Feminist Therapists in Los Altos, CA

Photo of Amy Markoff Johnson, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Amy Markoff Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
My passion and purpose is working with survivors of complex relational trauma. You may be living with the effects of infidelity, domestic violence, sexual abuse, or addiction, or the stress of parenting a child with a chronic illness or disability. Or you may be seeking a therapist for your pre-teen or adolescent who is experiencing anxiety, family stress, or feeling they don't fit in with peers. You may also be a member of a marginalized group affected by systemic traumas. These kinds of relational wounds require relational healing. I will work with you to build a safe, supportive space for this healing work in therapy.
My passion and purpose is working with survivors of complex relational trauma. You may be living with the effects of infidelity, domestic violence, sexual abuse, or addiction, or the stress of parenting a child with a chronic illness or disability. Or you may be seeking a therapist for your pre-teen or adolescent who is experiencing anxiety, family stress, or feeling they don't fit in with peers. You may also be a member of a marginalized group affected by systemic traumas. These kinds of relational wounds require relational healing. I will work with you to build a safe, supportive space for this healing work in therapy.
(650) 582-3072 View (650) 582-3072
Photo of Christina Chick, PhD, Psychologist
Christina Chick
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My guiding principle is that every one of my clients deserves to experience joy, meaning, connection and fulfillment. Depression, anxiety, trauma and challenging interpersonal dynamics can obscure and frustrate this pursuit. As a therapist, I partner with each of my clients to manage these obstacles and help them experience the fulfilling lives that they deserve. I am also a clinical supervisor of new therapists, so I have lots of experience and training to draw on.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My guiding principle is that every one of my clients deserves to experience joy, meaning, connection and fulfillment. Depression, anxiety, trauma and challenging interpersonal dynamics can obscure and frustrate this pursuit. As a therapist, I partner with each of my clients to manage these obstacles and help them experience the fulfilling lives that they deserve. I am also a clinical supervisor of new therapists, so I have lots of experience and training to draw on.
(650) 203-2376 View (650) 203-2376
Photo of Theresa Maria Allocco, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theresa Maria Allocco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
With over 15 years of licensed experience providing therapy in the state of California, I have treated a diversity of clients with a wide array of struggles and strengths. We will work together to create a solid plan that meets your needs using therapeutic techniques that the research has shown will help make improvements in the shortest amount of time. To put it simply, the people I meet with for individual or couples therapy often get better in a short amount of time. The path to "better" looks different for each person/couple and I enjoy figuring that puzzle out.
With over 15 years of licensed experience providing therapy in the state of California, I have treated a diversity of clients with a wide array of struggles and strengths. We will work together to create a solid plan that meets your needs using therapeutic techniques that the research has shown will help make improvements in the shortest amount of time. To put it simply, the people I meet with for individual or couples therapy often get better in a short amount of time. The path to "better" looks different for each person/couple and I enjoy figuring that puzzle out.
(408) 205-8302 View (408) 205-8302
Photo of Quyen Tiet, PhD, Psychologist
Quyen Tiet
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
I was trained at Yale and Columbia University. I was a professor at Columbia University and Stanford University (15 years). Currently, I am a Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in CA and NY and I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and on extremely challenging issues. In addition to my clinical experiences, my knowledge from many years of teaching also enables me to work with your unique preferences and personality. I focus on your strengths to maximize your gains in therapy.
I was trained at Yale and Columbia University. I was a professor at Columbia University and Stanford University (15 years). Currently, I am a Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in CA and NY and I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and on extremely challenging issues. In addition to my clinical experiences, my knowledge from many years of teaching also enables me to work with your unique preferences and personality. I focus on your strengths to maximize your gains in therapy.
(650) 822-0885 View (650) 822-0885
Photo of Rowena Dodson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rowena Dodson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Not accepting new clients
I work with individual adult clients who are motivated to make changes (small and sometimes large) to feel better. There are ways that we may keep ourselves stuck in patterns that are not working. Our work together will help you identify and change these patterns; and to be more fully alive and aligned with your deeper values and goals. The Bay Area can be very stressful, making it more difficult to find balance. It helps tremendously to have a space where you can safely examine how you're doing and what you might want to change.
I work with individual adult clients who are motivated to make changes (small and sometimes large) to feel better. There are ways that we may keep ourselves stuck in patterns that are not working. Our work together will help you identify and change these patterns; and to be more fully alive and aligned with your deeper values and goals. The Bay Area can be very stressful, making it more difficult to find balance. It helps tremendously to have a space where you can safely examine how you're doing and what you might want to change.
(650) 899-8265 View (650) 899-8265
Photo of Eric FitzMedrud, PhD, Psychologist
Eric FitzMedrud
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
You want to reignite connection and passion with your partner. The distance between you seems vast and has been there for so long that you don't know how to bridge it anymore. The love between the two of you used to be strong but you don't know how to bring it back. You know you both played a role in creating the distance. You want to fix it but you aren't sure about your partner. You'd like to try therapy but you need someone sharp enough to keep up with you.
You want to reignite connection and passion with your partner. The distance between you seems vast and has been there for so long that you don't know how to bridge it anymore. The love between the two of you used to be strong but you don't know how to bring it back. You know you both played a role in creating the distance. You want to fix it but you aren't sure about your partner. You'd like to try therapy but you need someone sharp enough to keep up with you.
(650) 385-8817 View (650) 385-8817
Photo of Angela A Sowa, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angela A Sowa
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Waitlist for new clients
While some individuals enter therapy with acute distress and specific problems that need to be addressed; others have a more vague feeling of discontent. In either case, the self-exploration of analytic work is meant to expand the way one thinks and feels. Learning to think creatively is one way to describe the goal of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. WIth guidance, an individual learns to hold the tension of multiple perspectives/emotions resulting in a flexibility of thinking that involves both analytic and imaginative parts of the mind. This "full thinking" can be applied to personal life issues, relationships and creative pursuits.
While some individuals enter therapy with acute distress and specific problems that need to be addressed; others have a more vague feeling of discontent. In either case, the self-exploration of analytic work is meant to expand the way one thinks and feels. Learning to think creatively is one way to describe the goal of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. WIth guidance, an individual learns to hold the tension of multiple perspectives/emotions resulting in a flexibility of thinking that involves both analytic and imaginative parts of the mind. This "full thinking" can be applied to personal life issues, relationships and creative pursuits.
(650) 381-9588 View (650) 381-9588
Photo of Monica Elden, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monica Elden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Are you wondering how to stop feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Is perfectionism leading to burnt-out & lack of fulfillment? Maybe it feels like something is missing in your life & you're not sure what or where to start. If things get worse, you've become depressed or anxious. I believe you are more resilient than you know. I help overworked professionals learn to slow down and find their way back to joy. I know transformation happens when you feel connected, safe, and understood. Together we craft unique mindful practices to support your well-being. Working with me, you’ll design a self-care tool kit for the soul.
Are you wondering how to stop feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Is perfectionism leading to burnt-out & lack of fulfillment? Maybe it feels like something is missing in your life & you're not sure what or where to start. If things get worse, you've become depressed or anxious. I believe you are more resilient than you know. I help overworked professionals learn to slow down and find their way back to joy. I know transformation happens when you feel connected, safe, and understood. Together we craft unique mindful practices to support your well-being. Working with me, you’ll design a self-care tool kit for the soul.
(415) 639-3539 View (415) 639-3539
Photo of Jayn Rajandran - Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
(650) 727-1761 View (650) 727-1761
Photo of Catherine Crawford, MFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Catherine Crawford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ATR
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
I bring empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience to my holistic work with adults, children and teens. You are unique and my intent is to listen for your strengths and build on the positive as we gently remove blocks, trauma, thoughts, stressors and old relationship patterns that are holding you back. My style is warm and interactive and I incorporate my own intuition and creativity as I help people to make meaningful life changes.
I bring empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience to my holistic work with adults, children and teens. You are unique and my intent is to listen for your strengths and build on the positive as we gently remove blocks, trauma, thoughts, stressors and old relationship patterns that are holding you back. My style is warm and interactive and I incorporate my own intuition and creativity as I help people to make meaningful life changes.
(650) 918-6909 View (650) 918-6909
Photo of Serenity Serseción, PhD, Psychologist
Serenity Serseción
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
Dr. Serseción is a genderqueer, Latinx, a licensed psychologist with 15+ years of experience as a therapist. Dr. Serseción is a native Spanish speaker from Puerto Rico, providing treatment in English and Spanish. In addition, Dr. Sersecion provides workshops on various topics such as cultural humility, and working with diverse populations. They work with the following communities: LGBTQ+ population, polyamory community, Latinx community, DID/ plural community, geek community, video game community, and various others.
Dr. Serseción is a genderqueer, Latinx, a licensed psychologist with 15+ years of experience as a therapist. Dr. Serseción is a native Spanish speaker from Puerto Rico, providing treatment in English and Spanish. In addition, Dr. Sersecion provides workshops on various topics such as cultural humility, and working with diverse populations. They work with the following communities: LGBTQ+ population, polyamory community, Latinx community, DID/ plural community, geek community, video game community, and various others.
(650) 946-1649 View (650) 946-1649
Photo of Christopher Sato-Perry, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Christopher Sato-Perry
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
(650) 440-7197 View (650) 440-7197
Photo of Laura Goossens, MA, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Goossens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
Hello! I’m Laura. I'm passionate about helping people improve their Present by addressing their Past. People describe my style as collaborative, warm, direct, goal-focused, patient, and thorough. I help clients in their work toward self-esteem, healthy relationships, grounded communication, stress management, improved mood, and access to services/resources. Communities I belong to and am experienced in serving: disabled/chronic illness, sex positive, kink/polyam/alternative lifestyle, genderqueer, fat positive, and neurodivergent folks. Happy to serve folks from other groups too of course! I offer a 30-minute free video intro call.
Hello! I’m Laura. I'm passionate about helping people improve their Present by addressing their Past. People describe my style as collaborative, warm, direct, goal-focused, patient, and thorough. I help clients in their work toward self-esteem, healthy relationships, grounded communication, stress management, improved mood, and access to services/resources. Communities I belong to and am experienced in serving: disabled/chronic illness, sex positive, kink/polyam/alternative lifestyle, genderqueer, fat positive, and neurodivergent folks. Happy to serve folks from other groups too of course! I offer a 30-minute free video intro call.
(510) 439-0243 View (510) 439-0243
Photo of Amy Elizabeth Greene, MA, LMHC, EMDR, Counselor
Amy Elizabeth Greene
Counselor, MA, LMHC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Here we go again, another day of feeling overwhelmed, on edge, tense in your stomach, aches & pains in your body with intrusive, racing thoughts that feel like they have hijacked your brain. Are you frustrated that you can't seem to reach your goals and dreams in career or relationships despite your best efforts & intentions, like something is blocking you? Feel like you don't fit in, "too sensitive or overly emotional"? Do you absorb the energy around you? Do you want to help others with their pain, yet you neglect your own problems? You are at war with an invisible enemy, tired of watching life go by while you are missing out.
Here we go again, another day of feeling overwhelmed, on edge, tense in your stomach, aches & pains in your body with intrusive, racing thoughts that feel like they have hijacked your brain. Are you frustrated that you can't seem to reach your goals and dreams in career or relationships despite your best efforts & intentions, like something is blocking you? Feel like you don't fit in, "too sensitive or overly emotional"? Do you absorb the energy around you? Do you want to help others with their pain, yet you neglect your own problems? You are at war with an invisible enemy, tired of watching life go by while you are missing out.
(786) 686-1062 View (786) 686-1062
Photo of Serene Shibly, MA, APCC
Serene Shibly
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
I see clients through, AMALY, a nonprofit mental health organization that focuses on multicultural therapy. I have worked with a diverse age range from children, teenagers, all the way to older adults from many cultural backgrounds. I value incorporating various identities and roles her clients hold into her clinical work. I have a passion for women's issues and intergenerational trauma. I believe in breaking down barriers and stigma, connecting spirituality to mental health, and healing in nature.
I see clients through, AMALY, a nonprofit mental health organization that focuses on multicultural therapy. I have worked with a diverse age range from children, teenagers, all the way to older adults from many cultural backgrounds. I value incorporating various identities and roles her clients hold into her clinical work. I have a passion for women's issues and intergenerational trauma. I believe in breaking down barriers and stigma, connecting spirituality to mental health, and healing in nature.
(619) 505-3750 View (619) 505-3750
Photo of Pam Shaffer - Best Self Psych, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Best Self Psych
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
Best Self Psych is a group of ENM, kink, and LGBTQ+ affirmative licensed and associate therapists in Los Angeles and we help people who are experiencing difficulty in their relationships and professional lives. Our practice specializes in specialities include helping people who are struggling with the effects of depression, anxiety, C-PTSD and ADHD.
Best Self Psych is a group of ENM, kink, and LGBTQ+ affirmative licensed and associate therapists in Los Angeles and we help people who are experiencing difficulty in their relationships and professional lives. Our practice specializes in specialities include helping people who are struggling with the effects of depression, anxiety, C-PTSD and ADHD.
(323) 894-9572 View (323) 894-9572
Photo of Elsa Rojas, PhD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Elsa Rojas
Psychologist, PhD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Not accepting new clients
Finding the right therapist can be a difficult task. I hope to make that easier by telling you about myself and my approach. I received my doctorate in Counseling Psychology, a branch of psychology that takes into account the role of various cultural and environmental factors that shape each of us. This means that my approach to therapy is individualized and integrates information about your unique circumstances with my training in several different evidence-based treatments. My goal is to provide a safe environment where you can learn new techniques to cope with stress, build a life you value, and process difficult emotions.
Finding the right therapist can be a difficult task. I hope to make that easier by telling you about myself and my approach. I received my doctorate in Counseling Psychology, a branch of psychology that takes into account the role of various cultural and environmental factors that shape each of us. This means that my approach to therapy is individualized and integrates information about your unique circumstances with my training in several different evidence-based treatments. My goal is to provide a safe environment where you can learn new techniques to cope with stress, build a life you value, and process difficult emotions.
(650) 600-7457 View (650) 600-7457
Photo of Edia Tzadikario, PhD, MA, CGP, Psychologist
Edia Tzadikario
Psychologist, PhD, MA, CGP
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
As a seasoned licensed psychologist focusing on relationship issues, I work online with couples, individuals and families of adult children who want to improve their intimate relationships at home as well as their relational skills at work. I believe therapy is most effective when it provides both a safe space for reflection as well as a challenge. Additionally, I think good therapy calls for collaboration, sensitivity, honesty, and most of all having your best interests at heart.
As a seasoned licensed psychologist focusing on relationship issues, I work online with couples, individuals and families of adult children who want to improve their intimate relationships at home as well as their relational skills at work. I believe therapy is most effective when it provides both a safe space for reflection as well as a challenge. Additionally, I think good therapy calls for collaboration, sensitivity, honesty, and most of all having your best interests at heart.
(650) 441-9173 View (650) 441-9173
Photo of Brittney Green, LMFT, EMDR, IFS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittney Green
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR, IFS
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.
Life can feel impossible to avoid struggling and we often don't feel we have the skills to cope successfully through. Unfortunately, sometimes we don't have all the resources we need for a given situation. Parts of us take on desperate roles trying to help us to survive. This might look like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and relationship/family issues. I aim to help you process unresolved issues and feelings and find solutions.
(650) 563-7293 View (650) 563-7293
Photo of J Rothstein, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
J Rothstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
During this time of upheaval, including Covid, political conflict, and environmental challenges, many are feeling pessimistic and overwhelmed. Some are depressed and anxious. Such distress may be layered atop previous struggles with low self-esteem, relationship issues, past trauma, and a loud "inner critic". Perhaps you worry about climate disruption or feel despair about our planetary future. Maybe you imagine you're alone in that feeling, or wonder if there’s anything you can do to impact the problem. At times all the above concerns can lead to negative health behaviors in an effort to cope. Fortunately, solutions are available.
During this time of upheaval, including Covid, political conflict, and environmental challenges, many are feeling pessimistic and overwhelmed. Some are depressed and anxious. Such distress may be layered atop previous struggles with low self-esteem, relationship issues, past trauma, and a loud "inner critic". Perhaps you worry about climate disruption or feel despair about our planetary future. Maybe you imagine you're alone in that feeling, or wonder if there’s anything you can do to impact the problem. At times all the above concerns can lead to negative health behaviors in an effort to cope. Fortunately, solutions are available.
(650) 398-1067 View (650) 398-1067
1
Feminist Therapists

How does feminist therapy work?

Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.

What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?

Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.

How long does feminist therapy last?

As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist 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. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.

Does feminist therapy work?

As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.