I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have an MA in counseling psychology from Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University) in Palo Alto, CA. I practice a holistic and somatic form of psychotherapy. That means that in my work I integrate traditional focus on thoughts and feelings as well as the body and the nervous system. I have extensive training in Sensorimotor psychotherapy aimed at helping people overcome effects of developmental trauma and PTSD and develop inner resources for emotional well-being and self-regulation. I have pursued this training, because research and clinical experience show that trauma, especially early childhood trauma is often a root cause of many challenges that we all face at one time or another in our lives, including relational, family and social conflicts, depression, anxiety, addiction, mental and physical illness and many others.
I specialize in working with people living with chronic and invisible illness and their caregivers. Both through my work at a hospital and county clinic settings and personal experience I am familiar with the plight of people who are disabled because of chronic illness, or are caregivers to someone living with chronic illness. Many people live with debilitating and/or gradually worsening physical symptoms caused by a variety of medical conditions that often make them unable to work full time, engage in social activities, or sometimes leave their homes or even their beds. Physical illness is often accompanied by emotional distress from living with difficult symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, uncertainty about the future and erosion of social connections and intimate relationships. People living with these circumstances for a long time may experience gradual disappearing from society and often feel “invisible”. If that has been your experience, I am here to provide support and advocacy for your journey towards regaining your health.
Additionally, as a first generation immigrant from the former Soviet Union I understand the challenges of acculturation, loss of home, and the legacy of transgenerational trauma that many first generation immigrants have to face adjusting to life in the USA, and the long lasting effects of this significant life transition.
I love helping people develop resilience and discover ways to live fulfilling lives no matter their history or current circumstances. Foundation of my work is in the warmth of human connection and respect I have for my clients, their lives, experience and wisdom. I offer support and practical tools to deal with stress, overwhelm, anxiety, grief, loss, depression, anger, and difficulties with relationships. My goal is for us together to discover what what works for you and to support you in using this knowledge and any new skills you learn in the course of our work together in your life going forward.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Dissociation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Immigration issues, Isolation / loneliness, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
CA LMFT 83992
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Galina Zlotnikova. 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.
Galina is very warm, empathic, and supportive. I felt heard and understood. She helped me have some insight into a current problem by investigating what had worked for me in the past. Highly recommend.
Written on Oct 08, 2024 after therapy with Galina for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, parenting issues, and adhd
Galina is amazing. She listens with such compassion and care and helps me navigate through very complex feelings. I look forward to our sessions each week
Written on Jan 07, 2021 after therapy with Galina for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
Galina is a talented and caring counselor. I am thankful every day for the patience, compassion and expertise she has shared with me.
Written on Jun 24, 2020 after therapy with Galina for 11 months on issues concerning eating disorders
Galina has been very helpful. She is also addresses all topics.
Written on Apr 22, 2020 after therapy with Galina for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Galina is the best therapist that I have ever worked with in person or online. She is compassionate, empathetic and understands my experience and mirrors back that experience accurately and provides actionable invitations for personal growth . I am very thankful to have been linked up with her and want to continue therapy ongoing with Galina for as long as possible.
Written on Dec 22, 2019 after therapy with Galina for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Galina is a wonderful therapist and human being. She is incredibly attentive and truly cares. She also has a multitude of experience and skills that she brings to our sessions. I appreciate her so very much and feel lucky to have found her.
Written on Sep 21, 2019 after therapy with Galina for 6 months on issues concerning self esteem, and coping with life changes