Gestalt Therapists in Alameda, CA
I tend to use different strategies, modalities, coping skills and interventions from numerous treatment methods such as narrative, RET, reality focused, CBT, Gestalt along with a directive approach.
My name is Richard Lenchner, LMFT and I have been a practicing therapist for approximately 31 years. I believe that everyone deserves a happy and healthy life. This can be achieved when you learn how to balance your life emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally (ESPM). I specialize in helping individuals deal with addiction/recovery, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, codependency, motivation, self-esteem/worth and finding their balance. Together we can work on helping you achieve confidence, happiness and a fulfilling life.
I tend to use different strategies, modalities, coping skills and interventions from numerous treatment methods such as narrative, RET, reality focused, CBT, Gestalt along with a directive approach.
My name is Richard Lenchner, LMFT and I have been a practicing therapist for approximately 31 years. I believe that everyone deserves a happy and healthy life. This can be achieved when you learn how to balance your life emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally (ESPM). I specialize in helping individuals deal with addiction/recovery, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, codependency, motivation, self-esteem/worth and finding their balance. Together we can work on helping you achieve confidence, happiness and a fulfilling life.
As a therapist trained in both Gestalt therapy and EMDR, as well as being a Zen koan meditation teacher, I offer a unique blend of modalities for helping to cultivate the habit of paying attention.
I will interrupt you a lot, that is what meditation does. It interrupts our stories about ourselves and the world around us. I will also listen to you, deeply. That is another way meditation helps, we learn to listen to ourselves deeply. The word akrasia means 'out of control' and is used to describe the way we continue to do things that we know is not in our best interest, or don't do things that we know are in our best interest. Most people feel relief just to know there is word for it. The cause of akrasia is said to be a lack of information and meditation gives us access to the information we need to change.
As a therapist trained in both Gestalt therapy and EMDR, as well as being a Zen koan meditation teacher, I offer a unique blend of modalities for helping to cultivate the habit of paying attention.
I will interrupt you a lot, that is what meditation does. It interrupts our stories about ourselves and the world around us. I will also listen to you, deeply. That is another way meditation helps, we learn to listen to ourselves deeply. The word akrasia means 'out of control' and is used to describe the way we continue to do things that we know is not in our best interest, or don't do things that we know are in our best interest. Most people feel relief just to know there is word for it. The cause of akrasia is said to be a lack of information and meditation gives us access to the information we need to change.
Terese (Tess) Louise Roholt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
I combine traditional talk therapy with creative methods including drama therapy, psychodrama, embodiment and gestalt.
Whether you are going through some difficult life transitions, struggling with stress, feelings of loneliness, are in a process of recovery and/or have experienced significant trauma, my therapy approach will support you in unpacking difficult emotions to restore a sense a safety and a deeper connection to yourself, others and the world. I am passionate about empowering you to understand and speak your feelings. I work really well with adults in relationship & life-transitions; teens & parents in need of a repaired relationship, and with children who’ve experienced trauma, struggle with big behaviors and/or feelings & their parents.
I combine traditional talk therapy with creative methods including drama therapy, psychodrama, embodiment and gestalt.
Whether you are going through some difficult life transitions, struggling with stress, feelings of loneliness, are in a process of recovery and/or have experienced significant trauma, my therapy approach will support you in unpacking difficult emotions to restore a sense a safety and a deeper connection to yourself, others and the world. I am passionate about empowering you to understand and speak your feelings. I work really well with adults in relationship & life-transitions; teens & parents in need of a repaired relationship, and with children who’ve experienced trauma, struggle with big behaviors and/or feelings & their parents.
Katherine Mancera
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
Anxiety? Check. Perfectionism? Double check. You’ve gotten a long way thanks to your hard-driving mind, but lately living inside your brain has been a struggle. Your inner critic constantly picks apart every interaction. Painful memories keep resurfacing, despite your efforts to push them away. Daily invalidations of your queer, Latina, or immigrant identity sting, and loneliness creeps in as you keep your struggles to yourself. You’ve tried everything: drinking, doom scrolling, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling weighed down and hopeless.
Anxiety? Check. Perfectionism? Double check. You’ve gotten a long way thanks to your hard-driving mind, but lately living inside your brain has been a struggle. Your inner critic constantly picks apart every interaction. Painful memories keep resurfacing, despite your efforts to push them away. Daily invalidations of your queer, Latina, or immigrant identity sting, and loneliness creeps in as you keep your struggles to yourself. You’ve tried everything: drinking, doom scrolling, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling weighed down and hopeless.
Making the decision to work on uncertain, uncomfortable or painful feelings, thoughts and life events is not undertaken lightly. I aim to make the process of therapy transparent so you know what to expect if you choose to work with me. I am a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in diverse settings including Kaiser outpatient clinics and non-profits focusing on geropsychology, health psychology and refugee mental health.
Making the decision to work on uncertain, uncomfortable or painful feelings, thoughts and life events is not undertaken lightly. I aim to make the process of therapy transparent so you know what to expect if you choose to work with me. I am a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in diverse settings including Kaiser outpatient clinics and non-profits focusing on geropsychology, health psychology and refugee mental health.
Aleen Raybin
Counselor, MSW, LMHC, LPCC, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501 (Online Only)
You’re the one everyone turns to. The eldest daughter who grew up fast, took care of your siblings, and became your mama’s right hand. Now, you’re the one who gets things done—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. You’ve always been the dependable one, the fixer, the one who holds it all together. But what happens when the pressure to perform and the need to be everything for everyone becomes too much? You’re tired. You’ve built a life on being capable and strong, but underneath it all, you crave support, rest, and a deeper connection to yourself. You know how to take care of others, but what about you?
You’re the one everyone turns to. The eldest daughter who grew up fast, took care of your siblings, and became your mama’s right hand. Now, you’re the one who gets things done—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. You’ve always been the dependable one, the fixer, the one who holds it all together. But what happens when the pressure to perform and the need to be everything for everyone becomes too much? You’re tired. You’ve built a life on being capable and strong, but underneath it all, you crave support, rest, and a deeper connection to yourself. You know how to take care of others, but what about you?
Amisha Mehtani - California Anxiety Relief
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
My name is Amisha, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and families find joy and meaning in their lives. I utilize evidence-based modalities that bring about change by providing tools clients can use to become their own therapist. My stance is deeply empathic and curious, leaning into what happened to you rather than what is wrong with you. My first session is 90 minutes such that I can really get to know you. I offer true 60-min & 75-min sessions thereafter. Emotional pain hurts just as deeply as physical pain. Your pain matters. You matter.
My name is Amisha, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and families find joy and meaning in their lives. I utilize evidence-based modalities that bring about change by providing tools clients can use to become their own therapist. My stance is deeply empathic and curious, leaning into what happened to you rather than what is wrong with you. My first session is 90 minutes such that I can really get to know you. I offer true 60-min & 75-min sessions thereafter. Emotional pain hurts just as deeply as physical pain. Your pain matters. You matter.
Kyrie Sedano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with self-criticism and shame, with beliefs that you are “too much” or “not enough”? Have you learned to sacrifice your needs to show up for others? Is it hard to feel seen, to unmask, to take up space? You want healthy, fulfilling relationships, but cannot seem to break painful patterns, like people pleasing, codependency, perfectionism, scarcity mindset, and social anxiety. If you are ready to heal wounds from childhood, attachment and relationship issues, generational trauma, or from masking neurodivergence and having your sensitivity misunderstood, let's explore how curiosity and compassion can change your life.
Do you struggle with self-criticism and shame, with beliefs that you are “too much” or “not enough”? Have you learned to sacrifice your needs to show up for others? Is it hard to feel seen, to unmask, to take up space? You want healthy, fulfilling relationships, but cannot seem to break painful patterns, like people pleasing, codependency, perfectionism, scarcity mindset, and social anxiety. If you are ready to heal wounds from childhood, attachment and relationship issues, generational trauma, or from masking neurodivergence and having your sensitivity misunderstood, let's explore how curiosity and compassion can change your life.
Melissa K Bowman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501 (Online Only)
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
Angela Riewe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
I specialize in Couples Counseling and Individual psychotherapy (in-person and/or telehealth). I offer a compassionate somatic and trauma-informed approach. We'll look at how you get stuck, explore your sensitivities and needs, and create a safe space for healing. Using mindfulness and a kind, warm tone of voice, I invite you to bring a gentle nonjudgmental curiosity to where you're feeling stuck, frustrated, sad, or any other feelings creating distress.
I specialize in Couples Counseling and Individual psychotherapy (in-person and/or telehealth). I offer a compassionate somatic and trauma-informed approach. We'll look at how you get stuck, explore your sensitivities and needs, and create a safe space for healing. Using mindfulness and a kind, warm tone of voice, I invite you to bring a gentle nonjudgmental curiosity to where you're feeling stuck, frustrated, sad, or any other feelings creating distress.
Confidence and connection are the key ingredients for a meaningful life, but they can be compromised in times of stress or transition. The foundations of the past, once familiar and secure, are shaken. Anxieties encroach. Connections are lost. Yet, I believe that despite the pain and difficulty of these phases, there is immense potential for positive change and personal growth. Helping you discover that potential is what I love most about my work, so I encourage you to reach out to me to get started today. You can email me at vanpeltcounseling@gmail.com or text me at 510-859-4448 to set up a free consultation. I will respond ASAP.
Confidence and connection are the key ingredients for a meaningful life, but they can be compromised in times of stress or transition. The foundations of the past, once familiar and secure, are shaken. Anxieties encroach. Connections are lost. Yet, I believe that despite the pain and difficulty of these phases, there is immense potential for positive change and personal growth. Helping you discover that potential is what I love most about my work, so I encourage you to reach out to me to get started today. You can email me at vanpeltcounseling@gmail.com or text me at 510-859-4448 to set up a free consultation. I will respond ASAP.
15 Second Videos
Terese (Tess) Louise Roholt
Katherine Mancera
Aleen Raybin
Kyrie Sedano
Natalie O'Mara
Liliana E. Llamas
My name is Herbert Wright, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in Humanistic / Existential, CBT, Object Relations, Solution Focused, and Structural Family Therapy. I have worked with various clients who have had issues with Substance abuse, Sexual Abuse, Schizophrenia, Grief and Loss, Abandonment, Isolation, Borderline Personality Disorder, Nightmares, Insomnia, Suicide, At-risk youth, open Department of Children and Family Services, Probation, Court Ordered, Family Reunification, Career Planning, Coaching, Spiritual, Trauma, and Religious issues
My name is Herbert Wright, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in Humanistic / Existential, CBT, Object Relations, Solution Focused, and Structural Family Therapy. I have worked with various clients who have had issues with Substance abuse, Sexual Abuse, Schizophrenia, Grief and Loss, Abandonment, Isolation, Borderline Personality Disorder, Nightmares, Insomnia, Suicide, At-risk youth, open Department of Children and Family Services, Probation, Court Ordered, Family Reunification, Career Planning, Coaching, Spiritual, Trauma, and Religious issues
Guillermina Gigi Valdes-Huckabee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501 (Online Only)
Welcome to a space where we together can co-create the healing that you need. I have 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and recently implemented a more holistic approach by adding intuitive healing, reiki and massage therapy. Whether you dealing with depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessions, life transitions, spiritual issues, attachment issues, trauma (recent or childhood), relationship issues, or other environmental stressors (political, financial, housing, racial or other) . My passion is to help individuals heal trauma. I understand your pain. Let me meet you where you are and support your healing.
Welcome to a space where we together can co-create the healing that you need. I have 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and recently implemented a more holistic approach by adding intuitive healing, reiki and massage therapy. Whether you dealing with depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessions, life transitions, spiritual issues, attachment issues, trauma (recent or childhood), relationship issues, or other environmental stressors (political, financial, housing, racial or other) . My passion is to help individuals heal trauma. I understand your pain. Let me meet you where you are and support your healing.
As the daughter of a narcissist I am uniquely qualified to guide you through your own process of recovery. I specialize in Adult Children of Narcissists, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Codependency, Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families with an emphasis on early childhood survival and its effect on adult relationships, and couples. My style is interactive, engaged and non-judgmental. I offer individual sessions, weekly support groups and small group intensives (see website). Clinical training includes: Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, EFT &Pia Mellody's trauma treatment model, PACT & Gottman (for couples). Phone and Zoom available.
As the daughter of a narcissist I am uniquely qualified to guide you through your own process of recovery. I specialize in Adult Children of Narcissists, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Codependency, Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families with an emphasis on early childhood survival and its effect on adult relationships, and couples. My style is interactive, engaged and non-judgmental. I offer individual sessions, weekly support groups and small group intensives (see website). Clinical training includes: Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, EFT &Pia Mellody's trauma treatment model, PACT & Gottman (for couples). Phone and Zoom available.
You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.
You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.
Hi, my name is Philippa Mariner, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a strength-based therapist because I believe in and like to build on the inherent strength of a person. I currently work with couples who are separated or going through a divorce, and I work with them to establish a parenting plan. While in session, I address their depression, anxiety and often the trauma of domestic violence. I am comfortable working with individuals struggling with problems related to the social environment.
Hi, my name is Philippa Mariner, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a strength-based therapist because I believe in and like to build on the inherent strength of a person. I currently work with couples who are separated or going through a divorce, and I work with them to establish a parenting plan. While in session, I address their depression, anxiety and often the trauma of domestic violence. I am comfortable working with individuals struggling with problems related to the social environment.
The decision to begin therapy is a courageous step–one that can be life-changing. Whether you are feeling anxious, sad, stressed, angry, confused or stuck, therapy can offer a safe space for you to explore your inner world and gain new insights and skills. I have helped clients across the lifespan manage difficult emotions, heal traumas, gain self-confidence, learn new skills for navigating romantic and social relationships, find relief from long-term mental health issues, uncover creativity and life purpose, and reconnect with their partners in new ways. Therapy is a collaboration and I am here to help you on your journey.
The decision to begin therapy is a courageous step–one that can be life-changing. Whether you are feeling anxious, sad, stressed, angry, confused or stuck, therapy can offer a safe space for you to explore your inner world and gain new insights and skills. I have helped clients across the lifespan manage difficult emotions, heal traumas, gain self-confidence, learn new skills for navigating romantic and social relationships, find relief from long-term mental health issues, uncover creativity and life purpose, and reconnect with their partners in new ways. Therapy is a collaboration and I am here to help you on your journey.
Teresa Diane Fennelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alameda, CA 94501
I am an experienced children's psychotherapist, with a private practice in Alameda and have provided therapeutic services for children, teens and families for 20+ years. I have been able to help families deal with a variety of issues including trauma, loss, family-conflict, children/teens with learning disabilities and a variety of behavioral issues, as well as familial substance use issues, post-divorce issues, severe anxiety and depression.
I am an experienced children's psychotherapist, with a private practice in Alameda and have provided therapeutic services for children, teens and families for 20+ years. I have been able to help families deal with a variety of issues including trauma, loss, family-conflict, children/teens with learning disabilities and a variety of behavioral issues, as well as familial substance use issues, post-divorce issues, severe anxiety and depression.
Axis Mundi would like to present Petra Gojun, a Counseling Trainee, supervised by Elysha Martinez, LMFT 93493. The supervisor works with Petra to help develop her clinical skills and to ensure she is providing quality care to you as the client. Petra is working towards her graduate degree in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling from Naropa University. Daring to know your needs, wants, and desires is bold and beautiful, particularly in a world that signals many "shoulds" for every possible area of one's life. A space to truly be with yourself can offer an opportunity to live from a place of a clear and empowered choice.
Axis Mundi would like to present Petra Gojun, a Counseling Trainee, supervised by Elysha Martinez, LMFT 93493. The supervisor works with Petra to help develop her clinical skills and to ensure she is providing quality care to you as the client. Petra is working towards her graduate degree in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling from Naropa University. Daring to know your needs, wants, and desires is bold and beautiful, particularly in a world that signals many "shoulds" for every possible area of one's life. A space to truly be with yourself can offer an opportunity to live from a place of a clear and empowered choice.
My work is with individuals and couples who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get down to the task of making transformative shifts in their lives. Often people come to therapy believing that our history makes us who we are. Using the therapy relationship as a secure base from which to explore, clearing away the clutter and loosening a few knots, we often find that our history has obscured who we really are. In some way, most of us are longing for a sense of well-being that is not wholly dependent on external circumstances.
My work is with individuals and couples who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get down to the task of making transformative shifts in their lives. Often people come to therapy believing that our history makes us who we are. Using the therapy relationship as a secure base from which to explore, clearing away the clutter and loosening a few knots, we often find that our history has obscured who we really are. In some way, most of us are longing for a sense of well-being that is not wholly dependent on external circumstances.
See more therapy options for Alameda
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Alameda
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Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.