Feminist Therapists in San Mateo, CA
I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of CA (LMFT 102349). I hold a MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Latin American Literature and a Minor in German. I am an adjunct professor at USF. I have lived in Lucerne, Switzerland and Munich, Germany. While in Chile, I studied opera.
I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of CA (LMFT 102349). I hold a MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Latin American Literature and a Minor in German. I am an adjunct professor at USF. I have lived in Lucerne, Switzerland and Munich, Germany. While in Chile, I studied opera.
Marla Cass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94403 (Online Only)
For over twenty years, I have been helping women identify their strengths and move past the obstacles that have held them back. Whether you are considering therapy because you want to address a specific problem or because you are interested in knowing yourself at a deeper level, our work will include understanding you as a person and not as a diagnosis, and help you build a more solid and confident sense of yourself. If you have been looking for an approach to therapy that is supportive, honest, and collaborative, as well as intelligent and engaged, I invite you to reach out.
For over twenty years, I have been helping women identify their strengths and move past the obstacles that have held them back. Whether you are considering therapy because you want to address a specific problem or because you are interested in knowing yourself at a deeper level, our work will include understanding you as a person and not as a diagnosis, and help you build a more solid and confident sense of yourself. If you have been looking for an approach to therapy that is supportive, honest, and collaborative, as well as intelligent and engaged, I invite you to reach out.
Diane M. Cote, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402 (Online Only)
Your unique story, beliefs, dreams, ethnic/racial/sexual identity & life challenges will be honored in a non-judgemental environment. My style is interactive and empathic, emphasizing self-compassion. Areas of focus: infertility counseling, reproductive health, PTSD/trauma, grief and loss, mood disorders (anxiety, panic, depression) skillful parenting, career decisions, traumatic divorce, managing the stress of major life transitions. My treatment modalities include the psycho-dynamic process, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based psychology, EMDR & healing yoga/mediation practices. www.dianecotelcsw.com
Your unique story, beliefs, dreams, ethnic/racial/sexual identity & life challenges will be honored in a non-judgemental environment. My style is interactive and empathic, emphasizing self-compassion. Areas of focus: infertility counseling, reproductive health, PTSD/trauma, grief and loss, mood disorders (anxiety, panic, depression) skillful parenting, career decisions, traumatic divorce, managing the stress of major life transitions. My treatment modalities include the psycho-dynamic process, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based psychology, EMDR & healing yoga/mediation practices. www.dianecotelcsw.com
Noma P. Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94402
Hello, welcome to my profile. I'd like to introduce myself and give you a sense of who I am as a clinician. If you prefer not to read, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a phone consultation. My aim is to help you help yourself. You are both the expert on yourself and you also know what you want more than anyone else. As your therapist I develop an authentic bond to support you in this process of change that you wish to make. I am an advocate for your voice, and your needs at any point along the healing journey. While my job is to guide you through the process, at the end of the day true recovery is your journey.
Hello, welcome to my profile. I'd like to introduce myself and give you a sense of who I am as a clinician. If you prefer not to read, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a phone consultation. My aim is to help you help yourself. You are both the expert on yourself and you also know what you want more than anyone else. As your therapist I develop an authentic bond to support you in this process of change that you wish to make. I am an advocate for your voice, and your needs at any point along the healing journey. While my job is to guide you through the process, at the end of the day true recovery is your journey.
Helen Citrin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I enjoy working with individuals and couples. My clients may be shy and are searching for their voice, or have experienced a lot but are still in the early stages of their life. I appreciate working with those who are open to thinking and playing freely during our sessions, remaining curious, and asking many questions. My clients inquire about their identities, engage in self-exploration, and reflect on their past and present. My clients may have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety and depression. I enjoy working with kids, teens, and individuals of all ages, including the aging population, couples, and families.
I enjoy working with individuals and couples. My clients may be shy and are searching for their voice, or have experienced a lot but are still in the early stages of their life. I appreciate working with those who are open to thinking and playing freely during our sessions, remaining curious, and asking many questions. My clients inquire about their identities, engage in self-exploration, and reflect on their past and present. My clients may have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety and depression. I enjoy working with kids, teens, and individuals of all ages, including the aging population, couples, and families.
Christina Arguello
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403 (Online Only)
Currently full - Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or a lack of well-being and can't stop thinking about past hurtful events? I provide compassionate mindfulness-based trauma-informed therapy to individuals struggling with family and relationship conflict, grief & loss, the impact of trauma, and stress reduction. I believe that you deserve to be in a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and collaborative. We all deserve this :)
Currently full - Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or a lack of well-being and can't stop thinking about past hurtful events? I provide compassionate mindfulness-based trauma-informed therapy to individuals struggling with family and relationship conflict, grief & loss, the impact of trauma, and stress reduction. I believe that you deserve to be in a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and collaborative. We all deserve this :)
I'm a therapist offering virtual individual sessions to help you navigate the challenges that come up in your life. I am currently under the supervision of Krystal Smith, PsyD working toward California licensure. I pride myself in being able to create a compassionate, safe, authentic, and collaborative space where you can express yourself freely, explore difficult topics, and gently strategize to help you move forward in your healing and goals. I specifically tailor my approach to meet your unique needs using CBT, DBT, Narrative, Interpersonal, Grief, and other trauma-informed therapies.
I'm a therapist offering virtual individual sessions to help you navigate the challenges that come up in your life. I am currently under the supervision of Krystal Smith, PsyD working toward California licensure. I pride myself in being able to create a compassionate, safe, authentic, and collaborative space where you can express yourself freely, explore difficult topics, and gently strategize to help you move forward in your healing and goals. I specifically tailor my approach to meet your unique needs using CBT, DBT, Narrative, Interpersonal, Grief, and other trauma-informed therapies.
Tracy De Soto MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, LPC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
Are you neurospicy?! Welcome! Being a woman with autism can make you feel invisible and marginalized. From a young age, many of us navigate a world that expects us to fit into narrow social norms, constantly masking our true selves to blend in. The struggle to decode social cues, manage sensory overload, and process overwhelming emotions can feel isolating and exhausting. In childhood, we are often labeled shy or aloof when in reality, we were grappling with sensory sensitivities or struggling to express ourselves verbally. As we grow into adolescence and adulthood, the pressure to conform to societal expectations intensifies.
Are you neurospicy?! Welcome! Being a woman with autism can make you feel invisible and marginalized. From a young age, many of us navigate a world that expects us to fit into narrow social norms, constantly masking our true selves to blend in. The struggle to decode social cues, manage sensory overload, and process overwhelming emotions can feel isolating and exhausting. In childhood, we are often labeled shy or aloof when in reality, we were grappling with sensory sensitivities or struggling to express ourselves verbally. As we grow into adolescence and adulthood, the pressure to conform to societal expectations intensifies.
I have been providing child therapy and adult psychotherapy for 20 years. I am an active therapist, committed to staying deeply engaged in our moment-to-moment exchange. I enjoy working with clients who are psychologically minded, who want to get to know themselves better. I love helping people see their own potential, expand their beliefs about themselves and develop a growth mindset about their hopes and dreams. I currently have a home office where I still have a few daytime hours available and also I provide video counseling via HIPPA approved platform a couple of evenings during the week.
I have been providing child therapy and adult psychotherapy for 20 years. I am an active therapist, committed to staying deeply engaged in our moment-to-moment exchange. I enjoy working with clients who are psychologically minded, who want to get to know themselves better. I love helping people see their own potential, expand their beliefs about themselves and develop a growth mindset about their hopes and dreams. I currently have a home office where I still have a few daytime hours available and also I provide video counseling via HIPPA approved platform a couple of evenings during the week.
Dr. Melissa Risso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, CSE, CST
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
Are you tired of talking endlessly about the problems in your relationships and are ready to find solutions? Are you frustrated with all the general relationship advice out there and just really want a professional therapist to understand your unique situation and guide you through it? I’m Dr. Melissa Risso, and I can help. I am a Licensed MFT, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator with a passion for helping individuals and couples live better lives. My education, professional experience, and life experience have taught me how to listen to people without judgment.
Are you tired of talking endlessly about the problems in your relationships and are ready to find solutions? Are you frustrated with all the general relationship advice out there and just really want a professional therapist to understand your unique situation and guide you through it? I’m Dr. Melissa Risso, and I can help. I am a Licensed MFT, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator with a passion for helping individuals and couples live better lives. My education, professional experience, and life experience have taught me how to listen to people without judgment.
Changes are hard, but not impossible. I believe lasting change occurs through profound self-understanding and awareness. This can be achieved through a collaborative relationship where we talk and think together to gain insights and meanings. My role is to provide a safe environment where a trusting relationship can be built. By listening to your stories, I will help you process the thoughts and feelings that emerge in order to develop a deeper understanding of your past traumas, inner conflicts, and destructive patterns. These newfound insights will then guide you to make changes in your current relationships or life situations.
Changes are hard, but not impossible. I believe lasting change occurs through profound self-understanding and awareness. This can be achieved through a collaborative relationship where we talk and think together to gain insights and meanings. My role is to provide a safe environment where a trusting relationship can be built. By listening to your stories, I will help you process the thoughts and feelings that emerge in order to develop a deeper understanding of your past traumas, inner conflicts, and destructive patterns. These newfound insights will then guide you to make changes in your current relationships or life situations.
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Laurel Elliott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Laurel. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and trained expressive art therapist based in California. I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy. I help BIPOC/PGM, adults, teenagers and preteens (10-12) with stress management/coping skills, identity struggles, peer relationships and life transitions.
Hi, I’m Laurel. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and trained expressive art therapist based in California. I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy. I help BIPOC/PGM, adults, teenagers and preteens (10-12) with stress management/coping skills, identity struggles, peer relationships and life transitions.
I work with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. I welcome people of all backgrounds. I was trained in multiple settings, including medical centers, community mental health organizations, and schools. My training and expertise include the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting, eating disorders, relationships, transitions, loss, marginalization, identity, and immigration. While grounded in culturally sensitive and trauma informed psychoanalytic theory I integrate diverse treatment modalities. I commit to facilitating your treatment goals, such as improving coping skills, deepening relationships, and more.
I work with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. I welcome people of all backgrounds. I was trained in multiple settings, including medical centers, community mental health organizations, and schools. My training and expertise include the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parenting, eating disorders, relationships, transitions, loss, marginalization, identity, and immigration. While grounded in culturally sensitive and trauma informed psychoanalytic theory I integrate diverse treatment modalities. I commit to facilitating your treatment goals, such as improving coping skills, deepening relationships, and more.
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I often find our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I often find our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Susan Joyner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
Do you feel alone? Like the world is burning? In today's day and time, it is hard to cope with the day to day. We have political overwhelm as well as climate overwhelm. I hear you. I see you. I don't promise to have all of the answers but I promise to meet you where you are as a human being. I am here to help you cope and provide a nonjudmental and safer space to process your experiences. I will help you learn how to be present in your body and identify what subtle messages your body might be telling you. You will be the expert of your experience and I am here as a guide. I aim to encourage and empower you to be your authentic self.
Do you feel alone? Like the world is burning? In today's day and time, it is hard to cope with the day to day. We have political overwhelm as well as climate overwhelm. I hear you. I see you. I don't promise to have all of the answers but I promise to meet you where you are as a human being. I am here to help you cope and provide a nonjudmental and safer space to process your experiences. I will help you learn how to be present in your body and identify what subtle messages your body might be telling you. You will be the expert of your experience and I am here as a guide. I aim to encourage and empower you to be your authentic self.
Shannon Cotter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor offering Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Family Therapy in the virtual setting. I work with clientele experiencing anxiety, life transitions, career changes, new health diagnoses, and those working on identity development. I enjoy getting to know each client and working collaboratively to support them as they move through their process. I am supervised by Paul Lucich, LMFT 00198 who has been in practice for over a decade and is trained in DBT and CBT practices.
Hello! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor offering Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Family Therapy in the virtual setting. I work with clientele experiencing anxiety, life transitions, career changes, new health diagnoses, and those working on identity development. I enjoy getting to know each client and working collaboratively to support them as they move through their process. I am supervised by Paul Lucich, LMFT 00198 who has been in practice for over a decade and is trained in DBT and CBT practices.
Carly Chan takes a holistic approach toward personalized treatment for adults. She specializes in anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. She uses EMDR and incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills into treatment. She will work with you to heal and process while also helping you recognize and grow your natural strengths and resilience.
Carly Chan takes a holistic approach toward personalized treatment for adults. She specializes in anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. She uses EMDR and incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills into treatment. She will work with you to heal and process while also helping you recognize and grow your natural strengths and resilience.
Kassidy Butterworth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403
Sometimes reading self-help books or talking to friends isn't enough. I want to help you create a roadmap towards your goals while exploring what's not working in your life, and celebrate your strengths along the way! Using a relational and strengths-based approach, I incorporate art therapy and culturally humble interventions to improve emotional regulation, social skills, coping mechanisms, and self-efficacy. I am passionate about the transformational power of art as an agent of growth and change. I work with children, teens, and adults in discovering tools that will create space for a more fulfilling, joy-filled life.
Sometimes reading self-help books or talking to friends isn't enough. I want to help you create a roadmap towards your goals while exploring what's not working in your life, and celebrate your strengths along the way! Using a relational and strengths-based approach, I incorporate art therapy and culturally humble interventions to improve emotional regulation, social skills, coping mechanisms, and self-efficacy. I am passionate about the transformational power of art as an agent of growth and change. I work with children, teens, and adults in discovering tools that will create space for a more fulfilling, joy-filled life.
People come to see me when they feel challenged by life circumstances, by depression, anxiety, or because they know that life holds more for them than they are currently experiencing. We can come to understand the roots of these experiences and to see where the blocks are to either living a life that feels like your own, or being more of yourself in the life that you have. I have found there to be a wide range of people who feel comfortable working with me, quite varied with regard to gender, age, stage of life, cultural background and sexual orientation.
People come to see me when they feel challenged by life circumstances, by depression, anxiety, or because they know that life holds more for them than they are currently experiencing. We can come to understand the roots of these experiences and to see where the blocks are to either living a life that feels like your own, or being more of yourself in the life that you have. I have found there to be a wide range of people who feel comfortable working with me, quite varied with regard to gender, age, stage of life, cultural background and sexual orientation.
I am a warm, compassionate psychologist who practices therapy with a "power with" rather than a "power over" approach. I have personal experience with many life events including single parenting, divorce, caring for elderly parents, and overcoming depression. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, identity issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, and cancer related distress. I have extensive experience working at the residential & outpatient levels for eating disorders, and provide supportive therapy for not only the client, but for the parent or significant other who supports them.
I am a warm, compassionate psychologist who practices therapy with a "power with" rather than a "power over" approach. I have personal experience with many life events including single parenting, divorce, caring for elderly parents, and overcoming depression. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, identity issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, and cancer related distress. I have extensive experience working at the residential & outpatient levels for eating disorders, and provide supportive therapy for not only the client, but for the parent or significant other who supports them.
See more therapy options for San Mateo
Nearby Feminist Therapists Searches for San Mateo
- Atherton
- Burlingame
- Daly City
- Foster City
- Half Moon Bay
- Menlo Park
- Pacifica
- Palo Alto
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- South San Francisco
- Stanford
Feminist Therapists
How does feminist therapy work?
Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.
What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?
Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.
How long does feminist therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist 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. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.
Does feminist therapy work?
As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.