Family Systems Therapists in San Rafael, CA

Are you concerned or confused by your child, teen or young adult's behavior? Are you worried that your child is under stress? Do you feel like you are not a good parent for your child? It is very difficult to parent a child who is struggling with challenging feelings and behaviors. I provide therapeutic support to kids who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adoption issues, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, academic or social issues, or major life changes. I offer support for parents.

At some point in our lives, we all encounter an obstacle--professionally and/or personally--that feels insurmountable. Either we have set ourselves on a trajectory that is not congruous with our core values, or we have lost the steam to persevere. My psychotherapy services will help determined individuals to practice their skills of insight and problem-solving to overcome even the most harrowing obstacles. Whether you are seeking the income that supports your family, or overcoming infidelity in your relationship--your life will undoubtedly improve when you collaborate with someone who is invested in your success.

I enjoy working with people who have a desire to get to know their authentic self. I believe that a warm, spacious, empathic and interactive relationship with my clients is key to the healing process. I will teach you a method to make sense of your inner experiences as well as your interactions with other people. I will help you identify the particular roles that you played in your family system and the resulting patterns of behavior that inhibit your self- expression, creativity and intimacy with others.

Therapy is a collaborative relationship, as individual as the people in the room. Often the work involves slowing down and creating a secure space for being open, curious and able to revisit and make sense of thoughts, memories and feelings that give rise to present difficulties. I'm especially attentive to your higher powers of perception and positive self determination. Together we resolve present-day problems with roots in the past, changing patterns that produce familiar and unwanted results so you are freer to choose the life you want.

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.

Welcome to my in private practice (virtual and in person). Do you feel distressed and need more support? Many seek therapy to end or alleviate often life long or long term painful symptoms or patterns. They may be too complex to address on your own but be very treatable. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, supportive place. I work collaboratively to help develop awareness and skills and through therapeutic modalities. This is to improve or eliminate distressing symptoms or problems and assist you in reaching your full potential. Education: UC Berkeley-BA in Psychology and a Doctorate from California School of Professional Psychology.

I specialize in working with adolescent males who are experiencing externalizing behaviors (e.g. oppositional defiance, aggression, truancy, delinquency, etc.). In addition, I have extensive experience working with families struggling with attachment, attunement, and communication issues. I also work with couples dealing with relational problems and life transitions.

Many challenges we experience in daily life relate to conflict between parts of ourselves. Each part reflects our body’s own loving attempts to care for us in the ways it knows. When we shift one part of the feedback loop, the whole system rearranges - in our bodies, & in our relationships. My approach to individual & couples therapy is holistic, somatic & client-centered. I start with creating a non-judgmental, inclusive space for you to come as you are. As we form & reach for your goals, our work may include movement, developmental psychology, trauma work, regulation practices, behavior/communication coaching, & creative guidance.

Family Matters Of Marin is a trauma informed group practice focused on supporting children and families. We help clients create more joy, love, and harmony in their lives. We are deeply interested in learning how our clients would like to change and grow, and supporting them in this process. We work collaboratively with clients to improve their relationships and resolve any trauma from their past that maybe holding them back from living the life they yearn for. We are experienced therapists who use a variety of therapeutic modalities to resolve issues that are hindering our client's ability to be their best selves.

I have extensive experience working with individuals families and couples impacted by trauma, co-dependency, addiction and co-occurring disorders. Having worked in residential drug and alcohol treatment for over 10 years I bring those years of resources and compassionate experience to my work. My focus on family systems and attachment allow me to treat the entire family, offering the best possible outcomes. I am a Certified Trauma Specialist, a Gottman trained couples therapist and I am one of the few therapists working with Internet and Gaming Addiction.

I have worked more than 30 years w individuals & families with serious psychological and relational problems including the mood, behavior and substance problems that tear families apart. I help individuals and families navigate the perilous course of finding solutions while we work to improve serenity and sanity for all. Individual work is relational w/psychodynamic and a Real World approach. I have developed the “Stress-Induced Impaired Coping" model for family system distress and recovery. See my 2019 book: “Freedom From Family Dysfunction: A Guide for Families Battling Addiction or Mental Illness.” http://bit.ly/FreedomFamHC

Stress and worry can take its toll on our minds and bodies. If you experience high levels of these, or feel empty at the end of the day, I will provide a safe and caring environment with which to explore the causal factors. I enjoy working with codependency, Self-development, life transitions, and relational dynamics.

In the first few sessions together, my goal is to understand what struggles you are currently experiencing that are causing you distress, and then provide you tools to help minimize those stressors to get to a more stabilized place. Once you are feeling more grounded and able to manage your current stressors, then I encourage the exploration of why these things are present in the first place, where they are coming from, and ultimately when they were initially learned and began. I believe that helping you uncover these important pieces of information are vital to your long-term success in becoming the best version of you possible!

We all need help sometimes. Clients come to me with a variety of problems, depression, anxiety, parenting, relationship issues and substance abuse. I work with my clients, identifying the strengths they already have and teaching new skills to address the problems that are causing them pain.

Ready for change and a more satisfying and balanced life? I offer compassionate listening, practical guidance and an action oriented approach to assist you in making the changes you want in your life.

Are you feeling lonely, sad, angry, or unhappy in your relationships? Do you worry about your or someone else's alcohol or drug use? Substance Use Disorder often impacts individuals and families in painful + predictable ways that trap people in destructive patterns of anxiety, loneliness, anger, helplessness, and despair. You are not alone if your efforts to manage and move beyond the chaos in your relationships feel futile. Don't lose hope! People do get better, and relationships can be repaired!

My approach stems from an understanding of systems theory and how it impacts individuals within a family system. I also utilize a person-centered approach, emphasizing that each person within that system has the capacity to be the expert in their own life. When forming a new therapeutic alliance with me, I begin by helping you unpack any barriers to treatment such as trauma or ongoing issues with substance use disorders. I consider the complexities that stem from the family system and how this impacts each individual, their beliefs, motivations, and past experiences in treatment.

You're looking for better coping skills and fulfillment in your life. You want less anxiety and more balance. You want to find peace with yourself. You're trying to decide whether to stay in the relationship or not. You're questioning your life choices. I get it! I've been there! I help people work through life's transitions. Learn how to cope with feeling overwhelmed and lost. Learn to trust yourself and love yourself more. Increase self-esteem. Release shame. Set boundaries. Build true self-care. I also specialize in substance abuse and addiction, whether you are sober-curious, brand new to sobriety, or in long-term recovery.

My professional training and years of experience have taught me that the people I work with genuinely want to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. They enter treatment because they want to develop closer and more rewarding relationships, because they want to achieve their life and career goals, and because they want to overcome the self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that get in their way and cause them pain and suffering. I have never met a parent who did not truly want the best for their child.