Female Therapists in Pacifica, CA

Photo of Annette M Taylor, MA, MFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Annette M Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
I am now accepting new clients. I work with clients to explore past experiences and life transitions that are affecting their lives. Through weekly sessions, we will work through self exploration, personal concerns and life challenges. We will explore circumstances that can be changed, those that cannot be changed, and how to discern the difference. We will also discuss and practice various coping mechanisms that can help clients improve their lives. Therapy is a gift to yourself!
I am now accepting new clients. I work with clients to explore past experiences and life transitions that are affecting their lives. Through weekly sessions, we will work through self exploration, personal concerns and life challenges. We will explore circumstances that can be changed, those that cannot be changed, and how to discern the difference. We will also discuss and practice various coping mechanisms that can help clients improve their lives. Therapy is a gift to yourself!
(415) 236-3998 View (415) 236-3998
Photo of Donna C Rodriguez, LMFT, RSP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donna C Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RSP
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
For over 20 years, I have worked in urban and suburban schools before transitioning to private practice in 2020. K-5 has been my most recent focus, and have worked with middle and high school students in previous years. I have supported students with anxiety, social and behavioral challenges, mood, grief, and attention difficulties. Working collaboratively with parents we can help your child feel a sense of belonging, uncover the frustrations and worry, relieve symptoms of anxiety, and reduce the anger and behavioral challenges using a strength-based approach. I'm here to help!
For over 20 years, I have worked in urban and suburban schools before transitioning to private practice in 2020. K-5 has been my most recent focus, and have worked with middle and high school students in previous years. I have supported students with anxiety, social and behavioral challenges, mood, grief, and attention difficulties. Working collaboratively with parents we can help your child feel a sense of belonging, uncover the frustrations and worry, relieve symptoms of anxiety, and reduce the anger and behavioral challenges using a strength-based approach. I'm here to help!
(650) 376-8751 View (650) 376-8751
Photo of Tia Huston, MS, LCAT, BC-DMT, Art Therapist
Tia Huston
Art Therapist, MS, LCAT, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a dance/movement therapist, our sessions can be purely talk therapy, movement and talk therapy, or a mixture of movement, talk, and other creative approaches. In our sessions together, I will create a space where all aspects of you are welcome and you can speak freely about whatever is on your mind. I can help you understand how your past impacts your present. I am here to listen, understand, and help you discover new choices and new ways of being, so that you can flourish in life. I am here to support you on your journey of self discovery and self growth.
As a dance/movement therapist, our sessions can be purely talk therapy, movement and talk therapy, or a mixture of movement, talk, and other creative approaches. In our sessions together, I will create a space where all aspects of you are welcome and you can speak freely about whatever is on your mind. I can help you understand how your past impacts your present. I am here to listen, understand, and help you discover new choices and new ways of being, so that you can flourish in life. I am here to support you on your journey of self discovery and self growth.
(415) 226-4203 View (415) 226-4203
Photo of Aliza Shelan, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Aliza Shelan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Teen angst? Bring it on! I work with adolescents, teens, and parents in navigating some of the most difficult years. If you are having difficulty connecting with your child, tween, or teen I will assist you with enhancing your connection while simultaneously setting boundaries as a parent. Sounds like a difficult feat? I know! But isn't it from the challenging times that we gain the most? Do you remember what it was like getting through middle school? Many of us would like to forget, however, with assistance it does not have to be so difficult for your child or for you to reach them.
Teen angst? Bring it on! I work with adolescents, teens, and parents in navigating some of the most difficult years. If you are having difficulty connecting with your child, tween, or teen I will assist you with enhancing your connection while simultaneously setting boundaries as a parent. Sounds like a difficult feat? I know! But isn't it from the challenging times that we gain the most? Do you remember what it was like getting through middle school? Many of us would like to forget, however, with assistance it does not have to be so difficult for your child or for you to reach them.
(628) 400-0314 View (628) 400-0314
Photo of Beth Bashore, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beth Bashore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
Change is stressful, even when it comes with joy or success, or when you’ve worked toward it for a long time. It’s natural to have lots of emotions or even doubts arise in times of transition. Promotions, new relationships, moves, the death of a friend or loved one or beloved pet, relationships ending, moving into a new stage of life - change always involves elements of the unknown. For over 20 years I’ve been helping people navigate life transitions. I meet each client where they are, to help them grow and develop in ways that help them through challenging times.
Change is stressful, even when it comes with joy or success, or when you’ve worked toward it for a long time. It’s natural to have lots of emotions or even doubts arise in times of transition. Promotions, new relationships, moves, the death of a friend or loved one or beloved pet, relationships ending, moving into a new stage of life - change always involves elements of the unknown. For over 20 years I’ve been helping people navigate life transitions. I meet each client where they are, to help them grow and develop in ways that help them through challenging times.
(415) 799-7412 View (415) 799-7412
Photo of Mollie Yocum, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mollie Yocum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Are you struggling with navigating a relationship in your life? Relational therapy, typically called couples but can include a variety of relationship types, focuses in on communication, trust, repair, and joy. Typical sessions include allowing space for identifying specific sources of discomfort and practice for how to make and sustain relational shifts. Specialized training in child psychology allows for particular support around navigating parenting challenges and understanding how to support your unique child.
Are you struggling with navigating a relationship in your life? Relational therapy, typically called couples but can include a variety of relationship types, focuses in on communication, trust, repair, and joy. Typical sessions include allowing space for identifying specific sources of discomfort and practice for how to make and sustain relational shifts. Specialized training in child psychology allows for particular support around navigating parenting challenges and understanding how to support your unique child.
(650) 547-0943 View (650) 547-0943
Suzanne M Valla
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
I specialize working with young adults parents and other adults who are experiencing life transitions-such as, grief and loss issues, anxiety and depression. Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral techniques are taught to my clients as they work toward recovery and acceptance while receiving positive regard and support.
I specialize working with young adults parents and other adults who are experiencing life transitions-such as, grief and loss issues, anxiety and depression. Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral techniques are taught to my clients as they work toward recovery and acceptance while receiving positive regard and support.
(415) 930-9318 View (415) 930-9318
Photo of Anyella Clark, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anyella Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
I HAVE BEEN A LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST, CHILD-PARENT PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST FOR ALMOST 20 YEAR. I HAVE DEDICATED MY LIFE TO WORKING WITH FAMILIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN TO HELP PARENTS CREATE A LOVING AND HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEIR CHILDREN CAN THRIVE.
I HAVE BEEN A LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST, CHILD-PARENT PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST FOR ALMOST 20 YEAR. I HAVE DEDICATED MY LIFE TO WORKING WITH FAMILIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN TO HELP PARENTS CREATE A LOVING AND HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEIR CHILDREN CAN THRIVE.
(650) 984-1351 View (650) 984-1351
Photo of Maggie B. de Vera, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maggie B. de Vera
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
(415) 237-2396 View (415) 237-2396
Photo of Laurie Goren - Office of Dr. Laurie Goren, Psychologist, PsyD, Psychologist
Office of Dr. Laurie Goren, Psychologist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My clients come for help in addressing discomfort or difficulty related to a broad range of issues, such as academic or professional performance, life transitions, and relationships. I provide a warm, creative atmosphere and a collaborative process of exploration and growth.
My clients come for help in addressing discomfort or difficulty related to a broad range of issues, such as academic or professional performance, life transitions, and relationships. I provide a warm, creative atmosphere and a collaborative process of exploration and growth.
(650) 675-2363 View (650) 675-2363
Photo of Michelle Settergren, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Settergren
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Hi there! My name is Michelle Settergren and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Huntington Beach, providing teletherapy services across California. I've worked in various healing capacities for over 12 years and believe we all have the potential to be self-healers. I'm gender and LGBTQIA+ affirming, and I specialize in working with adults who've suffered from trauma/PTSD, first responder/military trauma, anxiety/social anxiety/agoraphobia, depression, personality disorders, panic disorders, communication issues, addiction, and identity confusion.
Hi there! My name is Michelle Settergren and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Huntington Beach, providing teletherapy services across California. I've worked in various healing capacities for over 12 years and believe we all have the potential to be self-healers. I'm gender and LGBTQIA+ affirming, and I specialize in working with adults who've suffered from trauma/PTSD, first responder/military trauma, anxiety/social anxiety/agoraphobia, depression, personality disorders, panic disorders, communication issues, addiction, and identity confusion.
(650) 643-5945 View (650) 643-5945
Photo of Marilyn Harding, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marilyn Harding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
Welcome! If you are reading this, perhaps you have been feeling overwhelmed and worried, grieving a loss, or having difficulty with relationships. Whether you are living with depression or anxiety, we will work together toward understanding your deeper issues, and defining your goals. I will then offer you some tools for treatment, based on my clinical expertise. Together, we will find a path toward healing, one that defines a life that is meaningful to you, and leads to an increased sense of authenticity and well being.
Welcome! If you are reading this, perhaps you have been feeling overwhelmed and worried, grieving a loss, or having difficulty with relationships. Whether you are living with depression or anxiety, we will work together toward understanding your deeper issues, and defining your goals. I will then offer you some tools for treatment, based on my clinical expertise. Together, we will find a path toward healing, one that defines a life that is meaningful to you, and leads to an increased sense of authenticity and well being.
(650) 830-9025 View (650) 830-9025
Photo of Rachel Holowicki, MEd, EdS, LEP
Rachel Holowicki
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MEd, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the ability to help children and families understand and navigate learning differences and disabilities. The special education/IEP process can be overwhelming, and I am happy to help guide you and your family to make the best decisions for your child. I truly believe every child can be successful, and it's so rewarding to help children reach their full potential. I work often with children with learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the ability to help children and families understand and navigate learning differences and disabilities. The special education/IEP process can be overwhelming, and I am happy to help guide you and your family to make the best decisions for your child. I truly believe every child can be successful, and it's so rewarding to help children reach their full potential. I work often with children with learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
(415) 592-7875 View (415) 592-7875
Photo of Cassandra Majus - Cassandra Majus, MFT, MFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cassandra Majus, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044
Life is full of transitions, whether in childhood or adulthood. They are part of life and can be positive or negative. Life will always throw something your way. I'd like to help you through these transitional periods and make the journey smooth and comfortable. Seeking treatment can be a difficult choice, but in the end is a rewarding part of life. I'm looking to support parents of young children, children/teens transitioning to new stages of life, adolescents transitioning to college, new mothers adjusting to being a parent, and women who are struggling with job/school/relationship/motherhood stressors.
Life is full of transitions, whether in childhood or adulthood. They are part of life and can be positive or negative. Life will always throw something your way. I'd like to help you through these transitional periods and make the journey smooth and comfortable. Seeking treatment can be a difficult choice, but in the end is a rewarding part of life. I'm looking to support parents of young children, children/teens transitioning to new stages of life, adolescents transitioning to college, new mothers adjusting to being a parent, and women who are struggling with job/school/relationship/motherhood stressors.
(650) 204-8690 View (650) 204-8690
Photo of Orneya Bilal, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Orneya Bilal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Hello, I am a License Clinical Social worker who enjoys supporting clients through difficult times. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to receive tools to manage their mental health in order to experience healing and peace of mind. My client experience includes behavioral intervention with children on the spectrum and with adults experiencing loss, life-changing events, and changes in the level of care as it pertains to end-of-life treatment.
Hello, I am a License Clinical Social worker who enjoys supporting clients through difficult times. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to receive tools to manage their mental health in order to experience healing and peace of mind. My client experience includes behavioral intervention with children on the spectrum and with adults experiencing loss, life-changing events, and changes in the level of care as it pertains to end-of-life treatment.
(650) 675-3965 View (650) 675-3965
Photo of Donna Blethen, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donna Blethen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Do you wish your mate listened to you and understood you better? Do you sometimes feel angry that he/she is too controlling and unwilling to compromise? It doesn't have to be this way. Let me help. Loving behaviors are learned. I can teach you to build a stronger and more loving connection. I would love to teach you the simple but powerful skills with which to improve your relationship. Do know that all relationships start with the self. How we treat ourselves internally is often what we allow externally. Let me help you work the inside job and the relationship with other job.
Do you wish your mate listened to you and understood you better? Do you sometimes feel angry that he/she is too controlling and unwilling to compromise? It doesn't have to be this way. Let me help. Loving behaviors are learned. I can teach you to build a stronger and more loving connection. I would love to teach you the simple but powerful skills with which to improve your relationship. Do know that all relationships start with the self. How we treat ourselves internally is often what we allow externally. Let me help you work the inside job and the relationship with other job.
(650) 385-8844 View (650) 385-8844
Photo of Maryam Taghdimi, PhD, Psychologist
Maryam Taghdimi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychotherapist providing individual and group therapy in English, and Persian/Farsi. My clinical areas of interest and areas of expertise include codependency, trauma and complex trauma, substance use, narcissistic abuse, mood & anxiety disorders.
I am a licensed clinical psychotherapist providing individual and group therapy in English, and Persian/Farsi. My clinical areas of interest and areas of expertise include codependency, trauma and complex trauma, substance use, narcissistic abuse, mood & anxiety disorders.
(650) 664-3585 View (650) 664-3585
Photo of Diana Martinez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diana Martinez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Hi I’m Diana Martinez! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW.) For me, therapy is about getting you back to your previous level of functioning prior to developing mental health illness and assisting you in moving to a better, peaceful you. I have spent the past 20 years working as a therapist to do just that. When I’m not practicing therapy, I’m spending time with my husband, adult children, grandbabies, and hanging out with my large extended family. I enjoy brisk walking, watching movies, organizing, and gardening.
Hi I’m Diana Martinez! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW.) For me, therapy is about getting you back to your previous level of functioning prior to developing mental health illness and assisting you in moving to a better, peaceful you. I have spent the past 20 years working as a therapist to do just that. When I’m not practicing therapy, I’m spending time with my husband, adult children, grandbabies, and hanging out with my large extended family. I enjoy brisk walking, watching movies, organizing, and gardening.
(650) 899-8491 View (650) 899-8491
Photo of Heidi Pidcoke, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heidi Pidcoke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
(626) 314-5517 View (626) 314-5517
Photo of Christina Marie Balistreri, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Marie Balistreri
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients dealing with a range of symptoms. I enjoy working with different clients from adults to kids and individual, families, couples and groups and I believe we can all learn from each other. I enjoy offering my experiences and skills to help others better understand themselves and their relationships. I understand that life challenges, both big and small, can affect people's mood and productivity. I am caring, compassionate, understanding and a great listener. I provide a very non-judgmental and caring space for clients to explore the challenges they are faced with.
(415) 855-7947 View (415) 855-7947
Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.