Photo of Nicole Kangas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Nicole Kangas
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT, JD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
*VIDEO/PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE* Do you find yourself facing difficult or unexpected struggles? Responding to life's challenges can be hard and can result in stress and unwanted feelings or symptoms. I am here to help you gain the strength, confidence, and clarity needed to tackle life’s obstacles and to feel well. I work with individuals from adolescence through adulthood who are dealing with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship and parenting concerns, grief and loss, trauma recovery, and more. I also help couples work through problems and strengthen their bond.
*VIDEO/PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE* Do you find yourself facing difficult or unexpected struggles? Responding to life's challenges can be hard and can result in stress and unwanted feelings or symptoms. I am here to help you gain the strength, confidence, and clarity needed to tackle life’s obstacles and to feel well. I work with individuals from adolescence through adulthood who are dealing with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship and parenting concerns, grief and loss, trauma recovery, and more. I also help couples work through problems and strengthen their bond.
(925) 660-7363 View (925) 660-7363
Photo of Georgie Abel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Georgie Abel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
Trauma and other difficult experiences can impact the way we view our relationships, the world, and ourselves. I support clients in processing traumatic experiences, identifying triggers, and reclaiming their sense of safety and joy. I work with teens, adults, couples/relationships, and families of all kinds. I welcome and affirm non-traditional family structures (donor, adoption, foster, blended families), members of LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and people who have had negative experiences with therapy in the past.
Trauma and other difficult experiences can impact the way we view our relationships, the world, and ourselves. I support clients in processing traumatic experiences, identifying triggers, and reclaiming their sense of safety and joy. I work with teens, adults, couples/relationships, and families of all kinds. I welcome and affirm non-traditional family structures (donor, adoption, foster, blended families), members of LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent individuals, and people who have had negative experiences with therapy in the past.
(925) 386-6317 View (925) 386-6317
Photo of Christine Johansson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Christine Johansson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
There are times in all our lives when our usual coping skills aren’t enough to manage serious and challenging life situations. I work to help clients develop tools to resolve the immediate problem that brought them to counseling, while also identifying and changing underlying beliefs and unhealthy patterns that may be creating problems in their lives and their relationships.
There are times in all our lives when our usual coping skills aren’t enough to manage serious and challenging life situations. I work to help clients develop tools to resolve the immediate problem that brought them to counseling, while also identifying and changing underlying beliefs and unhealthy patterns that may be creating problems in their lives and their relationships.
(707) 310-8613 View (707) 310-8613
Photo of Jana Borg, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Jana Borg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
Jana's private practice is dedicated to intimacy issues and sexual therapy.  Jana works with individuals and couples that are facing personal, sexual, and relational concerns. In our therapy sessions, we will work together toward positive transformation that can help you achieve overall wholeness and increased fulfillment.  Each individual or couple is unique. Therefore, we, as a team, will establish a plan with goals, develop skills, and find helpful resources in order to align you to the best path forward. Hope can be found just around the corner.
Jana's private practice is dedicated to intimacy issues and sexual therapy.  Jana works with individuals and couples that are facing personal, sexual, and relational concerns. In our therapy sessions, we will work together toward positive transformation that can help you achieve overall wholeness and increased fulfillment.  Each individual or couple is unique. Therefore, we, as a team, will establish a plan with goals, develop skills, and find helpful resources in order to align you to the best path forward. Hope can be found just around the corner.
(530) 288-4242 View (530) 288-4242
Photo of Janet Goldstein-Ball, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Janet Goldstein-Ball
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
My theoretical orientation is a combination of Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness. What this means is we do spend time looking at our past, but also focus on what's not working in the present and building the skills you need in order to start making changes and to live a more fulfilling life.
My theoretical orientation is a combination of Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness. What this means is we do spend time looking at our past, but also focus on what's not working in the present and building the skills you need in order to start making changes and to live a more fulfilling life.
(925) 489-1125 View (925) 489-1125
Photo of Lauren Grayman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Lauren Grayman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Life can naturally get so busy that it leads to overstimulation, as well as a feeling of being overwhelmed. Add in any life transition, such as parenting, blended family structures, relationship changes and professional transitions, and those feelings are amplified. Hitting the pause button, taking a deep breath, gaining the tools to meet any issue that arises, is one way to lessen those overwhelming feelings. Finding a therapist is a great way to take that pause, take that time for yourself. It will allow you the space to slow down, breathe and talk about what you are experiencing and to find ways to live a balanced life.
Life can naturally get so busy that it leads to overstimulation, as well as a feeling of being overwhelmed. Add in any life transition, such as parenting, blended family structures, relationship changes and professional transitions, and those feelings are amplified. Hitting the pause button, taking a deep breath, gaining the tools to meet any issue that arises, is one way to lessen those overwhelming feelings. Finding a therapist is a great way to take that pause, take that time for yourself. It will allow you the space to slow down, breathe and talk about what you are experiencing and to find ways to live a balanced life.
(510) 319-0113 View (510) 319-0113
Photo of Sofia Collins, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Sofia Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over half a decade of experience, I have had the great pleasure in serving individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided therapy services for folks aged 5 to 65, couples, families, trauma survivors, students, and LGBTQIA individuals and couples, supporting them in navigating difficult developmental milestones, career and life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance dependency, and much more.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over half a decade of experience, I have had the great pleasure in serving individuals, couples, families, and therapy groups in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided therapy services for folks aged 5 to 65, couples, families, trauma survivors, students, and LGBTQIA individuals and couples, supporting them in navigating difficult developmental milestones, career and life stressors, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance dependency, and much more.
(707) 395-6532 View (707) 395-6532
Photo of Renee Lesti, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Renee Lesti
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
You are taking an important step by seeking out therapy. Life can be intense and unpredictable and we all need support! I primarily work with women and enjoy supporting female identified people in all developmental stages of life. As women there are particular challenges that we go through and strengths we can tap into. I am here to be with you in your process of growth and change as you reconnect to your essence and joy. I also love supporting young people in their transition into adulthood and have a particular passion for, and experience in, supporting parents and helping families heal.
You are taking an important step by seeking out therapy. Life can be intense and unpredictable and we all need support! I primarily work with women and enjoy supporting female identified people in all developmental stages of life. As women there are particular challenges that we go through and strengths we can tap into. I am here to be with you in your process of growth and change as you reconnect to your essence and joy. I also love supporting young people in their transition into adulthood and have a particular passion for, and experience in, supporting parents and helping families heal.
(925) 233-7969 View (925) 233-7969
Photo of Eliza Pedder, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lafayette, CA
Eliza Pedder
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT127595), with a focus in mindfulness, life transitions, and trauma work. I bring my whole heart to this work and am deeply honored to aid my clients in their healing. Therapy lights me up and I truly believe in the human potential to transform from the inside out. I have gone through my own deep healing journey and continue each day to soften into this human experience with love and tenderness. As a yoga teacher of 7 years, I bring a mindful here-and-now approach to therapy. I work from a holistic, somatic, transpersonal, psychodynamic, attachment, and self-compassion framework.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT127595), with a focus in mindfulness, life transitions, and trauma work. I bring my whole heart to this work and am deeply honored to aid my clients in their healing. Therapy lights me up and I truly believe in the human potential to transform from the inside out. I have gone through my own deep healing journey and continue each day to soften into this human experience with love and tenderness. As a yoga teacher of 7 years, I bring a mindful here-and-now approach to therapy. I work from a holistic, somatic, transpersonal, psychodynamic, attachment, and self-compassion framework.
(415) 949-7632 View (415) 949-7632
Photo of Samantha Schaefer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Samantha Schaefer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
If you've ever felt like you "should" be happier, doing more or coping better, I can help. I work with high-functioning adults and teens who are feeling stuck and at the mercy of depression and anxiety, but are ready to move forward and make sustainable changes. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including postpartum depression and anxiety, and practice trauma-informed treatment, including EMDR. We'll work together to rediscover your authentic sense of self, learn tools that help you navigate challenges, and live your life more fully. You don’t have to face hard things alone.
If you've ever felt like you "should" be happier, doing more or coping better, I can help. I work with high-functioning adults and teens who are feeling stuck and at the mercy of depression and anxiety, but are ready to move forward and make sustainable changes. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including postpartum depression and anxiety, and practice trauma-informed treatment, including EMDR. We'll work together to rediscover your authentic sense of self, learn tools that help you navigate challenges, and live your life more fully. You don’t have to face hard things alone.
(925) 633-4084 View (925) 633-4084
Photo of Valorie de Leña, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Valorie de Leña
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Our pursuit of a good life can be deeply affected by the current world situations. We may be struggling not only in our personal lives but also by difficult worldly events such as climate change, the economy, retirement, health care and many more. When the world doesn't feel safe, it's more difficult to tolerate the emotions, sensations, and thoughts arising inside of us, making us turn toward old coping mechanisms This will not heal us. We need to build the confidence to be with and understand our inner experiences no matter what! This is our pathway to truly heal and live a more peaceful and meaningful life in the world.
Our pursuit of a good life can be deeply affected by the current world situations. We may be struggling not only in our personal lives but also by difficult worldly events such as climate change, the economy, retirement, health care and many more. When the world doesn't feel safe, it's more difficult to tolerate the emotions, sensations, and thoughts arising inside of us, making us turn toward old coping mechanisms This will not heal us. We need to build the confidence to be with and understand our inner experiences no matter what! This is our pathway to truly heal and live a more peaceful and meaningful life in the world.
(925) 452-7943 View (925) 452-7943
Photo of Nicolle Danielle Tissot, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Nicolle Danielle Tissot
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Struggling with anxiety, depression, low self esteem or negative self talk? Looking for a supportive, caring and empathetic therapist? Life can be challenging and even unfair at times, as life continues to move forward we may be activated or stuck as things from the past, future and present resurface in a way that feels unmanageable on your own. I work with clients to walk along that path with them as we explore what has brought them to therapy and together create meaning, process challenging events from the past, create insight, create new ways of coping, overall self growth, and positive change for the present and future.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, low self esteem or negative self talk? Looking for a supportive, caring and empathetic therapist? Life can be challenging and even unfair at times, as life continues to move forward we may be activated or stuck as things from the past, future and present resurface in a way that feels unmanageable on your own. I work with clients to walk along that path with them as we explore what has brought them to therapy and together create meaning, process challenging events from the past, create insight, create new ways of coping, overall self growth, and positive change for the present and future.
(925) 297-5442 View (925) 297-5442
Photo of Lee Marchesani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Lee Marchesani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
In a warm, genuine, and respectful environment, I help clients to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, create and maintain satisfying relationships, work through issues of grief and loss, trauma, and resolve the often-debilitating symptoms of PTSD. I am experienced in helping clients resolve family of origin problems, relational and family issues, and enhancing communication skills. In collaboration with clients, I use a variety of techniques tailored to meet clients' needs and to help clients achieve their goals. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).
In a warm, genuine, and respectful environment, I help clients to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, create and maintain satisfying relationships, work through issues of grief and loss, trauma, and resolve the often-debilitating symptoms of PTSD. I am experienced in helping clients resolve family of origin problems, relational and family issues, and enhancing communication skills. In collaboration with clients, I use a variety of techniques tailored to meet clients' needs and to help clients achieve their goals. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).
(855) 520-7673 View (855) 520-7673
Photo of Catherine Lamme, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Catherine Lamme
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Welcome! Are you feeling tired of the patterns and old stories that impact the development of your vitality and the best version of your life? Does your sense of self feel fractured? Does your body seem to mirror the internal negative thought patterns that seem to block you creating the life you want to live? Do you feel like there are moments that you cannot imagine living in the internal chaos another moment? I am inspired and honored to work with adults who are motivated to heal and release the negative internal stories, especially from trauma, that have dictated their behavior in order to create their own life worth living.
Welcome! Are you feeling tired of the patterns and old stories that impact the development of your vitality and the best version of your life? Does your sense of self feel fractured? Does your body seem to mirror the internal negative thought patterns that seem to block you creating the life you want to live? Do you feel like there are moments that you cannot imagine living in the internal chaos another moment? I am inspired and honored to work with adults who are motivated to heal and release the negative internal stories, especially from trauma, that have dictated their behavior in order to create their own life worth living.
(760) 263-6052 View (760) 263-6052
Photo of Lynn Davilla Shields, Psychologist in Lafayette, CA
Lynn Davilla Shields
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.
I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.
(925) 231-3381 View (925) 231-3381
Photo of Margaret Barry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Margaret Barry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
My primary goal in working with every client is to create a space where they feel seen, heard, understood and safe to be their authentic self. I have over 25 years of experience assisting people of all ages and all walks of life in finding a sense of contentment and hope for the future even after experiencing trauma, painful childhoods or unhealthy adult relationships.
My primary goal in working with every client is to create a space where they feel seen, heard, understood and safe to be their authentic self. I have over 25 years of experience assisting people of all ages and all walks of life in finding a sense of contentment and hope for the future even after experiencing trauma, painful childhoods or unhealthy adult relationships.
(925) 406-3398 View (925) 406-3398
Photo of Jo Ann A Depetro, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Jo Ann A Depetro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with any client who is seeking relief from a problem(s). I have worked with a variety of people, including corporate consulting, towards co creating solutions in a collaborative and effective manner.
I enjoy working with any client who is seeking relief from a problem(s). I have worked with a variety of people, including corporate consulting, towards co creating solutions in a collaborative and effective manner.
(925) 361-3894 View (925) 361-3894
Photo of Queen Adu-Poku At Royal Emotional Care Group , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Queen Adu-Poku At Royal Emotional Care Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Are you in need of support, empathy, understanding, patience, and the need to make changes? Life is so uncertain with so many struggles, difficulties and pain. Life is also full of opportunity, beauty, joy and love. Sometimes help is needed to develop coping skills to deal with life's challenges and to embrace your place of peace. Every individual is unique and has the power of choice. Finding the balance between the duality of life is worth the time and effort to enjoy an inner peace. If you are looking for help to find your balance in life and making positive choices, please contact us at Royal Emotional Care
Are you in need of support, empathy, understanding, patience, and the need to make changes? Life is so uncertain with so many struggles, difficulties and pain. Life is also full of opportunity, beauty, joy and love. Sometimes help is needed to develop coping skills to deal with life's challenges and to embrace your place of peace. Every individual is unique and has the power of choice. Finding the balance between the duality of life is worth the time and effort to enjoy an inner peace. If you are looking for help to find your balance in life and making positive choices, please contact us at Royal Emotional Care
(925) 391-2435 View (925) 391-2435
Photo of Audrey Silverman Foote, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Audrey Silverman Foote
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the East Bay for over 30 years, providing psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. I work from a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment to encourage the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with: relationship issues, recovery from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and other childhood traumas; depression; anxiety, low self esteem; codependency issues; parenting concerns; compulsive eating patterns; body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness, and perinatal loss. I integrate in-depth psychotherapy with EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Sand Tray, and Dream Work.
I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the East Bay for over 30 years, providing psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. I work from a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment to encourage the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with: relationship issues, recovery from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and other childhood traumas; depression; anxiety, low self esteem; codependency issues; parenting concerns; compulsive eating patterns; body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness, and perinatal loss. I integrate in-depth psychotherapy with EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Sand Tray, and Dream Work.
(925) 892-3864 View (925) 892-3864
Photo of Katherine Hughes, Psychologist in Lafayette, CA
Katherine Hughes
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I am a clinical psychologist based in Walnut Creek, CA. My graduate and postgraduate training included most major approaches to psychotherapy. When I begin psychotherapy with someone, my intent is to work in partnership with you. My style is one of active collaboration. Only with both of us involved, sharing our thoughts and ideas, can a safe and effective working environment develop. Change isn't easy. If it was, you might not be thinking about therapy.
I am a clinical psychologist based in Walnut Creek, CA. My graduate and postgraduate training included most major approaches to psychotherapy. When I begin psychotherapy with someone, my intent is to work in partnership with you. My style is one of active collaboration. Only with both of us involved, sharing our thoughts and ideas, can a safe and effective working environment develop. Change isn't easy. If it was, you might not be thinking about therapy.
(925) 526-4116 View (925) 526-4116
Women's Issues Therapists

How do you encourage a woman to go to therapy?

It’s helpful to express concern and love for the person while framing therapy as a tool for improving their life. Offering specific examples of how an individual may be suffering, and what effects it has on them, should be done with compassion and with empathy. It may be useful to devise a game plan—breaking the process down into parts, such as finding a therapist, making appointments, and looking into insurance coverage.

How can women prepare for therapy?

Women can prepare for therapy by being willing to talk about their past experiences and their private thoughts. Before a session, an individual may want to reflect on how they’ve felt since the last session and what’s happened in their lives. Between sessions, it can be useful to write down notes about their reaction to a given event or how they felt at a particular time.

How long does therapy for women’s issues often last?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual and the challenges they face. Therapy types like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Prolonged exposure therapy (PET), and Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. In some cases, such as for women with eating disorders, residential treatment may be recommended for an individual who is judged to be at high risk of self-harm. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.

How can women overcome stigma around specific challenges in order to seek therapy?

Women dealing with domestic abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders, and any other number of troubles may feel a stigma around seeking help. It’s important to remember that these issues are not uncommon and there is no shame in getting help for them. Therapy is confidential, and women can talk about their experiences without fear of judgment. Seeking therapy can be a courageous and liberating act, and an important step toward healing and recovery.