Photo of Paula Soltani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Paula Soltani
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
I pull from a variety of approaches, within a framework of strength-based, attachment theory, compassion focused and mindfulness and am committed to adapting to using what is most appropriate for you.
My belief as a therapist is that we all possess innate and unique strengths that are best highlighted when we feel supported. This support is the impetus for change and for developing a stronger sense of resilience.
I pull from a variety of approaches, within a framework of strength-based, attachment theory, compassion focused and mindfulness and am committed to adapting to using what is most appropriate for you.
My belief as a therapist is that we all possess innate and unique strengths that are best highlighted when we feel supported. This support is the impetus for change and for developing a stronger sense of resilience.
(925) 248-4626 View (925) 248-4626
Photo of Kathy Friend, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Kathy Friend
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598  (Online Only)
I draw upon a variety of modalities tailored to your individual needs utilizing insight oriented, mindfulness based, compassion focused and cognitive behavioral therapeutic approaches.
Telling your story to someone who will listen and offer warm, nonjudgmental support and guidance can be the beginning of your healing journey and ongoing well being. I will work with you to address various life challenges whether it is due to conflicts in a relationship, past trauma, loss and grief, family of origin issues, illness, care giving for a loved one or other stress you are experiencing. I am a compassionate clinician with over 30 years of experience counseling adults of all ages in medical, social service and mental health settings. I am familiar with relevant community resources you can utilize along with your therapy.
I draw upon a variety of modalities tailored to your individual needs utilizing insight oriented, mindfulness based, compassion focused and cognitive behavioral therapeutic approaches.
Telling your story to someone who will listen and offer warm, nonjudgmental support and guidance can be the beginning of your healing journey and ongoing well being. I will work with you to address various life challenges whether it is due to conflicts in a relationship, past trauma, loss and grief, family of origin issues, illness, care giving for a loved one or other stress you are experiencing. I am a compassionate clinician with over 30 years of experience counseling adults of all ages in medical, social service and mental health settings. I am familiar with relevant community resources you can utilize along with your therapy.
(925) 281-5635 View (925) 281-5635
Photo of Brooke Van Oosbree, Psychologist in Walnut Creek, CA
Brooke Van Oosbree
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
We all have strategies for dealing with challenges day-to-day. But over time, many strategies can fall short or even backfire. We may find ourselves withdrawing and avoiding certain aspects of our lives, or overextending and pushing ourselves to the point of exhaustion. This can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, and irritable and can also take a toll on our relationships and physical health. One of my goals as a therapist is to help you identify changes you can make, both big and small, and tap into your motivation to follow-through on those changes.
We all have strategies for dealing with challenges day-to-day. But over time, many strategies can fall short or even backfire. We may find ourselves withdrawing and avoiding certain aspects of our lives, or overextending and pushing ourselves to the point of exhaustion. This can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, and irritable and can also take a toll on our relationships and physical health. One of my goals as a therapist is to help you identify changes you can make, both big and small, and tap into your motivation to follow-through on those changes.
(415) 237-6388 View (415) 237-6388
Photo of Graciela M Fix, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Graciela M Fix
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
I am a respectful, open-minded, and compassionate mind/body psychotherapist who assists clients to find practical solutions to life challenges. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a somatic therapy that enables people to heal from trauma and emotional distress. I am also certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which addresses distress in couples and helps them to create a secure bond; and in the Hakomi Method, which studies how we organize internal experience. I am also trained in and Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy .
I am a respectful, open-minded, and compassionate mind/body psychotherapist who assists clients to find practical solutions to life challenges. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a somatic therapy that enables people to heal from trauma and emotional distress. I am also certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which addresses distress in couples and helps them to create a secure bond; and in the Hakomi Method, which studies how we organize internal experience. I am also trained in and Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy .
(510) 380-8449 View (510) 380-8449
Photo of Julianne Fox, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Julianne Fox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I specialize in working with couples who are planning to have children, postpartum parents, and families to help promote healing and growth. Having and raising children is one of the hardest and longest-term projects anyone will ever take on. I want to help parents engage in this process with self-awareness, intention, and love to help improve their own well-being, as well as the child or children's. I believe wellness starts in the home and each member of a family unit can help contribute to positive connections through taking time to work on themselves and then care for others.
I specialize in working with couples who are planning to have children, postpartum parents, and families to help promote healing and growth. Having and raising children is one of the hardest and longest-term projects anyone will ever take on. I want to help parents engage in this process with self-awareness, intention, and love to help improve their own well-being, as well as the child or children's. I believe wellness starts in the home and each member of a family unit can help contribute to positive connections through taking time to work on themselves and then care for others.
(510) 405-6802 View (510) 405-6802
Photo of Maureen Daniel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Maureen Daniel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I have been licensed for almost 30 years and know how much people struggle in their relationships. I work with anxious and depressed clients and people who feel hopeless about making change occur. I am very interactive and help by giving feedback and suggestions to improve your situation. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy and psychdynamic explorative therapy.
I have been licensed for almost 30 years and know how much people struggle in their relationships. I work with anxious and depressed clients and people who feel hopeless about making change occur. I am very interactive and help by giving feedback and suggestions to improve your situation. I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy and psychdynamic explorative therapy.
(925) 400-6824 View (925) 400-6824
Photo of Crystal Shields, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Crystal Shields
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
I trust that people are intrinsically good and I feel privileged to be continuously impressed by each person’s unparalleled strengths, resiliencies and transformations. Are you ready to develop a therapeutic relationship that will help you: better understand yourself, feel better about yourself, and progress in the ways that are most important to you? You are the expert of yourself, so your part of this process involves complete openness. I understand that this level of vulnerability requires an immense amount of trust, which is why I will provide you with genuine respect and compassionate empathy all along the way no matter what.
I trust that people are intrinsically good and I feel privileged to be continuously impressed by each person’s unparalleled strengths, resiliencies and transformations. Are you ready to develop a therapeutic relationship that will help you: better understand yourself, feel better about yourself, and progress in the ways that are most important to you? You are the expert of yourself, so your part of this process involves complete openness. I understand that this level of vulnerability requires an immense amount of trust, which is why I will provide you with genuine respect and compassionate empathy all along the way no matter what.
(619) 383-9035 View (619) 383-9035
Photo of Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD, Psychologist in Walnut Creek, CA
Arwin Cotas-Girard, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy and comprehensive psychological assessment services for all ages. I also specialize in the evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly for girls and women. I am trained in Therapeutic Assessments and consider my evaluations to be brief therapeutic interventions that may allow healing and change to occur through the process of self-discovery and reworking of narratives. I work collaboratively with my clients, their caregivers, and other important people and systems in their lives to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
(925) 212-4757 View (925) 212-4757
Photo of My Mental Climb, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
My Mental Climb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
I'm Michelle Payton, a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker, excited to support your mental well-being journey. My passion is helping individuals overcome anxiety and depression, no matter the traumas they've faced. What sets me apart is my fusion of expertise as a certified personal trainer, understanding the mind-body connection for positive change. With diverse experience in mental health contexts, from Outpatient to Correctional Mental Health, I bring a wealth of knowledge. My areas of expertise cover anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma/PTSD, and LGBTQI+ concerns.
I'm Michelle Payton, a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker, excited to support your mental well-being journey. My passion is helping individuals overcome anxiety and depression, no matter the traumas they've faced. What sets me apart is my fusion of expertise as a certified personal trainer, understanding the mind-body connection for positive change. With diverse experience in mental health contexts, from Outpatient to Correctional Mental Health, I bring a wealth of knowledge. My areas of expertise cover anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma/PTSD, and LGBTQI+ concerns.
(510) 616-7177 View (510) 616-7177
Photo of Rupa Puri Zimmermann, Psychologist in Walnut Creek, CA
Rupa Puri Zimmermann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
When people enter a time in their life or a situation where they may feel down, worried, overwhelmed, or without many options, I believe therapy can shed light on new paths. Using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help people gain a sense of control by teaching them effective ways to communicate, regulate their emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships to bring about needed change. I work collaboratively with my clients and their families so they can improve their quality of life and thrive.
When people enter a time in their life or a situation where they may feel down, worried, overwhelmed, or without many options, I believe therapy can shed light on new paths. Using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help people gain a sense of control by teaching them effective ways to communicate, regulate their emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships to bring about needed change. I work collaboratively with my clients and their families so they can improve their quality of life and thrive.
(925) 961-5340 View (925) 961-5340
Photo of Jessica Hunt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Jessica Hunt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598  (Online Only)
You're here because you've lost yourself. You're wrestling with anxiety, anger, and disconnection. Constantly juggling the expectations of others, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome, all while trying to discover who you are, now, in this stage of your life. You're yearning for meaningful connection and communication. You're seeking peace, clarity, and strategies to cope with the immense pressure you're experiencing. You're a parent, a partner, an employee, a friend, and you're not sure if you're doing any of it "right." Welcome, you've come to the right place.
You're here because you've lost yourself. You're wrestling with anxiety, anger, and disconnection. Constantly juggling the expectations of others, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome, all while trying to discover who you are, now, in this stage of your life. You're yearning for meaningful connection and communication. You're seeking peace, clarity, and strategies to cope with the immense pressure you're experiencing. You're a parent, a partner, an employee, a friend, and you're not sure if you're doing any of it "right." Welcome, you've come to the right place.
(925) 489-0832 View (925) 489-0832
Photo of Sharon Go, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Sharon Go
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598  (Online Only)
Building relationships is a strength of mine and I love using that as a vehicle for healing and personal growth. I work with adolescents, young adults, families and couples in exploring past trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and relational issues. I value open communication and a willingness to be vulnerable as the keys to growth and change!
Building relationships is a strength of mine and I love using that as a vehicle for healing and personal growth. I work with adolescents, young adults, families and couples in exploring past trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and relational issues. I value open communication and a willingness to be vulnerable as the keys to growth and change!
(415) 993-7203 View (415) 993-7203
Photo of Victoria K Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Victoria K Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598  (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, and past traumas can stand in the way of healthy, balanced relationships. You may feel like you're standing in your own way and second guessing yourself all the time. You may have noticed uncontrollable negative self talk that spirals and seems to take on a life of it's own. These behaviors create a cycle of anxiety and depression that's hard to battle. With my help you will learn skills to combat anxiety, depression, to stop the negative self talk, to work through past traumas, and to gain confidence. In the process you will build healthy, balanced relationships and live a more fulfilling life.
Anxiety, depression, and past traumas can stand in the way of healthy, balanced relationships. You may feel like you're standing in your own way and second guessing yourself all the time. You may have noticed uncontrollable negative self talk that spirals and seems to take on a life of it's own. These behaviors create a cycle of anxiety and depression that's hard to battle. With my help you will learn skills to combat anxiety, depression, to stop the negative self talk, to work through past traumas, and to gain confidence. In the process you will build healthy, balanced relationships and live a more fulfilling life.
(925) 326-6718 View (925) 326-6718
Photo of Connie Hwang, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Connie Hwang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Do you take care of everyone and everything around you and still feel empty inside? Are you always striving for perfection but never feel good enough? Does your perception of yourself negatively impact your work or your relationships? I can help break unhealthy patterns and we will work collaboratively to discover the best version of yourself.
Do you take care of everyone and everything around you and still feel empty inside? Are you always striving for perfection but never feel good enough? Does your perception of yourself negatively impact your work or your relationships? I can help break unhealthy patterns and we will work collaboratively to discover the best version of yourself.
(415) 634-9611 View (415) 634-9611
Photo of Chris France, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Walnut Creek, CA
Chris France
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
You're creative and thoughtful and maybe more than a little weird. You need a therapist who will understand you. Someone you can talk to about anything. Someone who will support you on your journey and not judge you for who you are and where you've been. I'm here to give you that support. As someone who has experienced a lot of what life has to offer, from small town to big city to things in the desert, I know what it is like to take a journey and I would love to support you in yours.
You're creative and thoughtful and maybe more than a little weird. You need a therapist who will understand you. Someone you can talk to about anything. Someone who will support you on your journey and not judge you for who you are and where you've been. I'm here to give you that support. As someone who has experienced a lot of what life has to offer, from small town to big city to things in the desert, I know what it is like to take a journey and I would love to support you in yours.
(925) 948-8678 View (925) 948-8678
Photo of Rob Park, Psychologist in Walnut Creek, CA
Rob Park
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Rob Park, and I am a licensed psychologist in California. Are you a child, teen, young adult, or the parent/guardian of one, finding that there is a LOT going on in life, and feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed-out? I have over 20 years of experience providing an emotionally safe, validating environment in which to engage young people and their parents/guardians in this collaborative task of therapy. I aspire to provide support and skill-development for kids and teens, as well as providing support to parents and guardians in the difficult role of raising a family.
Hello, my name is Rob Park, and I am a licensed psychologist in California. Are you a child, teen, young adult, or the parent/guardian of one, finding that there is a LOT going on in life, and feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed-out? I have over 20 years of experience providing an emotionally safe, validating environment in which to engage young people and their parents/guardians in this collaborative task of therapy. I aspire to provide support and skill-development for kids and teens, as well as providing support to parents and guardians in the difficult role of raising a family.
(925) 396-7030 View (925) 396-7030
Photo of Christine Valdez, Psychologist in Walnut Creek, CA
Christine Valdez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Are you feeling paralyzed with overwhelming anxiety or shame? Are you stuck in negative thoughts and unhealthy patterns borne out of a traumatic past that deter you from making positive changes in your life for the future? Your suffering can end through transformative experiences in trauma-specific therapy. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you feel safe, respected, and understood, and thus ready and open for change. You will develop a sense of safety in your body and relationships with others, learn to overcome overwhelming emotions and increase confidence in approaching life's challenges, and redefine your future.
Are you feeling paralyzed with overwhelming anxiety or shame? Are you stuck in negative thoughts and unhealthy patterns borne out of a traumatic past that deter you from making positive changes in your life for the future? Your suffering can end through transformative experiences in trauma-specific therapy. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you feel safe, respected, and understood, and thus ready and open for change. You will develop a sense of safety in your body and relationships with others, learn to overcome overwhelming emotions and increase confidence in approaching life's challenges, and redefine your future.
(510) 478-9782 View (510) 478-9782
Photo of Iara Campos-Davids, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Iara Campos-Davids
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597  (Online Only)
Be willing to open yourself to refreshing new beginnings , new ideas, opportunities and gain insights about old patterns that are no longer working for you. In our work together you will become stronger and will be able to develop new beliefs by making meaning of traumatic experiences in a compassionate, non judgmental environment. I have had success working with adults, adolescents and families who have experienced depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief/loss, post-traumatic stress disorder and many other issues. Originally from Brazil, I am fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese .
Be willing to open yourself to refreshing new beginnings , new ideas, opportunities and gain insights about old patterns that are no longer working for you. In our work together you will become stronger and will be able to develop new beliefs by making meaning of traumatic experiences in a compassionate, non judgmental environment. I have had success working with adults, adolescents and families who have experienced depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief/loss, post-traumatic stress disorder and many other issues. Originally from Brazil, I am fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese .
(925) 231-8979 View (925) 231-8979
Photo of Christina Mathieson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Christina Mathieson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Christina Mathieson, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of My Mental Climb (www.mymentalclimb.com). I view life as a mental climb, with each step presenting an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I bring deep empathy and understanding to my sessions, allowing clients to feel comfortable and open up about their struggles. My clients praise my compassionate, non-judgmental approach and ability to provide them with fresh perspective and practical tools to tackle their challenges.
Hi, I'm Christina Mathieson, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of My Mental Climb (www.mymentalclimb.com). I view life as a mental climb, with each step presenting an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I bring deep empathy and understanding to my sessions, allowing clients to feel comfortable and open up about their struggles. My clients praise my compassionate, non-judgmental approach and ability to provide them with fresh perspective and practical tools to tackle their challenges.
(510) 694-8959 View (510) 694-8959
Photo of Marc R. Bertone, Marriage & Family Therapist in Walnut Creek, CA
Marc R. Bertone
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD, MFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Are you depressed or anxious? Overwhelmed? Is stress or anger interfering with your enjoyment of life? Are you experiencing difficulties in your relationship with your mate, partner or a family member? Have you lost someone or something that was important to you? Do you have problems with alcohol or drugs or suffer from overeating, smoking, gambling, addiction to internet pornography, overuse of video games, avoiding homework or compulsive shopping? Are you procrastinating about things, including making a career change or other major life decision? Or, do you just feel a little stuck and want more from your life?
Are you depressed or anxious? Overwhelmed? Is stress or anger interfering with your enjoyment of life? Are you experiencing difficulties in your relationship with your mate, partner or a family member? Have you lost someone or something that was important to you? Do you have problems with alcohol or drugs or suffer from overeating, smoking, gambling, addiction to internet pornography, overuse of video games, avoiding homework or compulsive shopping? Are you procrastinating about things, including making a career change or other major life decision? Or, do you just feel a little stuck and want more from your life?
(949) 683-0412 View (949) 683-0412

See more therapy options for Walnut Creek

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.