Photo of Melinda Perales, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Melinda Perales
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CMAT, RAE
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Chances are, at this time, when you are seeking therapy, you might be feeling alone, worried, and scared. The truth is that you are never alone; help and support are always available. Shining your light in times of darkness is possible and can be met with new hope and exciting beginnings! My focus with clients is on healing rather than treatment. I am committed to providing quality, affordable psychotherapy for everyone and am proudly associated with Axis Mundi Center for Mental Health to help accomplish my mission. (axismundicenter.org)
Chances are, at this time, when you are seeking therapy, you might be feeling alone, worried, and scared. The truth is that you are never alone; help and support are always available. Shining your light in times of darkness is possible and can be met with new hope and exciting beginnings! My focus with clients is on healing rather than treatment. I am committed to providing quality, affordable psychotherapy for everyone and am proudly associated with Axis Mundi Center for Mental Health to help accomplish my mission. (axismundicenter.org)
(415) 317-3557 View (415) 317-3557
Photo of Sara M Cabezas-Prendergast, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Sara M Cabezas-Prendergast
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, PPS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Looking for support for your child or adolescent? Teenagers and adults struggling with various life or mental health issues? I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space that allows my clients to comfortably explore issues impacting them. I take a client centered approach to therapy, utilizing various modalities to support each client’s individual needs and, aid them in achieving their goals.
Looking for support for your child or adolescent? Teenagers and adults struggling with various life or mental health issues? I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space that allows my clients to comfortably explore issues impacting them. I take a client centered approach to therapy, utilizing various modalities to support each client’s individual needs and, aid them in achieving their goals.
(925) 515-4012 View (925) 515-4012
Photo of Aileen Cunanan Dwight, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94596, CA
Aileen Cunanan Dwight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
You can feel better, reconnect with others and create the life & relationships you desire. One of the most caring actions you can make for yourself and for your loved ones is seeking help. www.CaliforniaTherapy.Care
You can feel better, reconnect with others and create the life & relationships you desire. One of the most caring actions you can make for yourself and for your loved ones is seeking help. www.CaliforniaTherapy.Care
(925) 476-0804 View (925) 476-0804
Photo of Remarkable Services, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Remarkable Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
At some point, we all struggle to adjust to change and fail to respond to life’s challenges with our best effort. It’s normal to feel stuck. We at Remarkable Services (RS) believe people inherently have what it takes within themselves to adjust, change and heal. No matter if it’s a challenging work situation, a parenting struggle, a tough year of high school or college, we all know what it feels like to struggle. Parents and their children are not immune, in that over the course of the first 18 years of life there are bound to be countless transitions, developments, change and of course, points of contention. RS is here to help!
At some point, we all struggle to adjust to change and fail to respond to life’s challenges with our best effort. It’s normal to feel stuck. We at Remarkable Services (RS) believe people inherently have what it takes within themselves to adjust, change and heal. No matter if it’s a challenging work situation, a parenting struggle, a tough year of high school or college, we all know what it feels like to struggle. Parents and their children are not immune, in that over the course of the first 18 years of life there are bound to be countless transitions, developments, change and of course, points of contention. RS is here to help!
(925) 436-1725 View (925) 436-1725
Maria A Garay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMF
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I work with clients from a client-centered approach which is intended to provide the safe space needed for healing. Together we will target debilitating symptoms. I work with adolescents and adults in individual and family settings. and couples seeking support in their relationship. I work with people seeking awareness on how to improve their life and support in achieving their goals. Together we will restore healthy lifestyle patterns and plan for future success. Teens, adults and couples often can suffer from the same depressive, anxious and traumatic experiences, but will need different support to heal.
I work with clients from a client-centered approach which is intended to provide the safe space needed for healing. Together we will target debilitating symptoms. I work with adolescents and adults in individual and family settings. and couples seeking support in their relationship. I work with people seeking awareness on how to improve their life and support in achieving their goals. Together we will restore healthy lifestyle patterns and plan for future success. Teens, adults and couples often can suffer from the same depressive, anxious and traumatic experiences, but will need different support to heal.
(510) 746-8133 View (510) 746-8133
Photo of Elizabeth M Domingos-Shepard, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Elizabeth M Domingos-Shepard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Welcome! Therapy can be a safe place to explore your fears and worries, and also a place where you can learn new coping strategies, while finding hope and healing. Many of us have wounds from the past and often, new traumas can trigger those wounds to re-emerge. However, living the life you deserve is possible. I believe in the power of the human spirit and that it moves us towards healing. In therapy, you can find your way back to our path or create a new one. I see clients only via teletherapy.
Welcome! Therapy can be a safe place to explore your fears and worries, and also a place where you can learn new coping strategies, while finding hope and healing. Many of us have wounds from the past and often, new traumas can trigger those wounds to re-emerge. However, living the life you deserve is possible. I believe in the power of the human spirit and that it moves us towards healing. In therapy, you can find your way back to our path or create a new one. I see clients only via teletherapy.
(714) 710-1821 View (714) 710-1821
Photo of Ji Eun Ko, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Ji Eun Ko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re here because you are feeling disconnected from who you are, experiencing conflict in your important relationships, generally feel down and lost, or are just plainly curious about therapy, you’ve come to the right place. No matter what intersection of our identities we hold, and our unique history of lived experiences, all of us live through times where life just feels a little bit (or a lot bit) hard. Maybe you’ve lived in that difficult space for so long, it feels like your normal. Or maybe it’s really uncommon for you, that when it does happen, it feels like a shock to your system.
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re here because you are feeling disconnected from who you are, experiencing conflict in your important relationships, generally feel down and lost, or are just plainly curious about therapy, you’ve come to the right place. No matter what intersection of our identities we hold, and our unique history of lived experiences, all of us live through times where life just feels a little bit (or a lot bit) hard. Maybe you’ve lived in that difficult space for so long, it feels like your normal. Or maybe it’s really uncommon for you, that when it does happen, it feels like a shock to your system.
(619) 473-2893 View (619) 473-2893
Photo of Kimberly Shaw, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Kimberly Shaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
We all want to be happy, but sometimes happiness is elusive. I've spent over 20 years working with adolescents, adults, seniors and families to improve mental health, build resilience, enhance relationships and move through life transitions. Whether you're a teen or young adult trying to understand the world and your place in it, an adult moving through the challenges of life, an elder facing major life changes, or a family seeking better communication and understanding of one another, I have the tools and experience to help you through.
We all want to be happy, but sometimes happiness is elusive. I've spent over 20 years working with adolescents, adults, seniors and families to improve mental health, build resilience, enhance relationships and move through life transitions. Whether you're a teen or young adult trying to understand the world and your place in it, an adult moving through the challenges of life, an elder facing major life changes, or a family seeking better communication and understanding of one another, I have the tools and experience to help you through.
(925) 940-3968 View (925) 940-3968
Photo of Natalie Webster, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Natalie Webster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel like instead of a spiral you are travelling in an endless circle of sadness, fear, arguments, grief, or simply confusion? Sometimes life get's hard and sometimes we get stuck. Therapy is here to help in these moments-- through gentle exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and actions we can work to uncover the places where you are feeling trapped in order to help you create new thoughts, healthier feelings, and actions more in alignment with the person you want to be: whether it be happier, more peaceful, more successful, more calm.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel like instead of a spiral you are travelling in an endless circle of sadness, fear, arguments, grief, or simply confusion? Sometimes life get's hard and sometimes we get stuck. Therapy is here to help in these moments-- through gentle exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and actions we can work to uncover the places where you are feeling trapped in order to help you create new thoughts, healthier feelings, and actions more in alignment with the person you want to be: whether it be happier, more peaceful, more successful, more calm.
(925) 690-2114 View (925) 690-2114
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.