Emotionally Focused Therapists in Novato, CA
EFT has been shown by the American Psychological Association to be an empirically proven method of couples therapy.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist for couples. In this therapy we re-frame and restructure the emotional experience you have with your partner. We help you move from conflict and disappointment to intimacy and love. We all want to be seen, heard and understood by our partner; to feel our loved one is accessible, responsive and engaged. This therapy, through experiential work in the sessions, accomplishes amazing shifts in the safety, closeness and love felt with your partner. My approach is highly interactive and experiential.
EFT has been shown by the American Psychological Association to be an empirically proven method of couples therapy.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist for couples. In this therapy we re-frame and restructure the emotional experience you have with your partner. We help you move from conflict and disappointment to intimacy and love. We all want to be seen, heard and understood by our partner; to feel our loved one is accessible, responsive and engaged. This therapy, through experiential work in the sessions, accomplishes amazing shifts in the safety, closeness and love felt with your partner. My approach is highly interactive and experiential.
Peter J Sadler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck in a cycle of arguments and blame in your relationship? Suffering over a painful breakup or the discovery of an affair? Preparing to grow your family or become empty nesters? Are you searching for the closeness and intimacy you once shared with your partner? Together in therapy I can help you traverse these difficult relationship situations, and move toward a more connected and vibrant way of life. My approach to working with people is guided by years of specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and helping couples and individuals shift old patterns of communication and deepen their connection.
Do you feel stuck in a cycle of arguments and blame in your relationship? Suffering over a painful breakup or the discovery of an affair? Preparing to grow your family or become empty nesters? Are you searching for the closeness and intimacy you once shared with your partner? Together in therapy I can help you traverse these difficult relationship situations, and move toward a more connected and vibrant way of life. My approach to working with people is guided by years of specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and helping couples and individuals shift old patterns of communication and deepen their connection.
I pull from Gottman and EFT when working with couples.
I have many years of experience and training and feel fortunate to work with adults, couples and teens. I find that most clients come to me when their old ways of coping are no longer working (or they are unhealthy) and the stress is too much! Why do it alone? I hold the hope for my clients when they aren't able.
I pull from Gottman and EFT when working with couples.
I have many years of experience and training and feel fortunate to work with adults, couples and teens. I find that most clients come to me when their old ways of coping are no longer working (or they are unhealthy) and the stress is too much! Why do it alone? I hold the hope for my clients when they aren't able.
Patricia (Pat) T Hromalik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
I have specialized training including Gottman, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Developmental Model of Couples & Functional Family Therapy.
Are you having struggles in your relationships? Or having trouble coping with stress or changes in your life? Perhaps you have suffered a loss or are struggling to come to terms with a past trauma? I have many years of work and life experience that inform my counseling work, especially in helping people manage conflict, deal with stress effectively, manage life transitions, and work on relationships. I understand the challenges of relationships, family dynamics, parenting, career and job issues, grief and loss, illness, divorce, abuse, trauma, suicide, depression and anxiety and self-esteem.
I have specialized training including Gottman, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Developmental Model of Couples & Functional Family Therapy.
Are you having struggles in your relationships? Or having trouble coping with stress or changes in your life? Perhaps you have suffered a loss or are struggling to come to terms with a past trauma? I have many years of work and life experience that inform my counseling work, especially in helping people manage conflict, deal with stress effectively, manage life transitions, and work on relationships. I understand the challenges of relationships, family dynamics, parenting, career and job issues, grief and loss, illness, divorce, abuse, trauma, suicide, depression and anxiety and self-esteem.
Toby Ellen French
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) for Couples is transformative.
It is a truly an exciting time to have the privilege of working with people in family therapy. In the last decade, advances made in understanding the connection of mind, body and spirit give us wonderful tools for building satisfying relationships with ourselves and others. During my 25 years in practice, I have learned the importance of listening carefully and responding with compassion I see it as my job to create a safe and respectful relationship with you. From this ground, we work, at your pace, with whatever issues unfold. In our work together, you will increase your awareness and authenticity.
Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) for Couples is transformative.
It is a truly an exciting time to have the privilege of working with people in family therapy. In the last decade, advances made in understanding the connection of mind, body and spirit give us wonderful tools for building satisfying relationships with ourselves and others. During my 25 years in practice, I have learned the importance of listening carefully and responding with compassion I see it as my job to create a safe and respectful relationship with you. From this ground, we work, at your pace, with whatever issues unfold. In our work together, you will increase your awareness and authenticity.
Lourdes Vargas-Bogardus
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947 (Online Only)
I utilize the Emotional Focused Therapy ( EFT) approach to Couples' Therapy.
Perhaps you are going through a life transition and need support sorting things out. Maybe you are feeling anxious or depressed and this is bogging you down. Are you having difficulty visualizing a better life for yourself? Is your sense of self worth suffering? Maybe you are experiencing strained relationships with family or friends; or you may have a nagging feeling that major changes are needed. Let's talk; you don't have to go through this alone.
I utilize the Emotional Focused Therapy ( EFT) approach to Couples' Therapy.
Perhaps you are going through a life transition and need support sorting things out. Maybe you are feeling anxious or depressed and this is bogging you down. Are you having difficulty visualizing a better life for yourself? Is your sense of self worth suffering? Maybe you are experiencing strained relationships with family or friends; or you may have a nagging feeling that major changes are needed. Let's talk; you don't have to go through this alone.
Ryan Gertz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
I have an integrative approach of Parts Work, Somatic Focusing, Jungian, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Dream Work, EFT ( emotionally focused couples therapy) as well as CBT, coaching, with an emphasis on the whole aliveness of ones life.
I provide support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of meaning, authenticity and agency in their lives. Challenges I work with are trauma( PTSD & CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
I have an integrative approach of Parts Work, Somatic Focusing, Jungian, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Dream Work, EFT ( emotionally focused couples therapy) as well as CBT, coaching, with an emphasis on the whole aliveness of ones life.
I provide support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of meaning, authenticity and agency in their lives. Challenges I work with are trauma( PTSD & CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
Robyn McKenzie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that every person has the capacity to achieve growth at any stage of life. My passion is to support my clients in gaining insight into their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors in order to effect lasting change and move toward a more satisfying life. My therapy style is warm, empathic, active, and practical. I believe therapy works best when there is a strong, collaborative relationship between client and therapist. You are the expert on your own life, and my goal is to partner with you to learn about your experiences and bring my own perspective and expertise to help discover how therapy can most benefit you.
I believe that every person has the capacity to achieve growth at any stage of life. My passion is to support my clients in gaining insight into their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and behaviors in order to effect lasting change and move toward a more satisfying life. My therapy style is warm, empathic, active, and practical. I believe therapy works best when there is a strong, collaborative relationship between client and therapist. You are the expert on your own life, and my goal is to partner with you to learn about your experiences and bring my own perspective and expertise to help discover how therapy can most benefit you.
Allison Prine
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
You deserve to experience a life that is authentic, connected, and rich with meaning. It takes courage to rewrite your story from a place of disconnection, struggle, and fear, transforming it into a narrative full of empowerment, growth, and healing. Whether you are struggling with balance and identity in new parenthood, grieving infertility or pregnancy loss, processing your own neurodivergence, parenting a child with complex needs, grappling with the anxiety of being a millennial navigating the impact of life transitions on your relationships, career, and purpose in this overwhelming world, I am here to hold space for you.
You deserve to experience a life that is authentic, connected, and rich with meaning. It takes courage to rewrite your story from a place of disconnection, struggle, and fear, transforming it into a narrative full of empowerment, growth, and healing. Whether you are struggling with balance and identity in new parenthood, grieving infertility or pregnancy loss, processing your own neurodivergence, parenting a child with complex needs, grappling with the anxiety of being a millennial navigating the impact of life transitions on your relationships, career, and purpose in this overwhelming world, I am here to hold space for you.
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 40 years, and bring an eclectic blend of psychodynamic, neuropsychological, mindfulness-based and cognitive theoretical frameworks to my work. My emphasis is on creating a safe and compassionate environment for the healing of a wide range emotional and relationship issues, making every effort to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual(s) seeking my help. My work with couples focues on a positive approach to differences, providing insight, improving communication and increasing empathy. I am open to referrals of individuals, couples, families, adolescents and adults.
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 40 years, and bring an eclectic blend of psychodynamic, neuropsychological, mindfulness-based and cognitive theoretical frameworks to my work. My emphasis is on creating a safe and compassionate environment for the healing of a wide range emotional and relationship issues, making every effort to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual(s) seeking my help. My work with couples focues on a positive approach to differences, providing insight, improving communication and increasing empathy. I am open to referrals of individuals, couples, families, adolescents and adults.
Sue Kessner
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949 (Online Only)
Welcome to Serenity Psychotherapy. Feeling Stressed? Overwhelmed by Challenges in your Life? Living life on life's terms is not always easy. The stresses of daily living often encroach on our happiness and serenity. Learning to have a solution focused and positive perspective on life's challenges through psychotherapy can change your life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance for you or your children, or you're ready to move in a new direction in your life, I can help you to free up your life!
Welcome to Serenity Psychotherapy. Feeling Stressed? Overwhelmed by Challenges in your Life? Living life on life's terms is not always easy. The stresses of daily living often encroach on our happiness and serenity. Learning to have a solution focused and positive perspective on life's challenges through psychotherapy can change your life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance for you or your children, or you're ready to move in a new direction in your life, I can help you to free up your life!
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Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious? Are you struggling with confidently meeting life's obstacles? I have been able to help where others have failed. My 38 years in practice, training and life experience allows me to provide a warm and deeply caring connection which is necessary for healing. I am very interested in meeting you and assisting in your transformation to the happy, healthy, connected person you always hoped you would be. Over the years I have discovered that therapy is the beginning in having a truly authentic and happy existence. I can also assist you in developing a daily practice of mindfulness.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious? Are you struggling with confidently meeting life's obstacles? I have been able to help where others have failed. My 38 years in practice, training and life experience allows me to provide a warm and deeply caring connection which is necessary for healing. I am very interested in meeting you and assisting in your transformation to the happy, healthy, connected person you always hoped you would be. Over the years I have discovered that therapy is the beginning in having a truly authentic and happy existence. I can also assist you in developing a daily practice of mindfulness.
Welcome! You may have been thinking about seeking support from a therapist for quite a while. Maybe you’ve been struggling with anxiety, feeling alone, insecure in your relationship, or feeling stuck with distressing thought patterns that lead to an uneasy feeling of avoidance. I care deeply about creating a warm, empathic, and well-attuned connection with my clients. I strive to provide a collaborative experience while working with an array of diverse individuals who seek support with navigating their specific challenges.
Welcome! You may have been thinking about seeking support from a therapist for quite a while. Maybe you’ve been struggling with anxiety, feeling alone, insecure in your relationship, or feeling stuck with distressing thought patterns that lead to an uneasy feeling of avoidance. I care deeply about creating a warm, empathic, and well-attuned connection with my clients. I strive to provide a collaborative experience while working with an array of diverse individuals who seek support with navigating their specific challenges.
Whether you are familiar with therapy or considering exploring how a therapist may be able to assist you in meeting the challenges you face with courage and grace, I am here to help you move ahead. Every person I encounter has a unique and genuine seed at their core. This I will nurture to the best of my ability. Every person also faces difficulties that encourage growth and transformation. These I will support you to investigate and navigate skillfully. I have worked with many clients whose lives have been impacted by trauma, are experiencing relational difficulties, and people who feel they are not meeting their potential.
Whether you are familiar with therapy or considering exploring how a therapist may be able to assist you in meeting the challenges you face with courage and grace, I am here to help you move ahead. Every person I encounter has a unique and genuine seed at their core. This I will nurture to the best of my ability. Every person also faces difficulties that encourage growth and transformation. These I will support you to investigate and navigate skillfully. I have worked with many clients whose lives have been impacted by trauma, are experiencing relational difficulties, and people who feel they are not meeting their potential.
Kristen E. Fong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
You’re frustrated and unhappy in your relationship. Fear of being alone is keeping you stuck. You pretend everything is fine, so nobody knows things aren’t perfect. You’re overwhelmed, sad and at a loss as to what to do. You’ve tried to fix things, but hit a wall together. You just want to feel loved again. I hear you. I’ve been there.
You’re frustrated and unhappy in your relationship. Fear of being alone is keeping you stuck. You pretend everything is fine, so nobody knows things aren’t perfect. You’re overwhelmed, sad and at a loss as to what to do. You’ve tried to fix things, but hit a wall together. You just want to feel loved again. I hear you. I’ve been there.
Joy A Fillman
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If life events, relationships, performance, school or job stresses have brought you here, you deserve congratulations for having already done 50% of the work. Your willingness to consult and collaborate with a practiced professional means you have taken an all important first step in developing a lifelong plan toward a sense of well being and vitality. My practice combines a research degree in Developmental Psychology with PhD in Clinical Psychology to identify and disable hidden, often old, myths that have blocked or hindered my clients' access to happy, fulfilled lives at each stage of development. Together we can do it.
If life events, relationships, performance, school or job stresses have brought you here, you deserve congratulations for having already done 50% of the work. Your willingness to consult and collaborate with a practiced professional means you have taken an all important first step in developing a lifelong plan toward a sense of well being and vitality. My practice combines a research degree in Developmental Psychology with PhD in Clinical Psychology to identify and disable hidden, often old, myths that have blocked or hindered my clients' access to happy, fulfilled lives at each stage of development. Together we can do it.
Thank you for reading! I imagine you are here because you are searching for something; an answer to your pain and suffering. People don't typically come to therapy because all is well; they are looking for relief from the pain. We will sit together in that pain because pain shared is pain decreased. And then we begin to take action to feel more in control of our lives. Taking action is the perfect antidote to that crippling sense of powerlessness. Yes, there are many things we can't control; we identify them and let them go. And, there are many things we can control, primarily through a change in perspective.
Thank you for reading! I imagine you are here because you are searching for something; an answer to your pain and suffering. People don't typically come to therapy because all is well; they are looking for relief from the pain. We will sit together in that pain because pain shared is pain decreased. And then we begin to take action to feel more in control of our lives. Taking action is the perfect antidote to that crippling sense of powerlessness. Yes, there are many things we can't control; we identify them and let them go. And, there are many things we can control, primarily through a change in perspective.
As we move through each day, it is easy to be distracted or pulled away from our center. Therapy is time set aside to slow down and examine what is meaningful. We all get stuck and can feel lost in life. Emotions can overwhelm us and we can feel disconnected and alone. Even, unsure how to move forward- not knowing the next step. When we come together in a supportive environment, healing does take place and shifts do happen in our lives.
Reach out to me for a free phone consult to see if counseling is right for you.
As we move through each day, it is easy to be distracted or pulled away from our center. Therapy is time set aside to slow down and examine what is meaningful. We all get stuck and can feel lost in life. Emotions can overwhelm us and we can feel disconnected and alone. Even, unsure how to move forward- not knowing the next step. When we come together in a supportive environment, healing does take place and shifts do happen in our lives.
Reach out to me for a free phone consult to see if counseling is right for you.
Developing a deeper awareness of our emotional suffering creates an overall sense of well-being, allowing us to live authentically. With this deeper awareness, we understand the underlying dynamics that keep us stuck. In its very essence, inner work facilitates insight, healing, and transformation, connecting us to our innate wisdom. I work with adults, adolescents, and Highly Sensitive individuals experiencing a wide range of difficulties. I am a certified Quantum Energy Healer (similar to Reiki) as well as a certified Highly Sensitive Person Practitioner (Elaine Aron's certification)
Developing a deeper awareness of our emotional suffering creates an overall sense of well-being, allowing us to live authentically. With this deeper awareness, we understand the underlying dynamics that keep us stuck. In its very essence, inner work facilitates insight, healing, and transformation, connecting us to our innate wisdom. I work with adults, adolescents, and Highly Sensitive individuals experiencing a wide range of difficulties. I am a certified Quantum Energy Healer (similar to Reiki) as well as a certified Highly Sensitive Person Practitioner (Elaine Aron's certification)
Are you hoping someone else will change so that you can feel okay? Are you interacting with someone who is confusing, withdrawn, chemically dependent, angry, has a mood/ behavioral disorder, or is emotionally unavailable? Do you have trouble asserting yourself or setting boundaries? Do you "over-function" with others? Do you feel stressed, anxious or depressed? I specialize in relationships- how you relate with others but also to yourself. I address total emotional and physical health. I have a compassionate, interactive approach to help you focus on changing what you can and coping with what you can't.
Are you hoping someone else will change so that you can feel okay? Are you interacting with someone who is confusing, withdrawn, chemically dependent, angry, has a mood/ behavioral disorder, or is emotionally unavailable? Do you have trouble asserting yourself or setting boundaries? Do you "over-function" with others? Do you feel stressed, anxious or depressed? I specialize in relationships- how you relate with others but also to yourself. I address total emotional and physical health. I have a compassionate, interactive approach to help you focus on changing what you can and coping with what you can't.
See more therapy options for Novato
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Novato
- Corte Madera
- Fairfax
- Greenbrae
- Kentfield
- Larkspur
- Mill Valley
- Petaluma
- Ross
- San Anselmo
- San Rafael
- Sonoma
- Tiburon
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.