Photo of Joanna Maung, Psychologist in San Mateo, CA
Joanna Maung
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402  (Online Only)
As human beings, we all experience periods of pain that test our resources and ability to cope. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, loss/grief, self-doubt or going through a time of turbulent change, I am here to support your growth and healing. In therapy, I aim to help you gain insight into your emotional experience, reconnect with your core needs and values, and cultivate new coping skills to tackle life's stressors. My approach is warm, gentle but actionable, and collaborative. I recognize that we all have different healing journeys and strive to tailor treatment to suit your individual goals and needs.
As human beings, we all experience periods of pain that test our resources and ability to cope. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, loss/grief, self-doubt or going through a time of turbulent change, I am here to support your growth and healing. In therapy, I aim to help you gain insight into your emotional experience, reconnect with your core needs and values, and cultivate new coping skills to tackle life's stressors. My approach is warm, gentle but actionable, and collaborative. I recognize that we all have different healing journeys and strive to tailor treatment to suit your individual goals and needs.
(650) 338-0283 View (650) 338-0283
Photo of Jenny Vladimirov, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Jenny Vladimirov
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
As we age, our well-being is impacted by various life transitions such as retirement, physical health issues, relocation, and loss of loved ones. I provide assistance in navigating this new territory with a focus on building resilience, supporting personal agency, developing coping skills, and increasing mindfulness. During psychotherapy sessions and care consultations, I offer guidance in the following areas: mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, grief and loss, living with illness, disability, and chronic pain, planning for retirement and aging, caregiving and care-receiving.
As we age, our well-being is impacted by various life transitions such as retirement, physical health issues, relocation, and loss of loved ones. I provide assistance in navigating this new territory with a focus on building resilience, supporting personal agency, developing coping skills, and increasing mindfulness. During psychotherapy sessions and care consultations, I offer guidance in the following areas: mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, grief and loss, living with illness, disability, and chronic pain, planning for retirement and aging, caregiving and care-receiving.
(650) 610-1842 View (650) 610-1842
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 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
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 Diane M. Cote, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Diane M. Cote, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402  (Online Only)
Your unique story, beliefs, dreams, ethnic/racial/sexual identity & life challenges will be honored in a non-judgemental environment. My style is interactive and empathic, emphasizing self-compassion. Areas of focus: infertility counseling, reproductive health, PTSD/trauma, grief and loss, mood disorders (anxiety, panic, depression) skillful parenting, career decisions, traumatic divorce, managing the stress of major life transitions. My treatment modalities include the psycho-dynamic process, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based psychology, EMDR & healing yoga/mediation practices. www.dianecotelcsw.com
Your unique story, beliefs, dreams, ethnic/racial/sexual identity & life challenges will be honored in a non-judgemental environment. My style is interactive and empathic, emphasizing self-compassion. Areas of focus: infertility counseling, reproductive health, PTSD/trauma, grief and loss, mood disorders (anxiety, panic, depression) skillful parenting, career decisions, traumatic divorce, managing the stress of major life transitions. My treatment modalities include the psycho-dynamic process, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based psychology, EMDR & healing yoga/mediation practices. www.dianecotelcsw.com
(650) 622-5928 View (650) 622-5928
Photo of Miriam Lima, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Miriam Lima
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94404
I also offer services to help my clients cope with life transitions, grief, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, amongst others.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? Feeling lonely, lost, or stuck? Are you experiencing trauma/PTSD symptoms? Or having interpersonal relationship difficulties? There is hope for you!
I also offer services to help my clients cope with life transitions, grief, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, amongst others.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? Feeling lonely, lost, or stuck? Are you experiencing trauma/PTSD symptoms? Or having interpersonal relationship difficulties? There is hope for you!
(650) 525-2397 x008 View (650) 525-2397 x008
Photo of Ursula Jorgensen, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Ursula Jorgensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
I provide a friendly, honest, non-judgemental therapeutic space with a combination of talk therapy and expressive techniques to engage the areas of challenge and celebrate the character strengths that make you unique. Art Therapy is offered to explore a visual way using sand tray, drawing, journaling, collage, painting, or imaginative play. This safe space offers therapeutic support to children, teens and adults with a primary focus on symptoms including anxiety, depression, life transitions (loss, illness, divorce/separation) and self identity exploration affected by trauma, circumstance, orientation or non-conforming individuals.
I provide a friendly, honest, non-judgemental therapeutic space with a combination of talk therapy and expressive techniques to engage the areas of challenge and celebrate the character strengths that make you unique. Art Therapy is offered to explore a visual way using sand tray, drawing, journaling, collage, painting, or imaginative play. This safe space offers therapeutic support to children, teens and adults with a primary focus on symptoms including anxiety, depression, life transitions (loss, illness, divorce/separation) and self identity exploration affected by trauma, circumstance, orientation or non-conforming individuals.
(650) 670-4812 View (650) 670-4812
Photo of Marivic R Dizon, Psychologist in San Mateo, CA
Marivic R Dizon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
I help children and adolescents dealing with anxiety, panic, phobias, ocd, grief/loss, anger, and school difficulties, and provide parenting support.
Are you concerned about your child or adolescent's mood/behavior? When life gets challenging or problems become overwhelming, a little guidance can make things better. I provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment, where we can work together to tackle life's challenges. I am a Stanford-trained licensed psychologist and have significant experience conducting individual therapy with children and teens, and providing parenting support. My primary therapeutic approach involves cognitive behavioral therapy which is an evidence-based treatment that addresses how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors.
I help children and adolescents dealing with anxiety, panic, phobias, ocd, grief/loss, anger, and school difficulties, and provide parenting support.
Are you concerned about your child or adolescent's mood/behavior? When life gets challenging or problems become overwhelming, a little guidance can make things better. I provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment, where we can work together to tackle life's challenges. I am a Stanford-trained licensed psychologist and have significant experience conducting individual therapy with children and teens, and providing parenting support. My primary therapeutic approach involves cognitive behavioral therapy which is an evidence-based treatment that addresses how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors.
(650) 557-3948 View (650) 557-3948
Photo of Fierce Therapy , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Fierce Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with grief & loss, anxiety, life transitions, and simply maneuvering the waves of life.
I believe in meeting the client where they are, facing the issues presented with an open mind, and to always establish healthy boundaries. My approach is to help manage life's transitions together in a way that provides a nurturing & empathetic experience.
I work with grief & loss, anxiety, life transitions, and simply maneuvering the waves of life.
I believe in meeting the client where they are, facing the issues presented with an open mind, and to always establish healthy boundaries. My approach is to help manage life's transitions together in a way that provides a nurturing & empathetic experience.
(510) 240-1830 View (510) 240-1830
Photo of Holly Pedersen, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Holly Pedersen, PhD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
My goal is to provide you with compassionate understanding and a clear plan for moving forward, whatever this means for you. It may mean overcoming anxiety or depression, improving your relationship, helping a struggling teen, or finding your way after a life change or loss. It could also mean helping you enjoy life more, regardless of what is happening around you. I have been providing therapy to individual adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families for over 20 years. I work with a diverse range of emotional, behavioral and relationship issues, utilizing the most effective research-based treatment models.
My goal is to provide you with compassionate understanding and a clear plan for moving forward, whatever this means for you. It may mean overcoming anxiety or depression, improving your relationship, helping a struggling teen, or finding your way after a life change or loss. It could also mean helping you enjoy life more, regardless of what is happening around you. I have been providing therapy to individual adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families for over 20 years. I work with a diverse range of emotional, behavioral and relationship issues, utilizing the most effective research-based treatment models.
(650) 469-8652 View (650) 469-8652
Photo of Jackie Sage, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Jackie Sage
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402
Loss of self and self-doubt can manifest in young people as anxiety, depression, burn out, anger, and more. Highly sensitive children and teenagers are especially vulnerable right now to struggles with these symptoms and may need guidance to (re)discover their purposes and passions. I help adolescents and adults become congruent with their best selves. This in turn leads to increased knowledge of self which can lead to increased self-esteem and a satisfaction with the world around them.
Loss of self and self-doubt can manifest in young people as anxiety, depression, burn out, anger, and more. Highly sensitive children and teenagers are especially vulnerable right now to struggles with these symptoms and may need guidance to (re)discover their purposes and passions. I help adolescents and adults become congruent with their best selves. This in turn leads to increased knowledge of self which can lead to increased self-esteem and a satisfaction with the world around them.
(650) 629-3201 View (650) 629-3201
Photo of Nathan Chow, Psychologist in San Mateo, CA
Nathan Chow
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
Welcome! We all experience some form of stress in our lives, difficult emotions, or painful life circumstances. These may be caused by a variety of things, including natural or unexpected life transitions, loss, work stress, or relationship struggles. It can be difficult to navigate these challenging experiences and the emotions that come with them. You may find yourself “stuck” and in need of some assistance. I hope to work with you to understand and manage your emotions and behaviors better.
Welcome! We all experience some form of stress in our lives, difficult emotions, or painful life circumstances. These may be caused by a variety of things, including natural or unexpected life transitions, loss, work stress, or relationship struggles. It can be difficult to navigate these challenging experiences and the emotions that come with them. You may find yourself “stuck” and in need of some assistance. I hope to work with you to understand and manage your emotions and behaviors better.
(650) 376-8114 View (650) 376-8114
Photo of Lorine Estelle Bay, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Lorine Estelle Bay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, EXA
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
(650) 456-7753 View (650) 456-7753
Photo of Meredith Denton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Meredith Denton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPH, RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94403
Welcome, glad you are here. At times, we forget parts of ourselves and lose sight of our inner compass. Therapy is one way of remembering and coming back to our wholeness. I offer a space of healing presence, authenticity, and deep listening, integrating somatic and nature-based practices. Through our work together, you will foster the skills and practices that best supports your healing and growth and is most transformative, nurturing, compassionate, and wise for you. I am passionate about and skilled in supporting women, adolescents, helping professionals, in addition to the global majority and underserved communities.
Welcome, glad you are here. At times, we forget parts of ourselves and lose sight of our inner compass. Therapy is one way of remembering and coming back to our wholeness. I offer a space of healing presence, authenticity, and deep listening, integrating somatic and nature-based practices. Through our work together, you will foster the skills and practices that best supports your healing and growth and is most transformative, nurturing, compassionate, and wise for you. I am passionate about and skilled in supporting women, adolescents, helping professionals, in addition to the global majority and underserved communities.
(650) 753-6551 View (650) 753-6551
Photo of Gia (Maria Regina) V. Reyes, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Gia (Maria Regina) V. Reyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94408  (Online Only)
I am Gia Reyes and I am a first-generation immigrant and mother. Knowing how overwhelming and uncomfortable life transitions can be, I provide a safe and nurturing space to process issues and life-changes, with the end-goal of achieving equilibrium in the pursuit of joy, happiness and contentment. Whether it is a teen struggling with anxieties and depression, or a couple separating, a career retirement or empty-nesting, we can find your life-purpose, at any age. I also have lived experience of how challenging it can be to move to another country, with perhaps conflicting values and traditions for the children.
I am Gia Reyes and I am a first-generation immigrant and mother. Knowing how overwhelming and uncomfortable life transitions can be, I provide a safe and nurturing space to process issues and life-changes, with the end-goal of achieving equilibrium in the pursuit of joy, happiness and contentment. Whether it is a teen struggling with anxieties and depression, or a couple separating, a career retirement or empty-nesting, we can find your life-purpose, at any age. I also have lived experience of how challenging it can be to move to another country, with perhaps conflicting values and traditions for the children.
(650) 663-5089 View (650) 663-5089
Photo of Ricardo Patrick Peña, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Ricardo Patrick Peña
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402  (Online Only)
My focus is to support individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. By centering the mind-body-being connection, I have a holistic approach with my clients to help create an individualized treatment plan that works best for them. I am dedicated to providing a space that is warm, compassionate and accessible, where you feel safe to explore the ways in which you can build a more fulfilling life.
My focus is to support individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. By centering the mind-body-being connection, I have a holistic approach with my clients to help create an individualized treatment plan that works best for them. I am dedicated to providing a space that is warm, compassionate and accessible, where you feel safe to explore the ways in which you can build a more fulfilling life.
(323) 667-7714 View (323) 667-7714
Photo of Ann Rivello, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Ann Rivello
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
Do you need help making sense of things? Are you struggling making it through the day? Life has a way of presenting challenges we did not see coming and it's normal to feel overwhelmed. For over 20 years I have supported clients with empathy using strategies that work. I will take the time to listen to your unique situation and get to know you so we can work together to get your life back on track.
Do you need help making sense of things? Are you struggling making it through the day? Life has a way of presenting challenges we did not see coming and it's normal to feel overwhelmed. For over 20 years I have supported clients with empathy using strategies that work. I will take the time to listen to your unique situation and get to know you so we can work together to get your life back on track.
(650) 569-1060 View (650) 569-1060
Photo of Barbara Lowenstein, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Mateo, CA
Barbara Lowenstein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MBA, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
Road to motherhood can be exhausting, frustrating and challenging. Perhaps you are thinking about fertility treatments, IVF, IUI, or adoption. Maybe it has been a difficult road with miscarriages, unsuccessful egg retrievals or using a surrogate. It can be an overwhelming place to try to start a family, while encountering road bumps along the way. After the baby comes, we may experience exhaustion, sadness and even even a sense of isolation from our partner, friends and family. Growing a family takes a village.
Road to motherhood can be exhausting, frustrating and challenging. Perhaps you are thinking about fertility treatments, IVF, IUI, or adoption. Maybe it has been a difficult road with miscarriages, unsuccessful egg retrievals or using a surrogate. It can be an overwhelming place to try to start a family, while encountering road bumps along the way. After the baby comes, we may experience exhaustion, sadness and even even a sense of isolation from our partner, friends and family. Growing a family takes a village.
(415) 915-0846 View (415) 915-0846
Photo of Nina Bratcher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Mateo, CA
Nina Bratcher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94403
Are you in the midst of uncertainty and finding yourself feeling on edge, anxious and overwhelmed? Are you in a transitional phase of life and feeling disconnected from yourself or others? Do you feel haunted by ruminating thoughts that you just can't seem to set aside? Are you feeling confused about why you can't seem to leave the past in the past and move forward? Rest assured, you are not alone. There are underlying reasons for your experience. Together we can explore what is happening for you. I will help you shed light on what your emotions are communicating to you and identify tools for navigating life with more ease.
Are you in the midst of uncertainty and finding yourself feeling on edge, anxious and overwhelmed? Are you in a transitional phase of life and feeling disconnected from yourself or others? Do you feel haunted by ruminating thoughts that you just can't seem to set aside? Are you feeling confused about why you can't seem to leave the past in the past and move forward? Rest assured, you are not alone. There are underlying reasons for your experience. Together we can explore what is happening for you. I will help you shed light on what your emotions are communicating to you and identify tools for navigating life with more ease.
(415) 966-2625 View (415) 966-2625
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.