Gestalt Therapists in South San Francisco, CA
After graduating with a Master of Arts in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), I received training in Gestalt therapy at Integral Counseling Center at Church Street.
My role as a therapist is that of an empathetic co-pilot. I work in a client-centered way, and I will support you in creating healthy choices and new resources for yourself. My approach is compassionate, intuitive, and interactive. I strive to meet each client's personality and goals in a safe and welcoming environment. I am multilingual and multicultural. My various life experiences provide a base that will help me support you as we work together to meet your goals.
After graduating with a Master of Arts in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), I received training in Gestalt therapy at Integral Counseling Center at Church Street.
My role as a therapist is that of an empathetic co-pilot. I work in a client-centered way, and I will support you in creating healthy choices and new resources for yourself. My approach is compassionate, intuitive, and interactive. I strive to meet each client's personality and goals in a safe and welcoming environment. I am multilingual and multicultural. My various life experiences provide a base that will help me support you as we work together to meet your goals.
Victoria Julita Spiers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Waitlist for new clients
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
As a bilingual therapist for the past several years, I have had the honor and privilege of sharing in unique journeys of inspiration, cultivation, and transformation regardless of barriers current events present. If you have noticed something is different in your quality of life and want to take steps to improve your life experiences, you are not alone. Perhaps the challenges, difficulties, and stressors from the human experience have changed who you are or where you want to be. Experiencing fears, sadness, worry, and grief is normal and, at times, can impact our areas of wellness.
As a bilingual therapist for the past several years, I have had the honor and privilege of sharing in unique journeys of inspiration, cultivation, and transformation regardless of barriers current events present. If you have noticed something is different in your quality of life and want to take steps to improve your life experiences, you are not alone. Perhaps the challenges, difficulties, and stressors from the human experience have changed who you are or where you want to be. Experiencing fears, sadness, worry, and grief is normal and, at times, can impact our areas of wellness.
As a psychologist I evaluate and treat individuals who seek help for depression, anxiety, life dissatisfaction (from relationships and work stress), relational trauma (e.g. childhood abuse and emotional neglect) and addiction/compulsive behaviors that may co-occur with depression, anxiety or trauma/PTSD. Of note, you do not have to be in crisis to be in therapy; I often work with individuals who are interested in personal growth, long-term recovery issues, regaining meaning and passion after loss and sometimes stopping distressing interpersonal patterns. Treatment is generally trauma-informed and phase-oriented, integrating body-mind interventions and neurobiology. Please visit my website for details,
As a psychologist I evaluate and treat individuals who seek help for depression, anxiety, life dissatisfaction (from relationships and work stress), relational trauma (e.g. childhood abuse and emotional neglect) and addiction/compulsive behaviors that may co-occur with depression, anxiety or trauma/PTSD. Of note, you do not have to be in crisis to be in therapy; I often work with individuals who are interested in personal growth, long-term recovery issues, regaining meaning and passion after loss and sometimes stopping distressing interpersonal patterns. Treatment is generally trauma-informed and phase-oriented, integrating body-mind interventions and neurobiology. Please visit my website for details,
Leslie I Nieves
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
I'm passionate about partnering with clients in their healing journey. I work collaboratively with my clients on embracing a new life narrative. I have experience working with couples, families that are in crisis, parenting difficulties, at-risk teens, survivors of domestic violence, individuals experiencing life transitions, as well as clients experiencing depression, anxiety, fears, anger management difficulties, and crisis. I believe you can write a new life narrative as you heal from trauma. Lastly, as you embark on this journey, I believe you can emerge whole, enlightened, and empowered on the other side.
I'm passionate about partnering with clients in their healing journey. I work collaboratively with my clients on embracing a new life narrative. I have experience working with couples, families that are in crisis, parenting difficulties, at-risk teens, survivors of domestic violence, individuals experiencing life transitions, as well as clients experiencing depression, anxiety, fears, anger management difficulties, and crisis. I believe you can write a new life narrative as you heal from trauma. Lastly, as you embark on this journey, I believe you can emerge whole, enlightened, and empowered on the other side.
Lindsay Olshan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080
My goal is to help people regain balance in their lives, deepen their understanding of self and achieve a level of awareness that alleviates helplessness and creates choice and ultimate change.
My goal is to help people regain balance in their lives, deepen their understanding of self and achieve a level of awareness that alleviates helplessness and creates choice and ultimate change.
Toppacio Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Hello, my name is Toppacio Rodriguez, but you can refer to me as Topy. My pronouns are she/her (ella/ellas). As a therapist, I will follow your lead and provide suggestions and information on what options are available. I'm a big believer that having limited expectations only provide limited opportunities. I will collaborate with you to identify challenges in your path, brainstorm with you and be on your side as you see what works best. I have had the pleasure of learning from various groups and populations. I obtained experience working in Family Preservation assisting families through the reunification process.
Hello, my name is Toppacio Rodriguez, but you can refer to me as Topy. My pronouns are she/her (ella/ellas). As a therapist, I will follow your lead and provide suggestions and information on what options are available. I'm a big believer that having limited expectations only provide limited opportunities. I will collaborate with you to identify challenges in your path, brainstorm with you and be on your side as you see what works best. I have had the pleasure of learning from various groups and populations. I obtained experience working in Family Preservation assisting families through the reunification process.
Preston Yee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94083
Waitlist for new clients
Having trouble communicating with your kids? Is social anxiety, depression, isolation, hyperactive, or behavioral issues holding them back from their full potential? Do they experiences challenges like making friends, truancy, bullying, drugs, fighting, getting in trouble at school or the law? I am here to help build the relationship and communication you and your family deserve.
Having trouble communicating with your kids? Is social anxiety, depression, isolation, hyperactive, or behavioral issues holding them back from their full potential? Do they experiences challenges like making friends, truancy, bullying, drugs, fighting, getting in trouble at school or the law? I am here to help build the relationship and communication you and your family deserve.
Dr. Paul Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
Uchechukwu Alozie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South San Francisco, CA 94080
My name is Uchechi Alozie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is seeing my client within their environment and not just the issues they are presenting. My approach is trying to aid my clients holistically. I have worked with family units for more than 10 years. And have worked with individuals with chronic mental illness for 6 years. My goal is to help clients by determining what is influencing and impacting the client in their environment rather than looking just at the presenting issues.
My name is Uchechi Alozie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is seeing my client within their environment and not just the issues they are presenting. My approach is trying to aid my clients holistically. I have worked with family units for more than 10 years. And have worked with individuals with chronic mental illness for 6 years. My goal is to help clients by determining what is influencing and impacting the client in their environment rather than looking just at the presenting issues.
Open Mind Health
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080 (Online Only)
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Ilene Ava Serlin
Psychologist, PhD, ADTR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Not accepting new clients
), write and teach therapists in the US, Sweden and Israel 2) Diversity--studied and taught at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Gestalt Institute NY, UCLA, Saybrook, Lesley;worked in children's hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, health spa's 3) Awards--Fellow of APA, Rollo May award.
I'm a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in many settings. I'm warm and compassionate, but also practical. I work from a growth model that helps you access your own wisdom and make a commitment to change. My background in the arts and Jungian psychology attunes me to the dreams and imagery that can inform you about your life course, but I also help you bring these dreams into action. My experience with mind/body can help you prepare for and recover from surgery, develop resilience, stress reduction, confront mortality and life changes, find meaningful work, and appreciate relationships.
), write and teach therapists in the US, Sweden and Israel 2) Diversity--studied and taught at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Gestalt Institute NY, UCLA, Saybrook, Lesley;worked in children's hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, health spa's 3) Awards--Fellow of APA, Rollo May award.
I'm a very experienced psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in many settings. I'm warm and compassionate, but also practical. I work from a growth model that helps you access your own wisdom and make a commitment to change. My background in the arts and Jungian psychology attunes me to the dreams and imagery that can inform you about your life course, but I also help you bring these dreams into action. My experience with mind/body can help you prepare for and recover from surgery, develop resilience, stress reduction, confront mortality and life changes, find meaningful work, and appreciate relationships.
More Therapists Nearby
Tara Leilani Metcalf-Gonzales
Marriage & Family Therapist, RDT, LMFT
Verified Verified
Daly City, CA 94013
I am an empathetic creative arts mental health counselor, with experience in high need areas working with children, adolescents, adults, and elders. I utilize a trauma-informed flexible model in individual, couple/relationship, and family sessions. Although I am completely comfortable with a "talk only" approach to therapy, I also value and gently offer options from exercises in theatre, dance. mindfulness practices, and diverse ability-informed movement. My primary experience has been working with adults and families with anxiety, depression, substance-use disorders, and challenges related to life transitions.
I am an empathetic creative arts mental health counselor, with experience in high need areas working with children, adolescents, adults, and elders. I utilize a trauma-informed flexible model in individual, couple/relationship, and family sessions. Although I am completely comfortable with a "talk only" approach to therapy, I also value and gently offer options from exercises in theatre, dance. mindfulness practices, and diverse ability-informed movement. My primary experience has been working with adults and families with anxiety, depression, substance-use disorders, and challenges related to life transitions.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with trauma histories, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, body and self-esteem issues, life and family transitions. I also work with clients who are dealing with immigration and acculturation issues and support them with exploring and resolving intergenerational conflicts and cultural differences within their families and communities. I strive to create a safe space that includes collaboration, reflective curiosity, opportunities for change, creativity and humor.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with trauma histories, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, body and self-esteem issues, life and family transitions. I also work with clients who are dealing with immigration and acculturation issues and support them with exploring and resolving intergenerational conflicts and cultural differences within their families and communities. I strive to create a safe space that includes collaboration, reflective curiosity, opportunities for change, creativity and humor.
What is often left unsaid is your step to a better life, so let's start talking. It's possible you are struggling to find or maintain healthy relationships, or when you do- find yourself unfulfilled, lonely, or involved in a difficult breakup. Suddenly, feelings of sadness and anxiety are keeping you from being you. It’s hard to know where things keep going wrong and how to move forward with feelings of sadness and anxiety- until now.
What is often left unsaid is your step to a better life, so let's start talking. It's possible you are struggling to find or maintain healthy relationships, or when you do- find yourself unfulfilled, lonely, or involved in a difficult breakup. Suddenly, feelings of sadness and anxiety are keeping you from being you. It’s hard to know where things keep going wrong and how to move forward with feelings of sadness and anxiety- until now.
Life is increasingly busy and complex. Compassionate Brain Life Coaching (CPLC), helps you to press the pause button, slow down and remember and or newly discover who you are. Science tells us that our brains at rest are actually programmed to be happy. But it sure doesn't always feel that way. CBLC equips you with the cognitive and mindfulness tools to counter the self-critic and manage difficult times. I will help you identify, name and validate the places you go under stress, with a view to exploring what works and creating newly, including moving from surviving to thriving.
Life is increasingly busy and complex. Compassionate Brain Life Coaching (CPLC), helps you to press the pause button, slow down and remember and or newly discover who you are. Science tells us that our brains at rest are actually programmed to be happy. But it sure doesn't always feel that way. CBLC equips you with the cognitive and mindfulness tools to counter the self-critic and manage difficult times. I will help you identify, name and validate the places you go under stress, with a view to exploring what works and creating newly, including moving from surviving to thriving.
Desiree Williams-Trinidad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Daly City, CA 94014
My name is Desiree Trinidad and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW) based in Los Angeles, California working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with women recovering from substance abuse disorder, anxiety, depression, stress, and divorce recovery using Integrative/Holistic Therapy. In my experience, my approach has been effective with individuals and families who find themselves facing challenging life transitions often bringing on anxiety, depression, stress, and substance abuse disorder.
My name is Desiree Trinidad and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW) based in Los Angeles, California working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with women recovering from substance abuse disorder, anxiety, depression, stress, and divorce recovery using Integrative/Holistic Therapy. In my experience, my approach has been effective with individuals and families who find themselves facing challenging life transitions often bringing on anxiety, depression, stress, and substance abuse disorder.
So often we live in the grip of anxiety and depression. Our families pull out our worst, the realities of adulthood drain us, loss of loved ones or our own capacities become existential reality. Despite these challenges, we can always make changes in ourselves to increase our resilience and sense of fulfillment in life. Psychotherapy is serious work. While humor and levity in the present can help lighten difficult memories, we will dive deep into the past with expert attention to inform movement into a more complete future.
So often we live in the grip of anxiety and depression. Our families pull out our worst, the realities of adulthood drain us, loss of loved ones or our own capacities become existential reality. Despite these challenges, we can always make changes in ourselves to increase our resilience and sense of fulfillment in life. Psychotherapy is serious work. While humor and levity in the present can help lighten difficult memories, we will dive deep into the past with expert attention to inform movement into a more complete future.
Are you tired of repeating old patterns that are holding you back in your life? Making the decision to heal, grow, and improve your life with the help of a psychotherapist is not easy and requires trust and faith. Dr. Babbel is a non-judgmental, supportive, insightful, and experienced psychotherapist, providing a safe place for you to explore old habits and new possibilities.
Are you tired of repeating old patterns that are holding you back in your life? Making the decision to heal, grow, and improve your life with the help of a psychotherapist is not easy and requires trust and faith. Dr. Babbel is a non-judgmental, supportive, insightful, and experienced psychotherapist, providing a safe place for you to explore old habits and new possibilities.
Lauren Grey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Daly City, CA 94016 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are seeking support to address your mental health concerns, contact me! Everyone’s mental health challenges or stressors are personal and unique, and therapy is wonderful way to talk about it safely and without judgement. When we work together, we will set achievable goals that focus on hopes and desires for wellness, balance in life, and relief from symptoms that have caused burden on your mental health. My typical clients report experiencing growth in their positive self esteem and establishing skills for tackling life’s stresses in the future. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and healing from trauma.
If you are seeking support to address your mental health concerns, contact me! Everyone’s mental health challenges or stressors are personal and unique, and therapy is wonderful way to talk about it safely and without judgement. When we work together, we will set achievable goals that focus on hopes and desires for wellness, balance in life, and relief from symptoms that have caused burden on your mental health. My typical clients report experiencing growth in their positive self esteem and establishing skills for tackling life’s stresses in the future. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and healing from trauma.
See more therapy options for South San Francisco
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for South San Francisco
- Alameda
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Daly City
- Foster City
- Hillsborough
- Millbrae
- Oakland
- Pacifica
- San Bruno
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.