Therapists in Menlo Park, CA

I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

Is there a part of you that feels like something is missing? Like you’re not in touch with your full self or even your ‘true’ self? Perhaps meaning feels distant and your emotional inner world feels difficult to put words to. When these troubling feelings and thoughts arise, life asks us to slow down and get to the root of the issue. In therapy we will do just that. Whether you are working through a difficult relationship, experiencing paralyzing existential dread, or emotional pain manifesting in your body, you deserve the space to get to know yourself on a deeper level and allow for a much needed deep emotional release.

For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.

Hello. My name is Karen McGuffey. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Domestic Abuse Counselor. I have over 13 years of experience as a therapist in Community Mental Health and 4 years of experience in private practice.

For years, I have served as a supportive psychologist, teacher, and artist. I specialize in trauma and developed a Recovery Model to heal emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The Model also addresses healthier adult sexuality and intimacy. In 1998, the APA gave me an honorary award for my research. My art work is featured in: Transformation of the Psyche: by Drs. Joseph Henderson and Dyane Sherwood. I provide in-depth adult psychotherapy using creative, cognitive, and transpersonal methods. I encourage patient healing through visualization, body/mind/spiritual connection, transpersonal psychology, and dream work.

Most of my clients are looking for effective strategy to navigate through crisis, relationship concerns, deal with depression, anxiety or other emotional states. Many clients see me for a brief period and others return periodically as they implement changes or encounter new concerns. I help clients maneuver through life transitions, parenting challenges, and exploring their potential as well as their life purpose.

Our aspiration for a wholesome and fulfilling life often leads us towards the path of healing and growth. Psychotherapy is a powerful medium for this transformation. In my practice, I strive to create a safe and confidential environment for deep reflection on the self and on relationships. This serves as a catalyst for changes including alleviation of stress, anxiety and depression as well as bettered connections with others. Collaborating with you, I customize and teach a tool box of techniques for you to use at home, work and play.

We all have the need to be seen, heard and valued. I would like to provide you a safe space and, a strength based approach for your journey. I strive to form a therapeutic relationship through trust and genuineness. Together we can work towards gaining new perspectives about your unique journey. Struggling with anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, low self-esteem can be extremely challenging. I understand and validate your difficulties, and with a little help you can work through your struggles and manage the cycle of stress.

You seek a compassionate therapist to help regulate emotions, address trauma, and provide a sounding board. Embracing courage and creativity, you see therapy as a resource and a mindset. You yearn to be heard, process, feel supported, and gain insights while being mindful to accountability. You are willing to take charge of your healing journey, know your destination, and welcome guidance along the way. Open to offerings, you try on new things while remaining authentically you- able to accept or decline invitations. You welcome going deep and exploring the quiet places within you. You are ready to explore beyond talk therapy.

Are you working through trauma or a difficult life transition? Are you in relationship with a toxic or narcissistic person? Are you facing painful loss? Do you want to use principles of spirituality to strengthen you and answer life's deepest questions? Do you suffer from DID or dissociative disorder? For 30 years, I have guided people toward authentic ways of living and relating. Through many types of treatment, I help people to understand how traumatic life events change us and how to transform thoughts, feelings, and relationships. We focus on real actions you can take to find the power to reverse the effects of pain and trauma.

I am the therapist for the working professional and their families. I am available to accept new clients. I provide Problem Solving Strategic Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Psychotherapy, Career and work-related Coaching and Leadership Development. I work with high functioning adults and adolescents, individuals and families; with students on performance and anxiety issues; with couples to improve communication and emotional connection/intimacy. Trying to conceive, Pregnancy, Postpartum and Parenting (including parenting of autistic/2e/PDA kids). I work in California for therapy; globally for coaching.

BRINK OF BREAKUP OR DIVORCE; INFIDELITY; PARTNER BETRAYAL; DECEPTION, LIES, SECRECY; NARCISSIST TRAITS; CODEPENDENCY; TOXIC LOVE ATTACHMENT: Can you bounce back and heal from partner infidelity or betrayal? Can you feel better and rebuild trust again? Can your relationship or marriage become stronger and more connected after the devastating discovery of infidelity and betrayal? ABSOLUTELY! Majority of relationships not only survive infidelity, but many relationships & marriages can become stronger and more intimate after undergoing infidelity couples counseling/coaching process with a competent couples therapist/counselor/coach.