Gestalt Therapists in Pasadena, CA
Aside from traditional talk therapy, I am trained in using Voice Dialogue, NARM, TF-CBT, dream work, Gestalt Therapy, and mindfulness.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Aside from traditional talk therapy, I am trained in using Voice Dialogue, NARM, TF-CBT, dream work, Gestalt Therapy, and mindfulness.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Joshua Sandler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I am trained in many modalities but find trauma-informed, Humanistic, Gestalt, ERP, CBT, IFS, DBT, Art-based, and Psychodynamic approaches help the most.
Do you want to dig deeper? Are you repeating behaviors or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Are you or your partner struggling with mismatched communication, attachment, intimacy, reactions, vulnerability, desire, culture, or conflict resolution styles? Sometimes, we're not sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. Without judgment, my job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, & teach you practical tools to help change your life.
I am trained in many modalities but find trauma-informed, Humanistic, Gestalt, ERP, CBT, IFS, DBT, Art-based, and Psychodynamic approaches help the most.
Do you want to dig deeper? Are you repeating behaviors or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Are you or your partner struggling with mismatched communication, attachment, intimacy, reactions, vulnerability, desire, culture, or conflict resolution styles? Sometimes, we're not sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. Without judgment, my job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, & teach you practical tools to help change your life.
Angeliki A Kanavou
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT, MSc, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106 (Online Only)
So, while I tend to foster an insight into your experience through a psychodynamic lense, I may also guide you through Gestalt and CBT.
My mission is to accompany you through life’s inevitable challenges. I will assist you not only overcoming a difficult patch but grow through it and in spite of it. You deserve realizing your fullest potential, fostered by your therapist's unconditional positive regard, along with therapeutic input. No two clients are ever the same. Therefore, we too as therapists evolve alongside you in our knowledge and intuition. Through our shared experience of therapy, you will increase your insight, and as a result, you will discover more available choices during say, a complex transition that you experience or a seeming impasse.
So, while I tend to foster an insight into your experience through a psychodynamic lense, I may also guide you through Gestalt and CBT.
My mission is to accompany you through life’s inevitable challenges. I will assist you not only overcoming a difficult patch but grow through it and in spite of it. You deserve realizing your fullest potential, fostered by your therapist's unconditional positive regard, along with therapeutic input. No two clients are ever the same. Therefore, we too as therapists evolve alongside you in our knowledge and intuition. Through our shared experience of therapy, you will increase your insight, and as a result, you will discover more available choices during say, a complex transition that you experience or a seeming impasse.
Matthew Herrera
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Registered Marriage and Family Associate Therapist (136003) supervised by Matthew J. Rohr, M.S., LMFT51186 based in Pasadena, California. Prior to joining Matt Rohr & Associates, I was at U.S. Vets: "Outside the Wire" where I worked with various veterans and veteran students struggling with severe mental illnesses including Bipolar, Borderline Personality, Major Depressive, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques such as Gestalt, Narrative, Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy.
I am a Registered Marriage and Family Associate Therapist (136003) supervised by Matthew J. Rohr, M.S., LMFT51186 based in Pasadena, California. Prior to joining Matt Rohr & Associates, I was at U.S. Vets: "Outside the Wire" where I worked with various veterans and veteran students struggling with severe mental illnesses including Bipolar, Borderline Personality, Major Depressive, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques such as Gestalt, Narrative, Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy.
Kathryn Andrews
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I work from a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic perspective while drawing from Gestalt, Imago Relationship Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy.
Life can be extremely challenging. In response, we develop coping mechanisms that work in the moment, but that ultimately hinder our ability to connect with ourselves and others in a healthy way. With my clients, we identify destructive/productive learned behaviors. We practice new ways of interacting and work through past and present struggles, regaining the ability to feel calm, love, and joy! Some of the issues I treat are anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, addiction, and narcissism (stemming from trauma). I work with adults and couples in various stages of life (marriage, new parents, divorce, midlife, etc.).
I work from a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic perspective while drawing from Gestalt, Imago Relationship Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy.
Life can be extremely challenging. In response, we develop coping mechanisms that work in the moment, but that ultimately hinder our ability to connect with ourselves and others in a healthy way. With my clients, we identify destructive/productive learned behaviors. We practice new ways of interacting and work through past and present struggles, regaining the ability to feel calm, love, and joy! Some of the issues I treat are anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, addiction, and narcissism (stemming from trauma). I work with adults and couples in various stages of life (marriage, new parents, divorce, midlife, etc.).
Michael J Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91103
His work integrates principles from Gestalt, humanistic, narrative, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed perspectives.
I help creative adults and couples overcome past trauma and foster healthy relationships. As human beings, something unique within us strives for growth, healing, and connection. A strong therapeutic relationship can foster greater compassion, insight, and joy that enhances our quality of life. At times, we may struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, trauma, creative struggles, or a lack of purpose. Psychotherapy can be a safe and brave space to better know ourselves and improve our connection to those we love and the greater world.
His work integrates principles from Gestalt, humanistic, narrative, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed perspectives.
I help creative adults and couples overcome past trauma and foster healthy relationships. As human beings, something unique within us strives for growth, healing, and connection. A strong therapeutic relationship can foster greater compassion, insight, and joy that enhances our quality of life. At times, we may struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, trauma, creative struggles, or a lack of purpose. Psychotherapy can be a safe and brave space to better know ourselves and improve our connection to those we love and the greater world.
My theoretical orientation is centered in relational gestalt, humanistic, and feminist theories.
Where trauma and oppressive systems fragment and disconnect, this work offers a reminder and an invitation back to our inherent fullness. In our sessions together, you can get raw, vulnerable, and foster deeper intimacy, connection, compassion, understanding and knowledge of yourself. Together, we will co-create a brave space and collaborate in the healing work. You creating a pleasurable life is a key component to you living your most fulfilled life. This courageous choice to seek your healing is about us both being present to bear witness to the growth and creation of you.
My theoretical orientation is centered in relational gestalt, humanistic, and feminist theories.
Where trauma and oppressive systems fragment and disconnect, this work offers a reminder and an invitation back to our inherent fullness. In our sessions together, you can get raw, vulnerable, and foster deeper intimacy, connection, compassion, understanding and knowledge of yourself. Together, we will co-create a brave space and collaborate in the healing work. You creating a pleasurable life is a key component to you living your most fulfilled life. This courageous choice to seek your healing is about us both being present to bear witness to the growth and creation of you.
At times, we may find ourselves struggling with anxieties, insecurities and fear; and in these we can feel stuck and alone as we navigate the hardships that inevitably cross our paths. I strongly believe that insight and awareness are some of the best tools we can possess to create lasting, positive change in our lives. It is my goal to provide a curious, informed space to explore the ways in which culture, family dynamics, and identity influence the ways in which we are able to move through the world.
At times, we may find ourselves struggling with anxieties, insecurities and fear; and in these we can feel stuck and alone as we navigate the hardships that inevitably cross our paths. I strongly believe that insight and awareness are some of the best tools we can possess to create lasting, positive change in our lives. It is my goal to provide a curious, informed space to explore the ways in which culture, family dynamics, and identity influence the ways in which we are able to move through the world.
Jennifer Murdocca
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101 (Online Only)
You already possess the inner resources and capacity needed to heal. At certain times, however, we all need help gaining access to that nurturing capacity: a kind of 'Assisted Self Discovery.' When our minds, bodies, & emotions are all supported together in a safe process of present-oriented exploration, the potential for change is remarkable. I utilize an eclectic approach. Each session is tailored to your unique needs & personal goals. Long-lasting symptom relief/decreased suffering & achieving a more fulfilling life are priorities that guide my work with clients.
You already possess the inner resources and capacity needed to heal. At certain times, however, we all need help gaining access to that nurturing capacity: a kind of 'Assisted Self Discovery.' When our minds, bodies, & emotions are all supported together in a safe process of present-oriented exploration, the potential for change is remarkable. I utilize an eclectic approach. Each session is tailored to your unique needs & personal goals. Long-lasting symptom relief/decreased suffering & achieving a more fulfilling life are priorities that guide my work with clients.
Karisa Quick
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, M A ED, LPCC, PPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91105 (Online Only)
LGBTQ+, EMDR, trauma, Religious deconversion, EMDR. I’m a queer, non-binary therapist who loves helping people recover from painful experiences, deal with life stress, and take control of their lives. We will take steps together to help you move toward your ideal self by focusing on your healing, goals, dreams, passions, fears, and unique qualities. Therapy is personal and beautiful and can bring up difficult feelings. We will work to help you feel safe and develop skills to deal with these intense emotions. I only work with adult individuals at this time. I am in-network with some insurances and I also offer Superbills!
LGBTQ+, EMDR, trauma, Religious deconversion, EMDR. I’m a queer, non-binary therapist who loves helping people recover from painful experiences, deal with life stress, and take control of their lives. We will take steps together to help you move toward your ideal self by focusing on your healing, goals, dreams, passions, fears, and unique qualities. Therapy is personal and beautiful and can bring up difficult feelings. We will work to help you feel safe and develop skills to deal with these intense emotions. I only work with adult individuals at this time. I am in-network with some insurances and I also offer Superbills!
Do you have challenges that range from identity exploration and acceptance to navigating life transitions and mental health concerns? Do you seek a supportive space to express yourself, understand your emotions, and build coping skills? Your goals might include fostering self-acceptance, enhancing resilience, and navigating age-specific challenges. Therapy help with creating authentic connections, improved mental well-being, and a sense of purpose.
Do you have challenges that range from identity exploration and acceptance to navigating life transitions and mental health concerns? Do you seek a supportive space to express yourself, understand your emotions, and build coping skills? Your goals might include fostering self-acceptance, enhancing resilience, and navigating age-specific challenges. Therapy help with creating authentic connections, improved mental well-being, and a sense of purpose.
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Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Seeking more from your relationships? Or perhaps you've experienced a recent loss or disruption and are unsure how to cope? Psychotherapy can be a valuable resource. The success of therapy hinges on the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist, so I encourage you to take your time finding the right match. If you need relief from painful and confusing emotions, or if you want to deepen your self-understanding and strengthen your connections with others, I am here to help.
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Seeking more from your relationships? Or perhaps you've experienced a recent loss or disruption and are unsure how to cope? Psychotherapy can be a valuable resource. The success of therapy hinges on the quality of the relationship between you and your therapist, so I encourage you to take your time finding the right match. If you need relief from painful and confusing emotions, or if you want to deepen your self-understanding and strengthen your connections with others, I am here to help.
Better - that's what you want; to be better, do better, and feel better. My goal is to help you get to your "better". You may feel alone with your experience or that no one would understand what you've been through - you may not even understand it yourself. But trust me when I say that you are not alone, and you CAN reach your goal! Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you have been down this road before, I can help you to heal mentally and emotionally, to learn how to have a better relationship with yourself and others, and to develop the insight to reach your greatest potential.
Better - that's what you want; to be better, do better, and feel better. My goal is to help you get to your "better". You may feel alone with your experience or that no one would understand what you've been through - you may not even understand it yourself. But trust me when I say that you are not alone, and you CAN reach your goal! Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you have been down this road before, I can help you to heal mentally and emotionally, to learn how to have a better relationship with yourself and others, and to develop the insight to reach your greatest potential.
German Ernesto Ortiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I specialize in providing support to men seeking to gain control in their lives and are ready to take the necessary steps to make those changes. The men of today has to face obstacles in life differently than with previous generations, and navigating through all these roadblocks alone is extremely challenging for ones mental health. We all need additional support in different stages of our lives. Divorce/separation, custody issues, midlife/existential crisis, depression, and anxiety are just some of the problems the men of today have to live with.
I specialize in providing support to men seeking to gain control in their lives and are ready to take the necessary steps to make those changes. The men of today has to face obstacles in life differently than with previous generations, and navigating through all these roadblocks alone is extremely challenging for ones mental health. We all need additional support in different stages of our lives. Divorce/separation, custody issues, midlife/existential crisis, depression, and anxiety are just some of the problems the men of today have to live with.
Gloria Avrech
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106
Waitlist for new clients
Are you searching for inner peace, growth, healing and self-understanding? Seeking a safe place where you can have a caring companion to help you explore who you really are? Tools to assist you with daily life struggles, sorrows and joys?
Are you searching for inner peace, growth, healing and self-understanding? Seeking a safe place where you can have a caring companion to help you explore who you really are? Tools to assist you with daily life struggles, sorrows and joys?
I believe that the connection between therapist and client is the key for successful outcomes. I work in collaboration with clients to create achievable and meaningful goals. Therapy may be difficult or bring up uncomfortable feelings for some clients. For this reason, I conduct therapy in a caring, supportive, and nonjudgmental way. My approach is to work with clients in a supportive fashion and to encourage clients to challenge themselves to attain their goals in a safe environment. I strive to create a specific therapeutic plan for each individual’s needs.
I believe that the connection between therapist and client is the key for successful outcomes. I work in collaboration with clients to create achievable and meaningful goals. Therapy may be difficult or bring up uncomfortable feelings for some clients. For this reason, I conduct therapy in a caring, supportive, and nonjudgmental way. My approach is to work with clients in a supportive fashion and to encourage clients to challenge themselves to attain their goals in a safe environment. I strive to create a specific therapeutic plan for each individual’s needs.
Matthew Shima
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101 (Online Only)
I specialize in supporting successful professionals (particularly those in the helping and creative fields) navigating cycles of worry, perfectionism, and prioritizing others over themselves. Many of my clients deeply value harmony and connection, yet struggle to balance these with their own well-being. Together, we work to ease self-doubt, foster self-compassion, and embrace authenticity, aiming for greater ease and joy in their journey while honoring their personal needs and aspirations.
I specialize in supporting successful professionals (particularly those in the helping and creative fields) navigating cycles of worry, perfectionism, and prioritizing others over themselves. Many of my clients deeply value harmony and connection, yet struggle to balance these with their own well-being. Together, we work to ease self-doubt, foster self-compassion, and embrace authenticity, aiming for greater ease and joy in their journey while honoring their personal needs and aspirations.
I love getting to know someone on a deeper level. I love working collaboratively with my clients to help them live more meaningful and enriched lives. I work with individuals, couples, children, and families. I help individuals heal and connect with themselves to find or continue passionately about their purpose. I establish coping skills and positive ways to help and reconnect to establish a solid and secure sense of self.
I love getting to know someone on a deeper level. I love working collaboratively with my clients to help them live more meaningful and enriched lives. I work with individuals, couples, children, and families. I help individuals heal and connect with themselves to find or continue passionately about their purpose. I establish coping skills and positive ways to help and reconnect to establish a solid and secure sense of self.
It may very well be that our deepest longing and need is for connection. To be heard and understood. To be known in places where many others are never allowed. To be more connected to the lost neglected parts of ourselves and those we care about. You have this opportunity in the safety of psychotherapy. It isn't always an easy road. Perhaps this sounds intimidating. Often it entails letting go of destructive habits or getting unstuck. We may need to look at old patterns and create new ones. There may be moments of laughing, crying, or facing hard truths.
It may very well be that our deepest longing and need is for connection. To be heard and understood. To be known in places where many others are never allowed. To be more connected to the lost neglected parts of ourselves and those we care about. You have this opportunity in the safety of psychotherapy. It isn't always an easy road. Perhaps this sounds intimidating. Often it entails letting go of destructive habits or getting unstuck. We may need to look at old patterns and create new ones. There may be moments of laughing, crying, or facing hard truths.
Now accepting new clients for telehealth or outdoor sessions. "Ultimately it is the quality of our relationships that will determine the quality of our lives" - Esther Perel. Our relationships are everything. When our connections with each are not what we hope for, it is natural to feel unsteady in the world or even sad or anxious. We often get in our own way from finding and maintaining our deepest connections with those we love. Looking to our past can give us clues to our future and how to "live our best lives" (I think Oprah coined that one!). I offer telehealth sessions as well as outdoor sessions in a local park TBD.
Now accepting new clients for telehealth or outdoor sessions. "Ultimately it is the quality of our relationships that will determine the quality of our lives" - Esther Perel. Our relationships are everything. When our connections with each are not what we hope for, it is natural to feel unsteady in the world or even sad or anxious. We often get in our own way from finding and maintaining our deepest connections with those we love. Looking to our past can give us clues to our future and how to "live our best lives" (I think Oprah coined that one!). I offer telehealth sessions as well as outdoor sessions in a local park TBD.
See more therapy options for Pasadena
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Pasadena
- Alhambra
- Altadena
- Arcadia
- Eagle Rock
- Highland Park
- La Canada Flintridge
- Monterey Park
- San Gabriel
- San Marino
- Sierra Madre
- South Pasadena
- Temple City
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.