Gestalt Therapists in Aptos, CA
Patricia Dudley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
My style of therapy is based in Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, and Gestalt styles.
I work well with motivated clients who are looking to improve their daily lives through self-exploration, and are open to challenging their current patterns in order to reach your goals. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, feeling stuck, work/life stress, relationship issues, past trauma, or managing the daily challenges we are facing during this COVID-19 global shift, I would love to be here to support you. I work primarily with individuals and groups.
My style of therapy is based in Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, and Gestalt styles.
I work well with motivated clients who are looking to improve their daily lives through self-exploration, and are open to challenging their current patterns in order to reach your goals. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, feeling stuck, work/life stress, relationship issues, past trauma, or managing the daily challenges we are facing during this COVID-19 global shift, I would love to be here to support you. I work primarily with individuals and groups.
Greetings. I provide a safe space for the allowance of your emotions to be compassionately witnessed. My focus is in helping individuals, families & couples move from the murky place of uncertainty into a deeper state of self-knowing, wholeness and empowerment. Through holistic therapy practices I help clients move from the sympathetic nervous system of fight or flight into the calmer parasympathetic state where you are able to access your own inner wisdom to guide you into clarity and healing. I blend mindful, somatic body oriented therapy, Internal Family Systems & Gestalt therapy with a playful, humanistic approach.
Greetings. I provide a safe space for the allowance of your emotions to be compassionately witnessed. My focus is in helping individuals, families & couples move from the murky place of uncertainty into a deeper state of self-knowing, wholeness and empowerment. Through holistic therapy practices I help clients move from the sympathetic nervous system of fight or flight into the calmer parasympathetic state where you are able to access your own inner wisdom to guide you into clarity and healing. I blend mindful, somatic body oriented therapy, Internal Family Systems & Gestalt therapy with a playful, humanistic approach.
I specialize in mindfulness based psychotherapy, as well as somatic (body-based awareness) psychotherapy and Gestalt therapy.
As I see it, the primary role of a counselor is to serve as a mirror to help reveal what the client hasn't yet been able to see-especially those patterns of relating to self, others, and the environment that might be causing suffering. At the same time, the counselor is there to reflect, affirm, and strengthen the client's unique gifts and talents.One of the biggest impediments to healing, growth, and creativity is shame. To help clients move through this debilitating emotion, I use a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, and other healing modalities.
I specialize in mindfulness based psychotherapy, as well as somatic (body-based awareness) psychotherapy and Gestalt therapy.
As I see it, the primary role of a counselor is to serve as a mirror to help reveal what the client hasn't yet been able to see-especially those patterns of relating to self, others, and the environment that might be causing suffering. At the same time, the counselor is there to reflect, affirm, and strengthen the client's unique gifts and talents.One of the biggest impediments to healing, growth, and creativity is shame. To help clients move through this debilitating emotion, I use a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, and other healing modalities.
Stephen L Braveman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, DST, CST, CST-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
Founder and Director of the Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California, Stephen has been providing professional top of the field Sex Therapy and Gender Identity Therapy to the Central Coast for over 32 years! ISGC, extensively serves the needs of individuals with sexual dysfunctions, those who have been sexually abused, couples struggling with sexual and intimacy issues, the Transgender/Transsexual community, the LGBT communities and the communities of all other sexual and gender minorities. Stephen also serves Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Compulsivity (Out of Control Sexual Behavior.)
Founder and Director of the Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California, Stephen has been providing professional top of the field Sex Therapy and Gender Identity Therapy to the Central Coast for over 32 years! ISGC, extensively serves the needs of individuals with sexual dysfunctions, those who have been sexually abused, couples struggling with sexual and intimacy issues, the Transgender/Transsexual community, the LGBT communities and the communities of all other sexual and gender minorities. Stephen also serves Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Compulsivity (Out of Control Sexual Behavior.)
I am passionate about supporting couples, families, adolescents, and adults to nurture their strengths and to discover areas where growth and healing is possible. My holistic approach to therapy aims to empower you to make peace with past traumas, to clear obstacles in the pursuit of happiness, and to become more fulfilled in life!
I am passionate about supporting couples, families, adolescents, and adults to nurture their strengths and to discover areas where growth and healing is possible. My holistic approach to therapy aims to empower you to make peace with past traumas, to clear obstacles in the pursuit of happiness, and to become more fulfilled in life!
Dustin Adler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
Are you waking up already consumed by stress, anxiety, and feeling exhausted? Or each day starts off heavy with the burden of an overwhelming life? Whether you’re feeling totally hopeless, the darkness of depression has overtaken you, you have lost your sense of purpose, or are deflated in your career or your relationship, I CAN help. Together, we’ll get to the root of where your pain comes from, learn what truly drives you, and discover parts of your identity that have long disappeared. You’ll learn tools to get out of your own way, stop judging yourself, and break free from the painful cycles that you have been stuck in.
Are you waking up already consumed by stress, anxiety, and feeling exhausted? Or each day starts off heavy with the burden of an overwhelming life? Whether you’re feeling totally hopeless, the darkness of depression has overtaken you, you have lost your sense of purpose, or are deflated in your career or your relationship, I CAN help. Together, we’ll get to the root of where your pain comes from, learn what truly drives you, and discover parts of your identity that have long disappeared. You’ll learn tools to get out of your own way, stop judging yourself, and break free from the painful cycles that you have been stuck in.
Stan Einhorn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, thank you for taking the time to see if I am a good fit for you as a therapist. Helping people discover their own solutions to improve their lives is truly rewarding for me. I will help you find your path to these solutions. I offer a safe and accepting space in which we explore the issues that challenge you in the present and how that may relate to emotional burdens of the past. Together we work to heal old wounds so that they no longer negatively impact decisions, relationships, or patterns of behaviors in your present life.
Hello, thank you for taking the time to see if I am a good fit for you as a therapist. Helping people discover their own solutions to improve their lives is truly rewarding for me. I will help you find your path to these solutions. I offer a safe and accepting space in which we explore the issues that challenge you in the present and how that may relate to emotional burdens of the past. Together we work to heal old wounds so that they no longer negatively impact decisions, relationships, or patterns of behaviors in your present life.
Hello. I hold a Masters in Clinical Psychology and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have taught Child Development at the College Level and specialize in the following areas: individual, children & adolescents (0-18 years of age) and family counseling, trauma, abuse (sexual, physical and emotional) recovery (also EMDR trained), attachment challenges, drug & alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, establishing healthy boundaries, and life transitions.
Hello. I hold a Masters in Clinical Psychology and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have taught Child Development at the College Level and specialize in the following areas: individual, children & adolescents (0-18 years of age) and family counseling, trauma, abuse (sexual, physical and emotional) recovery (also EMDR trained), attachment challenges, drug & alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, establishing healthy boundaries, and life transitions.
I support you in remembering yourself and allowing your inner healing intelligence to return you to connection with your wholeness.
I support you in remembering yourself and allowing your inner healing intelligence to return you to connection with your wholeness.
I work with couples with challenging relationship issues (including infidelity). I work with teenagers and their families (including various "addictions" drug/alc, computer/video games, social media, pornography). I work with people who have been sexually and physically abused. I work with people experiencing grief and loss. I work with couples and individuals who are conflict avoidant and provide skills to work through conflict. I also work with family of origin unresolved hurt and trauma. I help identify the origin of auto-pilot buttons and defenses. Lastly, self-esteem and personal growth challenges. Change is hard not impossible.
I work with couples with challenging relationship issues (including infidelity). I work with teenagers and their families (including various "addictions" drug/alc, computer/video games, social media, pornography). I work with people who have been sexually and physically abused. I work with people experiencing grief and loss. I work with couples and individuals who are conflict avoidant and provide skills to work through conflict. I also work with family of origin unresolved hurt and trauma. I help identify the origin of auto-pilot buttons and defenses. Lastly, self-esteem and personal growth challenges. Change is hard not impossible.
Marlon A Guarino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you stuck in patterns of fears, confusion, indecision, or painful relationships? This stuckness and suffering hinder you from accessing the empowered, expansive, creative, organic self within; this essential part of you wants to express the unique gift that you are, and the gifts you bring to the world. Imagine beyond your struggles or limitations to become who you are truly meant to be, being more authentic, having more fulfilling relationships and manifesting your passions. Whether you are looking for further understanding, or personal tools or deeper change, I am here to support your journey.
Are you stuck in patterns of fears, confusion, indecision, or painful relationships? This stuckness and suffering hinder you from accessing the empowered, expansive, creative, organic self within; this essential part of you wants to express the unique gift that you are, and the gifts you bring to the world. Imagine beyond your struggles or limitations to become who you are truly meant to be, being more authentic, having more fulfilling relationships and manifesting your passions. Whether you are looking for further understanding, or personal tools or deeper change, I am here to support your journey.
Sienna Forest
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003
I believe in the power of healing through authentic connection with trusted community. However, rather than allowing ourselves to share vulnerably with people in our lives, we silence ourselves due to the fear of being judged. We close ourselves off to connection and in doing so silence our authentic truth. While this tendency has protected us from unsafe people, we can get stuck in this game of pretending to be okay when we truly need support. This can lead to disconnection within ourselves and in our interpersonal relationships. I help people learn how to trust their intuition and use their vulnerability as a tool for connection.
I believe in the power of healing through authentic connection with trusted community. However, rather than allowing ourselves to share vulnerably with people in our lives, we silence ourselves due to the fear of being judged. We close ourselves off to connection and in doing so silence our authentic truth. While this tendency has protected us from unsafe people, we can get stuck in this game of pretending to be okay when we truly need support. This can lead to disconnection within ourselves and in our interpersonal relationships. I help people learn how to trust their intuition and use their vulnerability as a tool for connection.
People seek therapy for all kinds of reasons, but common to all of them is the fact that their life is not working as well as they want. This can be for a multitude of reasons; anxieties, depression, relationship issues, lack of fulfillment, purpose or meaning. Psychological symptoms are signals that alert us to examine the obstacles that hinder us from moving through life more freely with a sense of aliveness and agency.
People seek therapy for all kinds of reasons, but common to all of them is the fact that their life is not working as well as they want. This can be for a multitude of reasons; anxieties, depression, relationship issues, lack of fulfillment, purpose or meaning. Psychological symptoms are signals that alert us to examine the obstacles that hinder us from moving through life more freely with a sense of aliveness and agency.
It is not easy to look for help. Especially when we feel overwhelmed with pain, suffering, and confusion. We all deserve to enjoy life, healthy sexuality and nurturing relationships. You are not alone in this journey of finding the best way to be a human being and be free of unnecessary suffering. I believe you have the answers you are looking for and I can support you in accessing your own wisdom to re-design your path and life in the way you need and want now.
It is not easy to look for help. Especially when we feel overwhelmed with pain, suffering, and confusion. We all deserve to enjoy life, healthy sexuality and nurturing relationships. You are not alone in this journey of finding the best way to be a human being and be free of unnecessary suffering. I believe you have the answers you are looking for and I can support you in accessing your own wisdom to re-design your path and life in the way you need and want now.
Asking for help is one of the hardest things to do. Celebrate yourself for taking this leap! You're probably here because you are looking for someone to partner with to make sustainable changes, work through past or current experiences, and cultivate safety inside yourself and in your relationships. You value growth, honesty, authenticity, and rest. I provide a safe container for you to explore your inner self; all the reflections of light on the surface and all the darkness in the depths. We will learn how to feel, how to self soothe, and how to transform your thoughts, emotions, and sense of self.
Asking for help is one of the hardest things to do. Celebrate yourself for taking this leap! You're probably here because you are looking for someone to partner with to make sustainable changes, work through past or current experiences, and cultivate safety inside yourself and in your relationships. You value growth, honesty, authenticity, and rest. I provide a safe container for you to explore your inner self; all the reflections of light on the surface and all the darkness in the depths. We will learn how to feel, how to self soothe, and how to transform your thoughts, emotions, and sense of self.
My work centers around helping people achieve their goals. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I easily connect with others and believe that through relationship building you are able to facilitate positive changes in your life. My varied experience over the past twenty years as a school counselor, parent, Therapeutic Foster Parent, Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Challenge Course Facilitator have shaped my eclectic style of working with people. Based on your specific needs and areas of desired growth, together we will tailor a plan to best meet your needs as we move forward through the therapy.
My work centers around helping people achieve their goals. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I easily connect with others and believe that through relationship building you are able to facilitate positive changes in your life. My varied experience over the past twenty years as a school counselor, parent, Therapeutic Foster Parent, Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Challenge Course Facilitator have shaped my eclectic style of working with people. Based on your specific needs and areas of desired growth, together we will tailor a plan to best meet your needs as we move forward through the therapy.
Marsea Marcus-Rotman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I utilize many different techniques that I have learned over the years including talk therapy, EMDR, gestalt and process therapy, art therapy, depending on what's appropriate for the situation.
Hello. I have been a therapist for over 30 years and to this day I absolutely love meeting people, hearing their stories and helping them make peace with their past. I work to help people increase their emotional health and become more effective in their current lives. I specialize in helping people with depression and anxiety. I work primarily with adults.
I utilize many different techniques that I have learned over the years including talk therapy, EMDR, gestalt and process therapy, art therapy, depending on what's appropriate for the situation.
Hello. I have been a therapist for over 30 years and to this day I absolutely love meeting people, hearing their stories and helping them make peace with their past. I work to help people increase their emotional health and become more effective in their current lives. I specialize in helping people with depression and anxiety. I work primarily with adults.
Stefanie Wolf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Aptos, CA 95001
Not accepting new clients
If you work with me, I start with the basic premise that you are already whole, precious, and loveable. You have all the goods to make it in this world. Our job together is to uncover how to connect you with who you actually are, so that you can be with yourself and others in a way where you like how you are being and live the life you actually want to live. I specialize in addressing the impact of traumas and reorienting clients toward their innate wholeness. You may feel limited or stuck in cycles of anxiety, depression, or general off-ness. Together we can explore your patterns and develop new ones.
If you work with me, I start with the basic premise that you are already whole, precious, and loveable. You have all the goods to make it in this world. Our job together is to uncover how to connect you with who you actually are, so that you can be with yourself and others in a way where you like how you are being and live the life you actually want to live. I specialize in addressing the impact of traumas and reorienting clients toward their innate wholeness. You may feel limited or stuck in cycles of anxiety, depression, or general off-ness. Together we can explore your patterns and develop new ones.
Rory Valentine Diller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003
Not accepting new clients
Hello, I'm Rory! I am a nonjudgemental, down to Earth, kind-hearted, and experienced therapist. Struggling? Feeling stuck or frozen? Feeling pained by relationships? Feeling frustrated with yourself and want to change patterns? Going through hard times and needing help and support?
Hello, I'm Rory! I am a nonjudgemental, down to Earth, kind-hearted, and experienced therapist. Struggling? Feeling stuck or frozen? Feeling pained by relationships? Feeling frustrated with yourself and want to change patterns? Going through hard times and needing help and support?
More Therapists Nearby
Anna Dasbach
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Soquel, CA 95073
Waitlist for new clients
Would you like to live a more fulfilled life with meaningful relationships? Do you want to make more sense of your life and your role in it? You have taken the first step! Finding the right therapist can be scary and confusing. I believe that a personal connection is the corner stone to a successful therapeutic experience. Sometimes traumatic events can bring us to lose our sense of well-being and our center and we need help regaining them. I am honored to support you on your path to regain a greater sense of yourself. I love working with adults, adolescents and couples.
Would you like to live a more fulfilled life with meaningful relationships? Do you want to make more sense of your life and your role in it? You have taken the first step! Finding the right therapist can be scary and confusing. I believe that a personal connection is the corner stone to a successful therapeutic experience. Sometimes traumatic events can bring us to lose our sense of well-being and our center and we need help regaining them. I am honored to support you on your path to regain a greater sense of yourself. I love working with adults, adolescents and couples.
See more therapy options for Aptos
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- Marina
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- Soquel
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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.