My name is April Bolin, and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker with three decades of professional service in the San Francisco Bay Area. I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of California Berkeley. Over the years, I have worked with a diverse range of individuals who have found themselves adjusting to life circumstances, relationship challenges, or needing to improve mental health.
As a therapist, I have worked closely with the LGBTQIA community, victims of abuse and trauma (xenophobic, systemic, multi-generational, etc), and individuals experiencing depression and feelings of emptiness.
Having worked in the past as a partial hospitalization program therapist, I have found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to be a highly effective method of supporting people who are dealing with challenges that feel overwhelming. When we begin to understand how our negative thoughts and feelings weigh us down, we can begin to incorporate healthy strategies for improving the way we think and move about the world.
I am also a graduate of the Chaplaincy Institute’s Interfaith Seminary, which invites more of a psycho-spiritual approach for people seeking support around issues such as grief and loss, caregiver exhaustion, or recovery from religious dogma. I consider myself spiritual but not religious and, therefore, have no particular faith tradition that I identify with and the utmost respect for all faith traditions that serve to lift humanity.
I learned from my own life challenges that the most effective therapists are those who have worked through their own demons so that they can authentically support the personal growth of others. As I reflect on my work as a therapist, that which has been most satisfying are the “aha moments” that spark positive changes in the lives of those who I have helped.
There is a quote by Stephen Covey that I will end my summary with. It has become a philosophical intersection between my fundamental belief as a person and my practice as a therapist: “Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.”
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, ADHD, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Emptiness, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Multicultural concerns, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-love, Sexuality, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LCSW 17542
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for April Bolin. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
As time goes by, I find myself using what I discover with April, in subtle and lasting ways that unravel small and big issues in my mind and in my life.
Written on Aug 27, 2024 after therapy with April for 3 years and 8 months on issues concerning lgbt, family conflicts, parenting issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
April takes her time to understand my point of view and provides assistance to reach “lightbulb moments”, she is kind and compassionate, she makes me feel safe and I have a stronger connection with her than any other therapist I’ve worked with. I am forever grateful of her understanding and patience.
Written on Sep 06, 2023 after therapy with April for 2 years and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
I found April to be open, authentic, direct, and so incredibly supportive. She has always encouraged me to seek and be curious. I don’t feel shamed when sharing what I am experiencing. I feel that April very much embodies the energy of a healer giving you tools for your journey.
Written on May 28, 2022 after therapy with April for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
A great therapist
Written on Dec 23, 2021 after therapy with April for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
April has been tremendously helpful, supportive and compassionate. She listens and never judges what I have to say. Ive told her things I’ve never told a living soul because she’s easy to confide in and trust. She goes above and beyond to help me and alleviate my anxieties. I’m very glad I got paired with April because she’s helping my mental health and self-esteem tremendously.
Written on Jul 23, 2021 after therapy with April for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Having April as a counselor has been extremely helpful to me while I’ve been going through a tough time. She has helped me understand my reactions and the underlying issues I need to work on, and has been empathetic and kind during my time as her client. It’s been a great help being able to talk through things with her over the past several months.
Written on Jul 04, 2021 after therapy with April for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes