Therapists in Novato, CA
Damoun Bozorgzadarbab
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947 (Online Only)
So much of what life brings us is beyond our control- childhood trauma, loss of our loved ones, difficult transitions that we must make in order to remain true to ourselves or genes that make us susceptible to mental health disorders. In our busy lives, we sometimes forget to take a step back to re-evaluate how we are caring for our mind and heart. 2020 seemed like a call to action for the world to look inward and redefine goals such as our life style, career choices, relationship dynamics and tired old behaviors that get in our way over and over again.
So much of what life brings us is beyond our control- childhood trauma, loss of our loved ones, difficult transitions that we must make in order to remain true to ourselves or genes that make us susceptible to mental health disorders. In our busy lives, we sometimes forget to take a step back to re-evaluate how we are caring for our mind and heart. 2020 seemed like a call to action for the world to look inward and redefine goals such as our life style, career choices, relationship dynamics and tired old behaviors that get in our way over and over again.
Laura J Cabanski Dunning
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
Are you anxious? Troubled? Stuck? I know how difficult it is to enjoy life when you feel trapped by stressful thoughts, feelings, circumstances, relationships. I work creatively with you as you work through difficulties and find new energy and inspiration in your life. We will work together to decrease your current distress as quickly as possible, while helping you to gain deeper insight and move forward positively in your life. I'll tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs, utilizing a variety of strategies such as hypnosis, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), stress management, relaxation, CBT.
Are you anxious? Troubled? Stuck? I know how difficult it is to enjoy life when you feel trapped by stressful thoughts, feelings, circumstances, relationships. I work creatively with you as you work through difficulties and find new energy and inspiration in your life. We will work together to decrease your current distress as quickly as possible, while helping you to gain deeper insight and move forward positively in your life. I'll tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs, utilizing a variety of strategies such as hypnosis, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), stress management, relaxation, CBT.
Allison Prine
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
You deserve to experience a life that is authentic, connected, and rich with meaning. It takes courage to rewrite your story from a place of disconnection, struggle, and fear, transforming it into a narrative full of empowerment, growth, and healing. Whether you are struggling with balance and identity in new parenthood, grieving infertility or pregnancy loss, processing your own neurodivergence, parenting a child with complex needs, grappling with the anxiety of being a millennial navigating the impact of life transitions on your relationships, career, and purpose in this overwhelming world, I am here to hold space for you.
You deserve to experience a life that is authentic, connected, and rich with meaning. It takes courage to rewrite your story from a place of disconnection, struggle, and fear, transforming it into a narrative full of empowerment, growth, and healing. Whether you are struggling with balance and identity in new parenthood, grieving infertility or pregnancy loss, processing your own neurodivergence, parenting a child with complex needs, grappling with the anxiety of being a millennial navigating the impact of life transitions on your relationships, career, and purpose in this overwhelming world, I am here to hold space for you.
Robyn McKenzie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that every person has the capacity to achieve growth at any stage of life. My passion is to support my clients in gaining insight into their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors in order to effect lasting change and move toward a more satisfying life. My therapy style is warm, empathic, active, and practical. I believe therapy works best when there is a strong, collaborative relationship between client and therapist. You are the expert on your own life, and my goal is to partner with you to learn about your experiences and bring my own perspective and expertise to help discover how therapy can most benefit you.
I believe that every person has the capacity to achieve growth at any stage of life. My passion is to support my clients in gaining insight into their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors in order to effect lasting change and move toward a more satisfying life. My therapy style is warm, empathic, active, and practical. I believe therapy works best when there is a strong, collaborative relationship between client and therapist. You are the expert on your own life, and my goal is to partner with you to learn about your experiences and bring my own perspective and expertise to help discover how therapy can most benefit you.
Susan Kenny
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94949
I work as a Somatic Psychotherapist helping adults understand and regulate their nervous system. I am trained as both a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Transforming Touch Therapist to help clients with developmental trauma as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and loss. I use a body based approach to understand sensations in the body, and my style is active, warm and empathic. I provide a safe environment to learn how to harness your inner resources, manage stress and emotions in both the mind and the nervous system, and help you create more balance and ease in you life.
I work as a Somatic Psychotherapist helping adults understand and regulate their nervous system. I am trained as both a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Transforming Touch Therapist to help clients with developmental trauma as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and loss. I use a body based approach to understand sensations in the body, and my style is active, warm and empathic. I provide a safe environment to learn how to harness your inner resources, manage stress and emotions in both the mind and the nervous system, and help you create more balance and ease in you life.
Kristen E. Fong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
You’re frustrated and unhappy in your relationship. Fear of being alone is keeping you stuck. You pretend everything is fine, so nobody knows things aren’t perfect. You’re overwhelmed, sad and at a loss as to what to do. You’ve tried to fix things, but hit a wall together. You just want to feel loved again. I hear you. I’ve been there.
You’re frustrated and unhappy in your relationship. Fear of being alone is keeping you stuck. You pretend everything is fine, so nobody knows things aren’t perfect. You’re overwhelmed, sad and at a loss as to what to do. You’ve tried to fix things, but hit a wall together. You just want to feel loved again. I hear you. I’ve been there.
Jennifer Miller
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947
Hi there, welcome to my practice, I’m glad you found your way here. Reaching out for therapy can often come at a difficult time. You might notice your emotions and patience are more heightened, or even your overall self is feeling fatigued. I'm here to help relieve some of that stress in a safe and comfortable environment. I want to help you regain your sense of self and find your light again. Whether it is complex family dynamics, a current or past crisis/trauma, grief, or just daily life stressors I aim to provide a safe space for you and meet you where you're at with your needs.
Hi there, welcome to my practice, I’m glad you found your way here. Reaching out for therapy can often come at a difficult time. You might notice your emotions and patience are more heightened, or even your overall self is feeling fatigued. I'm here to help relieve some of that stress in a safe and comfortable environment. I want to help you regain your sense of self and find your light again. Whether it is complex family dynamics, a current or past crisis/trauma, grief, or just daily life stressors I aim to provide a safe space for you and meet you where you're at with your needs.
Elisha Ellis Madsen | Board-Certified Music Therapist
MME, MT-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
Are you struggling with anxiety or self-doubt? Do you ever feel like your emotions control you? Constantly worried about the future or stuck in the past? Lost touch with your creative side (or perhaps you were never allowed to explore it in the first place?) You aren’t alone, and I want to help you feel grounded, confident, and more present in your own life. I’m Elisha: I specialize in music therapy for adults who want to ease anxiety, improve self-esteem, and reignite creativity through a holistic lens. My therapeutic approach is authentic, bold, intuitive, and creative. I am committed to anti-oppressive and inclusive practice.
Are you struggling with anxiety or self-doubt? Do you ever feel like your emotions control you? Constantly worried about the future or stuck in the past? Lost touch with your creative side (or perhaps you were never allowed to explore it in the first place?) You aren’t alone, and I want to help you feel grounded, confident, and more present in your own life. I’m Elisha: I specialize in music therapy for adults who want to ease anxiety, improve self-esteem, and reignite creativity through a holistic lens. My therapeutic approach is authentic, bold, intuitive, and creative. I am committed to anti-oppressive and inclusive practice.
Melinda Ann Marmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94949
I see adults, children and families in SF and Marin. I offer clients compassion and kindness while working through personal or family issues. In general, my approach is insight oriented, psychodynamic and solution based. My clients say I am excellent at understanding both psychological and interpersonal issues in a non-judgmental environment. I have excellent rapport with parents/children. Working together, we can be successful in making changes. I am trained in Parent Coordination,, Co-Parent Counseling, with have expertise in high conflict divorce, court orders, and children who refuse/resist a parent.
I see adults, children and families in SF and Marin. I offer clients compassion and kindness while working through personal or family issues. In general, my approach is insight oriented, psychodynamic and solution based. My clients say I am excellent at understanding both psychological and interpersonal issues in a non-judgmental environment. I have excellent rapport with parents/children. Working together, we can be successful in making changes. I am trained in Parent Coordination,, Co-Parent Counseling, with have expertise in high conflict divorce, court orders, and children who refuse/resist a parent.
Nancy Vierra
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947
Find Relief. Get Resourced. Get Empowered. Today. Imagine a respectful and unique relationship where you can finally break free of what has sabotaged your growth and success. The aim is to improve insight, perspective and performance by identifying obstacles holding you back and creating strategies to break through barriers. By unlocking your potential, treating issues, and collaborating, we will create a plan of action that will enable you to achieve your objectives.
Find Relief. Get Resourced. Get Empowered. Today. Imagine a respectful and unique relationship where you can finally break free of what has sabotaged your growth and success. The aim is to improve insight, perspective and performance by identifying obstacles holding you back and creating strategies to break through barriers. By unlocking your potential, treating issues, and collaborating, we will create a plan of action that will enable you to achieve your objectives.
Michelle Shariat-Hansen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94949 (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.
Dr. Norman Hering
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94949
Thank you for reading! I imagine you are here because you are searching for something; an answer to your pain and suffering. People don't typically come to therapy because all is well; they are looking for relief from the pain. We will sit together in that pain because pain shared is pain decreased. And then we begin to take action to feel more in control of our lives. Taking action is the perfect antidote to that crippling sense of powerlessness. Yes, there are many things we can't control; we identify them and let them go. And, there are many things we can control, primarily through a change in perspective.
Thank you for reading! I imagine you are here because you are searching for something; an answer to your pain and suffering. People don't typically come to therapy because all is well; they are looking for relief from the pain. We will sit together in that pain because pain shared is pain decreased. And then we begin to take action to feel more in control of our lives. Taking action is the perfect antidote to that crippling sense of powerlessness. Yes, there are many things we can't control; we identify them and let them go. And, there are many things we can control, primarily through a change in perspective.
Patricia Duncan
Counselor, MA, LPCC, CCTP, CTHP
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
Your relationship is stressed or you're looking for one, you're restless in your career or you're searching for meaning. Your self-care has taken backseat to busyness and life has become about being mother, wife, or caretaker. You're feeling stagnant, uninspired, and worried the world is passing you by. Waking up in the morning and looking forward to your day seems like a distant reality. You want to change but feel paralyzed by uncertainty. It feels too hard on your own to get clear with what's missing in your relationship, your career, and your life or where to begin to make lasting, meaningful change that feels worth the effort.
Your relationship is stressed or you're looking for one, you're restless in your career or you're searching for meaning. Your self-care has taken backseat to busyness and life has become about being mother, wife, or caretaker. You're feeling stagnant, uninspired, and worried the world is passing you by. Waking up in the morning and looking forward to your day seems like a distant reality. You want to change but feel paralyzed by uncertainty. It feels too hard on your own to get clear with what's missing in your relationship, your career, and your life or where to begin to make lasting, meaningful change that feels worth the effort.
Sara Okman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Many relationships have faced challenges over the past few years. You might be feeling stuck, or struggling to resolve differences with your partner. As a certified AASECT sex therapist & long time couples counselor, I help identify& understand what lies beneath these stuck places, building true relational safety. Using easy to implement tools for healthy communication, I help couples negotiate desire discrepancy, find creative solutions for low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships: including infidelity repair, polyamory, & consensual non-monogamy. I am kink aware & LGBTQ+ friendly.
Many relationships have faced challenges over the past few years. You might be feeling stuck, or struggling to resolve differences with your partner. As a certified AASECT sex therapist & long time couples counselor, I help identify& understand what lies beneath these stuck places, building true relational safety. Using easy to implement tools for healthy communication, I help couples negotiate desire discrepancy, find creative solutions for low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships: including infidelity repair, polyamory, & consensual non-monogamy. I am kink aware & LGBTQ+ friendly.
Meryl Fields
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94948
It is an act of courage to seek support and take a deeper look at the parts of ourselves that challenge us. I admire your courage and desire for change. As a space holder, I support individuals who are seeking more grounded embodiment and connection to themselves. My work honors the entirety of the individual and aims to integrate all of our human parts and any traumatic reside that needs attention.
It is an act of courage to seek support and take a deeper look at the parts of ourselves that challenge us. I admire your courage and desire for change. As a space holder, I support individuals who are seeking more grounded embodiment and connection to themselves. My work honors the entirety of the individual and aims to integrate all of our human parts and any traumatic reside that needs attention.
Cathy Della Valle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94949
I have many years of experience and training and feel fortunate to work with adults, couples and teens. I find that most clients come to me when their old ways of coping are no longer working (or they are unhealthy) and the stress is too much! Why do it alone? I hold the hope for my clients when they aren't able.
I have many years of experience and training and feel fortunate to work with adults, couples and teens. I find that most clients come to me when their old ways of coping are no longer working (or they are unhealthy) and the stress is too much! Why do it alone? I hold the hope for my clients when they aren't able.
Sharman Cippa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CYT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
It takes courage to take the first step toward healing, change and growth. I have a compassionate, warm, non-judgmental style and a deep respect for your inner strengths, wisdom and healing capacity. Building a safe, genuine relationship with my clients is the cornerstone for healing in therapy. I look forward to listening intently to your concerns and working collaboratively with you to help you clarify and reach your goals. With an interactive approach, I offer practical skills to help with issues related to stress, loss, relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, phase of life challenges and psycho-spiritual issues.
It takes courage to take the first step toward healing, change and growth. I have a compassionate, warm, non-judgmental style and a deep respect for your inner strengths, wisdom and healing capacity. Building a safe, genuine relationship with my clients is the cornerstone for healing in therapy. I look forward to listening intently to your concerns and working collaboratively with you to help you clarify and reach your goals. With an interactive approach, I offer practical skills to help with issues related to stress, loss, relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, phase of life challenges and psycho-spiritual issues.
Leslie Hansen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
Humans are social animals - by nature we need to feel connected ("in relationship"). Life today is SO stressful! If we feel connected we can manage our stressful lives. If we don't feel connected then it doesn't matter what else is happening - life won't feel very satisfying. Through the therapeutic process you and I will work on improving your relationships with yourself and others, which can help you feel more safe and secure, and that your life is more meaningful and satisfying. When your relationships are better, you have more focus and energy for life!
Humans are social animals - by nature we need to feel connected ("in relationship"). Life today is SO stressful! If we feel connected we can manage our stressful lives. If we don't feel connected then it doesn't matter what else is happening - life won't feel very satisfying. Through the therapeutic process you and I will work on improving your relationships with yourself and others, which can help you feel more safe and secure, and that your life is more meaningful and satisfying. When your relationships are better, you have more focus and energy for life!
Jennifer Morehouse
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
I have 25 years experience working with children, adolescents & families in a variety of settings. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD & parenting issues. I engage with clients through play & art therapy as well as cognitive & behavioral approaches while providing a safe environment to talk. I also help clients learn appropriate coping skills and communication strategies. I believe compassion, understanding & humor are key to working with youth & families. I am trained in Trauma Focused Treatment & work collaboratively with children, adolescents & their families. Please check out my website www.jennifermorehousemft.com.
I have 25 years experience working with children, adolescents & families in a variety of settings. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD & parenting issues. I engage with clients through play & art therapy as well as cognitive & behavioral approaches while providing a safe environment to talk. I also help clients learn appropriate coping skills and communication strategies. I believe compassion, understanding & humor are key to working with youth & families. I am trained in Trauma Focused Treatment & work collaboratively with children, adolescents & their families. Please check out my website www.jennifermorehousemft.com.
Anne Tomin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
Welcome. Are you feeling stuck or confused? Experiencing a major change or loss in your life? Wondering how you ended up in the same uncomfortable situation again or wishing you could just a handle things a little differently this time? Struggling with the uncertainty of life? Maybe you have been feeling out of sorts or unmotivated and can't figure out why. When these feelings and situations arise, therapy can help. I believe, that while it takes courage to ask for help sometimes help is exactly what we need to feel better, improve our relationships, gain clarity and experience more ease in life.
Welcome. Are you feeling stuck or confused? Experiencing a major change or loss in your life? Wondering how you ended up in the same uncomfortable situation again or wishing you could just a handle things a little differently this time? Struggling with the uncertainty of life? Maybe you have been feeling out of sorts or unmotivated and can't figure out why. When these feelings and situations arise, therapy can help. I believe, that while it takes courage to ask for help sometimes help is exactly what we need to feel better, improve our relationships, gain clarity and experience more ease in life.
See more therapy options for Novato
Nearby Compassion Focused Therapists Searches for Novato
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Corte Madera
- Fairfax
- Greenbrae
- Kentfield
- Larkspur
- Mill Valley
- Petaluma
- San Anselmo
- San Rafael
- Sonoma
- Tiburon
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.