Experiential Therapy in Palo Alto, CA
You deserve to feel safe, connected, and understood—something you've deserved for a long time. You looked for love and comfort from those who were supposed to care for you, but instead, you were hurt and let down. It's difficult to put into words the impact of growing up with unmet needs, and it has taken a toll on you. If this resonates with you, healing work around relational trauma and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder could be beneficial.
You deserve to feel safe, connected, and understood—something you've deserved for a long time. You looked for love and comfort from those who were supposed to care for you, but instead, you were hurt and let down. It's difficult to put into words the impact of growing up with unmet needs, and it has taken a toll on you. If this resonates with you, healing work around relational trauma and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder could be beneficial.
Open Doors Therapy
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Do you want to explore your neurodivergent identity or suspect you are autistic? Did you experience times in your life where you felt invalidated for who you are or misunderstood? Do you sometimes feel unable to connect with others? Do you experience difficulties navigating life? I specialize in working with clients who have experienced painful messages about themselves and trauma, and are working towards finding balance in their lives. I enjoy working with the LGBTQI+ community and neurodivergent community to help boost self-esteem, build relationships and increase self-advocacy. I offer individual and group therapy online.
Do you want to explore your neurodivergent identity or suspect you are autistic? Did you experience times in your life where you felt invalidated for who you are or misunderstood? Do you sometimes feel unable to connect with others? Do you experience difficulties navigating life? I specialize in working with clients who have experienced painful messages about themselves and trauma, and are working towards finding balance in their lives. I enjoy working with the LGBTQI+ community and neurodivergent community to help boost self-esteem, build relationships and increase self-advocacy. I offer individual and group therapy online.
Lauren Grey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are seeking support to address your mental health concerns, contact me! Everyone’s mental health challenges or stressors are personal and unique, and therapy is wonderful way to talk about it safely and without judgement. When we work together, we will set achievable goals that focus on hopes and desires for wellness, balance in life, and relief from symptoms that have caused burden on your mental health. My typical clients report experiencing growth in their positive self esteem and establishing skills for tackling life’s stresses in the future. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and healing from trauma.
If you are seeking support to address your mental health concerns, contact me! Everyone’s mental health challenges or stressors are personal and unique, and therapy is wonderful way to talk about it safely and without judgement. When we work together, we will set achievable goals that focus on hopes and desires for wellness, balance in life, and relief from symptoms that have caused burden on your mental health. My typical clients report experiencing growth in their positive self esteem and establishing skills for tackling life’s stresses in the future. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and healing from trauma.
Veronica Ghabour
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Mental health challenges are due to the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can place a strain on your family, work, relationships, and even cause issues with self-worth. I specialize in trauma therapy along with treating personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction. All these disorders can look different from person to person, and that is where our therapeutic journey of empowerment and self-exploration begins. I concentrate on creating a safe space of growth and self-discovery through unconditional positive regard, emotional regulation, and guided activities.
Mental health challenges are due to the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can place a strain on your family, work, relationships, and even cause issues with self-worth. I specialize in trauma therapy along with treating personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction. All these disorders can look different from person to person, and that is where our therapeutic journey of empowerment and self-exploration begins. I concentrate on creating a safe space of growth and self-discovery through unconditional positive regard, emotional regulation, and guided activities.
Stefanie Rodewald- Self Worth Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
Are you feeling more anxious than usual? Has it been harder to push through like you used to? Maybe you appear like you have it together on the outside, but on the inside, you feel defeated. Through a warm and collaborative process, I am here to help identify and understand the patterns that have kept you stuck. You may find that you only need short term therapy to help you get through a transition in your life or you may need more time to process and uncover what is behind your emotional struggle. My priority is guiding you to a life where you feel seen and valued.
Are you feeling more anxious than usual? Has it been harder to push through like you used to? Maybe you appear like you have it together on the outside, but on the inside, you feel defeated. Through a warm and collaborative process, I am here to help identify and understand the patterns that have kept you stuck. You may find that you only need short term therapy to help you get through a transition in your life or you may need more time to process and uncover what is behind your emotional struggle. My priority is guiding you to a life where you feel seen and valued.
Life experiences shape who we are and influence how we see the world and people around us. Certain experiences can get in the way of us fulfilling our deepest longings, hopes and dreams, and of being the authentic, confident and happy person we always wanted to be. I work with a culturally diverse population of individuals and couples who may be struggling with interpersonal conflict, anxiety, anger, depression, panic, low self-esteem, procrastination, unexplained somatic symptoms, trauma, grief or loss. I am here to help you resolve the challenges that keep you stuck and make your life so miserable.
Life experiences shape who we are and influence how we see the world and people around us. Certain experiences can get in the way of us fulfilling our deepest longings, hopes and dreams, and of being the authentic, confident and happy person we always wanted to be. I work with a culturally diverse population of individuals and couples who may be struggling with interpersonal conflict, anxiety, anger, depression, panic, low self-esteem, procrastination, unexplained somatic symptoms, trauma, grief or loss. I am here to help you resolve the challenges that keep you stuck and make your life so miserable.
Do you find yourself busier than ever but lacking a sense of depth, meaning, and connection in your life? I specialize in helping professionals like you through life transitions, such as midlife re-evaluations and relationship/career changes. I work with you to rebalance life's priorities and to discover new areas of meaning and purpose. We'll work together to reconnect you with the things you feel you've lost touch with: a felt connection to your body and soul, real intimacy with your loved-ones, access to your creativity, and a lively connection with your hopes and dreams.
Do you find yourself busier than ever but lacking a sense of depth, meaning, and connection in your life? I specialize in helping professionals like you through life transitions, such as midlife re-evaluations and relationship/career changes. I work with you to rebalance life's priorities and to discover new areas of meaning and purpose. We'll work together to reconnect you with the things you feel you've lost touch with: a felt connection to your body and soul, real intimacy with your loved-ones, access to your creativity, and a lively connection with your hopes and dreams.
I specialize in providing empowering online, Video-Therapy(Telehealth) for adults of all ages and backgrounds. I value diversity, individuality, authenticity, acceptance, and compassion. I build my professional relationship with clients by establishing safety, trust and openness. I see clients with a broad range of difficulties such as personal growth struggles, work stress, stress, health & wellness, anxiety, depression, men's sexual dysfunction, and many others. I utilize a client-centered approach to create an individual plan consisting of a variety of therapeutic modalities to promote change, growth, awareness, and empowerment.
I specialize in providing empowering online, Video-Therapy(Telehealth) for adults of all ages and backgrounds. I value diversity, individuality, authenticity, acceptance, and compassion. I build my professional relationship with clients by establishing safety, trust and openness. I see clients with a broad range of difficulties such as personal growth struggles, work stress, stress, health & wellness, anxiety, depression, men's sexual dysfunction, and many others. I utilize a client-centered approach to create an individual plan consisting of a variety of therapeutic modalities to promote change, growth, awareness, and empowerment.
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.
Jose Luna
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach mainly focuses on helping my clients identify their strengths to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a firm believer that our childhood experiences contribute to our beliefs, behavioral patterns, and selecting a romantic partner. Therapy is a process! To allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with someone about our experiences and trauma can be daunting. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment and help understand aspects of lived experiences.
My therapeutic approach mainly focuses on helping my clients identify their strengths to help alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a firm believer that our childhood experiences contribute to our beliefs, behavioral patterns, and selecting a romantic partner. Therapy is a process! To allow ourselves to be intimate and vulnerable with someone about our experiences and trauma can be daunting. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment and help understand aspects of lived experiences.
When I was younger, I didn’t know how to communicate my feelings and felt frustrated by potential mischaracterization. After I had my first child, I had a difficult time navigating through postpartum depression. I started asking questions and researching mental health while finding virtual support groups. Through this process, I realized that I had s never been alone in my personal issues. When I was pregnant with my second child, I went back to school for social work to become a mental health professional to serve people in my community to help navigate through anxiety, depression, grief, and intergenerational traumas.
When I was younger, I didn’t know how to communicate my feelings and felt frustrated by potential mischaracterization. After I had my first child, I had a difficult time navigating through postpartum depression. I started asking questions and researching mental health while finding virtual support groups. Through this process, I realized that I had s never been alone in my personal issues. When I was pregnant with my second child, I went back to school for social work to become a mental health professional to serve people in my community to help navigate through anxiety, depression, grief, and intergenerational traumas.
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Karen Gordon
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
I am a Certified EFT Couples Therapist. My passion is helping couples + individuals understand the cycle of conflict that’s keeping them stuck in disconnection, frustration, + unhappiness + teach new ways to interact with each other - ways that lead to connection, emotional safety, belonging, trust, + love. Whether you’re single or partnered, seeking love or struggling in a relationship, I can help. I'm not a sit-back-and-say-nothing therapist. I want to see you get the results you want, + I will help you do that in an active, loving + direct way, so you can have a different kind of conversation than you’ve been able to have before.
I am a Certified EFT Couples Therapist. My passion is helping couples + individuals understand the cycle of conflict that’s keeping them stuck in disconnection, frustration, + unhappiness + teach new ways to interact with each other - ways that lead to connection, emotional safety, belonging, trust, + love. Whether you’re single or partnered, seeking love or struggling in a relationship, I can help. I'm not a sit-back-and-say-nothing therapist. I want to see you get the results you want, + I will help you do that in an active, loving + direct way, so you can have a different kind of conversation than you’ve been able to have before.
My ideal client is someone who suffers from Trauma and who has chronic depression and/or chronic anxiety. This person may also have some physical issues that point to areas of concern in the therapy. Everyone needs to feel safe, respected and to have their feelings validated. They may want to feel better but afraid of what therapy might uncover. They may also need to go more slowly in therapy. Reaching out for therapy expresses a hope that they can feel better.
My ideal client is someone who suffers from Trauma and who has chronic depression and/or chronic anxiety. This person may also have some physical issues that point to areas of concern in the therapy. Everyone needs to feel safe, respected and to have their feelings validated. They may want to feel better but afraid of what therapy might uncover. They may also need to go more slowly in therapy. Reaching out for therapy expresses a hope that they can feel better.
My practice provides caring and sensitive treatment for mental, emotional and behavioral problems. My approach draws upon many years of extensive experience. It builds upon each patient's strengths, while improving interpersonal and emotional skills. My therapy is personalized, recognizing that each patient is a unique individual with his or her own very personal history and issues. My goal is to help my patients in achieving an awareness and understanding of the sources of their psychological problems, and then help them work through those problems so they can feel better about themselves and lead healthier and happier lives.
My practice provides caring and sensitive treatment for mental, emotional and behavioral problems. My approach draws upon many years of extensive experience. It builds upon each patient's strengths, while improving interpersonal and emotional skills. My therapy is personalized, recognizing that each patient is a unique individual with his or her own very personal history and issues. My goal is to help my patients in achieving an awareness and understanding of the sources of their psychological problems, and then help them work through those problems so they can feel better about themselves and lead healthier and happier lives.
My passion is working with those who keenly feel and live with the pain of not being "enough," or of being defective in some way. There's a variety of reasons that people come to suffer in this way, including the impact of childhood experiences, discrimination, and living within systems that encourage disconnection from ourselves and others. My approach is to work collaboratively to bring light and healing to hidden wounds. Far from being "too much to handle," learning to care for these tender parts is the path towards greater freedom, connection, and possibility.
My passion is working with those who keenly feel and live with the pain of not being "enough," or of being defective in some way. There's a variety of reasons that people come to suffer in this way, including the impact of childhood experiences, discrimination, and living within systems that encourage disconnection from ourselves and others. My approach is to work collaboratively to bring light and healing to hidden wounds. Far from being "too much to handle," learning to care for these tender parts is the path towards greater freedom, connection, and possibility.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, overwhelm? Do you feel unproductive in your life or work? Are you unhappy with your relationships? Do you feel like something needs to change? I can help! It takes courage to reach out when you need help. Call me for a 15-minute complimentary consultation to determine your options.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, overwhelm? Do you feel unproductive in your life or work? Are you unhappy with your relationships? Do you feel like something needs to change? I can help! It takes courage to reach out when you need help. Call me for a 15-minute complimentary consultation to determine your options.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Justine Gordon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.
Therapy is a journey of personal growth and healing. It takes courage and can be challenging, but you don’t have to embark alone. My hope is that, as your therapist, I can be the holder of hope and a source of support. At the root of my work with clients are genuine empathy and human connection. I strive to provide an accepting and safe space for you to express yourself and process what has brought you into therapy.
Therapy is a journey of personal growth and healing. It takes courage and can be challenging, but you don’t have to embark alone. My hope is that, as your therapist, I can be the holder of hope and a source of support. At the root of my work with clients are genuine empathy and human connection. I strive to provide an accepting and safe space for you to express yourself and process what has brought you into therapy.
See more therapy options for Palo Alto
Nearby Experiential Therapy Searches for Palo Alto
- Atherton
- Cupertino
- Fremont
- Los Altos
- Menlo Park
- Mountain View
- Newark
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- Santa Clara
- Stanford
- Sunnyvale
Experiential Therapy
How does experiential therapy work?
Experiential therapy works by allowing an individual to use their creativity to re-imagine themselves and their lives in an effort to process their emotions. Experiential therapy may take many forms, including engaging clients through art, re-enactments, role-playing, music, or forms of physical recreation. By focusing on these activities, experiential therapists help individuals identify the emotions they associate with previous experiences and work together to cope with negative reactions, like fear, anger, or shame.
Is experiential therapy evidence-based?
Experiential therapy incorporates many therapy modalities, some of which have been more closely researched than others. Music therapy, for example, has been shown to help with sleep problems. Some studies find that art therapy can be beneficial for those with eating disorders or personality disorders, while other research suggests that such approaches have little impact.
How long does experiential therapy last?
The duration of experiential therapy will depend on the type of therapy used as well as the severity of the challenges an individual faces. Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Art therapy may comprise 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or on an as-needed basis. For each therapy type, clients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
Does experiential therapy help with trauma?
Trauma is one area where experiential therapy may be useful. Traumatic experiences such as combat or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating visual art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. Listening to music can be relaxing, while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, or who have been physically or emotionally abused.