Photo of Brenda Fishleder, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brenda Fishleder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947
I have deep compassion for victims of trauma, abuse, abandonment or neglect, and strive to improve coping skills, increase one's capacity for distress tolerance and self-regulation, and promote balance and well-being.
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 deep compassion for victims of trauma, abuse, abandonment or neglect, and strive to improve coping skills, increase one's capacity for distress tolerance and self-regulation, and promote balance and well-being.
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.
(415) 802-0586 View (415) 802-0586
Photo of Christina Cowger, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Cowger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947
As the Clinical Director of a program focused on healthy boundaries, trauma, couples communication, and neurobiological/mind-body interventions paired with years of private practice experience, I have had the honor of supporting hundreds of individuals and couples in creating dynamic and lasting life changes.
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
As the Clinical Director of a program focused on healthy boundaries, trauma, couples communication, and neurobiological/mind-body interventions paired with years of private practice experience, I have had the honor of supporting hundreds of individuals and couples in creating dynamic and lasting life changes.
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
(415) 594-4976 View (415) 594-4976
Photo of Nicole Douglas, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Douglas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94945
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.
(415) 366-9064 View (415) 366-9064
Photo of Kristen E. Fong, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
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.
(415) 689-9708 View (415) 689-9708
Photo of Laura J Cabanski Dunning, PhD, Psychologist
Laura J Cabanski Dunning
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
Are you anxious? Troubled? Stuck? I know how difficult it is to enjoy life when you feel trapped by stressful thoughts, feelings, circumstances, relationships. I work creatively with you as you work through difficulties and find new energy and inspiration in your life. We will work together to decrease your current distress as quickly as possible, while helping you to gain deeper insight and move forward positively in your life. I'll tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs, utilizing a variety of strategies such as hypnosis, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), stress management, relaxation, CBT.
Are you anxious? Troubled? Stuck? I know how difficult it is to enjoy life when you feel trapped by stressful thoughts, feelings, circumstances, relationships. I work creatively with you as you work through difficulties and find new energy and inspiration in your life. We will work together to decrease your current distress as quickly as possible, while helping you to gain deeper insight and move forward positively in your life. I'll tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs, utilizing a variety of strategies such as hypnosis, EMDR, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), stress management, relaxation, CBT.
(415) 858-6264 View (415) 858-6264
Photo of Andrew Copperman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrew Copperman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
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.
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.
(415) 237-2044 View (415) 237-2044
Photo of Dan O'Donnell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dan O'Donnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94949
Problems with your teen or lack of purpose issues? I also work with adults, couples and families. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve current challenges. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, Please call or email me for an individual, couples or family therapy consultation today
Problems with your teen or lack of purpose issues? I also work with adults, couples and families. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve current challenges. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, Please call or email me for an individual, couples or family therapy consultation today
(707) 595-2303 View (707) 595-2303
Photo of Sara Okman, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Okman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Many relationships have faced challenges over the past few years. You might be feeling stuck, or struggling to resolve differences with your partner. As a certified AASECT sex therapist & long time couples counselor, I help identify& understand what lies beneath these stuck places, building true relational safety. Using easy to implement tools for healthy communication, I help couples negotiate desire discrepancy, find creative solutions for low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships: including infidelity repair, polyamory, & consensual non-monogamy. I am kink aware & LGBTQ+ friendly.
Many relationships have faced challenges over the past few years. You might be feeling stuck, or struggling to resolve differences with your partner. As a certified AASECT sex therapist & long time couples counselor, I help identify& understand what lies beneath these stuck places, building true relational safety. Using easy to implement tools for healthy communication, I help couples negotiate desire discrepancy, find creative solutions for low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships: including infidelity repair, polyamory, & consensual non-monogamy. I am kink aware & LGBTQ+ friendly.
(415) 877-4147 View (415) 877-4147
Photo of Sheila F Lynch - Sheila Lynch, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sheila Lynch, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94949
I offer affordable, quality therapy for those yearning to identify and change dysfunctional thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. Life is stressful enough, that the additional financial cost of therapy should not increase that stress. I believe in offering a sliding scale to those that actively want to change their lives. My training uses a Psychodynamic approach (self awareness of how you feel immobilized) and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Strength based interventions. This means we work collaboratively, in order to actively change negative thought processes, into patterns that elevate your life rather than hinder your true potential. office locations: MV& Novato.
I offer affordable, quality therapy for those yearning to identify and change dysfunctional thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. Life is stressful enough, that the additional financial cost of therapy should not increase that stress. I believe in offering a sliding scale to those that actively want to change their lives. My training uses a Psychodynamic approach (self awareness of how you feel immobilized) and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Strength based interventions. This means we work collaboratively, in order to actively change negative thought processes, into patterns that elevate your life rather than hinder your true potential. office locations: MV& Novato.
(415) 423-1939 View (415) 423-1939
Online Therapists

Is online therapy as effective as in-person?

Numerous studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, further research is needed to determine if online therapy provides the same benefits across all client populations. Individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who may benefit from in-person check-ins, like those with eating disorders, may not experience the same level of benefit from online therapy. Nonetheless, the success of online therapy, much like in-person therapy, often hinges on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client rather than the specific modality of therapy used.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy conducted online?

One of the main advantages of online therapy is its convenience for both clients and therapists. It also allows clients who require specialized therapy to access a wider range of professionals than they could with only in-person sessions. Additionally, online therapy may be a more affordable option in some cases and often offers the same insurance benefits as in-person therapy. However, online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who value face-to-face interaction with a therapist. Therapists may find it more challenging to assess clients accurately in an online setting due to reduced nonverbal cues on camera. There is also the increased risk that disruptions caused by external factors, such as technology malfunctions, can hinder the therapy session. For these reasons, many therapists offer a "hybrid" therapeutic approach, alternating between seeing clients in-person and online.

Is online therapy suitable for children and adolescents?

Just like with adults, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy can greatly benefit children and adolescents. In fact, children and adolescents may be more accustomed to navigating online platforms than older adults, making online sessions feel more natural for them. Teens might also be interested in using additional online tools, such as therapist-recommended apps, as an adjunct to online therapy sessions. Apps for developing CBT skills, practicing mindfulness exercises, or tracking thoughts and moods can be helpful for teens receiving therapy. However, it's important to note that not all therapeutic modalities are well-suited to online therapy, especially those used with younger children. For example, play therapy, which helps younger children express their emotions, often requires in-person sessions to be fully effective.

Can I receive prescriptions and medication management with online therapy?

The ability for psychiatrists to prescribe medications through online therapy varies based on the medication and the states where the medical professional and client are located. While many prescribing regulations were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states still enforce rules, especially concerning controlled substances, which may mandate an in-person visit before prescribing. Generally, however, medical professionals can prescribe non-controlled substances through online therapy sessions just as they do during in-person sessions.