Photo of Christina Ashley Young, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94925, CA
Christina Ashley Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
My clients tend to be people who want to feel more in control of their emotions, more effective at getting what they want, less stuck, more flexible, more connected and really just more at peace. They seek relief from patterns - sometimes chronic and severe, sometimes only subtly troublesome - of painful emotions, negative self-talk and thoughts, rumination, relationship instability and self sabotaging behaviors. Many of my clients tend to have had very painful formative or recent experiences of invalidation that have been difficult or confusing. https://www.christinayoungtherapy.com/
My clients tend to be people who want to feel more in control of their emotions, more effective at getting what they want, less stuck, more flexible, more connected and really just more at peace. They seek relief from patterns - sometimes chronic and severe, sometimes only subtly troublesome - of painful emotions, negative self-talk and thoughts, rumination, relationship instability and self sabotaging behaviors. Many of my clients tend to have had very painful formative or recent experiences of invalidation that have been difficult or confusing. https://www.christinayoungtherapy.com/
(415) 650-0628 View (415) 650-0628
Photo of Sara Drotman, Psychologist in 94925, CA
Sara Drotman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Waitlist for new clients
Constantly coping with trauma, stress, isolation, grief, or substance abuse can make you feel like you are living in "survival mode." Therapy can help you find your way back to the life you want to be living. If you've reached this page, that means you're considering making a change - to better understand yourself, improve your relationships, create new habits, or rediscover your passions. This work can only occur when you feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. That is why I prioritize collaborative, culturally responsive, and patient-centered care.
Constantly coping with trauma, stress, isolation, grief, or substance abuse can make you feel like you are living in "survival mode." Therapy can help you find your way back to the life you want to be living. If you've reached this page, that means you're considering making a change - to better understand yourself, improve your relationships, create new habits, or rediscover your passions. This work can only occur when you feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. That is why I prioritize collaborative, culturally responsive, and patient-centered care.
(415) 737-5095 View (415) 737-5095
Photo of Nicolas Chu, Psychologist in 94925, CA
Nicolas Chu
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
My philosophy is to empower my patients to be helpful and compassionate towards themselves and develop a healthy way to deal with life’s difficult times. Therapy is about personal connection, and my first goal is always to provide a safe, comfortable environment for my patients.
My philosophy is to empower my patients to be helpful and compassionate towards themselves and develop a healthy way to deal with life’s difficult times. Therapy is about personal connection, and my first goal is always to provide a safe, comfortable environment for my patients.
(415) 496-0286 View (415) 496-0286
Photo of Dana Kahn, Psychologist in 94925, CA
Dana Kahn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Hello. I have been a licensed Clinical Psychologist for twenty-five years. With experience, training, and a deep sense of compassion, I provide a safe space for patients to share their most vulnerable feelings. I am an active participant in the treatment, and I believe that a therapeutic relationship must be based on trust and mutual respect. I believe that every client has a unique story to tell, and therapy is tailored to those needs. I provide trauma-based therapy, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy. I treat adults, adolescents and families.
Hello. I have been a licensed Clinical Psychologist for twenty-five years. With experience, training, and a deep sense of compassion, I provide a safe space for patients to share their most vulnerable feelings. I am an active participant in the treatment, and I believe that a therapeutic relationship must be based on trust and mutual respect. I believe that every client has a unique story to tell, and therapy is tailored to those needs. I provide trauma-based therapy, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented psychotherapy. I treat adults, adolescents and families.
(415) 891-8378 View (415) 891-8378
Photo of Michelle Shariat-Hansen, Psychologist in 94925, CA
Michelle Shariat-Hansen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
My passion has always been to help people alleviate symptoms that interfere with their quality of life, in order to live a more fulfilling, purposeful and balanced life. To facilitate this process, I provide a warm and supportive environment with respectful and non-judgmental listening to your personal concerns. My style is active and goal-oriented, I use encouragement and offer new perspectives and tools. I help guide clients through challenging situations to discover solutions to the issues that bring them to therapy. Since each person's situation is unique, my treatment approach is individualized depending on your particular needs and goals.
My passion has always been to help people alleviate symptoms that interfere with their quality of life, in order to live a more fulfilling, purposeful and balanced life. To facilitate this process, I provide a warm and supportive environment with respectful and non-judgmental listening to your personal concerns. My style is active and goal-oriented, I use encouragement and offer new perspectives and tools. I help guide clients through challenging situations to discover solutions to the issues that bring them to therapy. Since each person's situation is unique, my treatment approach is individualized depending on your particular needs and goals.
(415) 968-6896 View (415) 968-6896
Photo of The Fluent Mind, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94925, CA
The Fluent Mind
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
As parents and clinicians, we know it is hard to have a unique brain in a typical world. We know you need different navigational tools in these turbulent waters. So, we designed a program based on well-researched therapies for all ages that will strengthen core brain functions - attention, memory, processing speed and problem-solving - and increase social skills. For parents, we work together to find the right community supports and develop the skills you need as a parent to support a calm and thriving family life.
As parents and clinicians, we know it is hard to have a unique brain in a typical world. We know you need different navigational tools in these turbulent waters. So, we designed a program based on well-researched therapies for all ages that will strengthen core brain functions - attention, memory, processing speed and problem-solving - and increase social skills. For parents, we work together to find the right community supports and develop the skills you need as a parent to support a calm and thriving family life.
(415) 944-5813 View (415) 944-5813
Photo of Beth Leigh Kolakoski, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94925, CA
Beth Leigh Kolakoski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
There are times in our life when we might feel overwhelmed and confused when trying to manage today's stressors. Fortunately, because you are seeking help, you don't have to go through it alone. Often we need guidance when navigating the challenges and feelings that come when difficulties arise. In a supportive and empathetic environment, issues such as: grief and loss, sadness/depression, anxiety, life transitions, personal growth, low self-esteem, trauma, chronic pain, ADHD difficulties, as well as child/parent struggles, can be addressed through a strength-based and solution-oriented approach.
There are times in our life when we might feel overwhelmed and confused when trying to manage today's stressors. Fortunately, because you are seeking help, you don't have to go through it alone. Often we need guidance when navigating the challenges and feelings that come when difficulties arise. In a supportive and empathetic environment, issues such as: grief and loss, sadness/depression, anxiety, life transitions, personal growth, low self-esteem, trauma, chronic pain, ADHD difficulties, as well as child/parent struggles, can be addressed through a strength-based and solution-oriented approach.
(415) 223-8422 View (415) 223-8422
Photo of Alexandra Thurston, Psychologist in 94925, CA
Alexandra Thurston
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925  (Online Only)
Prioritizing yourself isn’t always easy. You might be seen as the one who always “has it all together" or is taking care of others. You may feel like you can't slow down and you are used to having to do it all on your own, but lately it’s hard to deny that you are struggling. I’m glad you are taking the time for yourself. I believe that we are all deserving of compassion and capable of creating meaningful change in our lives. In our work, I will support you to understand more about yourself, develop new coping skills, and feel more self-compassionate, grounded, and empowered. Together, let's help you move from surviving to thriving.
Prioritizing yourself isn’t always easy. You might be seen as the one who always “has it all together" or is taking care of others. You may feel like you can't slow down and you are used to having to do it all on your own, but lately it’s hard to deny that you are struggling. I’m glad you are taking the time for yourself. I believe that we are all deserving of compassion and capable of creating meaningful change in our lives. In our work, I will support you to understand more about yourself, develop new coping skills, and feel more self-compassionate, grounded, and empowered. Together, let's help you move from surviving to thriving.
(415) 997-2195 View (415) 997-2195
Photo of Sara Bisikirski, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94925, CA
Sara Bisikirski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Corte Madera, CA 94925
With 20 years of experience, I work with individual adults, adolescents and couples from a trauma-informed model that integrates DBT, psychodynamic, family systems and Mindful Self-Compassion perspectives. Through therapy I can help you to achieve your goals, develop an increased understanding of yourself and build new ways of coping with life’s challenges. As a Certified Mediator with a background in divorce mediation I can lend informed support to those struggling with divorce-related challenges. Furthermore as a transracially adoptive mom of two I hold a strong interest in helping others navigate the world of parenting.
With 20 years of experience, I work with individual adults, adolescents and couples from a trauma-informed model that integrates DBT, psychodynamic, family systems and Mindful Self-Compassion perspectives. Through therapy I can help you to achieve your goals, develop an increased understanding of yourself and build new ways of coping with life’s challenges. As a Certified Mediator with a background in divorce mediation I can lend informed support to those struggling with divorce-related challenges. Furthermore as a transracially adoptive mom of two I hold a strong interest in helping others navigate the world of parenting.
(510) 880-1983 View (510) 880-1983
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.