.
As a clinical psychologist, I help both individuals and couples create more connected and fulfilling lives through personalized, supportive psychotherapy. My clients are looking to make specific changes and want an interactive clinician to provide perspective, as well as tools and strategies for coping with painful emotions and life stressors. I assist clients with relationship concerns, break-ups, anxiety, OCD, physical health conditions, trauma, social anxiety, parenting, and major life, academic, and career transitions. I also provide performance and executive coaching services across Silicon Valley.
(341) 444-3994 View (341) 444-3994
Photo of Jonathan Boland, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94025, CA
Jonathan Boland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, MPH
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to reach your full potential? Do you feel like a prisoner of your past? Have traumatic events taken over your life? You're not alone. Life doesn’t have to be this way. I can guide you through the transformation of becoming who you were meant to be, stepping fully into your joy. I'll give you the courage you need to be your true authentic self, always. I’ve helped hundreds of people just like you radically transform their lives, including those healing from trauma and people who desire a healthier sexual relationship with themselves and with others. I’m passionate about assisting others reach their full potential.
Are you struggling to reach your full potential? Do you feel like a prisoner of your past? Have traumatic events taken over your life? You're not alone. Life doesn’t have to be this way. I can guide you through the transformation of becoming who you were meant to be, stepping fully into your joy. I'll give you the courage you need to be your true authentic self, always. I’ve helped hundreds of people just like you radically transform their lives, including those healing from trauma and people who desire a healthier sexual relationship with themselves and with others. I’m passionate about assisting others reach their full potential.
(310) 742-8451 View (310) 742-8451
Photo of Sean Sprigle, Licensed Professional Counselor in 94025, CA
Sean Sprigle
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with how crazy the world has become? Do you feel lost, scared or confused? Are you looking for answers during a time when no one seems to have them? I might be able to help you. Before I was a therapist I was a client myself, struggling with addiction, PTSD and other issues as well. My journey of healing led me to becoming a therapist to help others heal. My clients find me to be compassionate, non-judgmental and informative. I tend to work intuitively, while using my training and experience as a guide. I am focused on helping my clients navigate their own healing journey as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
Are you struggling with how crazy the world has become? Do you feel lost, scared or confused? Are you looking for answers during a time when no one seems to have them? I might be able to help you. Before I was a therapist I was a client myself, struggling with addiction, PTSD and other issues as well. My journey of healing led me to becoming a therapist to help others heal. My clients find me to be compassionate, non-judgmental and informative. I tend to work intuitively, while using my training and experience as a guide. I am focused on helping my clients navigate their own healing journey as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
(858) 879-6083 View (858) 879-6083
Photo of Shawna Cobabe, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Shawna Cobabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
(925) 329-6259 View (925) 329-6259
Photo of Marcie Kay, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Marcie Kay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, MBA, APCC
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Waitlist for new clients
I create a safe and nurturing therapeutic space for adults, couples & teens who are facing major life transitions such as college, career, divorce, or personal loss in finding a joyful and fulfilling path forward. I also provide empathetic guidance to the “sandwich generation” – women and men who are raising children while also caring for their elderly parents and struggling with anxiety and depression as they attempt to juggle it all. I help families navigate the complexities of raising children, adolescents and emerging adults in a healthy, cohesive way.
I create a safe and nurturing therapeutic space for adults, couples & teens who are facing major life transitions such as college, career, divorce, or personal loss in finding a joyful and fulfilling path forward. I also provide empathetic guidance to the “sandwich generation” – women and men who are raising children while also caring for their elderly parents and struggling with anxiety and depression as they attempt to juggle it all. I help families navigate the complexities of raising children, adolescents and emerging adults in a healthy, cohesive way.
(650) 686-5489 View (650) 686-5489
Photo of Adela Stone, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Adela Stone
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
COUPLES specialist here! Would you and your partner like to reconnect and stop ineffective communication patterns? Do you want to heal your emotional wounds and navigate mismatched values and desires? Or did you find out you are a NEURODIVERGENT couple facing unique challenges due to your different neurotypes? You deserve the chance to rebuild your relationship. You deserve to both give and receive love in a safe, healthy relationship. With the right guidance, you can uncover the inner resources you need to transform: internally and in the relationship dynamic.
COUPLES specialist here! Would you and your partner like to reconnect and stop ineffective communication patterns? Do you want to heal your emotional wounds and navigate mismatched values and desires? Or did you find out you are a NEURODIVERGENT couple facing unique challenges due to your different neurotypes? You deserve the chance to rebuild your relationship. You deserve to both give and receive love in a safe, healthy relationship. With the right guidance, you can uncover the inner resources you need to transform: internally and in the relationship dynamic.
(408) 418-2527 View (408) 418-2527
Photo of Victoria Terrill, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94025, CA
Victoria Terrill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I am so honored to have the opportunity to assist motivated individuals in their personal journeys to increased life satisfaction. Throughout my career, I have guided youth and adults in identifying problems and stressors they are impacted by and have helped them find relief. I believe it is important to start by developing a therapeutic relationship so that you are comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities.
I am so honored to have the opportunity to assist motivated individuals in their personal journeys to increased life satisfaction. Throughout my career, I have guided youth and adults in identifying problems and stressors they are impacted by and have helped them find relief. I believe it is important to start by developing a therapeutic relationship so that you are comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities.
(310) 683-4717 View (310) 683-4717
Photo of Shohreh Schmuecker, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Shohreh Schmuecker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
Often when we go through difficult points in our life, we may first try to think our way through it and rationalize. Or we may avoid thinking about it altogether, distracting ourselves. It can be hard to turn towards something that feels emotionally painful and sometimes it can feel overwhelming, especially when we feel we have to manage it on our own. The idea of seeing a therapist could feel intimidating because there could be beliefs around needing to push through internal defenses. I believe that defenses are important and are to be respected, they are what has helped us get here and are important tools to keep us feeling safe.
Often when we go through difficult points in our life, we may first try to think our way through it and rationalize. Or we may avoid thinking about it altogether, distracting ourselves. It can be hard to turn towards something that feels emotionally painful and sometimes it can feel overwhelming, especially when we feel we have to manage it on our own. The idea of seeing a therapist could feel intimidating because there could be beliefs around needing to push through internal defenses. I believe that defenses are important and are to be respected, they are what has helped us get here and are important tools to keep us feeling safe.
(925) 258-2834 View (925) 258-2834
Photo of Rodrigo Caldera, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Rodrigo Caldera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
You seek a compassionate therapist to help regulate emotions, address trauma, and provide a sounding board. Embracing courage and creativity, you see therapy as a resource and a mindset. You yearn to be heard, process, feel supported, and gain insights while being mindful to accountability. You are willing to take charge of your healing journey, know your destination, and welcome guidance along the way. Open to offerings, you try on new things while remaining authentically you- able to accept or decline invitations. You welcome going deep and exploring the quiet places within you. You are ready to explore beyond talk therapy.
You seek a compassionate therapist to help regulate emotions, address trauma, and provide a sounding board. Embracing courage and creativity, you see therapy as a resource and a mindset. You yearn to be heard, process, feel supported, and gain insights while being mindful to accountability. You are willing to take charge of your healing journey, know your destination, and welcome guidance along the way. Open to offerings, you try on new things while remaining authentically you- able to accept or decline invitations. You welcome going deep and exploring the quiet places within you. You are ready to explore beyond talk therapy.
(650) 648-4144 View (650) 648-4144
Photo of Kathleen Dunbar, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Kathleen Dunbar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Wholeness, Celebration, Joy, Dignity, Compassion are fundamental qualities of a life truly lived. Discovering who we are is our birthright. But we must walk our path to discover ourselves and go on the hero and heroine’s journey that asks us to step into the unknown, relinquish the things we know we must let go of and claim the truth we know is ours. By being our unique selves, our lives flourish and the world is a better place. Making your dreams come alive means being uniquely you. You’ll be able to say, This is my life, I’m taking it seriously and enjoying it! And yes, you can learn to say out loud and mean it: I love myself!
Wholeness, Celebration, Joy, Dignity, Compassion are fundamental qualities of a life truly lived. Discovering who we are is our birthright. But we must walk our path to discover ourselves and go on the hero and heroine’s journey that asks us to step into the unknown, relinquish the things we know we must let go of and claim the truth we know is ours. By being our unique selves, our lives flourish and the world is a better place. Making your dreams come alive means being uniquely you. You’ll be able to say, This is my life, I’m taking it seriously and enjoying it! And yes, you can learn to say out loud and mean it: I love myself!
(415) 300-2584 View (415) 300-2584
Photo of Natalie Shahar, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94025, CA
Natalie Shahar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Developing deep connections with others has always been my passion. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples on relationship issues, parenting, pregnancy and postpartum, and other life challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Developing deep connections with others has always been my passion. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples on relationship issues, parenting, pregnancy and postpartum, and other life challenges such as anxiety and depression.
(650) 229-6492 View (650) 229-6492
Compassion Focused Therapists

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.