Therapists in Sebastopol, CA

I am passionate about helping people find balance and peace in their lives whether they are struggling with relationship issues, mental health symptoms, or every day life stressors. I believe the therapeutic relationship we create is one of the most important components of a successful outcome. I strive to make people feel comfortable by remaining open minded, non-judgemental and genuine. I offer a strength based approach (utilizing DBT, Mindfulness, CBT and Solution Focused Therapy) to the people I work with and the situations they are dealing with because I strongly believe every individual has the capability to promote healthy change in their lives when they are ready and willing. Life is already hectic with never ending to-do lists and responsibilities that it can be easy to fall out of balance and begin to feel overwhelmed by it all. I feel confident that we can problem solve ways to help you regain that balance. I take a holistic approach to assessing the areas of your life that are causing the imbalances and help you develop ways to either cope with the circumstances or find other solutions to help alleviate suffering. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and have been working in the mental health field since 2000. I have been licensed since 2011 and before that worked as a behavior specialist . Most of my career has been working in the school system, juvenile detention centers and residential facilities for youth removed from their homes. I have worked extensively with children, adolescents and their parents. I am also passionate about the mind, body and soul connection and am constantly researching and learning new ways to improve this important connection within myself so that I can share insights and knowledge with others looking to do so as well. Important: Please Read I do work a full time job Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm Pacific Standard Time and will therefore be unavailable during those hours to respond. I have designated virtual office hours so that you will know when I am available online to either respond to messages you have sent me, or to provide a Live session (message chat, video, or phone call) if requested. Response time to messages varies Monday-Friday depending on when the message was sent and when my online office hours are that day. Typically response times can range from within the hour to 36 hours but could be up to 48 hours depending on the number and length of the messages received. It is very important to me to put together a thoughtful response rather than a rushed one, so thank you in advance for your understanding and patience. Betterhelp Virtual Therapy Office Hours Currently, Scheduled on an individual basis *I am not currently accepting new clients * Please keep in mind I am not typically available on the weekends but you are still free to send me messages as often as you need over the weekend and I will follow up with you on Monday during my office hours. Effective 11/7/2018, therapy appointments will be scheduled as follows: 30 minute appointments are actually 25 minute sessions, allowing for 5 minutes to write a note or take a quick break in between sessions. 60 minute appointments are actually 50 minute sessions (just like if you were to attend a therapy session in person), allowing for 10 minutes to write a note or take a quick break in between sessions. Betterhelp is still working on making changes to allow for sessions to be booked in hour blocks rather than 30 minute blocks. This will certainly help prevent people being able to book 30 minute blocks back to back, especially when they wanted a full hour and I can’t always get into the system quickly enough to block the 30 minutes following the scheduled time to guarantee an hour session. Please note this does happen from time to time and I do my best to avoid disrupting everyone's schedule to accommodate needs. I encourage you all to try and set up regular session times each week to ensure you have access to services more regular. While I do my best to accommodate last minute changes or requests, I also know I am not always able to do so and want to make sure you are getting what you need without a gap in being seen regularly. I have been working with Betterhelp now for over a year and a half during which time I have been evaluating my own habits and making efforts to improve my own self-care so that I can always be my most optimal to best serve you all. In that process I have come up with some ways to have more effective balance in responding to messages each day without sacrificing my own self-care time. If we have a regular scheduled therapy session that week, I will be responding to additional messages within approximately 48 hours. If we don’t have a therapy session scheduled that week, I will be responding to messages within approximately 24 hours. This will ensure that my time is being given to each of you more equally but also taking into consideration individual needs. Any messages received after 1pm on Friday, or Saturday and Sunday will be responded to on Monday during my online hours (6:00-9:30PM PST).

I bring many years of clinical experience, my personal life experiences, and professional training to my work with clients. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 18 years, working with clients from 17-70+ years of age, including individuals, families, couples (including same sex couples), and those from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The common denominator in my work with every client is the depth of my commitment to their healing and personal growth. Together we will define your objectives and goals. The kinds of problems that each individual brings into therapy are often complicated and not usually neatly categorized. Human beings are complex and though many areas of functioning may be impacted, the source of these often result from a core emotional or psychological injury, or a traumatic event. Sometimes dysfunctional family of origin dynamics have adversely impacted our ability to have healthy, high functioning relationships and we need to learn new skills. For some, therapy can help to improve performance with personal goals. Whatever it is that you are seeking help with, it is well understood that the first step toward changing anything is in identifying the problem. Whatever your objectives my be (even when these are not clearly identified or understood), I am confident that I can help you gain clarity and work towards achieving whatever your goals may be. Therapy has been described as the "talking" cure and sometimes the very act of talking or sharing of experience and feelings with an experienced professional can help...help in the moment to not feel so alone or crazy, and in the long run, to have the clarity, confidence and self-esteem to create a life by design. Studies have shown that there are two important factors in determining the success of therapy: 1) the client's perception of the therapists skills and knowledge and 2) the relationship, or therapeutic alliance, between therapist and client. I offer you my respect, compassion and acceptance. I have studied a variety therapy disciplines and blend traditions from the East (mindfulness, insight-oriented therapy) and West (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-CBT), somatic body-mind centered, and psychodynamic approaches to effectively address individual needs and differences. I have successfully worked with: relationships, marital problems, self-esteem, communication skills, healthy boundaries, self-esteem and self-confidence, mood disorders, co-dependency, unresolved traumas, anxiety, changing counter-productive patterns, life transitions including loss of loved ones, divorce, blended families.

With over 35 years of professional experience as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I have assisted and helped, both individuals and couples struggling with issues related to poor couples communication, relationship conflict, addictions, mood disorders, as well as past trauma and emotional abuse. I have an extensive background in helping others change their approach to problem solving especially related to Couples Conflict utilizing thoughtful conflict resolution skills,and understanding how relationships function and are sustained. My clinical approach is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Gottman Method and a Psychodynamic Therapy approach. All treatment plans are developed with clients to reach their specific needs and goals. Specialties * Relationship Issues *Family Conflict *Stress and Anxiety *Addictions *Trauma and Abuse also experienced in: Divorce & Separation, Family of Origin Issues, Mood Disorders, Fatherhood Issues, and Domestic Violence/Anger Management.

I am warm, down-to-earth, intuitive, and often humorous in my approach. My work is highly relational, and is informed by the use of mindfulness, attachment theory, parts work, as well Depth Psychology. I focus not only on the obvious symptoms, but also existential issues and the unconscious. Taking each client’s unique experiences and needs into account, I tailor my approach to meet you where you are, providing a deeply non-judgmental, spacious, yet practical therapeutic container. I have two MA degrees: one in East-West Psych and one in Counseling Psych.

**[SUMMER/FALL 2024] • Current Availability: - TUESDAYS: EARLY AM, MIDDAY - WEDNESDAYS: EARLY AM, MIDDAY • Current Session Times: -9AM-2:30PM Eastern / 5AM-11:30AM Pacific • Clients: - INDIVIDUALS - ADULTS (22+) - POC, WOC, BLKM, BIPOC -------------------- Hello. I am a psychotherapist based in South Florida. I talk with you about whatever matters most to you. I support those who are ready for change. I specialize in Stress, Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression. I help you remember that, despite difficult ordeals, it is possible to move forward. I also remind you that talking helps. My top work entails... "Positive Mental Health by Understanding Ourselves" – I work closely with clients going through Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma. Together we discuss the memories and feelings that you're struggling with and figure out healthy ways to talk and cope. Plus, lots of conversation on creating healthy habits, seeing a doctor, when medication is necessary, and how to sustain peace, calm, and balance inside and out. "Situational Depression and Anxiety" – Covid put all of us in different places, situations and changes--some positive, some not so positive. Its repercussions are still present today. This is where you share with me what is going on in your life triggering difficulty in coping with current circumstances. I do mental health assessments, and together we discuss what you're going through, how to express your feelings, and how to lift your mood and focus on thoughts, actions, and behaviors despite how life unfolds. You will learn resilience... essentially how to respond versus react and follow your life values and make decisions accordingly. "Couples Therapy for One" - I am a big proponent to healing relationships if that is a part of your goals. I work with *individuals* as they work to better their relationships or move through relationship conflict, breakup, or even divorce. Some call it "couples therapy" despite it being with just one person present as my client. "Professional Growth/Entrepreneur Mental Health" – I work with those struggling through Stress and Burnout. Particularly to those who are entrepreneurs, business owners, and high achieving professionals facing unique challenges of that lifestyle. Also, this is ideal for those in the helping and caregiving professions such as nurses, therapists, counselors, and first responders. "Health Focused" – Also, I am a medical family therapist. I can talk with you about your chronic pain and/or illness struggles along with medical facets to your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. *MORE ABOUT ME:* I believe mindfulness and self-care are powerful and freeing. I practice solution focused, person-centered, positive psychology everyday. I am enthralled with the stars (of the sky), live for music and travel, and frequently am found taking walks in the South Florida sunshine. In the meantime, I love working with my clients, and supporting them through growth. How can I help you?

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem and confidence, life transitions and depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am happy to assist you in this process.

I am licensed in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.