Therapists in Los Altos, CA
Dr. Elyssa Helfer
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022 (Online Only)
Whether exploring Kink/BDSM, Swing Lifestyles, Non-Monogamy, and more, I am here to help you discover and empower your identity and to help it blossom in a safe, affirming, and open environment.
Life can be really f-cking hard and my goal as a therapist is to show up in my authenticity with you and be a source of support as you navigate the many twists and turns of life. Therapy can be tough and I believe that it takes honesty, transparency, and connection to create the dynamic required for making change. My approach is eclectic and I am not one to shy away from the no-so-occasional curse word. Some of my favorite clients are those who have been anti-therapy/thearpy resistant throughout their lives. Let me show you that this journey doesn't have to be as bad as you've imagined.
Whether exploring Kink/BDSM, Swing Lifestyles, Non-Monogamy, and more, I am here to help you discover and empower your identity and to help it blossom in a safe, affirming, and open environment.
Life can be really f-cking hard and my goal as a therapist is to show up in my authenticity with you and be a source of support as you navigate the many twists and turns of life. Therapy can be tough and I believe that it takes honesty, transparency, and connection to create the dynamic required for making change. My approach is eclectic and I am not one to shy away from the no-so-occasional curse word. Some of my favorite clients are those who have been anti-therapy/thearpy resistant throughout their lives. Let me show you that this journey doesn't have to be as bad as you've imagined.
Best Self Psych
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022 (Online Only)
Best Self Psych is a group of ENM, kink, and LGBTQ+ affirmative licensed and associate therapists in Los Angeles and we help people who are experiencing difficulty in their relationships and professional lives. Our practice specializes in specialities include helping people who are struggling with the effects of depression, anxiety, C-PTSD and ADHD.
Best Self Psych is a group of ENM, kink, and LGBTQ+ affirmative licensed and associate therapists in Los Angeles and we help people who are experiencing difficulty in their relationships and professional lives. Our practice specializes in specialities include helping people who are struggling with the effects of depression, anxiety, C-PTSD and ADHD.
Heather Johns
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
I enjoy working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and am body-, sex-, and kink-affirming.
I specialize in helping trauma survivors regain a sense of safety and wholeness, significantly reducing the lasting negative effects of these events in their current life. As a person-centered and trauma-informed therapist, I work to create a safe and judgement-free space where my client and I can walk along their healing journey together, gaining insight, learning coping skills, and building resiliency along the way.
I enjoy working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and am body-, sex-, and kink-affirming.
I specialize in helping trauma survivors regain a sense of safety and wholeness, significantly reducing the lasting negative effects of these events in their current life. As a person-centered and trauma-informed therapist, I work to create a safe and judgement-free space where my client and I can walk along their healing journey together, gaining insight, learning coping skills, and building resiliency along the way.
Bev Jewell Aasect Certified Sex Therapist
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing: relationship issues, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck? Perhaps you are in a Neuro-Diverse relationship (you're wired differently) and stuggle to understand each other and get your needs met? Do you want to learn better commuication and problem-solving skills? Maybe you want a more fulfilling sex life - solo, or with your partner. There are many things that affect us and our sexuality over time - stress, age, life events, hormone changes... I can help you navigate these areas to find the answers you're looking for and get you to a better place!
Are you experiencing: relationship issues, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck? Perhaps you are in a Neuro-Diverse relationship (you're wired differently) and stuggle to understand each other and get your needs met? Do you want to learn better commuication and problem-solving skills? Maybe you want a more fulfilling sex life - solo, or with your partner. There are many things that affect us and our sexuality over time - stress, age, life events, hormone changes... I can help you navigate these areas to find the answers you're looking for and get you to a better place!
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I also work with members of the BDSM, kink, and poly communities and create a safe space for the development of new paradigms and beliefs.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
I also work with members of the BDSM, kink, and poly communities and create a safe space for the development of new paradigms and beliefs.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Sonia Aldape
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CA91224
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
Hi and welcome.. I am a relationship, trauma and culture sensitive therapist in Los Altos, CA. If you feel that you are, are going through, have seen or lived through "too much," I offer you professional and compassionate support honoring your unique experiences, recognizing the courage it takes to seek help, speak your truth and trust someone new. I am passionate about helping you not just cope in life but find your way to lasting peace, liberation and healing through the power of your innate wisdom and our collaborative alliance. It would be a great honor to be considered as your therapist and a privilege to join you on your path.
Hi and welcome.. I am a relationship, trauma and culture sensitive therapist in Los Altos, CA. If you feel that you are, are going through, have seen or lived through "too much," I offer you professional and compassionate support honoring your unique experiences, recognizing the courage it takes to seek help, speak your truth and trust someone new. I am passionate about helping you not just cope in life but find your way to lasting peace, liberation and healing through the power of your innate wisdom and our collaborative alliance. It would be a great honor to be considered as your therapist and a privilege to join you on your path.
Anders Greenwood
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024 (Online Only)
Are you or loved ones facing challenges you want to work through in safety and confidence? Reacting to life events with worry or sadness? Ready for a new beginning? For better or worse, our experience is shaped by expectations and habits that are maintained by loyalty to important relationships, and by cycles of confirming experience. They affect our happiness, our relationships and the success of our endeavors. Therapy can help. In a safe empathic relationship, unhelpful expectations and habits can be retired, and happier habits of relating to life and others can be learned, chosen and implemented.
Are you or loved ones facing challenges you want to work through in safety and confidence? Reacting to life events with worry or sadness? Ready for a new beginning? For better or worse, our experience is shaped by expectations and habits that are maintained by loyalty to important relationships, and by cycles of confirming experience. They affect our happiness, our relationships and the success of our endeavors. Therapy can help. In a safe empathic relationship, unhelpful expectations and habits can be retired, and happier habits of relating to life and others can be learned, chosen and implemented.
Amy Elizabeth Greene
Counselor, MA, LMHC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Here we go again, another day of feeling overwhelmed, on edge, tense in your stomach, aches & pains in your body with intrusive, racing thoughts that feel like they have hijacked your brain. Are you frustrated that you can't seem to reach your goals and dreams in career or relationships despite your best efforts & intentions, like something is blocking you? Feel like you don't fit in, "too sensitive or overly emotional"? Do you absorb the energy around you? Do you want to help others with their pain, yet you neglect your own problems? You are at war with an invisible enemy, tired of watching life go by while you are missing out.
Here we go again, another day of feeling overwhelmed, on edge, tense in your stomach, aches & pains in your body with intrusive, racing thoughts that feel like they have hijacked your brain. Are you frustrated that you can't seem to reach your goals and dreams in career or relationships despite your best efforts & intentions, like something is blocking you? Feel like you don't fit in, "too sensitive or overly emotional"? Do you absorb the energy around you? Do you want to help others with their pain, yet you neglect your own problems? You are at war with an invisible enemy, tired of watching life go by while you are missing out.
Therapy for Asians, LGBTQ, POC, High Performers
Marriage & Family Therapist, IFS, EFT, BSP, MPH, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024 (Online Only)
Feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself at work, or with your romantic partner or family? These pressures can make us lose touch with who we are and what makes us feel alive. Are you feeling lonely or not good enough, and longing to be fully accepted? Together, we can explore what matters most to you, so you can move towards the life you want. I can support you in transforming patterns that make you feel stuck or overwhelmed. I offer Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Brainspotting, which are all proven approaches for healing trauma and reducing anxiety and depression.
Feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself at work, or with your romantic partner or family? These pressures can make us lose touch with who we are and what makes us feel alive. Are you feeling lonely or not good enough, and longing to be fully accepted? Together, we can explore what matters most to you, so you can move towards the life you want. I can support you in transforming patterns that make you feel stuck or overwhelmed. I offer Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Brainspotting, which are all proven approaches for healing trauma and reducing anxiety and depression.
Bay Area Dating Coach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RDT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022 (Online Only)
Dating can be scary. Because when you’re looking for real love (not just a fling), dating matters, and that can make it stressful. Add to that being an introvert and struggling with anxiety, and it can feel like a lonely battle! Thankfully, you don’t need to go through this alone. At Bay Area Dating Coach, our team of experienced, caring therapists want to support you and help you find your Person. We're here to help you discover what’s holding you back in dating and get the tools you need to find love. We’ll guide & support you in your journey to understand yourself and find the loving relationship you’re dreaming about.
Dating can be scary. Because when you’re looking for real love (not just a fling), dating matters, and that can make it stressful. Add to that being an introvert and struggling with anxiety, and it can feel like a lonely battle! Thankfully, you don’t need to go through this alone. At Bay Area Dating Coach, our team of experienced, caring therapists want to support you and help you find your Person. We're here to help you discover what’s holding you back in dating and get the tools you need to find love. We’ll guide & support you in your journey to understand yourself and find the loving relationship you’re dreaming about.
Dr. Luke Allen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings (e.g., anxiety & depression), I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. We will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns–whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender & sexuality.
My approach to therapy is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings (e.g., anxiety & depression), I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. We will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns–whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender & sexuality.
15 Second Videos
Heather Johns
Therapy for Asians, LGBTQ, POC, High Performers
Bay Area Dating Coach
Luke Allen
Amber Keating
Christene Lozano (Certified Sex Therapist)
Amy Anderson, LCSW
Heather Shannon | Certified Sex Therapist
Jasmine N Gibson
Anastasia Zyuban
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-CP
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am a Licensed and Board-certified Clinical Psychologist with over 9 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, drug, alcohol and process addiction and PTSD. I have also been fortunate to serve as a LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinator at the VA medical center. In that role I provided psychological evaluations of TransX Veteran's readiness to start hormone treatment and provided LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapy.
I am a Licensed and Board-certified Clinical Psychologist with over 9 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, drug, alcohol and process addiction and PTSD. I have also been fortunate to serve as a LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinator at the VA medical center. In that role I provided psychological evaluations of TransX Veteran's readiness to start hormone treatment and provided LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapy.
Amber Keating
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022 (Online Only)
Have you been a go-getter all your life, only to find that you feel resentful and burnt out? As a high achiever, it’s confusing to suddenly feel disconnected from the passion that has always driven you. Maybe this dissatisfaction has been slowly growing over the years & you’ve been able to manage it. But now you’re finding it harder to feel interested in your work or relationships. You may also be feeling exhausted & curious why your skills simply aren't working anymore. The habitual stress associated with being a powerful go-getter can also lead to a variety of health problems that medical doctors aren’t skilled at addressing.
Have you been a go-getter all your life, only to find that you feel resentful and burnt out? As a high achiever, it’s confusing to suddenly feel disconnected from the passion that has always driven you. Maybe this dissatisfaction has been slowly growing over the years & you’ve been able to manage it. But now you’re finding it harder to feel interested in your work or relationships. You may also be feeling exhausted & curious why your skills simply aren't working anymore. The habitual stress associated with being a powerful go-getter can also lead to a variety of health problems that medical doctors aren’t skilled at addressing.
Howard Scott Warshaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, ME, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
Let's have the conversation that changes your life. I help gifted problem solvers overcome the challenges (and clean up the messes) they tend to create. I'm The Silicon Valley Therapist, a former engineer with genuine people skills. I'm fluent in both English and Nerd, and can bridge the abyss between them. Would insight, compassion and inspiration help? My esoteric blend of experience, skill and humor enables individuals to thrive and couples to reconnect. I work with HiTech professionals and the Super-Intelligent (and those trying to love them). What does "doing better" mean to you right now?
Let's have the conversation that changes your life. I help gifted problem solvers overcome the challenges (and clean up the messes) they tend to create. I'm The Silicon Valley Therapist, a former engineer with genuine people skills. I'm fluent in both English and Nerd, and can bridge the abyss between them. Would insight, compassion and inspiration help? My esoteric blend of experience, skill and humor enables individuals to thrive and couples to reconnect. I work with HiTech professionals and the Super-Intelligent (and those trying to love them). What does "doing better" mean to you right now?
Aska Yoshizu
Marriage & Family Therapist, SEP, E-RYT, CMT, LMFT
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022 (Online Only)
Have you been feeling not heard or understood, and isolated or ashamed? You may be wondering, “what’s wrong with me?” I know how painful it is to feel that way because I’ve been there many times, too. And I’ve come out of it with a few nuggets of knowledge and tools each time. For 16 years I’ve been helping people feel more connected to and loved by people around them as well as themselves by sharing knowledge and tools accumulated through my personal and professional journey. Human beings are social animals that need connection with others whom we trust and feel safe with to survive and thrive. That's why isolation is so painful.
Have you been feeling not heard or understood, and isolated or ashamed? You may be wondering, “what’s wrong with me?” I know how painful it is to feel that way because I’ve been there many times, too. And I’ve come out of it with a few nuggets of knowledge and tools each time. For 16 years I’ve been helping people feel more connected to and loved by people around them as well as themselves by sharing knowledge and tools accumulated through my personal and professional journey. Human beings are social animals that need connection with others whom we trust and feel safe with to survive and thrive. That's why isolation is so painful.
Clark Hsu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022 (Online Only)
I provide a warm and understanding atmosphere without judgment and pressure. Our work together is going to be about you and for you. I am not here to tell you what to do but allow you to become the owner of your life and regain the power of choice. You will be invited to explore through using traditional means of therapy(talk therapy) or more creative ways such as drama and expressive arts therapy. The choice will be yours and completely based on your level of comfort. I will be here to set up the creative stage for you to shine, cry, laugh, change and grow.
I provide a warm and understanding atmosphere without judgment and pressure. Our work together is going to be about you and for you. I am not here to tell you what to do but allow you to become the owner of your life and regain the power of choice. You will be invited to explore through using traditional means of therapy(talk therapy) or more creative ways such as drama and expressive arts therapy. The choice will be yours and completely based on your level of comfort. I will be here to set up the creative stage for you to shine, cry, laugh, change and grow.
Monica Elden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Are you wondering how to stop feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Is perfectionism leading to burnt-out & lack of fulfillment? Maybe it feels like something is missing in your life & you're not sure what or where to start. If things get worse, you've become depressed or anxious. I believe you are more resilient than you know. I help overworked professionals learn to slow down and find their way back to joy. I know transformation happens when you feel connected, safe, and understood. Together we craft unique mindful practices to support your well-being. Working with me, you’ll design a self-care tool kit for the soul.
Are you wondering how to stop feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Is perfectionism leading to burnt-out & lack of fulfillment? Maybe it feels like something is missing in your life & you're not sure what or where to start. If things get worse, you've become depressed or anxious. I believe you are more resilient than you know. I help overworked professionals learn to slow down and find their way back to joy. I know transformation happens when you feel connected, safe, and understood. Together we craft unique mindful practices to support your well-being. Working with me, you’ll design a self-care tool kit for the soul.
Christene Lozano (Certified Sex Therapist)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CST, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022 (Online Only)
If you are struggling with sexual concerns, you have come to the right place. Some sexual concerns may include: low/high sexual desire, desire discrepancy, a sexless relationship, sexual difficulties (e.g. painful sex, early/delayed ejaculation), sexual trauma, rebuilding emotional and sexual intimacy, and unhealthy relationship patterns. Or perhaps you are struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors. You have realized that your sexual thoughts and behaviors are getting out of hand, or you have discovered that your partner is compulsively using sex or porn. You are feeling understandably betrayed, hurt, angry, and confused.
If you are struggling with sexual concerns, you have come to the right place. Some sexual concerns may include: low/high sexual desire, desire discrepancy, a sexless relationship, sexual difficulties (e.g. painful sex, early/delayed ejaculation), sexual trauma, rebuilding emotional and sexual intimacy, and unhealthy relationship patterns. Or perhaps you are struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors. You have realized that your sexual thoughts and behaviors are getting out of hand, or you have discovered that your partner is compulsively using sex or porn. You are feeling understandably betrayed, hurt, angry, and confused.
Amy Anderson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
Waitlist for new clients
We all can feel overwhelmed when dealing with life's obstacles & hurdles. At times, having a safe person to talk things out confidentially - truly promotes self-reflection, improves personal and relationship outcomes, and emotional depth to overcome and evolve to self- love and acceptance. Life can feel amplified when we harness our authentic values, trust our intuition, embrace emotional regulation & communication skills that allows us to connect deeply to self/others. I love working with ambitious professionals & parents who have been impacted by trauma & attachment disruptions, ADHD, CPTSD, & substance use!
We all can feel overwhelmed when dealing with life's obstacles & hurdles. At times, having a safe person to talk things out confidentially - truly promotes self-reflection, improves personal and relationship outcomes, and emotional depth to overcome and evolve to self- love and acceptance. Life can feel amplified when we harness our authentic values, trust our intuition, embrace emotional regulation & communication skills that allows us to connect deeply to self/others. I love working with ambitious professionals & parents who have been impacted by trauma & attachment disruptions, ADHD, CPTSD, & substance use!
Heather Shannon | Certified Sex Therapist
Counselor
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024 (Online Only)
Has sex become a bit of a chore? If so, let's talk! I help people in committed relationships who feel stagnant in their sex life to get their passion back and deepen their intimacy. You might be feeling like you've just gotten too comfortable with each other. Or it could be that the perfect storm of caretaking, grief, parenthood, work stress and health struggles have forced your sexual connection onto the back burner. Or maybe you just don't feel super comfortable opening up to each other anymore and need that emotional intimacy to be on point before the physical part can be properly addressed.
Has sex become a bit of a chore? If so, let's talk! I help people in committed relationships who feel stagnant in their sex life to get their passion back and deepen their intimacy. You might be feeling like you've just gotten too comfortable with each other. Or it could be that the perfect storm of caretaking, grief, parenthood, work stress and health struggles have forced your sexual connection onto the back burner. Or maybe you just don't feel super comfortable opening up to each other anymore and need that emotional intimacy to be on point before the physical part can be properly addressed.
See more therapy options for Los Altos
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists
Why might an individual want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
A sex-positive or kinky individual may want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist because the client may feel safer and more supported discussing their experiences and challenges. A therapist who identifies as kink-friendly will have experience with clients having diverse sexual preferences and will likely be nonjudgmental and supportive about issues brought to the table. It is important to note that sex-positive, kink-allied individuals may find equal success with therapists who do not have such specialized knowledge and background. The most important factor in the success of therapy is for the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond.
Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in sex-positive, kink-allied treatment?
Generally, no. There are limited training programs and unofficial accreditations that therapists can pursue, but a therapist’s expertise will ultimately come from their previous experience with similar clients, their engagement with organizations that promote sex positivity or kink-allied lifestyles, and the importance they place on safety and cultural sensitivity.
How can individuals recognize a good sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
An experienced therapist is able to help clients explore their sexual identity and expression and relieve any discomfort or stigma attached to discussing such matters and the client’s overall challenges. A therapist who is sex-positive and kink-allied is able to create an environment that honors a client’s experience and sexual preferences. To recognize a good therapist, clients can simply ask directly about topics and issues important to them and gauge their comfort level and connection with a clinician based on the responses.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist with a focus on sex positivity and alternative sexual lifestyles?
Some individuals may feel most comfortable knowing that the clinician they’re working with has a commitment to creating an atmosphere of sex positivity and has experience with relationship diversity and alternative relationship structures. Working with a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist may help clients respect their own challenges and improve identity-affirming treatment.