Therapists in San Mateo, CA
![Photo of Blanca Pena, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4637aa3-b7c0-4ba2-9082-c00d2030b822/2/320x400.jpeg)
Blanca Pena, LMFT 138765, is an integrative therapist who aims to match evidence-based treatments with each client's particular concern(s), and to discover and understand the individual's personality traits, preferences, needs, spiritual beliefs, openness, and motivation level. Specialize in Trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy Mindfulness, Humanistic Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Crisis Management. I approach goal setting by meeting my clients where they are at and working together to find treatment goals based on their challenges.
Blanca Pena, LMFT 138765, is an integrative therapist who aims to match evidence-based treatments with each client's particular concern(s), and to discover and understand the individual's personality traits, preferences, needs, spiritual beliefs, openness, and motivation level. Specialize in Trauma, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy Mindfulness, Humanistic Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Crisis Management. I approach goal setting by meeting my clients where they are at and working together to find treatment goals based on their challenges.
![Photo of Douglas Glen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6825c75-ac0c-4f9c-92f1-3c4c8329052f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Douglas Glen hails from Europe and moved to California in 1993. He gained his Master's in Counselling Psychology in Los Angeles in 2003 whilst working as a Technology Executive for a number of prominent media corporations in Europe and the US, including the BBC, Disney, and ABC. His varied professional life facilitated periods of living in Berlin Germany, London, Santa Barbara, and Boston. Douglas prefers an integrative, person-centered approach and draws upon a number of modalities depending on a client's needs including CBT, Narrative, Existential, Psychodynamic, and Family Systems.
Douglas Glen hails from Europe and moved to California in 1993. He gained his Master's in Counselling Psychology in Los Angeles in 2003 whilst working as a Technology Executive for a number of prominent media corporations in Europe and the US, including the BBC, Disney, and ABC. His varied professional life facilitated periods of living in Berlin Germany, London, Santa Barbara, and Boston. Douglas prefers an integrative, person-centered approach and draws upon a number of modalities depending on a client's needs including CBT, Narrative, Existential, Psychodynamic, and Family Systems.
![Photo of Helene Siegel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90d8c1bf-89b8-42c7-8015-27ec438d0bfe/1/320x400.png)
Hi. This is Helene Siegel LMFT46043 here to offer you client-centered and solution-focused therapy to assist in living your best life and gaining skills in emotional regulation and other wellness techniques. I am available to serve you and guide on your journey to navigate the disruptions of depression and anxiety and to function at your highest potential. Utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy my goal is to join you in navigating stress in a most healthy way. We have the capacity to shift negative thoughts to positive ones and to change unhealthy, impulsive behaviors to wise decision-making.
Hi. This is Helene Siegel LMFT46043 here to offer you client-centered and solution-focused therapy to assist in living your best life and gaining skills in emotional regulation and other wellness techniques. I am available to serve you and guide on your journey to navigate the disruptions of depression and anxiety and to function at your highest potential. Utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy my goal is to join you in navigating stress in a most healthy way. We have the capacity to shift negative thoughts to positive ones and to change unhealthy, impulsive behaviors to wise decision-making.
![Photo of Anna Appenzell-McDonald, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/865fc800-e343-4225-8464-4d106ba49a3a/1/320x400.png)
My name is Tina McDonald, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have been licensed since 1994 and have had the opportunity to work on behalf of clients with a variety of issues. I am a passionate advocate in assisting clients in meeting their goals. Over the course of my career, I have worked with clients recovering from child abuse, domestic violence, drug abuse, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I am comfortable working with clients struggling with these issues and with clients looking to make changes in their life and careers.
My name is Tina McDonald, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have been licensed since 1994 and have had the opportunity to work on behalf of clients with a variety of issues. I am a passionate advocate in assisting clients in meeting their goals. Over the course of my career, I have worked with clients recovering from child abuse, domestic violence, drug abuse, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I am comfortable working with clients struggling with these issues and with clients looking to make changes in their life and careers.
![Photo of Kaivalya Kerr, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/492cc0c2-a94c-4a32-9c4d-7b7f399f9f21/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for reaching out and trusting me in the first step of your healing journey. This may not be easy at times, but we will take this journey together. I like to utilize a strength-based approach in therapy while incorporating modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Post-Modern/Solution Focused Therapy, Relaxation and Mindfulness techniques, etc. I also like to focus on both insight building and skill building, helping clients be co-participants in their treatment. Life is ever changing. Circumstances arise, stressors emerge, relationships are tested, and we are asked to adapt, cope and push forward.
Thank you for reaching out and trusting me in the first step of your healing journey. This may not be easy at times, but we will take this journey together. I like to utilize a strength-based approach in therapy while incorporating modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Post-Modern/Solution Focused Therapy, Relaxation and Mindfulness techniques, etc. I also like to focus on both insight building and skill building, helping clients be co-participants in their treatment. Life is ever changing. Circumstances arise, stressors emerge, relationships are tested, and we are asked to adapt, cope and push forward.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Brent Bc-Harvey, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fdde84ba-dfcf-46ae-b539-966384337afe/1/320x400.jpeg)
I admire people who are willing to take the steps necessary to better understand their authentic Selves. By seeking a supportive therapeutic relationship you have already taken a huge courageous step towards understanding how to mercifully address the difficult obstacle you face. I believe that you are the expert in your own life. Perhaps you have not been able to access your wisdom or do not believe that you have the insights needed to discover solutions to the issues you are facing.
I admire people who are willing to take the steps necessary to better understand their authentic Selves. By seeking a supportive therapeutic relationship you have already taken a huge courageous step towards understanding how to mercifully address the difficult obstacle you face. I believe that you are the expert in your own life. Perhaps you have not been able to access your wisdom or do not believe that you have the insights needed to discover solutions to the issues you are facing.
![Photo of Carissa Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f770d015-1cfa-44c1-81f5-e23db894dedc/1/320x400.png)
Hello, my name is Carissa Smith (LMFT130892). The therapeutic journey is the most important aspect of therapy, and I am always honored to assist clients with that journey in any way I can. People are complex, diverse, and interesting, and based on my experience, are just trying to do the best they can. I am comfortable with adult individuals (18+) across the lifespan. A true passion of mine is working with couples though.
Hello, my name is Carissa Smith (LMFT130892). The therapeutic journey is the most important aspect of therapy, and I am always honored to assist clients with that journey in any way I can. People are complex, diverse, and interesting, and based on my experience, are just trying to do the best they can. I am comfortable with adult individuals (18+) across the lifespan. A true passion of mine is working with couples though.
![Photo of Maral Sultanian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/225a5c7e-3632-4f14-9812-f9fea1e2f097/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I'm Maral Sultanian, Ph.D., LMFT. My license number is LMFT47519. I espouse neuro-relational, integrative arts therapeutic, person-centered, psychodynamic, supportive, and interactive clinical approaches to your mental health services needs. I feel there is always a way to clearly express our needs in creative and interactive ways. I look forward to our collaboration and to joining you on your path toward healing and resilience. I am open to working with all clients. The initial assessment will indicate whether it is a good fit for the client to continue their work with me.
Hello! I'm Maral Sultanian, Ph.D., LMFT. My license number is LMFT47519. I espouse neuro-relational, integrative arts therapeutic, person-centered, psychodynamic, supportive, and interactive clinical approaches to your mental health services needs. I feel there is always a way to clearly express our needs in creative and interactive ways. I look forward to our collaboration and to joining you on your path toward healing and resilience. I am open to working with all clients. The initial assessment will indicate whether it is a good fit for the client to continue their work with me.
![Photo of Jacob Kajiwara, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61e5830a-d8ba-4ea4-b53f-9b0ed06862ca/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacob Kajiwara
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070 (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping my clients explore the intersections of adoption, racial/ethnic identity, childhood trauma, confidence, and major life transitions. Throughout life, we continually revisit and re-negotiate our understanding of the experiences that have shaped us. It’s especially hard if you’ve been impacted by unique circumstances such as international/domestic adoption, multi-cultural family, or even just the experience of being a minority in America. I provide a warm and safe space that allows clients to explore their authentic self.
I am passionate about helping my clients explore the intersections of adoption, racial/ethnic identity, childhood trauma, confidence, and major life transitions. Throughout life, we continually revisit and re-negotiate our understanding of the experiences that have shaped us. It’s especially hard if you’ve been impacted by unique circumstances such as international/domestic adoption, multi-cultural family, or even just the experience of being a minority in America. I provide a warm and safe space that allows clients to explore their authentic self.
![Photo of Elyse Davis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/554ceb1a-4093-43d4-9959-e02d6c2ab665/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a fun hippie lady with extensive experience in Sexual trauma, DV, Children, Adolescence, trauma, OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, end of life, and so many other things. It is my life's purpose to help you find yours and help you live to your highest potential. I most often utilize therapy modalities such as Existentialism, DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, Emotion Coaching, Gottman, Psychodynamic, Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy, Attachment theory, and Somatic therapies.
I am a fun hippie lady with extensive experience in Sexual trauma, DV, Children, Adolescence, trauma, OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, end of life, and so many other things. It is my life's purpose to help you find yours and help you live to your highest potential. I most often utilize therapy modalities such as Existentialism, DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, Emotion Coaching, Gottman, Psychodynamic, Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy, Attachment theory, and Somatic therapies.
![Photo of Rebecca Parham, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbfc9bfb-f3a9-4cec-95bf-3be9f03888cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there, I'm Rebecca! I am a resourceful and trustworthy therapist, licensed for over 20 years, specializing in adults struggling with mood, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transition, psychosis, personality, and substance use difficulties. I use an integrated, trauma-informed, resiliency-enhancing approach that includes aspects of existential, cognitive-emotional-behavioral, and solution-focused therapeutic practices. I find that in the healing process, a fundamental issue is enhancing one's relationship with self.
Hi there, I'm Rebecca! I am a resourceful and trustworthy therapist, licensed for over 20 years, specializing in adults struggling with mood, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transition, psychosis, personality, and substance use difficulties. I use an integrated, trauma-informed, resiliency-enhancing approach that includes aspects of existential, cognitive-emotional-behavioral, and solution-focused therapeutic practices. I find that in the healing process, a fundamental issue is enhancing one's relationship with self.
![Photo of Lanore Giegerich, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af2df9b5-ab57-4527-8b16-3a5648a20d2b/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is my belief that we are all experts in our own lives and personal experiences. My role as Marriage Family Therapist is to work collaboratively with my clients to find solutions that work for them as an individual. I provide initial assessments and brief individual psychotherapy. I am bi-lingual Spanish speaking, and I hold a BA in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from UCSC. I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.
It is my belief that we are all experts in our own lives and personal experiences. My role as Marriage Family Therapist is to work collaboratively with my clients to find solutions that work for them as an individual. I provide initial assessments and brief individual psychotherapy. I am bi-lingual Spanish speaking, and I hold a BA in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from UCSC. I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.
![Photo of Traysi Flores Izquierdo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf108911-f712-40be-af53-59509100fd0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi and welcome! My name is Traysi Flores and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe that therapy is a unique experience; an hour of your time in which you are able to slow down, self-reflect, look at experiences through a different lens, and focus on navigating difficult emotions and experiences in a way that fosters healing and growth. I've found that my approach is most effective with young adults and millennials facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, navigating difficult life transitions, self-esteem issues, and developmental trauma.
Hi and welcome! My name is Traysi Flores and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe that therapy is a unique experience; an hour of your time in which you are able to slow down, self-reflect, look at experiences through a different lens, and focus on navigating difficult emotions and experiences in a way that fosters healing and growth. I've found that my approach is most effective with young adults and millennials facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, navigating difficult life transitions, self-esteem issues, and developmental trauma.
![Photo of Irina Strekalova, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2699c7d-95c1-45d7-a9e8-43fc0338a332/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Irina Strekalova and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, life transition difficulties, relationship problems using different approaches to help client to achieve their goals. I assist clients through life transitions and challenges that lead to depression, anxiety, decreased self-confidence, relationship problems, or negative behaviors they would like to change.
Hello, my name is Irina Strekalova and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, life transition difficulties, relationship problems using different approaches to help client to achieve their goals. I assist clients through life transitions and challenges that lead to depression, anxiety, decreased self-confidence, relationship problems, or negative behaviors they would like to change.
![Photo of Erin Bastian, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57b56afa-b06d-49cb-ab40-33d8b7d6882f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello there. I'm Erin Bastian, LCSW. My approach to therapy is meeting you where you are at, being honest, genuine, and finding a therapeutic approach that best meets your needs. There are many therapeutic approaches and all lead to finding meaning and purpose. I utilize a number of theoretical approaches in order to find what fits best for you. My core theoretical foundations include Humanistic, Existential, Integrative, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive. I am simply me. I'm genuine, honest, and open. My desire is to help you find answers, feel safe, feel understood, and feel supported. Connection and good conversation are key.
Hello there. I'm Erin Bastian, LCSW. My approach to therapy is meeting you where you are at, being honest, genuine, and finding a therapeutic approach that best meets your needs. There are many therapeutic approaches and all lead to finding meaning and purpose. I utilize a number of theoretical approaches in order to find what fits best for you. My core theoretical foundations include Humanistic, Existential, Integrative, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive. I am simply me. I'm genuine, honest, and open. My desire is to help you find answers, feel safe, feel understood, and feel supported. Connection and good conversation are key.
![Photo of Maureen D Perriello, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02e96ec1-9b0c-4598-ba73-0656c4911bb9/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that everyone will experience some level of psychological/emotional difficulty at one time or another in this life.
I believe that everyone will experience some level of psychological/emotional difficulty at one time or another in this life.
![Photo of Jessica Gilligan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f184de1b-fd86-480e-93a4-8c05f8facec5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm Jessica Gilligan, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy to children, teens, young adults (18-25 yrs. old), and their parents/family members. I value holding a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients, so they can process whatever they need to, and find solutions that work for them. I have the most experience treating teens and young adults with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Low Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ topics, Anger Management, and Communication/Social Skill development. I'm comfortable providing individual and/or group therapy.
Hello, I'm Jessica Gilligan, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy to children, teens, young adults (18-25 yrs. old), and their parents/family members. I value holding a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients, so they can process whatever they need to, and find solutions that work for them. I have the most experience treating teens and young adults with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Low Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ topics, Anger Management, and Communication/Social Skill development. I'm comfortable providing individual and/or group therapy.
![Photo of Joy Zembruski, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c632283-fb46-4fc2-b0dc-d94b67698175/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joy Zembruski is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT 129403) and professional clinical counselor (LPCC 11600) fortunate to be based in the beautiful costal towns of Southern California. Joy's practice, TherapyJoyZ offers client-centered therapy specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, addictions, and cultural adaptation through the therapeutic tools of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Experience with diverse populations of all ages.
Joy Zembruski is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT 129403) and professional clinical counselor (LPCC 11600) fortunate to be based in the beautiful costal towns of Southern California. Joy's practice, TherapyJoyZ offers client-centered therapy specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, addictions, and cultural adaptation through the therapeutic tools of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Experience with diverse populations of all ages.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Samuel Jenkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5dec051d-750e-4f0c-967e-126ac2a5ab3a/1/320x400.png)
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker and have provided therapy and clinical supervision for almost thirty years. I specialize in working with life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, recent and past trauma, relationships (monogamous, same-sex, polyamorous, open, fetish, and non-traditional), coming out and transitional gender issues, and sexual health problems. I am not religious but very spiritual and enjoy discussing spiritual issues. I employ techniques from many modalities including CBT, art therapy, experiential therapy, humanistic therapy, and more.
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker and have provided therapy and clinical supervision for almost thirty years. I specialize in working with life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, recent and past trauma, relationships (monogamous, same-sex, polyamorous, open, fetish, and non-traditional), coming out and transitional gender issues, and sexual health problems. I am not religious but very spiritual and enjoy discussing spiritual issues. I employ techniques from many modalities including CBT, art therapy, experiential therapy, humanistic therapy, and more.
See more therapy options for San Mateo
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.