Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Kentfield, CA
Therapy is a place to make genuine changes in your life. It is a safe place to evaluate your situation, behavior, and thinking without judgment or reproach. The task is not to label something as right or wrong. It is a chance to make an honest and thorough assessment and claim the values and passions you want to define your life. Change occurs in therapy by clarifying what’s not working for you.
Therapy is a place to make genuine changes in your life. It is a safe place to evaluate your situation, behavior, and thinking without judgment or reproach. The task is not to label something as right or wrong. It is a chance to make an honest and thorough assessment and claim the values and passions you want to define your life. Change occurs in therapy by clarifying what’s not working for you.
Therapy can be a source of tremendous relief and gratification. Unhappiness and anxiety that feel unbearable can lessen and disappear when you have someone who can help you understand the reasons for your suffering. A good therapist can also help you more easily get your mind off upsetting thoughts that preoccupy you. Or if you find yourself acting in self-defeating ways, studying it with a therapist can be of enormous help. Ideally, you will leave an initial consultation with a new way of thinking about the problem that brought you in.
Therapy can be a source of tremendous relief and gratification. Unhappiness and anxiety that feel unbearable can lessen and disappear when you have someone who can help you understand the reasons for your suffering. A good therapist can also help you more easily get your mind off upsetting thoughts that preoccupy you. Or if you find yourself acting in self-defeating ways, studying it with a therapist can be of enormous help. Ideally, you will leave an initial consultation with a new way of thinking about the problem that brought you in.
I believe everything has meaning, even pain. Oftentimes, the function of such suffering feels unclear or arbitrary. My approach to the work seeks to understand the motives and desires (both conscious and unconscious) that are maintaining painful patterns that feel hard to break. Through embarking on this journey together, it becomes easier to face uncomfortable truths that have stifled your growth in some way while gaining new tools for deeper fulfillment. I hope to provide an opportunity to increase insight while relating to yourself and others in a new way that allows for more authenticity, playfulness and connection in your life.
I believe everything has meaning, even pain. Oftentimes, the function of such suffering feels unclear or arbitrary. My approach to the work seeks to understand the motives and desires (both conscious and unconscious) that are maintaining painful patterns that feel hard to break. Through embarking on this journey together, it becomes easier to face uncomfortable truths that have stifled your growth in some way while gaining new tools for deeper fulfillment. I hope to provide an opportunity to increase insight while relating to yourself and others in a new way that allows for more authenticity, playfulness and connection in your life.
Meredith Kornfeld
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
Having successfully overcome my own addiction and mental health issues, I am a firm believer in people's ability to change and improve their lives. I can hold this hope for you until you can hold it for yourself. Working from a strengths-based approach, I specialize in addiction and recovery, self-esteem issues, and couples and family work. I never use a cookie-cutter approach and I pride myself on tailoring the therapy to each client's individual needs and personality.
Having successfully overcome my own addiction and mental health issues, I am a firm believer in people's ability to change and improve their lives. I can hold this hope for you until you can hold it for yourself. Working from a strengths-based approach, I specialize in addiction and recovery, self-esteem issues, and couples and family work. I never use a cookie-cutter approach and I pride myself on tailoring the therapy to each client's individual needs and personality.
Sometimes things are not quite working as we had hoped in our lives or relationships, or we feel stuck, confused or sad and we’re not sure what to do about it. Perhaps you’ve contemplated speaking to a therapist about your struggles or considered couples therapy with your partner but, naturally, feel hesitant. Reaching out to a psychologist is a big step that can have a positive impact on our current challenges, our relationships and on our lives as a whole. While we can do some part of untangling our conflicts on our own or with thoughtful friends, a deep healing process is one that often requires an experienced professional.
Sometimes things are not quite working as we had hoped in our lives or relationships, or we feel stuck, confused or sad and we’re not sure what to do about it. Perhaps you’ve contemplated speaking to a therapist about your struggles or considered couples therapy with your partner but, naturally, feel hesitant. Reaching out to a psychologist is a big step that can have a positive impact on our current challenges, our relationships and on our lives as a whole. While we can do some part of untangling our conflicts on our own or with thoughtful friends, a deep healing process is one that often requires an experienced professional.
Carly Clifford Bloom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
Emotions are adaptive responses to life, yet many of us struggle with identifying and expressing them. Early on we are taught which emotions are acceptable and which to avoid (e.g., “Be happy!”, “Don’t cry!”, or “Don’t you dare be angry with me.”). We quickly learn which emotions are safe to feel and which cause problem, leading us to use various mental tricks to bypass the troublesome ones. The issue is that emotional energy doesn’t just disappear. It gets bottled up and stored in the body, and the mind uses anxiety, shame, guilt, and distraction/numbing behaviors to keep the energy suppressed and out of conscious awareness.
Emotions are adaptive responses to life, yet many of us struggle with identifying and expressing them. Early on we are taught which emotions are acceptable and which to avoid (e.g., “Be happy!”, “Don’t cry!”, or “Don’t you dare be angry with me.”). We quickly learn which emotions are safe to feel and which cause problem, leading us to use various mental tricks to bypass the troublesome ones. The issue is that emotional energy doesn’t just disappear. It gets bottled up and stored in the body, and the mind uses anxiety, shame, guilt, and distraction/numbing behaviors to keep the energy suppressed and out of conscious awareness.
I treat adults as well as adolescents and children, most frequently through individual therapy. I also work with couples. I work with people with a wide range of problems and especially enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety in relationships or at work . I also enjoy working with people who are unhappy and don't know why, and people who are repeating self-defeating patterns they feel unable to change. Meeting with a well-trained and experienced therapist can be a powerful and effective way of strengthening one's confidence and developing a personal sense of control over one's life.
I treat adults as well as adolescents and children, most frequently through individual therapy. I also work with couples. I work with people with a wide range of problems and especially enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety in relationships or at work . I also enjoy working with people who are unhappy and don't know why, and people who are repeating self-defeating patterns they feel unable to change. Meeting with a well-trained and experienced therapist can be a powerful and effective way of strengthening one's confidence and developing a personal sense of control over one's life.
Michael W Vurek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94914
Waitlist for new clients
Despite huge advances in modern technologies to extend life expectancy and increase physical comfort we have made only modest progress in relieving human psychological suffering that manifests as mood disorders and anxiety. It appears that many of our attempts to "fix" ourselves frequently backfire. My approach is highly collaborative and uses the most up to date discoveries in the field of behavioral science to help you "have a mind without your mind having you". Together we can help you gain flexibility that reduces suffering and learn skills that increase values-based living.
Despite huge advances in modern technologies to extend life expectancy and increase physical comfort we have made only modest progress in relieving human psychological suffering that manifests as mood disorders and anxiety. It appears that many of our attempts to "fix" ourselves frequently backfire. My approach is highly collaborative and uses the most up to date discoveries in the field of behavioral science to help you "have a mind without your mind having you". Together we can help you gain flexibility that reduces suffering and learn skills that increase values-based living.
Lee Townsend
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, he/him
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904
I provide culturally sensitive, empirically validated psychotherapy services to individuals, couples and families, ranging from adolescents to seniors. I am committed to the therapeutic process as a collaborative journey and consider it a great privilege to be entrusted with my clients' most deeply-held thoughts and feelings. I am actively engaged with those who are grappling with issues of anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship problems, life transitions, trauma, interpersonal difficulties and creative blocks, addressing my client's concerns in a humanistic and holistic manner that transcends preoccupation with pathology to work toward a life of deep meaning, creativity and interpersonal fulfillment.
I provide culturally sensitive, empirically validated psychotherapy services to individuals, couples and families, ranging from adolescents to seniors. I am committed to the therapeutic process as a collaborative journey and consider it a great privilege to be entrusted with my clients' most deeply-held thoughts and feelings. I am actively engaged with those who are grappling with issues of anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship problems, life transitions, trauma, interpersonal difficulties and creative blocks, addressing my client's concerns in a humanistic and holistic manner that transcends preoccupation with pathology to work toward a life of deep meaning, creativity and interpersonal fulfillment.
After 30 years of doing psychotherapy with individuals and families, I am shifting to providing psychological assessments with children, teens, and adults. I currently have a waiting list for psychological assessments. My approach is thorough and affordable. Please call today for a free one-hour consultation.
After 30 years of doing psychotherapy with individuals and families, I am shifting to providing psychological assessments with children, teens, and adults. I currently have a waiting list for psychological assessments. My approach is thorough and affordable. Please call today for a free one-hour consultation.
I hope you will consider me a trusted ally in your journey to personal and professional growth. My mission is to provide you with the tools and support needed to create a life filled with joy and fulfillment. I believe in the power of genuine connection and practical guidance to help you navigate through life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
I hope you will consider me a trusted ally in your journey to personal and professional growth. My mission is to provide you with the tools and support needed to create a life filled with joy and fulfillment. I believe in the power of genuine connection and practical guidance to help you navigate through life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Golda Michelson, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kentfield, CA 94904 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you finding that your relationships are not working so well? It can be your relationship to yourself (just not feeling good about your self), your relationship to work (such as difficulties with co-workers or a boss), or your relationships with your family and/ or partner or friends. I believe that we are always striving to move towards personal growth and health. Our work is to remove these blocks with compassion and understanding so that you can achieve the changes that you want to make. My style is an interactive,individualized one with warmth, support, insight and humor.
Are you finding that your relationships are not working so well? It can be your relationship to yourself (just not feeling good about your self), your relationship to work (such as difficulties with co-workers or a boss), or your relationships with your family and/ or partner or friends. I believe that we are always striving to move towards personal growth and health. Our work is to remove these blocks with compassion and understanding so that you can achieve the changes that you want to make. My style is an interactive,individualized one with warmth, support, insight and humor.
More Therapists Nearby
Welcome! I look forward to speaking with you about my practice and the services that I offer. I provide warm and supportive therapy in which the individuals I work with feel cared for and understood. I work collaboratively with you to reach your treatment goals, I specialize in Addiction, Dual Diagnosis(Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders), Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Domestic Violence. I provide 24/7 availability for current clients who are in crisis.
Welcome! I look forward to speaking with you about my practice and the services that I offer. I provide warm and supportive therapy in which the individuals I work with feel cared for and understood. I work collaboratively with you to reach your treatment goals, I specialize in Addiction, Dual Diagnosis(Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders), Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Domestic Violence. I provide 24/7 availability for current clients who are in crisis.
My specialties include: Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Depression.
I provide DBT, and general psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, families and couples in my San Francisco and Marin practices. For the past 20 years I have helped people transform, creating the lives they want to live. Stylistically I am warm, thoughtful, and engaged creating a non-judgmental safe environment.
My specialties include: Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Social Anxiety and Depression.
I provide DBT, and general psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, families and couples in my San Francisco and Marin practices. For the past 20 years I have helped people transform, creating the lives they want to live. Stylistically I am warm, thoughtful, and engaged creating a non-judgmental safe environment.
With 20+ years of experience, I work with individual adults, teens, couples and families using a relational model integrating DBT, family systems and self-compassion perspectives. I can help you build an increased understanding of yourself and learn new ways to cope with life’s challenges, big or small. Whether you are struggling with a recent transition or have been experiencing severe symptoms for some time I am here to help. Having worked in subacute psychiatric settings for many years I am skilled at helping clients and their families understand and manage behaviors and symptoms that some other clinicians are hesitant to treat.
With 20+ years of experience, I work with individual adults, teens, couples and families using a relational model integrating DBT, family systems and self-compassion perspectives. I can help you build an increased understanding of yourself and learn new ways to cope with life’s challenges, big or small. Whether you are struggling with a recent transition or have been experiencing severe symptoms for some time I am here to help. Having worked in subacute psychiatric settings for many years I am skilled at helping clients and their families understand and manage behaviors and symptoms that some other clinicians are hesitant to treat.
Hello! I went into Clinical Social Work after a brief career in marketing and have been licensed and practicing in this field for the past 20 years. I was trained in the Strengths-Based model of social work. I consider my therapeutic approach to be Transpersonal in that I focus on mind, body, and spiritual elements in improving our mental health and wellness. I work with clients to determine their thought patterns and incorporate somatic practice and mindfulness to enhance well-being. I have worked extensively with addictions and helped clients find the approach to habits that will best serve them.
Hello! I went into Clinical Social Work after a brief career in marketing and have been licensed and practicing in this field for the past 20 years. I was trained in the Strengths-Based model of social work. I consider my therapeutic approach to be Transpersonal in that I focus on mind, body, and spiritual elements in improving our mental health and wellness. I work with clients to determine their thought patterns and incorporate somatic practice and mindfulness to enhance well-being. I have worked extensively with addictions and helped clients find the approach to habits that will best serve them.
Dr. Alicia Smart is the founder and clinical director of Guidepost DBT, a center dedicated to providing comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with an emphasis on in-person care. She is also the co-founder and chief training officer at TheraHive.com, a mental health education company that offers online DBT skills groups to a global audience.
Dr. Alicia Smart is the founder and clinical director of Guidepost DBT, a center dedicated to providing comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with an emphasis on in-person care. She is also the co-founder and chief training officer at TheraHive.com, a mental health education company that offers online DBT skills groups to a global audience.
I believe human beings change and develop throughout their life span. In some 30 years of practicing psychotherapy I have come to view most emotional symptoms and all relationship crises as opportunities for re-engaging and supporting aspects of self development.
I was educated in Germany and the US: my professional experience ranges from work in very traditional clinical settings to being a therapist and group facilitator for staff at the Esalen Institute.
I believe human beings change and develop throughout their life span. In some 30 years of practicing psychotherapy I have come to view most emotional symptoms and all relationship crises as opportunities for re-engaging and supporting aspects of self development.
I was educated in Germany and the US: my professional experience ranges from work in very traditional clinical settings to being a therapist and group facilitator for staff at the Esalen Institute.
See more therapy options for Kentfield
Nearby Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists Searches for Kentfield
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Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists
What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.
What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?
Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.
What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?
DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.
What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?
The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.