Photo of Jean Kasha, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Jean Kasha
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I bring the best of both worlds-- over 25 years experience as a psychotherapist, expert in the areas of treating depression, addiction and trauma and a Success and Performance Coach skilled in the latest strategies and techniques for motivation and change. I am able to take what appears to be an obstacle and turn it into a means of building emotional muscle. Obstacles will happen but it is the meaning we give to events that makes all the difference. I have a background in performance art and currently utilize mindfulness as a tool to assist clients in their lives.
I bring the best of both worlds-- over 25 years experience as a psychotherapist, expert in the areas of treating depression, addiction and trauma and a Success and Performance Coach skilled in the latest strategies and techniques for motivation and change. I am able to take what appears to be an obstacle and turn it into a means of building emotional muscle. Obstacles will happen but it is the meaning we give to events that makes all the difference. I have a background in performance art and currently utilize mindfulness as a tool to assist clients in their lives.
(925) 308-5895 View (925) 308-5895
Photo of Sandra Kelly, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94596, CA
Sandra Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Difficulty can show up in our lives in many different ways. You might experience conflict with your partner, struggle to balance work and personal life, have difficulty experiencing joy; have grief over a loved one or are broken-hearted over a divorce or breakup. Or perhaps you are dealing with a medical condition that is making it difficult for you to do the activities you used to do. When we are struggling in these ways anxiety can be excruciating and depression can be debilitating. You don't have to face it alone. I work with individuals and with couples.
Difficulty can show up in our lives in many different ways. You might experience conflict with your partner, struggle to balance work and personal life, have difficulty experiencing joy; have grief over a loved one or are broken-hearted over a divorce or breakup. Or perhaps you are dealing with a medical condition that is making it difficult for you to do the activities you used to do. When we are struggling in these ways anxiety can be excruciating and depression can be debilitating. You don't have to face it alone. I work with individuals and with couples.
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Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.