Photo of Noma P. Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Noma P. Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
I specialize in trauma and grief and loss, along with the many issues that follow those specialities including anxiety, depression, and dual diagnosis.
Hello, welcome to my profile. I'd like to introduce myself and give you a sense of who I am as a clinician. If you prefer not to read, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a phone consultation. My aim is to help you help yourself. You are both the expert on yourself and you also know what you want more than anyone else. As your therapist I develop an authentic bond to support you in this process of change that you wish to make. I am an advocate for your voice, and your needs at any point along the healing journey. While my job is to guide you through the process, at the end of the day true recovery is your journey.
I specialize in trauma and grief and loss, along with the many issues that follow those specialities including anxiety, depression, and dual diagnosis.
Hello, welcome to my profile. I'd like to introduce myself and give you a sense of who I am as a clinician. If you prefer not to read, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a phone consultation. My aim is to help you help yourself. You are both the expert on yourself and you also know what you want more than anyone else. As your therapist I develop an authentic bond to support you in this process of change that you wish to make. I am an advocate for your voice, and your needs at any point along the healing journey. While my job is to guide you through the process, at the end of the day true recovery is your journey.
(408) 583-6867 View (408) 583-6867
Photo of Bob Livingstone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Bob Livingstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I have been in private practice for twenty-eight years and I believe therapy issues are all related to loss. I specialize in working with children of divorce, those who have lost a loved one, men with anger issues, and the problems of teenagers. I am the author of five self-help books. My new book is titled Letting go of Grief: Move your Body to Rock and Soul. You can check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/k8kggrv
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I have been in private practice for twenty-eight years and I believe therapy issues are all related to loss. I specialize in working with children of divorce, those who have lost a loved one, men with anger issues, and the problems of teenagers. I am the author of five self-help books. My new book is titled Letting go of Grief: Move your Body to Rock and Soul. You can check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/k8kggrv
(650) 741-1534 View (650) 741-1534
Photo of Tina Mizukami, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Tina Mizukami
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402  (Online Only)
Have you suffered a loss, experienced some traumatic event or lived through an unexpected change or transition? Are you feeling lost, missing a connection with yourself and/or others? Or, are you finding yourself stuck in unhelpful patterns in your relationships, school/work, and the ways you see yourself? I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for you to be with yourself - authentically and constructively. My intention is to create a safe place where you can experience solace, explore solutions creatively, and discover your needs while learning how to ask for them.
Have you suffered a loss, experienced some traumatic event or lived through an unexpected change or transition? Are you feeling lost, missing a connection with yourself and/or others? Or, are you finding yourself stuck in unhelpful patterns in your relationships, school/work, and the ways you see yourself? I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for you to be with yourself - authentically and constructively. My intention is to create a safe place where you can experience solace, explore solutions creatively, and discover your needs while learning how to ask for them.
(415) 539-3980 View (415) 539-3980
Photo of Lindy Hewitt, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Lindy Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
I use Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples and also have a background in communication skills, attachment parenting, bereavement, and trauma.
My approach to therapy is to help my clients work their way through the layers of injury, loss and protection that surround them, to reach the more open, undefended core inside. I believe it is the experiencing of that deepest part of ourselves which makes us feel alive and makes us feel connected to ourselves and others. I work to create a safe, compassionate environment in which healing can happen in moments and over time. I work with couples and individuals to help them recognize and alter the patterns that seem to get them stuck in their relationships.
I use Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples and also have a background in communication skills, attachment parenting, bereavement, and trauma.
My approach to therapy is to help my clients work their way through the layers of injury, loss and protection that surround them, to reach the more open, undefended core inside. I believe it is the experiencing of that deepest part of ourselves which makes us feel alive and makes us feel connected to ourselves and others. I work to create a safe, compassionate environment in which healing can happen in moments and over time. I work with couples and individuals to help them recognize and alter the patterns that seem to get them stuck in their relationships.
(650) 603-0240 View (650) 603-0240
Photo of Krista Parker, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Krista Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
Hi there! With COVID-19 and everything happening in the world right now, life may be very overwhelming, leading us to feel isolated, anxious, depressed, stuck, and helpless. I am here to help you navigate through these life challenges, find a healthy balance, and help you find tools to cope and grow. I help children, teens, adults, and families transform their grief, traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, and other overwhelming emotions into healing and hope.
Hi there! With COVID-19 and everything happening in the world right now, life may be very overwhelming, leading us to feel isolated, anxious, depressed, stuck, and helpless. I am here to help you navigate through these life challenges, find a healthy balance, and help you find tools to cope and grow. I help children, teens, adults, and families transform their grief, traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, and other overwhelming emotions into healing and hope.
(747) 236-6162 View (747) 236-6162
Photo of Lynda Lynette Johnson-Basuino, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Lynda Lynette Johnson-Basuino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, BCPC
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
"Sometimes a little insight makes all the difference." I'm an experienced counselor who overcomes the obstacles of every day living despite vision loss. My specialty is helping people navigate through life altering crises such as the trauma of chronic health issues, divorce, job loss, behavior concerns in children, adolescence and teens. In my practice, I see people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, anger, PTSD, and the emotional responses to vision loss and blindness. I've been counseling for 25 years and I'm in the examination process of licensure. This is my passion. I look forward to working with you.
"Sometimes a little insight makes all the difference." I'm an experienced counselor who overcomes the obstacles of every day living despite vision loss. My specialty is helping people navigate through life altering crises such as the trauma of chronic health issues, divorce, job loss, behavior concerns in children, adolescence and teens. In my practice, I see people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, anger, PTSD, and the emotional responses to vision loss and blindness. I've been counseling for 25 years and I'm in the examination process of licensure. This is my passion. I look forward to working with you.
(650) 504-1650 View (650) 504-1650
Photo of Cecilia A Nepomuceno, Psychologist in San Mateo, CA
Cecilia A Nepomuceno
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403  (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma can be alleviated by being able to be present with the pain/fears/agitation and developing skills and self-awareness to make behavior changes to support wellness.
"The deep learning that results in transformation must include the healing of hearts and souls. When spirit is thirsty, it is love, compassion, and truth that quench and satisfy." ~ audrey lorde ~ When we can be compassionate to our growth areas and be grounded in owning our talents and gifts, it may be easier to navigate our challenges and be open to opportunities. When we experience challenges we may need support to work through them. We can use these challenges as opportunities to renew and transform ourselves to have a better relationship with ourselves and others.
Anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma can be alleviated by being able to be present with the pain/fears/agitation and developing skills and self-awareness to make behavior changes to support wellness.
"The deep learning that results in transformation must include the healing of hearts and souls. When spirit is thirsty, it is love, compassion, and truth that quench and satisfy." ~ audrey lorde ~ When we can be compassionate to our growth areas and be grounded in owning our talents and gifts, it may be easier to navigate our challenges and be open to opportunities. When we experience challenges we may need support to work through them. We can use these challenges as opportunities to renew and transform ourselves to have a better relationship with ourselves and others.
(650) 265-4541 View (650) 265-4541
Photo of Erin Pensinger, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Erin Pensinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
Specialties include:anxiety/depression, stress management, grief & loss, adolescents, trauma, life transitions, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and search for direction and meaning.
When life is overwhelming, therapy offers guidance, support, and a safe place for healing. I work with children, teens, adults, and families using a holistic, mindfulness-based approach. My goal is to help you create positive, practical, and lasting change.
Specialties include:anxiety/depression, stress management, grief & loss, adolescents, trauma, life transitions, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and search for direction and meaning.
When life is overwhelming, therapy offers guidance, support, and a safe place for healing. I work with children, teens, adults, and families using a holistic, mindfulness-based approach. My goal is to help you create positive, practical, and lasting change.
(650) 843-9337 View (650) 843-9337
Photo of Jennifer Martin, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Jennifer Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.
I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.
(510) 439-9875 View (510) 439-9875
Photo of Loryn Hicks, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Loryn Hicks
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94404  (Online Only)
I offer warmth and love created by a safe and welcoming environment. I have a passion for working with those who have been told they are “too much”. From working with teens and families to those struggling through trauma or grief, I am here. I work with intersectionality and identity, cultural explorations and difficulties, as well as difference and sensitivity. I have worked extensively with those with eating struggles. I have worked in restorative justice and enjoy working with the formerly incarcerated, Please ask me anything
I offer warmth and love created by a safe and welcoming environment. I have a passion for working with those who have been told they are “too much”. From working with teens and families to those struggling through trauma or grief, I am here. I work with intersectionality and identity, cultural explorations and difficulties, as well as difference and sensitivity. I have worked extensively with those with eating struggles. I have worked in restorative justice and enjoy working with the formerly incarcerated, Please ask me anything
(415) 831-7691 View (415) 831-7691
Photo of Melanie Stauffer, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Melanie Stauffer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402
Experiencing a change of any kind can disrupt one's life in many ways. I specialize in working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and relationship problems. I also support clients dealing with grief & loss, infertility and health issues. I have over 15 years of experience working with families and teens in the system who are suffering from trauma, self-harming behaviors, and peer-related issues. I am also skilled in working with First Responders/Military and their families and offer nonjudgmental support. I focus on meeting my clients where they are at and creating a safe space for healing.
Experiencing a change of any kind can disrupt one's life in many ways. I specialize in working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and relationship problems. I also support clients dealing with grief & loss, infertility and health issues. I have over 15 years of experience working with families and teens in the system who are suffering from trauma, self-harming behaviors, and peer-related issues. I am also skilled in working with First Responders/Military and their families and offer nonjudgmental support. I focus on meeting my clients where they are at and creating a safe space for healing.
(650) 839-9736 View (650) 839-9736
Photo of Rachel Shalev, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Mateo, CA
Rachel Shalev
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402
My practice provide a safe, comfortable environment, based on principles of acceptance, non-judgment, and compassion. I'm addressing a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, self-image, eating disorders, complex trauma, grief and loss, and issues relating to adjusting to a new country. As an Expressive-Arts therapist, I offer my clients the option to use their creativity, their body, and music, as avenues to explore their feelings and express themselves.
My practice provide a safe, comfortable environment, based on principles of acceptance, non-judgment, and compassion. I'm addressing a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, self-image, eating disorders, complex trauma, grief and loss, and issues relating to adjusting to a new country. As an Expressive-Arts therapist, I offer my clients the option to use their creativity, their body, and music, as avenues to explore their feelings and express themselves.
(650) 334-0401 View (650) 334-0401
Photo of Kyoko Tsuchiya, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Kyoko Tsuchiya
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
My expertise includes anxiety, depression, grief, complex medical conditions, women's issues and trauma.
Are you feeling stuck in your life, your relationships or your job, or going through challenging life transitions? I strongly believe that we all have tremendous capacity for change, growth and healing. Drawing upon my professional training in body-oriented psychotherapy and decades of meditation practice, I can assist you in quieting your mind and taping into your own truth, strengths and wisdom within. Psychotherapy that integrates body, mind and spirit can help you move beyond the problems to release the creative energy, optimism and hope necessary to lead you to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
My expertise includes anxiety, depression, grief, complex medical conditions, women's issues and trauma.
Are you feeling stuck in your life, your relationships or your job, or going through challenging life transitions? I strongly believe that we all have tremendous capacity for change, growth and healing. Drawing upon my professional training in body-oriented psychotherapy and decades of meditation practice, I can assist you in quieting your mind and taping into your own truth, strengths and wisdom within. Psychotherapy that integrates body, mind and spirit can help you move beyond the problems to release the creative energy, optimism and hope necessary to lead you to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
(510) 858-0979 View (510) 858-0979
Photo of Sonja Wishard, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Sonja Wishard
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
I support individuals and families in coping with challenges related to anxiety, depression, relational issues, and trauma, with a specialization in managing chronic pain, adjusting to illness, and processing grief and loss. Whether you or your family is navigating a major life transition, struggling interpersonally, or grappling with a medical diagnosis, I'm here to help.
I support individuals and families in coping with challenges related to anxiety, depression, relational issues, and trauma, with a specialization in managing chronic pain, adjusting to illness, and processing grief and loss. Whether you or your family is navigating a major life transition, struggling interpersonally, or grappling with a medical diagnosis, I'm here to help.
(650) 850-5554 View (650) 850-5554
Photo of Carol Jaron, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Carol Jaron
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, CHT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
(650) 684-1374 View (650) 684-1374
Photo of Ronna Milo Haglili, Psychologist in San Mateo, CA
Ronna Milo Haglili
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
I work with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. I welcome people of all backgrounds. I was trained in multiple settings, including medical centers, community mental health organizations, and schools. My training and expertise include the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting, eating disorders, relationships, transitions, loss, marginalization, identity, and immigration. While grounded in culturally sensitive and trauma informed psychoanalytic theory I integrate diverse treatment modalities. I commit to facilitating your treatment goals, such as improving coping skills, deepening relationships, and more.
I work with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. I welcome people of all backgrounds. I was trained in multiple settings, including medical centers, community mental health organizations, and schools. My training and expertise include the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting, eating disorders, relationships, transitions, loss, marginalization, identity, and immigration. While grounded in culturally sensitive and trauma informed psychoanalytic theory I integrate diverse treatment modalities. I commit to facilitating your treatment goals, such as improving coping skills, deepening relationships, and more.
(650) 656-2854 View (650) 656-2854
Photo of Ruth Brosius, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Ruth Brosius
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
My approach to therapy focuses on creating a safe, authentic place to explore feelings, patterns and options. I help clients articulate goals for therapy so that together we can create a positive, productive therapeutic relationship. Working in private practice for over 14 years, I've seen individuals experiencing a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, divorce, complex PTSD, grief, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, self-harming behaviors (cutting), parenting issues, and all types of relationship struggles.
My approach to therapy focuses on creating a safe, authentic place to explore feelings, patterns and options. I help clients articulate goals for therapy so that together we can create a positive, productive therapeutic relationship. Working in private practice for over 14 years, I've seen individuals experiencing a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, divorce, complex PTSD, grief, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, self-harming behaviors (cutting), parenting issues, and all types of relationship struggles.
(650) 600-3975 View (650) 600-3975
Photo of Elizabeth Burkett, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Mateo, CA
Elizabeth Burkett
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
I am passionate about providing therapy to individuals from childhood to adulthood experiencing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and grief, as well as people wanting to explore relationship dynamics and identity. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally attuned, drawing from a range of therapeutic models to target each client’s specific needs.
I am passionate about providing therapy to individuals from childhood to adulthood experiencing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and grief, as well as people wanting to explore relationship dynamics and identity. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally attuned, drawing from a range of therapeutic models to target each client’s specific needs.
(415) 903-6511 View (415) 903-6511
Photo of Christina Arguello, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Christina Arguello
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403  (Online Only)
Currently full - Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or a lack of well-being and can't stop thinking about past hurtful events? I provide compassionate mindfulness-based trauma-informed therapy to individuals struggling with family and relationship conflict, grief & loss, the impact of trauma, and stress reduction. I believe that you deserve to be in a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and collaborative. We all deserve this :)
Currently full - Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or a lack of well-being and can't stop thinking about past hurtful events? I provide compassionate mindfulness-based trauma-informed therapy to individuals struggling with family and relationship conflict, grief & loss, the impact of trauma, and stress reduction. I believe that you deserve to be in a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and collaborative. We all deserve this :)
(650) 282-3418 View (650) 282-3418
Photo of Wendy Alexander, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Wendy Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
I specialize in Children and Adolescents who may be experiencing difficulties in school or home with behavior, anxiety, depression loss/ grief and friendship.
With over 25 years of Mental Health experience the last 18 years having specialized in the treatment of children, adolescents and their families. My approach is primarily based on who is in the room and how I can be most helpful to my client. I utilize mindfulness, art therapy, sand play and cognitive behavioral therapies.
I specialize in Children and Adolescents who may be experiencing difficulties in school or home with behavior, anxiety, depression loss/ grief and friendship.
With over 25 years of Mental Health experience the last 18 years having specialized in the treatment of children, adolescents and their families. My approach is primarily based on who is in the room and how I can be most helpful to my client. I utilize mindfulness, art therapy, sand play and cognitive behavioral therapies.
(650) 684-5280 View (650) 684-5280
Grief Therapists

How long does therapy take for grief?

There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?

Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?

Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?

Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.