Photo of Erica Thiessen, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 94596, CA
Erica Thiessen
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LCMHCS, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Life gets tangled up; it doesn’t have to stay that way. You may be wrestling with emotional ups and downs, life transitions, grief and loss, or strained family dynamics. You could be exploring future options, challenges from the past, or integrating life experiences into your personal or spiritual framework. Whether preparing for adulthood or navigating life's myriad of challenges, my clients are looking for a safe and empathetic space in which to unravel patterns and perspectives. They are seeking to develop a stronger sense of their own strengths and abilities with which to navigate life’s journey.
Life gets tangled up; it doesn’t have to stay that way. You may be wrestling with emotional ups and downs, life transitions, grief and loss, or strained family dynamics. You could be exploring future options, challenges from the past, or integrating life experiences into your personal or spiritual framework. Whether preparing for adulthood or navigating life's myriad of challenges, my clients are looking for a safe and empathetic space in which to unravel patterns and perspectives. They are seeking to develop a stronger sense of their own strengths and abilities with which to navigate life’s journey.
(707) 657-0933 View (707) 657-0933
Photo of Dr. Roxanna Manfredi-Giammona, Psychologist in 94596, CA
Dr. Roxanna Manfredi-Giammona
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I strongly believe that every individual is unique and no person or family is the same as another. As a bi-lingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I have had the pleasure to work with a diverse group of adults, children, and families. I have over 25 years experience working in psychotherapy, crisis intervention with domestic violence, child court advocate, as a forensic psychologist, and as a family court mediator. I assist children and families as they work through challenges and move toward rebuilding their self-confidence and creates a more positive outlook in life.
I strongly believe that every individual is unique and no person or family is the same as another. As a bi-lingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I have had the pleasure to work with a diverse group of adults, children, and families. I have over 25 years experience working in psychotherapy, crisis intervention with domestic violence, child court advocate, as a forensic psychologist, and as a family court mediator. I assist children and families as they work through challenges and move toward rebuilding their self-confidence and creates a more positive outlook in life.
(925) 799-2295 View (925) 799-2295
Photo of Katie Malone, TheraThrive Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94596, CA
Katie Malone, TheraThrive Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Do you, or your child, struggle with intense emotions? Do either of you spend time feeling alone and searching for meaning? Maybe you find it difficult to increase your sense of self-worth, and wonder what to do? If any of these questions resonate with you, then you have come to the right place. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (99859) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (4606), and I genuinely enjoy and feel honored to work with each of my clients, and provide them with the support they need to meet their goals.
Do you, or your child, struggle with intense emotions? Do either of you spend time feeling alone and searching for meaning? Maybe you find it difficult to increase your sense of self-worth, and wonder what to do? If any of these questions resonate with you, then you have come to the right place. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (99859) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (4606), and I genuinely enjoy and feel honored to work with each of my clients, and provide them with the support they need to meet their goals.
(925) 966-2577 View (925) 966-2577
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.