Chronic Illness Therapists in San Carlos, CA
![Photo of Michelle Mayes, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50d228e0-9105-4f35-a8c3-c6473b182822/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my page! I want to honor your courage in making it to this step in your therapy journey. At some point all of us will experience brokenness, and our past may leave its marks. I like to think of healing through therapy like Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Instead of hiding the break, the gold honors its uniqueness and makes the pottery stronger than it was before. Like Kintsugi, our true beauty can be shown in the way we fill our cracks to help us heal. Our flaws and wounds make us who we are, and by honoring them through our restoration in therapy, we become stronger people.
Welcome to my page! I want to honor your courage in making it to this step in your therapy journey. At some point all of us will experience brokenness, and our past may leave its marks. I like to think of healing through therapy like Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Instead of hiding the break, the gold honors its uniqueness and makes the pottery stronger than it was before. Like Kintsugi, our true beauty can be shown in the way we fill our cracks to help us heal. Our flaws and wounds make us who we are, and by honoring them through our restoration in therapy, we become stronger people.
![Photo of Dr. Brittany Salerno Caulkins, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fda9259a-db89-4adb-a413-78a47d6ee28f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Brittany Salerno Caulkins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070 (Online Only)
As your therapist, my goal is to provide a warm, safe space for you to step into your most authentic self while working toward your goals. I provide care for anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship issues, and other concerns. I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer. I am trained in evidence-based treatments including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and others. I am dedicated to working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
As your therapist, my goal is to provide a warm, safe space for you to step into your most authentic self while working toward your goals. I provide care for anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship issues, and other concerns. I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer. I am trained in evidence-based treatments including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and others. I am dedicated to working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
![Photo of Elizabeth Bissell, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd1fe68c-67e1-4a3f-b34a-368209503780/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with young adults, adults, parents, caregivers, and older adults. I enjoy integrating Christian faith in sessions if welcomed. As a social worker, I also enjoy looking at practical solutions to life's challenges. My focus is on persistent depression, generalized anxiety, and adjustment issues.
I specialize in working with young adults, adults, parents, caregivers, and older adults. I enjoy integrating Christian faith in sessions if welcomed. As a social worker, I also enjoy looking at practical solutions to life's challenges. My focus is on persistent depression, generalized anxiety, and adjustment issues.
![Photo of Anna McQuinn, PhD, MFT, PSY, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48b002e6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. McQuinn is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a licensed Marital and Family therapist. Dr. Anna McQuinn has been a Tenured Professor of Notre Dame de Namur University where she has been chair of the Clinical Psychology Graduate Department since 1987. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of San Francisco graduate Psychology program. Currently she is a Professor Emeritus at the NDNU & has a private practice in San Carlos. She believes that Psychotherapy Healing takes place within the relational model. There is a profound unconscious connection between therapist and client & a mutuality of influence.
Dr. McQuinn is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a licensed Marital and Family therapist. Dr. Anna McQuinn has been a Tenured Professor of Notre Dame de Namur University where she has been chair of the Clinical Psychology Graduate Department since 1987. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of San Francisco graduate Psychology program. Currently she is a Professor Emeritus at the NDNU & has a private practice in San Carlos. She believes that Psychotherapy Healing takes place within the relational model. There is a profound unconscious connection between therapist and client & a mutuality of influence.
![Photo of Cynthia Gallagher, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54a50ad0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My psychotherapy services are tailored to meet the individual needs of my clients. I approach your problems with curiosity and kindness as I believe you are the expert on your own experience. I will work with you to help guide you, learn new tools, and make positive choices that fit for you, your family, and your life. I draw from a variety of techniques to help adults learn how to manage daily stresses and live a full and rewarding life.
My psychotherapy services are tailored to meet the individual needs of my clients. I approach your problems with curiosity and kindness as I believe you are the expert on your own experience. I will work with you to help guide you, learn new tools, and make positive choices that fit for you, your family, and your life. I draw from a variety of techniques to help adults learn how to manage daily stresses and live a full and rewarding life.
![Photo of Sharon L Fu, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0113f7cc-a649-493a-b435-a1c09c2883a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Who doesn't need therapy? Therapy is unique. It is a safe space where you can be completely who you are. Within the therapy relationship, you are able to say things that you have bottled up, you are given opportunity to identify your blind spots without judgment or shame, and you are able to attune to what you really want in life. I am a big believer in hearing your own voice, getting in touch with your values, and making decisions that align with what is important to you.
Who doesn't need therapy? Therapy is unique. It is a safe space where you can be completely who you are. Within the therapy relationship, you are able to say things that you have bottled up, you are given opportunity to identify your blind spots without judgment or shame, and you are able to attune to what you really want in life. I am a big believer in hearing your own voice, getting in touch with your values, and making decisions that align with what is important to you.
![Photo of Mor Frenkiel, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fb38128-77de-43d4-b46c-70c67f47dbbc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mor Frenkiel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070
Do you ever feel like there should be more to life? When faced with another challenging event, you find yourself yearning for change, thinking, "I don't want to continue like this... I'm ready for a positive turn". Life can be different and better than it is now. There are places we can discover together that may be difficult to find alone. Fortunately, there is a path, a way to help you achieve your goals. I've worked with kids and adults, providing support for anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and cancer-related challenges, among others. I'm here, ready to begin our journey. Let's take the first step together.
Do you ever feel like there should be more to life? When faced with another challenging event, you find yourself yearning for change, thinking, "I don't want to continue like this... I'm ready for a positive turn". Life can be different and better than it is now. There are places we can discover together that may be difficult to find alone. Fortunately, there is a path, a way to help you achieve your goals. I've worked with kids and adults, providing support for anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and cancer-related challenges, among others. I'm here, ready to begin our journey. Let's take the first step together.
![Photo of Zlatena Theodore, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f378ea25-305d-4ea2-a45c-7da261152ac7/3/320x400.jpeg)
The path to wellness can be challenging as your mental, emotional, and physical experiences all play a role in your overall welfare. I actively focus on the intersection between health and behavior to help optimize your well-being. I have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, weight management, adjustment to new diagnoses, and management of chronic health conditions. I also help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress management, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
The path to wellness can be challenging as your mental, emotional, and physical experiences all play a role in your overall welfare. I actively focus on the intersection between health and behavior to help optimize your well-being. I have specialized training in treating insomnia, chronic pain, weight management, adjustment to new diagnoses, and management of chronic health conditions. I also help individuals cope with psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life transitions, stress management, burnout, and relationship difficulties.
![Photo of Nicole Barr, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46e4ed4a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are here, you are motivated to make some changes: I provide, practical, evidence based approaches to improving relationships (premarital, transitions such as parenting, co-parenting) or coping with life stressors, particularly when medical issues (cancer, grief, fertility issues) or one partner's mental health issues are involved. As an LMFT who is also a nurse practitioner, I bring a unique perspective to my counseling practice. My clients ideally experience peace of mind, greater closeness in your relationships, and discover new ways of coping and finding joy even in difficult circumstances.
If you are here, you are motivated to make some changes: I provide, practical, evidence based approaches to improving relationships (premarital, transitions such as parenting, co-parenting) or coping with life stressors, particularly when medical issues (cancer, grief, fertility issues) or one partner's mental health issues are involved. As an LMFT who is also a nurse practitioner, I bring a unique perspective to my counseling practice. My clients ideally experience peace of mind, greater closeness in your relationships, and discover new ways of coping and finding joy even in difficult circumstances.
![Photo of Carolee Stabno, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf768fc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Carolee Stabno
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
As a solution-focused, culturally sensitive therapist, my treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to clients to help them resolve current problems, and work through life transitions and issues. Additionally, I have had extensive experience in the treatment of depression, panic disorder, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and loss & grief. With sensitivity and compassion, I help clients find solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
![Photo of Monika - Grace, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97ebb2b2-3465-42b4-b5d5-f3e9f7119732/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
![Photo of Holly L Pedersen - Holly Pedersen, PhD, MFT, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/624b7fbd-3d26-4f33-ac82-8ecaa9ebff21/2/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Pedersen, PhD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94070
Waitlist for new clients
My goal is to provide you with compassionate understanding and a clear plan for moving forward, whatever this means for you. It may mean overcoming anxiety or depression, improving your relationship, helping a struggling teen, or finding your way after a life change or loss. It could also mean helping you enjoy life more, regardless of what is happening around you. I have been providing therapy to individual adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families for over 20 years. I work with a diverse range of emotional, behavioral and relationship issues, utilizing the most effective research-based treatment models.
My goal is to provide you with compassionate understanding and a clear plan for moving forward, whatever this means for you. It may mean overcoming anxiety or depression, improving your relationship, helping a struggling teen, or finding your way after a life change or loss. It could also mean helping you enjoy life more, regardless of what is happening around you. I have been providing therapy to individual adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families for over 20 years. I work with a diverse range of emotional, behavioral and relationship issues, utilizing the most effective research-based treatment models.
![Photo of Kathleen Casillas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83a42e52-bb91-47bd-8e14-7ae49fc5f8c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Kathy Casillas, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing in the field for almost 17 years. In my many years as a therapist, I find myself using DBT and Strength Based Approaches, as well as Art therapy for a bottoms-up approach which works great to combat fears and anxiety. My favorite mantra is "Don't look back- you're not going that way" by Mary Engelbreit. I have worked with all ages from as young as 5 to 75, Typically I work with older teens and older adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and life changes.
I'm Kathy Casillas, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing in the field for almost 17 years. In my many years as a therapist, I find myself using DBT and Strength Based Approaches, as well as Art therapy for a bottoms-up approach which works great to combat fears and anxiety. My favorite mantra is "Don't look back- you're not going that way" by Mary Engelbreit. I have worked with all ages from as young as 5 to 75, Typically I work with older teens and older adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and life changes.
![Photo of Amy Evans, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc5ee57a-acdd-439f-83bc-35e4277d32a7/2/320x400.png)
Hi, My name is Amy Evans and I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California. My approach to therapy is integrative, utilizing evidence-based practices, while focusing on connecting and understanding the individual's goals and needs. I very much value a strength-based positive and supportive methodology where treatment is focused on the individual's strengths and goals. Most importantly, I work in a collaborative manner with the person seeking some change. I find that people often know what they want and can use structure and encouragement to help them reach their goals.
Hi, My name is Amy Evans and I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California. My approach to therapy is integrative, utilizing evidence-based practices, while focusing on connecting and understanding the individual's goals and needs. I very much value a strength-based positive and supportive methodology where treatment is focused on the individual's strengths and goals. Most importantly, I work in a collaborative manner with the person seeking some change. I find that people often know what they want and can use structure and encouragement to help them reach their goals.
![Photo of Randi L Wren, MA, BCC, CC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5aa11312-ce03-40db-8d2d-bbc7ef2b0624/1/320x400.png)
I am a seasoned spiritual health specialist, theologian, chaplain, and counselor. My passion is to discuss and reflect upon life's ultimate issues and guide one in deliberating existential questions. I use a hope-meaning-based spiritual model. This model blends reason and spirituality, science and faith, to form a unique psycho-spiritual practice to fight the darkness of suffering and loss and seek illumination. I specialize in helping clients make meaning and purpose in their own lives. We explore what it means to heal and how despair, sadness, and fear are a natural part of this process. We also face the fullness of death.
I am a seasoned spiritual health specialist, theologian, chaplain, and counselor. My passion is to discuss and reflect upon life's ultimate issues and guide one in deliberating existential questions. I use a hope-meaning-based spiritual model. This model blends reason and spirituality, science and faith, to form a unique psycho-spiritual practice to fight the darkness of suffering and loss and seek illumination. I specialize in helping clients make meaning and purpose in their own lives. We explore what it means to heal and how despair, sadness, and fear are a natural part of this process. We also face the fullness of death.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Dr. Nina Singh - Dr. Nina Singh | Inclusive Health Psychology, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d68a90f1-e68c-4104-87c7-8ca55b9d02ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Nina Singh | Inclusive Health Psychology
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redwood City, CA 94061
Expert care for cancer, chronic illness, sleep, & health goals. Therapy that welcomes your cultural & racial identity and heals trauma. As a South Asian cis-het woman, unwavering ally, and health psychologist, I've seen the challenges faced by individuals & families in medical and mental health care. Having an advocate matters, whether you're managing a life transition, living with cancer, or trying to fix your sleep. As your advocate, I see you and support you as a whole person. I support aspects of your emotional, physical, social, and existential health that go well beyond "symptoms."
Expert care for cancer, chronic illness, sleep, & health goals. Therapy that welcomes your cultural & racial identity and heals trauma. As a South Asian cis-het woman, unwavering ally, and health psychologist, I've seen the challenges faced by individuals & families in medical and mental health care. Having an advocate matters, whether you're managing a life transition, living with cancer, or trying to fix your sleep. As your advocate, I see you and support you as a whole person. I support aspects of your emotional, physical, social, and existential health that go well beyond "symptoms."
![Photo of Amanda B Feinstein, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/414edbcf-7f8b-47c2-bd30-ca76f2b90a5a/1/320x400.png)
Living with chronic pain or a chronic illness can be challenging. But finding the right support to help you on your journey can be transformative. I worked for 9 years in the Pediatric Pain Management Clinic at Stanford University School of Medicine teaching patients coping skills for better managing pain and improving function. Skills I teach typically align with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnosis, and Mindfulness Based interventions. I also have training in EMDR to address trauma, and have specific focus in Medical Trauma. In addition to working with individuals with medical conditions, I also treat anxiety and depression.
Living with chronic pain or a chronic illness can be challenging. But finding the right support to help you on your journey can be transformative. I worked for 9 years in the Pediatric Pain Management Clinic at Stanford University School of Medicine teaching patients coping skills for better managing pain and improving function. Skills I teach typically align with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnosis, and Mindfulness Based interventions. I also have training in EMDR to address trauma, and have specific focus in Medical Trauma. In addition to working with individuals with medical conditions, I also treat anxiety and depression.
![Photo of Griselda Garcilazo, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7bbd7b8-30f0-47e3-b881-641eec932425/2/320x400.jpeg)
Griselda Garcilazo
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94062
Griselda Garcilazo BA from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an MS in Counseling with a dual specialization in Clinical Counseling and School Counseling from Loma Linda University. Griselda has worked with complex care patients including ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Headache, and Bariatric surgery patients. Griselda specializes in end-of-life, terminal, and progressive diagnoses, chronic health conditions, grief, PTSD, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, crisis intervention, veteran, school counseling, and life transitions for individuals, couples, and families.
Griselda Garcilazo BA from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an MS in Counseling with a dual specialization in Clinical Counseling and School Counseling from Loma Linda University. Griselda has worked with complex care patients including ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Headache, and Bariatric surgery patients. Griselda specializes in end-of-life, terminal, and progressive diagnoses, chronic health conditions, grief, PTSD, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, crisis intervention, veteran, school counseling, and life transitions for individuals, couples, and families.
![Photo of Uta Maeda, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40b62f01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
The impact of chronic pain often goes far beyond the body, and may leave you feeling depressed, anxious, angry, and isolated. As a pain psychologist, I can help you build effective coping tools to take back control over your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical symptoms so that you can live a meaningful life that is not defined by your pain. I emphasize a collaborative, solution-focused approach to therapy, and will work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account the unique biological, psychological, and social factors that make you who you are.
![Photo of Travis Woodmansee, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7aa0176d-99a8-4d36-a5d2-e794683e29fb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Wherever you are on life's journey, and whatever feelings or behaviors you feel stuck in, you are welcome here. ALL parts of you are welcome here, exactly as you are. I'm a licensed psychotherapist that uses an integrative approach to focus on your current concerns and goals using the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to establish a warm, supportive, authentic environment offering questions and reflections that can guide you in handling your challenges and making the changes you desire.
Wherever you are on life's journey, and whatever feelings or behaviors you feel stuck in, you are welcome here. ALL parts of you are welcome here, exactly as you are. I'm a licensed psychotherapist that uses an integrative approach to focus on your current concerns and goals using the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to establish a warm, supportive, authentic environment offering questions and reflections that can guide you in handling your challenges and making the changes you desire.
See more therapy options for San Carlos
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for San Carlos
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Foster City
- Los Altos
- Menlo Park
- Millbrae
- Palo Alto
- Redwood City
- San Mateo
- Stanford
- Woodside
Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.