Gestalt Therapists in Hillsborough, CA
Allyce Bess
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsborough, CA 94010 (Online Only)
Growing up does not have to be unnecessarily painful or lonely. I help children, adolescents and young adults navigate developmental transitions with creativity and purpose. I also provide parents with education, skills and support to augment treatment. Young people often need guidance to explore their feelings, discover their unique strengths, and find meaning in their lives as they transition into adulthood. Challenges like family conflict, school problems, sexual confusion, depression, identity development, substance abuse, anxiety and stress can be greatly alleviated through the attentive support of a caring, unbiased professional.
Growing up does not have to be unnecessarily painful or lonely. I help children, adolescents and young adults navigate developmental transitions with creativity and purpose. I also provide parents with education, skills and support to augment treatment. Young people often need guidance to explore their feelings, discover their unique strengths, and find meaning in their lives as they transition into adulthood. Challenges like family conflict, school problems, sexual confusion, depression, identity development, substance abuse, anxiety and stress can be greatly alleviated through the attentive support of a caring, unbiased professional.
Your healing journey can begin today. Do you want to make positive changes in your life? It is my goal to empower you to live a more joyful, meaningful and loving life. I have been a licensed psychologist for over 30 years. You can view my video by clicking on the website button under my picture.
Your healing journey can begin today. Do you want to make positive changes in your life? It is my goal to empower you to live a more joyful, meaningful and loving life. I have been a licensed psychologist for over 30 years. You can view my video by clicking on the website button under my picture.
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I often find our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I often find our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Jessica Taylor Vara
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, CA 94010 (Online Only)
People don’t know it, but behind closed doors, perfectionism and the pressure to hold it all together weigh heavily on you, so you build walls that leave you feeling isolated and drained. Late nights spiral into a familiar battle, where racing thoughts drown out any hope of rest. You feel a constant weight pressing on your chest, as if time itself is slipping away, and there’s never enough—never enough done, never enough rest, never enough of you. Simple joys seem to elude you, muted by the relentless weight of expectations. If only there were a way to quiet the noise and finally feel present, whole, and enough.
People don’t know it, but behind closed doors, perfectionism and the pressure to hold it all together weigh heavily on you, so you build walls that leave you feeling isolated and drained. Late nights spiral into a familiar battle, where racing thoughts drown out any hope of rest. You feel a constant weight pressing on your chest, as if time itself is slipping away, and there’s never enough—never enough done, never enough rest, never enough of you. Simple joys seem to elude you, muted by the relentless weight of expectations. If only there were a way to quiet the noise and finally feel present, whole, and enough.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a bilingual (English/Mandarin) therapist based in SF Bay area. Client comes to see me for more fulfillment in life including depression, anxiety, insomnia, trauma, relationship issues etc,. I have holistic trainings on Gestalt Therapy, Hakomi (somatic) therapy and Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT), which provides me a framework on combining mindfulness, somatic experience and neurobiological studies into my practice. I want to hold a safe space for my clients that they feel supported, cared for, resourced but also challenged, so that they can unfold their own unique way toward healing.
I am a bilingual (English/Mandarin) therapist based in SF Bay area. Client comes to see me for more fulfillment in life including depression, anxiety, insomnia, trauma, relationship issues etc,. I have holistic trainings on Gestalt Therapy, Hakomi (somatic) therapy and Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT), which provides me a framework on combining mindfulness, somatic experience and neurobiological studies into my practice. I want to hold a safe space for my clients that they feel supported, cared for, resourced but also challenged, so that they can unfold their own unique way toward healing.
I use a number of orientations, from Gestalt and Narrative Therapy, to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy, to build a relationship based on trust, communication, and my knowledge and expertise, to facilitate change.
Therapy can be uncomfortable, and challenging for folks because it causes them to confront unpleasant emotions or memories. Therapy can be helpful because those unpleasant things are often making people's lives difficult, and therapy can help create a place to better understand and deal with those uncomfortable things. I find that I work best with clients that want to address things that make them uncomfortable, but don't know how to do so, or are reluctant to do it alone.
I use a number of orientations, from Gestalt and Narrative Therapy, to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy, to build a relationship based on trust, communication, and my knowledge and expertise, to facilitate change.
Therapy can be uncomfortable, and challenging for folks because it causes them to confront unpleasant emotions or memories. Therapy can be helpful because those unpleasant things are often making people's lives difficult, and therapy can help create a place to better understand and deal with those uncomfortable things. I find that I work best with clients that want to address things that make them uncomfortable, but don't know how to do so, or are reluctant to do it alone.
As a psychotherapist, I work with individuals and couples addressing issues such as relationship stressors, self-esteem, stress management and self-awareness. Often, people think that being referred to or seeking MFT services means that there is something "wrong" with them, but this is not what marriage and family therapy is about. My approach looks at problems within a relational context, not as problems that lie within the person. I will explore risks and challenges, as well as strengths and resources, to assist individuals and families in managing the particular issues they are facing.
As a psychotherapist, I work with individuals and couples addressing issues such as relationship stressors, self-esteem, stress management and self-awareness. Often, people think that being referred to or seeking MFT services means that there is something "wrong" with them, but this is not what marriage and family therapy is about. My approach looks at problems within a relational context, not as problems that lie within the person. I will explore risks and challenges, as well as strengths and resources, to assist individuals and families in managing the particular issues they are facing.
Catherine de Sauvage
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
Do you struggle with intimacy, sexual desire or trauma ? Let me help you reconnect with your core desire in a simple way. Sexuality can be a wonderful topic to explore. I will create a safe environment where you are the leader of your own journey, and where you are invited to renegotiate sexual challenges, stress and trauma at your own pace. I have a holistic approach: exploring body, heart, mind & spirituality. Together, we can find the most effective way to regain your full potential in intimacy and relationships. I am a Certified sex therapist, this means I studied an extra 3 years to better support you.
Do you struggle with intimacy, sexual desire or trauma ? Let me help you reconnect with your core desire in a simple way. Sexuality can be a wonderful topic to explore. I will create a safe environment where you are the leader of your own journey, and where you are invited to renegotiate sexual challenges, stress and trauma at your own pace. I have a holistic approach: exploring body, heart, mind & spirituality. Together, we can find the most effective way to regain your full potential in intimacy and relationships. I am a Certified sex therapist, this means I studied an extra 3 years to better support you.
Dr. Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
Kyoko Tsuchiya
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401
Are you feeling stuck in your life, your relationships or your job, or going through challenging life transitions? I strongly believe that we all have tremendous capacity for change, growth and healing. Drawing upon my professional training in body-oriented psychotherapy and decades of meditation practice, I can assist you in quieting your mind and taping into your own truth, strengths and wisdom within. Psychotherapy that integrates body, mind and spirit can help you move beyond the problems to release the creative energy, optimism and hope necessary to lead you to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Are you feeling stuck in your life, your relationships or your job, or going through challenging life transitions? I strongly believe that we all have tremendous capacity for change, growth and healing. Drawing upon my professional training in body-oriented psychotherapy and decades of meditation practice, I can assist you in quieting your mind and taping into your own truth, strengths and wisdom within. Psychotherapy that integrates body, mind and spirit can help you move beyond the problems to release the creative energy, optimism and hope necessary to lead you to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Elvira Kitrar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94405 (Online Only)
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
My approach to psychotherapy is holistic. I not only treat the "tip of the iceberg" problems, but also address the deeper, "bottom of the ocean," issues. I treat the whole person and honor the mind-body-spirit connections, taking into account the client's cultural, religious and ethnic background, ancestry, race and immigration history. I recognize the complexity of each person's history and circumstances and employ a wide variety of techniques to guide my clients in their self-discovery.
My ideal client seeks support for a spectrum of challenges, including anxiety, depression, identity exploration, life transitions, family dynamics, relational struggles, and career obstacles. Their overarching goals are to lead fulfilling lives marked by healing and personal evolution, striving for understanding, empowerment, and resilience in their journey toward holistic well-being.
My ideal client seeks support for a spectrum of challenges, including anxiety, depression, identity exploration, life transitions, family dynamics, relational struggles, and career obstacles. Their overarching goals are to lead fulfilling lives marked by healing and personal evolution, striving for understanding, empowerment, and resilience in their journey toward holistic well-being.
Kristin Holbrook Donato
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Feel empowered to transform your relationships and become the person you want to be at work, at home, and in your social life. Build extraordinary relationships, recover from toxic ones, navigate difficult life transitions, and learn how to change the reactions and thoughts that are preventing you from getting what you want. I actively participate in your growth process and ensure you feel compassionately held accountable for your goals. Experiences include: former marketing professional, mother, and partner in cultivating a hard-earned, great marriage. As a counselor and coach, I work with couples, individuals, and families.
Feel empowered to transform your relationships and become the person you want to be at work, at home, and in your social life. Build extraordinary relationships, recover from toxic ones, navigate difficult life transitions, and learn how to change the reactions and thoughts that are preventing you from getting what you want. I actively participate in your growth process and ensure you feel compassionately held accountable for your goals. Experiences include: former marketing professional, mother, and partner in cultivating a hard-earned, great marriage. As a counselor and coach, I work with couples, individuals, and families.
I know that finding a therapist can be a daunting task, especially when things are hard enough already! Maybe you are new to therapy or have been struggling for years to resolve anxiety, depression, relationship stress or past hurts and still unable to find relief. For 30 years I have been helping clients work through these and similar issues. Research and experience has taught me that a positive client-therapist relationship is key to a good therapy outcome. We are all authorities on our own life experience. Through active listening and dialogue, I strive to understand and attune to your unique experience with respect and care.
I know that finding a therapist can be a daunting task, especially when things are hard enough already! Maybe you are new to therapy or have been struggling for years to resolve anxiety, depression, relationship stress or past hurts and still unable to find relief. For 30 years I have been helping clients work through these and similar issues. Research and experience has taught me that a positive client-therapist relationship is key to a good therapy outcome. We are all authorities on our own life experience. Through active listening and dialogue, I strive to understand and attune to your unique experience with respect and care.
Christina Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
To live is to feel pain in its various expressions. Our relationships with our family systems are often the blueprint by which we respond to the experience. Certain responses can result in experiences of depression, anxiety, or the habitual urge to numb ourselves. The ability to experience, hold space for, and then release our pain is the path to healing; where your heart & mind stop fighting and arrive together finding acceptance, peace, and understanding. "The climb might be tough and challenging, but the view is worth it. There is a purpose for that pain; you just can’t always see it right away." – Victoria Arlen.
To live is to feel pain in its various expressions. Our relationships with our family systems are often the blueprint by which we respond to the experience. Certain responses can result in experiences of depression, anxiety, or the habitual urge to numb ourselves. The ability to experience, hold space for, and then release our pain is the path to healing; where your heart & mind stop fighting and arrive together finding acceptance, peace, and understanding. "The climb might be tough and challenging, but the view is worth it. There is a purpose for that pain; you just can’t always see it right away." – Victoria Arlen.
As a veteran mental health provider and life strategist, I offer many holistic counseling modalities in various settings: home, workplace, school, university, community. Behavior modification and other treatment approaches have been highly successful for those suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, weight management challenges. Together we explore underlying issues fueling your irrational thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors- keeping you stuck. When applicable, I provide Solution-Focused Therapy by negotiating goals for sustainability; both short and long-term. As an EAP provider I offer organizational consultation in numerous areas: individual, group behavior, leadership, conflict, communication, emotional intelligence, time, stress, anger management, etc. Psychological Testing and Evaluation.
As a veteran mental health provider and life strategist, I offer many holistic counseling modalities in various settings: home, workplace, school, university, community. Behavior modification and other treatment approaches have been highly successful for those suffering from depression, anxiety, anger, emotional regulation, weight management challenges. Together we explore underlying issues fueling your irrational thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors- keeping you stuck. When applicable, I provide Solution-Focused Therapy by negotiating goals for sustainability; both short and long-term. As an EAP provider I offer organizational consultation in numerous areas: individual, group behavior, leadership, conflict, communication, emotional intelligence, time, stress, anger management, etc. Psychological Testing and Evaluation.
Ritu Sood - Center For Mindful Psychotherapy
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401
I offer a safe and compassionate space for individuals and couples in their healing process. Life can get difficult sometimes as we try to juggle the demands of the external world while finding internal balance and harmony. We can carry the pain inflicted on us due to circumstances, or by others. And sometimes it is just a feeling of wanting something more from life than what seems feasible. These experiences can leave us feeling isolated and disconnected from our sense of aliveness, joy and creativity. I support my clients on their journey towards creating a more satisfying life that feels wholesome both internally and externally.
I offer a safe and compassionate space for individuals and couples in their healing process. Life can get difficult sometimes as we try to juggle the demands of the external world while finding internal balance and harmony. We can carry the pain inflicted on us due to circumstances, or by others. And sometimes it is just a feeling of wanting something more from life than what seems feasible. These experiences can leave us feeling isolated and disconnected from our sense of aliveness, joy and creativity. I support my clients on their journey towards creating a more satisfying life that feels wholesome both internally and externally.
I offer Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, and Clinical Supervision virtually in California and Rhode Island. For over a decade I have enjoyed providing counseling and therapeutic services to individuals, couples and families going through a wide range of experiences. Each unique individual has been a privilege to get to know. I love the work I do and would thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to get to know you and see if I could be a good fit for you!
I offer Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, and Clinical Supervision virtually in California and Rhode Island. For over a decade I have enjoyed providing counseling and therapeutic services to individuals, couples and families going through a wide range of experiences. Each unique individual has been a privilege to get to know. I love the work I do and would thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to get to know you and see if I could be a good fit for you!
I am passionate about helping couples craft deeply nourishing and caring relationships. In our meetings we learn the skills required for loving another person well: good communication, problem solving and repair. We explore what it means for each person to feel loved and cared for and work toward a dance that honors each members unique preferences. I also help couples have important conversations about crafting a mutually satisfying shared vision of what a meaningful life is as romantic partners, parents and community members. We work on healing from painful past ruptures such as infidelity, substance use and frequent fighting.
I am passionate about helping couples craft deeply nourishing and caring relationships. In our meetings we learn the skills required for loving another person well: good communication, problem solving and repair. We explore what it means for each person to feel loved and cared for and work toward a dance that honors each members unique preferences. I also help couples have important conversations about crafting a mutually satisfying shared vision of what a meaningful life is as romantic partners, parents and community members. We work on healing from painful past ruptures such as infidelity, substance use and frequent fighting.
Hi and welcome! My name is Traysi Flores and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe that therapy is a unique experience; an hour of your time in which you are able to slow down, self-reflect, look at experiences through a different lens, and focus on navigating difficult emotions and experiences in a way that fosters healing and growth. I've found that my approach is most effective with young adults and millennials facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, navigating difficult life transitions, self-esteem issues, and developmental trauma.
Hi and welcome! My name is Traysi Flores and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe that therapy is a unique experience; an hour of your time in which you are able to slow down, self-reflect, look at experiences through a different lens, and focus on navigating difficult emotions and experiences in a way that fosters healing and growth. I've found that my approach is most effective with young adults and millennials facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, navigating difficult life transitions, self-esteem issues, and developmental trauma.
See more therapy options for Hillsborough
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Hillsborough
- Alameda
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Daly City
- Foster City
- Pacifica
- Redwood City
- San Bruno
- San Carlos
- San Mateo
- South San Francisco
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.