Hello, I am a psychotherapist with 25 years of experience practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a BA in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, I move comfortably between live talk therapy and online written mediums. I have worked with adolescents, adults and the elderly in residential and private practice settings. I am struck by the unique challenges we all face as we transition from one developmental stage of life to the next. My early work as a suicide prevention hotline counselor and grief therapist/supervisor has laid the foundation for my enduring interest in how to move through depression, loss and bereavement. I am particularly attuned to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and relational conflict which may affect our productivity and may lead to feelings of despondency or anxiety.
As a therapist, I am an intuitive listener and an active observer as I encourage clients to become more open and curious about what they are feeling. Together, we explore experiences that may be difficult to put into words, that may feel conflicted or shrouded by pain. As issues become clearer, we might explore how our thoughts influence our choices and behaviors. We may find that even small shifts can have a positive impact on feelings of well-being.
I realize that it may not be easy to reach out to a therapist for help. You've taken the first step and I look forward to meeting you as you begin this journey for yourself.
Additional areas of focus: Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Coping with life changes, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Dissociation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Fertility issues, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Postpartum depression, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Jungian Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 22500
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Holly Starr. 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.
Holly Starr is one of the good ones out there. She allows me to talk and express but also sheds light on my situation. I feel a lot better after speaking with her.
Written on Nov 22, 2020 after therapy with Holly for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management
I can't speak highly enough of Holly. In addition to her intelligence and expertise, she brings a soothing voice, calming presence, and even some much needed humor at just the right times. I've been speaking with her weekly for a couple of months, and I keep coming back because I get something out of each and every session with her. I was sexually abused at a young age, had friends murdered in high school, lost my stepdad (and other friends and family) to suicide, and was in very abusive relationships including one that resulted in being kicked in the face while driving causing an accident, emergency c-section, and the death of my first son (all before the age of 30). I was handling that past (I'm in my mid-40's now) plus 2020 ok all things considered until my young, healthy mom had a severe heart attack. I knew I needed someone to talk to as I navigate the prognosis which is unfortunately not what we want it to be. After a few mis-matches, I was fortunate enough to be paired with Holly. I've had some other setbacks recently, and I'm so thankful for her support to help navigate these latest obstacles. I'm impressed with how much she has empowered me, and I look forward to the continued improvements in my quality of life. Thanks Holly!
Written on Sep 28, 2020 after therapy with Holly for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief
Holly has been an absolute godsend for me in the wake of my Dad's passing. She has helped me pick up the fragments of our memories together and put them into a holistic, healthy view towards him and our relationship. In the depths of my depression, Holly has been there to remind me I'm not alone and I'm strong enough to pull through this dark time. She has been absolutely instrumental in my survival.
Written on Sep 12, 2020 after therapy with Holly for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I hit the jackpot when I was matched with Holly Starr. I came to BetterHelp because I had recently lost my mother to cancer, my friend to suicide, and my job of almost 3 years. I was angry, uncertain about my career, and devastated by the loss of my mother. I knew I needed help to navigate my new life. Holly has been warm, empathetic, eye opening, and has helped me heal in ways that didn’t seem possible in the beginning. I have been seeing Holly consistently every week for the last few months and I can say for certain that I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t find her. I just started a new job in the same field that I thought was over for me and I feel more like myself everyday. I owe a lot of my new found strength to Holly and I am very grateful.
Written on Sep 09, 2020 after therapy with Holly for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and anger management
I have only had 3 sessions with Holly and the amount of work I feel I have done with her is remarkable. I find her incredibly easy to talk to and share deep conversations that have helped me navigate the issues I was seeking to address. She listens and engages in ways I have been hoping for in a therapist. She is able to guide me, asking questions and leading me into new perspectives about myself and my story and thus added to my awareness of myself and the work I can do to manage and navigate the relationships and world around me. I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with her.
Written on Aug 14, 2020 after therapy with Holly for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Holly is smart and kind! I wanted to find a counselor that would explain things to me clearly, with a soft tone but also a firm clear instructive words. I am very happy to have been connected with Holly Starr.
Written on Jul 28, 2020 after therapy with Holly for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes