Photo of Jennifer Martin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401  (Online Only)
I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.
I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.
(510) 439-9875 View (510) 439-9875
Photo of Jeffrey Young - Open Mind Health , Marriage & Family Therapist
Open Mind Health
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. With ease-of-access to our advanced telehealth platform or in-person visits, our expert psychiatrists and therapists offer highly individualized care wherever you are and whenever you need it. Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today at 855-550-6063 to get started!
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, isolation, relationship/family issues? At Open Mind Health, we get to the “root cause” of what’s actually leading to your emotional challenges, while treating the resulting issues and developing lasting solutions to help you feel optimistic and hopeful. With ease-of-access to our advanced telehealth platform or in-person visits, our expert psychiatrists and therapists offer highly individualized care wherever you are and whenever you need it. Our therapists and life coaches are compassionate and forward-thinkers. Call us today at 855-550-6063 to get started!
(619) 279-5464 View (619) 279-5464
Photo of Lorine Estelle Bay, MA, MFT, EXA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lorine Estelle Bay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, EXA
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
(650) 456-7753 View (650) 456-7753
Photo of Monika - Grace, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA, Psychologist
Monika - Grace
Psychologist, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA
Verified Verified
San Carlos, CA 94071
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.
(619) 430-4996 View (619) 430-4996
Photo of Michael Sally, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Sally
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94061
Hello, and thank you for checking out my profile page. I applaud you for deciding to enter therapy. It has never been a better time than now. I know that you have a lot of options and choices in selecting a provider, and I am grateful to be one who you are considering to work with. When you make the decision to find someone to talk with, it is so important that you find the right person that feels best for you. I believe in making this process work for you. Should you decide to work with me, I operate from the premise that we are working together, and that you know yourself best and what will work for you.
Hello, and thank you for checking out my profile page. I applaud you for deciding to enter therapy. It has never been a better time than now. I know that you have a lot of options and choices in selecting a provider, and I am grateful to be one who you are considering to work with. When you make the decision to find someone to talk with, it is so important that you find the right person that feels best for you. I believe in making this process work for you. Should you decide to work with me, I operate from the premise that we are working together, and that you know yourself best and what will work for you.
(650) 209-7647 View (650) 209-7647
Photo of David A Thomson - David A Thomson, LCSW, LCSW, BCD, CAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David A Thomson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CAS
Verified Verified
Daly City, CA 94013
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties.
Do you feel that your everyday challenges are beginning to overwhelm you? Have you set goals for yourself, but you have not been able to achieve them? The solution is in sight. With skill, professionalism, empathy, and compassion I can help you to achieve your goals and the life that you want. Because you are a unique individual, I will tailor my treatment methods to fit your unique situation and needs. I believe that we all have what it takes to meet and conquer life's many challenges and difficulties.
(415) 508-8805 View (415) 508-8805
Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, MFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Melinda Haynes - Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc., MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94404  (Online Only)
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.
(530) 451-4151 View (530) 451-4151

Online Therapists

Photo of Karena Petersen, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karena Petersen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Campbell, CA 95008
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include life transitions: separation/divorce/ coparenting, women's issues, grief/ loss of all kinds, adult /child ADHD, sensory sensitivity, adult anxiety/depression, child/adolescent anxiety/depression, school/social issues, being the sibling of a neuro-divergent sibling, LGBTQ allied, and family of origin healing.
At different times we experience unresolved situations that affect our sense of clarity, calm and balance. As a therapist and guide, together we will strive to remove those obstacles and restore hope and engagement. We can achieve this through developing goals and ways to cope that address those often unexpected and sometimes familiar patterns of living. My practice serves individual adults, children/teens, parents including parent and child therapy, and elders. My wish for all clients is to find a trustworthy therapist in me. Please refer to my website to learn more about my specialties and past work history at karenapetersen.com.
My specialties include life transitions: separation/divorce/ coparenting, women's issues, grief/ loss of all kinds, adult /child ADHD, sensory sensitivity, adult anxiety/depression, child/adolescent anxiety/depression, school/social issues, being the sibling of a neuro-divergent sibling, LGBTQ allied, and family of origin healing.
At different times we experience unresolved situations that affect our sense of clarity, calm and balance. As a therapist and guide, together we will strive to remove those obstacles and restore hope and engagement. We can achieve this through developing goals and ways to cope that address those often unexpected and sometimes familiar patterns of living. My practice serves individual adults, children/teens, parents including parent and child therapy, and elders. My wish for all clients is to find a trustworthy therapist in me. Please refer to my website to learn more about my specialties and past work history at karenapetersen.com.
(408) 772-0644 View (408) 772-0644
Photo of Debra M Kobold, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra M Kobold
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I have extensive experience in working with Adolescents and Adults who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Addictions, Self-Harming Behaviors, Trauma, PTSD, Grief, Co-dependency, Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide Ideation.
I will help you learn to appreciate your emotional identity through managing moods, thoughts, impulsiveness, reactivity, and harmful behaviors. I will help you strengthen or repair your relationships and build new ones. I'll help you cultivate confidence to ask for what you want, set boundaries with others, and navigate family issues. I can also teach you social skills if you feel out of place at work or school.
I have extensive experience in working with Adolescents and Adults who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Addictions, Self-Harming Behaviors, Trauma, PTSD, Grief, Co-dependency, Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide Ideation.
I will help you learn to appreciate your emotional identity through managing moods, thoughts, impulsiveness, reactivity, and harmful behaviors. I will help you strengthen or repair your relationships and build new ones. I'll help you cultivate confidence to ask for what you want, set boundaries with others, and navigate family issues. I can also teach you social skills if you feel out of place at work or school.
(925) 259-3746 View (925) 259-3746
Photo of Melissa F Sipolt - Melissa Sipolt, MA, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Sipolt, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Elk Grove, CA 95758  (Online Only)
Making the decision to begin therapy/counseling is a big step, and I truly understand and respect the bravery and vulnerability that it takes for clients to reach out to a prospective therapist. Over the past 23 years, I have successfully helped thousands of individual adults, adolescents, children, couples and families to heal from issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, family and couple relationships, divorce, infertility, parenting, adoption, addiction, self-esteem, bullying, life transitions, grief, trauma, and adverse childhood events.
Making the decision to begin therapy/counseling is a big step, and I truly understand and respect the bravery and vulnerability that it takes for clients to reach out to a prospective therapist. Over the past 23 years, I have successfully helped thousands of individual adults, adolescents, children, couples and families to heal from issues related to anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, family and couple relationships, divorce, infertility, parenting, adoption, addiction, self-esteem, bullying, life transitions, grief, trauma, and adverse childhood events.
(808) 400-1544 View (808) 400-1544
Photo of Carson Oberst, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carson Oberst
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Life is a continual process of establishing and reestablishing various identities for ourselves, and sometimes that gets messy or confusing. Sometimes the ways we think and behave become incongruent with what we want and value. Sometimes we have a hard time knowing what we want and value. Sometimes external events or unforeseen challenges disrupt what we envisioned for ourselves and the future. It can feel tricky to navigate issues of identity development, change, grief, loss, anxiety, decision-making, relationship stress, disillusionment, and life transitions alone. But that's what therapy is for.
Life is a continual process of establishing and reestablishing various identities for ourselves, and sometimes that gets messy or confusing. Sometimes the ways we think and behave become incongruent with what we want and value. Sometimes we have a hard time knowing what we want and value. Sometimes external events or unforeseen challenges disrupt what we envisioned for ourselves and the future. It can feel tricky to navigate issues of identity development, change, grief, loss, anxiety, decision-making, relationship stress, disillusionment, and life transitions alone. But that's what therapy is for.
(415) 915-2208 View (415) 915-2208
Photo of Mj Klimenko - MJ Klimenko, MFT, LPCC, CHT, MA, LMFT, LPCC, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
MJ Klimenko, MFT, LPCC, CHT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC, CHT
Verified Verified
Vallejo, CA 94591
I also work with people suffering from depression, anxiety, emptiness, loneliness, trauma, grief, individuation, the LGBT community, experienced working with veterans and their families, as well as sexual issues (talk therapy not sex therapist).
If you're "sick and tired of being sick and tired," feel empty, lonely, sad, wonder who you are, where you're going or other issues, I can help you as a teletherapist. Supportive psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and life coach, talking with you, not at you, respecting your inner wisdom and the choices you make. No problem is too big or too small. In private practice since 1990.There are no judgments just solutions. Learn who you are not who you're supposed to be. For twenty-six years I've been working with individuals, couples, relationship issues: finding one, changing one, saving one.
I also work with people suffering from depression, anxiety, emptiness, loneliness, trauma, grief, individuation, the LGBT community, experienced working with veterans and their families, as well as sexual issues (talk therapy not sex therapist).
If you're "sick and tired of being sick and tired," feel empty, lonely, sad, wonder who you are, where you're going or other issues, I can help you as a teletherapist. Supportive psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and life coach, talking with you, not at you, respecting your inner wisdom and the choices you make. No problem is too big or too small. In private practice since 1990.There are no judgments just solutions. Learn who you are not who you're supposed to be. For twenty-six years I've been working with individuals, couples, relationship issues: finding one, changing one, saving one.
(510) 497-2964 View (510) 497-2964
Photo of Whitney M. Keilman, MA, PhD, Psychologist
Whitney M. Keilman
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with issues including but not limited to: Aging, Anxiety, Bereavement, Body image, Depression, Drug and Alcohol, Chronic illness, Chronic pain, Family conflicts, Interpersonal boundaries, Life transitions, Oppression, Parenting, PTSD, Relationships, Support for caregivers, Terminal illness, and Trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing therapy to teens and adults residing in California. I believe that every individual is unique and deserving of love, and I feel that this shines through in my work. Seeking therapy is not always easy, and I’m truly honored to be a part of my Patient’s healing and strengthening processes.
I have experience working with issues including but not limited to: Aging, Anxiety, Bereavement, Body image, Depression, Drug and Alcohol, Chronic illness, Chronic pain, Family conflicts, Interpersonal boundaries, Life transitions, Oppression, Parenting, PTSD, Relationships, Support for caregivers, Terminal illness, and Trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing therapy to teens and adults residing in California. I believe that every individual is unique and deserving of love, and I feel that this shines through in my work. Seeking therapy is not always easy, and I’m truly honored to be a part of my Patient’s healing and strengthening processes.
(415) 903-8664 View (415) 903-8664
Photo of Katherine Roberts, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katherine Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608
Katherine specializes in anxiety, life transitions, work-life balance, trauma, grief and loss, depression, and issues related to gender and sexual orientation.
Katherine Roberts is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2010. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy) degree from the University of San Francisco. Katherine utilizes an eclectic approach to assist individuals in improving functioning and increasing feelings of well-being. Her goal is to provide a safe space for people to explore their emotions and better understand their behaviors.
Katherine specializes in anxiety, life transitions, work-life balance, trauma, grief and loss, depression, and issues related to gender and sexual orientation.
Katherine Roberts is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who has been practicing since 2010. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy) degree from the University of San Francisco. Katherine utilizes an eclectic approach to assist individuals in improving functioning and increasing feelings of well-being. Her goal is to provide a safe space for people to explore their emotions and better understand their behaviors.
(510) 714-3295 View (510) 714-3295
Photo of Minda Streamer, ACSW
Minda Streamer
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Not Verified Not Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
My past work includes working with clients who have experienced PTSD, gun violence, depression, anxiety, self harm, grief, and relationship conflicts.
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker with three years of experience providing individual and group therapy to a wide variety of people through various settings. I earned my Bachelors in American Indian Studies at UCLA and my Masters in Clinical Social Work through a Trauma Responsive program of study at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I am also an enrolled member of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians.
My past work includes working with clients who have experienced PTSD, gun violence, depression, anxiety, self harm, grief, and relationship conflicts.
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker with three years of experience providing individual and group therapy to a wide variety of people through various settings. I earned my Bachelors in American Indian Studies at UCLA and my Masters in Clinical Social Work through a Trauma Responsive program of study at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I am also an enrolled member of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians.
(347) 658-1393 View (347) 658-1393
Photo of Edward Mccrone, Psychologist
Edward Mccrone
Psychologist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
30 years helping clients make peace with trauma, abuse, grief, anxiety, depression, parenting distress, addiction, coming out, disease, death, and unresolved pain from relationship misfortune. Individual psychotherapy focused on at least four themes: 1. Frank talk about what has gone wrong or been missing, and acknowledgement of afflicted feelings; 2. Grief work focused on moving past trauma, deprivation, loss, disillusionment, disloyalty, and inconsolability; 3. Replacing unfortunate habits (of mind, heart or action) with ways of living that clients would now find most comfortable; 4.
30 years helping clients make peace with trauma, abuse, grief, anxiety, depression, parenting distress, addiction, coming out, disease, death, and unresolved pain from relationship misfortune. Individual psychotherapy focused on at least four themes: 1. Frank talk about what has gone wrong or been missing, and acknowledgement of afflicted feelings; 2. Grief work focused on moving past trauma, deprivation, loss, disillusionment, disloyalty, and inconsolability; 3. Replacing unfortunate habits (of mind, heart or action) with ways of living that clients would now find most comfortable; 4.
(628) 267-3010 View (628) 267-3010
Photo of Jinnie Wong-Martinusen, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jinnie Wong-Martinusen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
I have a great deal of experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.
Congratulations on taking this first step towards re-authoring your life. In my practice I avoid labeling as much as possible, as the negative labels we assign ourselves often hold us back. I have a diverse experience and have found that it is important for me to be diverse with my approach. I will meet you where you are and be creative with my interventions. You are unique and so our work together shall be. Come as you are and without judgments we will move you on the path of health and wellness towards your goals.
I have a great deal of experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.
Congratulations on taking this first step towards re-authoring your life. In my practice I avoid labeling as much as possible, as the negative labels we assign ourselves often hold us back. I have a diverse experience and have found that it is important for me to be diverse with my approach. I will meet you where you are and be creative with my interventions. You are unique and so our work together shall be. Come as you are and without judgments we will move you on the path of health and wellness towards your goals.
(916) 919-8857 View (916) 919-8857
Photo of Shanette Williams, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shanette Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Oakdale, CA 95361
My name is Shanette Williams, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in Oakdale, CA. I have been providing psychotherapy for over 17 years. I have a passion for working with Children, Adolescents and Families. I have spent my career working with Trauma around such topics as: Sexual Abuse, Child abuse, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. I am also trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Grief and Loss.
My name is Shanette Williams, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in Oakdale, CA. I have been providing psychotherapy for over 17 years. I have a passion for working with Children, Adolescents and Families. I have spent my career working with Trauma around such topics as: Sexual Abuse, Child abuse, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. I am also trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Grief and Loss.
(209) 299-7473 View (209) 299-7473
Photo of Annabelle Niebel Drda, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Annabelle Niebel Drda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I work with clients on anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, parenting, self-care, compulsion/addiction issues, identity/sexuality, PTSD, eating disorders, body image issues, self esteem and many other life challenges.
As I see it, the primary role of a counselor is to serve as a mirror to help reveal what the client hasn't yet been able to see-especially those patterns of relating to self, others, and the environment that might be causing suffering. At the same time, the counselor is there to reflect, affirm, and strengthen the client's unique gifts and talents.One of the biggest impediments to healing, growth, and creativity is shame. To help clients move through this debilitating emotion, I use a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, and other healing modalities.
I work with clients on anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, parenting, self-care, compulsion/addiction issues, identity/sexuality, PTSD, eating disorders, body image issues, self esteem and many other life challenges.
As I see it, the primary role of a counselor is to serve as a mirror to help reveal what the client hasn't yet been able to see-especially those patterns of relating to self, others, and the environment that might be causing suffering. At the same time, the counselor is there to reflect, affirm, and strengthen the client's unique gifts and talents.One of the biggest impediments to healing, growth, and creativity is shame. To help clients move through this debilitating emotion, I use a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, and other healing modalities.
(831) 732-4009 View (831) 732-4009

See more therapy options for San Mateo County

Grief Therapists

How long does therapy take for grief?

There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?

Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?

Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?

Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.