Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

Photo of Marion Anderson, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Marion Anderson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
As a Jungian Analyst and Sandplay therapist I can guide you to connect with your depths.
Are you looking for help to change a situation in your life that has become intolerable? I help people to find a different understanding and new perspectives to approach old problems. Examining symbols in dreams, fantasies and creative productions as well as Sandplay are powerful ways to express feelings that have no words yet. Representing these unnamed feelings in a playful, creative way can help to reach a deeper understanding of yourself and your current difficulties in life. Finding your own inner resources and discover unknown potentials from within provides a new, unique direction that ultimately may transform your life.
As a Jungian Analyst and Sandplay therapist I can guide you to connect with your depths.
Are you looking for help to change a situation in your life that has become intolerable? I help people to find a different understanding and new perspectives to approach old problems. Examining symbols in dreams, fantasies and creative productions as well as Sandplay are powerful ways to express feelings that have no words yet. Representing these unnamed feelings in a playful, creative way can help to reach a deeper understanding of yourself and your current difficulties in life. Finding your own inner resources and discover unknown potentials from within provides a new, unique direction that ultimately may transform your life.
(424) 289-6336 View (424) 289-6336
Photo of Leyla S. Bell, Ph.D., Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Leyla S. Bell, Ph.D.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
With extensive training in Jungian psychoanalysis, depth psychology, and body-oriented modalities, I bring to therapy different lenses that lend support to the process.
I work with those wanting to find a way forward from "stuckness" and inner conflicts, coping with disappointment, illness, loss, and grieving. I can help with better understanding and resolving your challenges, handling anxiety, alleviating depression, exploring their root causes and larger unconscious meaning, and feeling more at home with yourself, in your skin. I can help with making sense of the imprints left by your lived experiences and making the changes that you want in your life.
With extensive training in Jungian psychoanalysis, depth psychology, and body-oriented modalities, I bring to therapy different lenses that lend support to the process.
I work with those wanting to find a way forward from "stuckness" and inner conflicts, coping with disappointment, illness, loss, and grieving. I can help with better understanding and resolving your challenges, handling anxiety, alleviating depression, exploring their root causes and larger unconscious meaning, and feeling more at home with yourself, in your skin. I can help with making sense of the imprints left by your lived experiences and making the changes that you want in your life.
(323) 377-6033 View (323) 377-6033
Photo of Sheherezad Shashaani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Sheherezad Shashaani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
Is life too stressful for you? Is your relationship suffering? Do you feel depressed, anxious, or angry due to individual, relationship, family or career issues? Are you concerned about achieving your goals, and wonder about meaning of your life? Has this affected your self esteem and hope for resolving your issues? If so, you will find me compassionate, understanding, comfortable and safe in helping you connect to the strength within you. Together we will work to bring about healing and improve the quality of your life. I am a Jungian oriented psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals, couples, and children.
Is life too stressful for you? Is your relationship suffering? Do you feel depressed, anxious, or angry due to individual, relationship, family or career issues? Are you concerned about achieving your goals, and wonder about meaning of your life? Has this affected your self esteem and hope for resolving your issues? If so, you will find me compassionate, understanding, comfortable and safe in helping you connect to the strength within you. Together we will work to bring about healing and improve the quality of your life. I am a Jungian oriented psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals, couples, and children.
(424) 329-6941 View (424) 329-6941
Photo of Demitra Tsioulos, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Demitra Tsioulos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
As a Jungian oriented and EMDR certified trauma-informed Psychotherapist who approaches therapy from a depth perspective, I will collaboratively guide you through the process with empathy, encouragement and support.
If you are suffering from repeated patterns that are negatively impacting your life and desire freedom and space to heal and transform these patterns, I can help. I work with individuals, couples, groups and families who are overwhelmed by anxiety, suffering from depression, in a life transition, managing grief, having existential distress, and/or looking for deeper meaning and a stronger sense of Self. Often times being seen and understood by a nonjudgmental, compassionate therapist is a key factor in healing. The process is rich and ultimately empowering.
As a Jungian oriented and EMDR certified trauma-informed Psychotherapist who approaches therapy from a depth perspective, I will collaboratively guide you through the process with empathy, encouragement and support.
If you are suffering from repeated patterns that are negatively impacting your life and desire freedom and space to heal and transform these patterns, I can help. I work with individuals, couples, groups and families who are overwhelmed by anxiety, suffering from depression, in a life transition, managing grief, having existential distress, and/or looking for deeper meaning and a stronger sense of Self. Often times being seen and understood by a nonjudgmental, compassionate therapist is a key factor in healing. The process is rich and ultimately empowering.
(818) 855-5917 View (818) 855-5917
Photo of Katarina Matolek, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Katarina Matolek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR, BSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Greetings! Do you want to be empowered, find fulfillment, or heal from trauma and let go of the past? I start by creating a safe space to guide you on a journey of self-discovery. I treasure that our minds, bodies, spirits, and relationships are fastened together and are affected by one another in a close manner. I'll address each of those personal facets to help you emerge holistically with a therapeutic style drawn from various approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting (BSP), and Jungian Sandplay Therapy.
Greetings! Do you want to be empowered, find fulfillment, or heal from trauma and let go of the past? I start by creating a safe space to guide you on a journey of self-discovery. I treasure that our minds, bodies, spirits, and relationships are fastened together and are affected by one another in a close manner. I'll address each of those personal facets to help you emerge holistically with a therapeutic style drawn from various approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting (BSP), and Jungian Sandplay Therapy.
(310) 564-7914 View (310) 564-7914
Photo of Nicole David, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Nicole David
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
I work from a blend of modalities including LGBTQ+ Affirmative therapy, Jungian theories, Mindfulness and Somatic techniques.
Society often projects certain beliefs onto individuals, which can lead us to feel disconnected from ourselves and others. We can find ourselves lost in the sea of expectations how we should or should not act, feel, love, do, pursue, or be. This can develop into debilitating symptoms of never feeling good enough or always striving for perfection that does not exist. We are all human. We all deserve to be heard, seen and to be a little messy. Your emotions, thoughts, dreams are not a burden. This is your space. Your time.
I work from a blend of modalities including LGBTQ+ Affirmative therapy, Jungian theories, Mindfulness and Somatic techniques.
Society often projects certain beliefs onto individuals, which can lead us to feel disconnected from ourselves and others. We can find ourselves lost in the sea of expectations how we should or should not act, feel, love, do, pursue, or be. This can develop into debilitating symptoms of never feeling good enough or always striving for perfection that does not exist. We are all human. We all deserve to be heard, seen and to be a little messy. Your emotions, thoughts, dreams are not a burden. This is your space. Your time.
(323) 792-1824 View (323) 792-1824
Photo of Maura Tousignant, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Maura Tousignant
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I am trained in Brainspotting and Hakomi mindful somatic psychotherapy, highly effective trauma and body oriented modalities, and my background in Jungian/depth psychotherapy lays the groundwork to explore and integrate the shadow.
You’re looking for a therapist because: you feel stuck due to past trauma, you find yourself preoccupied with concerns about your partner, you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed by work or school, you are longing to be more connected to your authentic and full self. I’m here to help you with this! I provide a warm and focused presence as we work together to create positive and long-lasting change.
I am trained in Brainspotting and Hakomi mindful somatic psychotherapy, highly effective trauma and body oriented modalities, and my background in Jungian/depth psychotherapy lays the groundwork to explore and integrate the shadow.
You’re looking for a therapist because: you feel stuck due to past trauma, you find yourself preoccupied with concerns about your partner, you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed by work or school, you are longing to be more connected to your authentic and full self. I’m here to help you with this! I provide a warm and focused presence as we work together to create positive and long-lasting change.
(818) 877-7261 View (818) 877-7261
Photo of Donna S Baltas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Donna S Baltas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
A variety of Jungian work including dream analysis, alternative therapies, as well as traditional orientations are implemented as client-needed.
I have designed a private psychotherapy office especially for the creative client. This type of personality is more visually sensitive to their environment. The unique eclectic furniture styles, colors, fabrics, lighting, varied types of art work, and musical instruments, help create an uplifting and soothing atmosphere for therapy.
A variety of Jungian work including dream analysis, alternative therapies, as well as traditional orientations are implemented as client-needed.
I have designed a private psychotherapy office especially for the creative client. This type of personality is more visually sensitive to their environment. The unique eclectic furniture styles, colors, fabrics, lighting, varied types of art work, and musical instruments, help create an uplifting and soothing atmosphere for therapy.
(424) 625-7421 View (424) 625-7421
Photo of Kathryn Diaz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Kathryn Diaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I have special training in trauma (PTSD) and addiction, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, depth psychotherapy, Jungian psychology, art therapy, dream work, relationship (attachment) issues, spiritual issues, grief and infertility.
The techniques I have discovered and found useful on my own healing journey have become the foundation for my practice as a holistic psychotherapist. My passion lies in creating a sacred and compassionate space where individuals can embark on a transformative exploration of their inner worlds, healing past trauma or negative beliefs so that they can fully live in the present moment. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, recognizing the uniqueness of each person's experience and honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
I have special training in trauma (PTSD) and addiction, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, depth psychotherapy, Jungian psychology, art therapy, dream work, relationship (attachment) issues, spiritual issues, grief and infertility.
The techniques I have discovered and found useful on my own healing journey have become the foundation for my practice as a holistic psychotherapist. My passion lies in creating a sacred and compassionate space where individuals can embark on a transformative exploration of their inner worlds, healing past trauma or negative beliefs so that they can fully live in the present moment. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, recognizing the uniqueness of each person's experience and honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
(310) 736-2717 View (310) 736-2717
Photo of JoAnn Culbert-Koehn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
JoAnn Culbert-Koehn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
In Jungian psychoanalysis we focus on accessing the unconscious to see what your unconscious has to tell us about your problem and your future development.
I work with each person who comes to my office with compassion and respect, knowing that each patient has a unique story. I am interested in learning why you have come to see me. Among the psychological problems I address are anxiety, depression, marital problems, and grief as well as stuckness in career or personal growth. The treatment I offer is tailored to the patient's individual needs. I am trained to do psychotherapy and Jungian psychoanalysis. In psychotherapy we explore what is causing you psychic or physical pain as well as additional symptoms, or trauma as they emerge.
In Jungian psychoanalysis we focus on accessing the unconscious to see what your unconscious has to tell us about your problem and your future development.
I work with each person who comes to my office with compassion and respect, knowing that each patient has a unique story. I am interested in learning why you have come to see me. Among the psychological problems I address are anxiety, depression, marital problems, and grief as well as stuckness in career or personal growth. The treatment I offer is tailored to the patient's individual needs. I am trained to do psychotherapy and Jungian psychoanalysis. In psychotherapy we explore what is causing you psychic or physical pain as well as additional symptoms, or trauma as they emerge.
(310) 879-5769 View (310) 879-5769
Photo of Shawnee Isaac-Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Shawnee Isaac-Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I am a Jungian Psychotherapist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose goal is to assist my clients in developing more meaningful, centered lives. I have a compassionate and supportive style and enjoy working with both individuals and couples, honoring the uniqueness of each individual by creating a safe and nurturing environment.
I am a Jungian Psychotherapist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose goal is to assist my clients in developing more meaningful, centered lives. I have a compassionate and supportive style and enjoy working with both individuals and couples, honoring the uniqueness of each individual by creating a safe and nurturing environment.
(213) 277-3690 View (213) 277-3690
Photo of Anna Selena Cho, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Anna Selena Cho
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
While approaching therapy with existential, psychodynamic and Jungian concepts, Anna's ultimate passion is to integrate the essential qualities of Psychology and Art for the individual client.
Dr. Anna Selena Cho, was born in Los Angeles and has personal experience living bi-culturally. Dr. Cho was traditionally trained in visual arts in her early developmental years and eventually obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Phillips Graduate University, and her Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Cho has developed programs with organizations wanting to further expand their learning standards towards socio-emotional integration.
While approaching therapy with existential, psychodynamic and Jungian concepts, Anna's ultimate passion is to integrate the essential qualities of Psychology and Art for the individual client.
Dr. Anna Selena Cho, was born in Los Angeles and has personal experience living bi-culturally. Dr. Cho was traditionally trained in visual arts in her early developmental years and eventually obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Phillips Graduate University, and her Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Cho has developed programs with organizations wanting to further expand their learning standards towards socio-emotional integration.
(310) 340-2835 View (310) 340-2835
Photo of Kriss Smylie, Counselor in Santa Monica, CA
Kriss Smylie
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90404  (Online Only)
I am a Jungian psychotherapist with an integrative approach which includes CBT as well as solution focused work when called for. I work with clients around their depression, anxiety related issues, and their relationships. We are looking for what is causing the pain or blocking you so that you can better move through life’s traumas and difficulties. My goal is to release blocks caused by depression and anxiety so that you can reduce your suffering and feel more alive and energized. I look at your childhood as well as your current situation to better understand who you are and what will be helpful.
I am a Jungian psychotherapist with an integrative approach which includes CBT as well as solution focused work when called for. I work with clients around their depression, anxiety related issues, and their relationships. We are looking for what is causing the pain or blocking you so that you can better move through life’s traumas and difficulties. My goal is to release blocks caused by depression and anxiety so that you can reduce your suffering and feel more alive and energized. I look at your childhood as well as your current situation to better understand who you are and what will be helpful.
(424) 256-0992 View (424) 256-0992
Photo of Cindy J Stanberry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Cindy J Stanberry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I provide a safe environment in which to explore and develop insight into patterns in your life. I am a Certified Jungian Analyst, working from a Jungian-oriented perspective, helping to develop a relationship between the conscious and unconscious. People often seek a therapist due to a crisis, or possibly because they've developed an awareness that something is not working in their lives anymore. We will work together to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, so that you can change old patterns and live your life with integrity, authenticity and meaning. Thus, our work becomes a practice that tends to soul.
I provide a safe environment in which to explore and develop insight into patterns in your life. I am a Certified Jungian Analyst, working from a Jungian-oriented perspective, helping to develop a relationship between the conscious and unconscious. People often seek a therapist due to a crisis, or possibly because they've developed an awareness that something is not working in their lives anymore. We will work together to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, so that you can change old patterns and live your life with integrity, authenticity and meaning. Thus, our work becomes a practice that tends to soul.
(424) 294-8203 View (424) 294-8203
Photo of Eleanor Haspel-Portner, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Eleanor Haspel-Portner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My extensive background with relationships, hypnosis, Jungian analysis, and interpersonal/transpersonal therapy allows me to tailor my work for each individual's unique needs.
Are you at an important crossroad in your life? Has your marriage/relationship lost its luster? Learn the skills of Imago Dialogue to rekindle your love and feel the joy of love in your life again. I effectively blend therapies so you'll get results. When you focus on connecting with your inner wisdom and knowing, you achieve balance in all areas of your life with a sense of conscious fulfillment that turns your dreams into reality. Achieve your goals and thrive. Change your choices, change your life. Call me now: (310) 403-4347.
My extensive background with relationships, hypnosis, Jungian analysis, and interpersonal/transpersonal therapy allows me to tailor my work for each individual's unique needs.
Are you at an important crossroad in your life? Has your marriage/relationship lost its luster? Learn the skills of Imago Dialogue to rekindle your love and feel the joy of love in your life again. I effectively blend therapies so you'll get results. When you focus on connecting with your inner wisdom and knowing, you achieve balance in all areas of your life with a sense of conscious fulfillment that turns your dreams into reality. Achieve your goals and thrive. Change your choices, change your life. Call me now: (310) 403-4347.
(424) 312-0550 View (424) 312-0550
Photo of Claudia David, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Claudia David
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Jungian psychotherapy is a method that fosters the process of self-discovery by which we can become who we are meant to be in life.
Find relief for symptoms and go deeper...I provide a safe and comfortable environment for individuals and couples to explore life's difficult issues, find understanding; and develop ways to move forward. I can help people find return to or find for the first time their natural serenity, rhythms and authentic voice; especially after an especially tumultuous time. Therapy can be a place to reconnect with your inner Self as well as a space to integrate childhood events and life stages.
Jungian psychotherapy is a method that fosters the process of self-discovery by which we can become who we are meant to be in life.
Find relief for symptoms and go deeper...I provide a safe and comfortable environment for individuals and couples to explore life's difficult issues, find understanding; and develop ways to move forward. I can help people find return to or find for the first time their natural serenity, rhythms and authentic voice; especially after an especially tumultuous time. Therapy can be a place to reconnect with your inner Self as well as a space to integrate childhood events and life stages.
(424) 294-8861 View (424) 294-8861
Photo of Pamela Freundl Kirst Phd Jungian Analyst, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Pamela Freundl Kirst Phd Jungian Analyst
Psychologist, Jungian
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I combine solid training in Clinical Psychology with the study of dreaming, creativity and imagination as a Jungian Psychoanalyst.
When you are suffering, it helps to have a support and guidance to find a new way forward. My clients find it easy to talk to me and feel understood. Healing happens within a safe space where you can speak openly about your pain and explore yourself deeply. Through this work new ways of being unfold. My training as a Jungian Psychoanalyst enables me to work closely with clients to explore dreams and creative images as well as their daily lives and history. I bring my full presence, sense of humor, intuition, and spiritual understanding to the therapeutic process.
I combine solid training in Clinical Psychology with the study of dreaming, creativity and imagination as a Jungian Psychoanalyst.
When you are suffering, it helps to have a support and guidance to find a new way forward. My clients find it easy to talk to me and feel understood. Healing happens within a safe space where you can speak openly about your pain and explore yourself deeply. Through this work new ways of being unfold. My training as a Jungian Psychoanalyst enables me to work closely with clients to explore dreams and creative images as well as their daily lives and history. I bring my full presence, sense of humor, intuition, and spiritual understanding to the therapeutic process.
(310) 740-9758 View (310) 740-9758
Photo of Lauren Cabaldon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Lauren Cabaldon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
My specialties include treating trauma, mood disorders, attachment/relationship issues, addiction, Jungian/psychodynamic therapy, and psychedelic integration for individuals seeking out states of expanded consciousness.
I am absolutely crazy about helping humans access their full potential. I believe it is my dharma – or my sacred calling. I believe that each human being has a divine purpose. I believe that separation from this purpose is the source of much of our suffering. I see my role as a trusted companion on your journey back to this divine purpose - back to your authentic Self. In our work together, I invite you to reclaim sovereignty over your mental health through a process of radical acceptance.
My specialties include treating trauma, mood disorders, attachment/relationship issues, addiction, Jungian/psychodynamic therapy, and psychedelic integration for individuals seeking out states of expanded consciousness.
I am absolutely crazy about helping humans access their full potential. I believe it is my dharma – or my sacred calling. I believe that each human being has a divine purpose. I believe that separation from this purpose is the source of much of our suffering. I see my role as a trusted companion on your journey back to this divine purpose - back to your authentic Self. In our work together, I invite you to reclaim sovereignty over your mental health through a process of radical acceptance.
(619) 345-6741 View (619) 345-6741
Photo of Julia de Roulet, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Julia de Roulet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My training is in depth and Jungian psychotherapy, which seeks to illuminate the unconscious of both the individual and the collective.
My therapy practice focuses on helping adults and teenagers, including those struggling with disordered eating, trauma, anxiety, or the challenges and transitions of parenthood.
My training is in depth and Jungian psychotherapy, which seeks to illuminate the unconscious of both the individual and the collective.
My therapy practice focuses on helping adults and teenagers, including those struggling with disordered eating, trauma, anxiety, or the challenges and transitions of parenthood.
(628) 200-3808 View (628) 200-3808
Photo of Sascha Goldhor, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Sascha Goldhor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
My practice is body positive, sex positive, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, in solidarity with BIPOC, and is informed by Jungian and depth psychology + Gestalt therapy.
Our sessions together will transform your life. One of my main aims is to support you to trust your Self. You'll learn how to attune to the unconscious, both to alleviate your suffering and to guide your Self towards wholeness. We'll focus on your emergent somatic experience and incorporate imaginal practices. Throughout, we gain insights into your relationship patterns and nurture your creative function. My style is collaborative + curious. I hold this profound, rewarding process with care and integrity. Many clients express how our sessions have led to lasting change in their lives.
My practice is body positive, sex positive, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, in solidarity with BIPOC, and is informed by Jungian and depth psychology + Gestalt therapy.
Our sessions together will transform your life. One of my main aims is to support you to trust your Self. You'll learn how to attune to the unconscious, both to alleviate your suffering and to guide your Self towards wholeness. We'll focus on your emergent somatic experience and incorporate imaginal practices. Throughout, we gain insights into your relationship patterns and nurture your creative function. My style is collaborative + curious. I hold this profound, rewarding process with care and integrity. Many clients express how our sessions have led to lasting change in their lives.
(818) 722-9021 View (818) 722-9021

See more therapy options for Santa Monica

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.