Feminist Therapists in Stanford, CA
Briana | Therapy for Self-Doubt & Burnout
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Coach, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stanford, CA 94309 (Online Only)
Experienced in working from a feminist, liberation focused lens with Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latina, Indigenous, Women of Color, help revolutionary women break free from self-doubt, impostor syndrome, career and academic burnout, and cultural stress so you can show up fully and authentically in the world and sustain yourself in the work you feel called to do.
You're a cycle breaker, healer, care worker dreamer, activist, educator, care worker, change maker, therapist, student, intern, or good ancestor in the making. You care deeply about people and the planet, but you aren't so sure about taking care of yourself. No matter how much you do or how hard you work, you never feel like you're doing enough. You struggle to give yourself permission to rest and experience joy when there is still so much to do. You find yourself tangled up in self-sacrifice, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, hustle culture, overextending, guilt, martyrdom, and career and academic stress And you're exhausted.
Experienced in working from a feminist, liberation focused lens with Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latina, Indigenous, Women of Color, help revolutionary women break free from self-doubt, impostor syndrome, career and academic burnout, and cultural stress so you can show up fully and authentically in the world and sustain yourself in the work you feel called to do.
You're a cycle breaker, healer, care worker dreamer, activist, educator, care worker, change maker, therapist, student, intern, or good ancestor in the making. You care deeply about people and the planet, but you aren't so sure about taking care of yourself. No matter how much you do or how hard you work, you never feel like you're doing enough. You struggle to give yourself permission to rest and experience joy when there is still so much to do. You find yourself tangled up in self-sacrifice, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, hustle culture, overextending, guilt, martyrdom, and career and academic stress And you're exhausted.
Erin Todhunter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stanford, CA 94305 (Online Only)
Our lives—and the lives of our family and friends—are often challenged by issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, anger, loss and grief. And we are often so pressured by the demands of everyday life that we struggle to simply get through each day. While our relationships with others can be sources of great love and support, they are often sources of our deepest pain. Through the process of therapy, we can come to better understand the roots of our suffering, heal emotional wounds and strengthen our relationships with ourselves and others.
Our lives—and the lives of our family and friends—are often challenged by issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, anger, loss and grief. And we are often so pressured by the demands of everyday life that we struggle to simply get through each day. While our relationships with others can be sources of great love and support, they are often sources of our deepest pain. Through the process of therapy, we can come to better understand the roots of our suffering, heal emotional wounds and strengthen our relationships with ourselves and others.
Theresa Maria Allocco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stanford, CA 94305
With over 15 years of licensed experience providing therapy in the state of California, I have treated a diversity of clients with a wide array of struggles and strengths. We will work together to create a solid plan that meets your needs using therapeutic techniques that the research has shown will help make improvements in the shortest amount of time. To put it simply, the people I meet with for individual or couples therapy often get better in a short amount of time. The path to "better" looks different for each person/couple and I enjoy figuring that puzzle out.
With over 15 years of licensed experience providing therapy in the state of California, I have treated a diversity of clients with a wide array of struggles and strengths. We will work together to create a solid plan that meets your needs using therapeutic techniques that the research has shown will help make improvements in the shortest amount of time. To put it simply, the people I meet with for individual or couples therapy often get better in a short amount of time. The path to "better" looks different for each person/couple and I enjoy figuring that puzzle out.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My guiding principle is that every one of my clients deserves to experience joy, meaning, connection and fulfillment. Depression, anxiety, trauma and challenging interpersonal dynamics can obscure and frustrate this pursuit. As a therapist, I partner with each of my clients to manage these obstacles and help them experience the fulfilling lives that they deserve. I am also a clinical supervisor of new therapists, so I have lots of experience and training to draw on.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist. My guiding principle is that every one of my clients deserves to experience joy, meaning, connection and fulfillment. Depression, anxiety, trauma and challenging interpersonal dynamics can obscure and frustrate this pursuit. As a therapist, I partner with each of my clients to manage these obstacles and help them experience the fulfilling lives that they deserve. I am also a clinical supervisor of new therapists, so I have lots of experience and training to draw on.
I work with adults (individuals, families, couples, and relationship constellations) on ways to release the grip on coping skills that are no longer serving them, and explore sustainable and affirming perspectives about themselves and the people they care about. I believe that many of the ways we interact with the world are connected to the attachments we have to each other, and attachments/ruptures we experienced in our childhoods. Together, we can explore how these experiences manifest in your life today; and challenge self-limiting beliefs.
I work with adults (individuals, families, couples, and relationship constellations) on ways to release the grip on coping skills that are no longer serving them, and explore sustainable and affirming perspectives about themselves and the people they care about. I believe that many of the ways we interact with the world are connected to the attachments we have to each other, and attachments/ruptures we experienced in our childhoods. Together, we can explore how these experiences manifest in your life today; and challenge self-limiting beliefs.
Dr. Z. Seda Sahin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Stanford, CA 94305 (Online Only)
Reaching out for help can be scary but it's also very courageous. Congratulations on taking the first step. It would be my honor to work with you. In individual, couple, or family sessions, I work with my clients to create inner and outer peace using evidence-based modalities. I believe that the healing journey is about creating awareness of our already existing inner resources and adding more to our resource toolbox so we can live our best life. I often work with clients facing life transitions, conflict, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Together we discuss how to increase positivity and find confidence in one’s own abilities.
Reaching out for help can be scary but it's also very courageous. Congratulations on taking the first step. It would be my honor to work with you. In individual, couple, or family sessions, I work with my clients to create inner and outer peace using evidence-based modalities. I believe that the healing journey is about creating awareness of our already existing inner resources and adding more to our resource toolbox so we can live our best life. I often work with clients facing life transitions, conflict, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Together we discuss how to increase positivity and find confidence in one’s own abilities.
More Therapists Nearby
Claire Pariente
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94305
My approach is informed by feminist and attachment theories and incorporates parts work from Internal Family Systems when applicable.
In my therapeutic approach, I strive to provide an atmosphere in which you can safely bring down your walls and be held in your authenticity. Through uncovering fears, trauma stories, and intergenerational legacies we shed light on parts of the self that have been deemed unworthy and unlovable. The aim of our work together is to co-create a safe space so that integration and compassion for the whole self is possible!
My approach is informed by feminist and attachment theories and incorporates parts work from Internal Family Systems when applicable.
In my therapeutic approach, I strive to provide an atmosphere in which you can safely bring down your walls and be held in your authenticity. Through uncovering fears, trauma stories, and intergenerational legacies we shed light on parts of the self that have been deemed unworthy and unlovable. The aim of our work together is to co-create a safe space so that integration and compassion for the whole self is possible!
Renée Behan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Online Only)
I provide trauma-informed therapy grounded in principles of relational attachment, existential psychotherapy, feminist multicultural psychotherapy, and harm reduction.
Hello there. I help clients build safety in their lives so they can embrace all parts of their self. I support adults who are working through shame, guilt, low self-compassion, and generally struggling to accept themselves. I work well with clients who are curious about improving boundaries, who have experienced past harmful family dynamics, and who are coming to terms with new diagnoses or life transitions.
I provide trauma-informed therapy grounded in principles of relational attachment, existential psychotherapy, feminist multicultural psychotherapy, and harm reduction.
Hello there. I help clients build safety in their lives so they can embrace all parts of their self. I support adults who are working through shame, guilt, low self-compassion, and generally struggling to accept themselves. I work well with clients who are curious about improving boundaries, who have experienced past harmful family dynamics, and who are coming to terms with new diagnoses or life transitions.
Allyson Ford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I take a client-led, relational and feminist approach to help you find peace in the version of recovery that fits your unique life circumstances.
Struggling with an Eating Disorder is a complex experience that deeply impacts us psychologically, interpersonallly, physically and emotionally. In the short term, the behaviors provide a sense of relief from painful life experiences. They "dull" the effects of trauma, oppression, interpersonal distress and intense emotions. They often help us cope with core wounds around not belonging, not feeling good enough, not feeling safe in our bodies and not having a sense of agency. The process of recovery can feel terrifying- like giving up a life raft. At the same time, the life raft begins to make us feel stuck, isolated and hopeless.
I take a client-led, relational and feminist approach to help you find peace in the version of recovery that fits your unique life circumstances.
Struggling with an Eating Disorder is a complex experience that deeply impacts us psychologically, interpersonallly, physically and emotionally. In the short term, the behaviors provide a sense of relief from painful life experiences. They "dull" the effects of trauma, oppression, interpersonal distress and intense emotions. They often help us cope with core wounds around not belonging, not feeling good enough, not feeling safe in our bodies and not having a sense of agency. The process of recovery can feel terrifying- like giving up a life raft. At the same time, the life raft begins to make us feel stuck, isolated and hopeless.
Christiane Dettinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST, AASECT, PACT1
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Waitlist for new clients
I teach non-violent communication methods and use attachment and mindfulness based modalities, as well as psycho-dynamic and feminist approaches in my work.
I work with individuals and partners from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My areas of expertise are challenges with relationships and sexuality, communication, intimacy, desire differences, infidelity, sexual orientation, gender, and romantic and sexual lifestyles as well as self-discovery and sexuality through the life span. As a sex therapist I am trained to assist you with sensitivity and competence to address these issues. My goal is to support people in their self-discovery and self-realization as relational and sexual beings and to collaborate with you to strengthen your emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.
I teach non-violent communication methods and use attachment and mindfulness based modalities, as well as psycho-dynamic and feminist approaches in my work.
I work with individuals and partners from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My areas of expertise are challenges with relationships and sexuality, communication, intimacy, desire differences, infidelity, sexual orientation, gender, and romantic and sexual lifestyles as well as self-discovery and sexuality through the life span. As a sex therapist I am trained to assist you with sensitivity and competence to address these issues. My goal is to support people in their self-discovery and self-realization as relational and sexual beings and to collaborate with you to strengthen your emotional, spiritual and physical well-being.
Laura Solomon - Sex, Relationship & Trauma Therapy
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94304
I work from a LGBTQIA+ affirmative, feminist, sex positive and asexuality affirming approach.
For people who have experienced trauma, relationships can be really confusing and triggering. It may feel oddly safer to connect with or attach to those who are "emotionally unavailable" or treat you in a way that leaves you feeling depleted and wanting more - while those who pursue you feel completely mismatched, unattractive or even repulsive. True vulnerability and intimacy is deeply scary, but at the same time, you may want or crave connection, it just doesn't seem to be working out. Do you find yourself wondering, "why the hell is this so hard?!" when you're just trying to find a real connection?
I work from a LGBTQIA+ affirmative, feminist, sex positive and asexuality affirming approach.
For people who have experienced trauma, relationships can be really confusing and triggering. It may feel oddly safer to connect with or attach to those who are "emotionally unavailable" or treat you in a way that leaves you feeling depleted and wanting more - while those who pursue you feel completely mismatched, unattractive or even repulsive. True vulnerability and intimacy is deeply scary, but at the same time, you may want or crave connection, it just doesn't seem to be working out. Do you find yourself wondering, "why the hell is this so hard?!" when you're just trying to find a real connection?
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
During this time of upheaval, including Covid, political conflict, and environmental challenges, many are feeling pessimistic and overwhelmed. Some are depressed and anxious. Such distress may be layered atop previous struggles with low self-esteem, relationship issues, past trauma, and a loud "inner critic". Perhaps you worry about climate disruption or feel despair about our planetary future. Maybe you imagine you're alone in that feeling, or wonder if there’s anything you can do to impact the problem. At times all the above concerns can lead to negative health behaviors in an effort to cope. Fortunately, solutions are available.
During this time of upheaval, including Covid, political conflict, and environmental challenges, many are feeling pessimistic and overwhelmed. Some are depressed and anxious. Such distress may be layered atop previous struggles with low self-esteem, relationship issues, past trauma, and a loud "inner critic". Perhaps you worry about climate disruption or feel despair about our planetary future. Maybe you imagine you're alone in that feeling, or wonder if there’s anything you can do to impact the problem. At times all the above concerns can lead to negative health behaviors in an effort to cope. Fortunately, solutions are available.
I am a client-centered and strengths-based clinician who is warm, genuine, and personable. I enjoy bringing humor, creativity, and even a bit of sarcasm into my sessions when it's appropriate. You can always count on me to prioritize your needs and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe in a collaborative approach, working together to achieve your goals while offering feedback based on my clinical judgment. With considerable experience in working with high-acuity clients, crisis intervention, and safety planning, I am well-equipped to provide support during the most challenging moments.
I am a client-centered and strengths-based clinician who is warm, genuine, and personable. I enjoy bringing humor, creativity, and even a bit of sarcasm into my sessions when it's appropriate. You can always count on me to prioritize your needs and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe in a collaborative approach, working together to achieve your goals while offering feedback based on my clinical judgment. With considerable experience in working with high-acuity clients, crisis intervention, and safety planning, I am well-equipped to provide support during the most challenging moments.
I am a warm and direct psychologist, and I have been in practice since 2005. I have worked in many different contexts including internationally, and I love helping diverse people thrive. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, stressful life events and relationship issues. My approach is psychoanalytic and based in extensive clinical experience and broad theoretical knowledge. I always prioritize your unique needs and situation over any theory, because I believe that we are all different and that it takes time and understanding to help you feel better and live more freely and more fully.
I am a warm and direct psychologist, and I have been in practice since 2005. I have worked in many different contexts including internationally, and I love helping diverse people thrive. I work with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, stressful life events and relationship issues. My approach is psychoanalytic and based in extensive clinical experience and broad theoretical knowledge. I always prioritize your unique needs and situation over any theory, because I believe that we are all different and that it takes time and understanding to help you feel better and live more freely and more fully.
“Tell me what you fear and I will tell you what has happened to you.” - D.W. Winnicott. A guiding principle of my therapy is linking the suffering of today to the root of why it is so painful. My interest and expertise has focused on: 1) Perinatal Mental Health (pregnancy, loss, infertility, and postpartum), 2) Couples Work (particularly grappling with issues of monogamy), and 3) Long-term Individual Psychotherapy (struggles with relationships, creativity, and being in touch with your true self). I believe in being Good Enough rather than striving to be the perfect (partner, parent, person).
“Tell me what you fear and I will tell you what has happened to you.” - D.W. Winnicott. A guiding principle of my therapy is linking the suffering of today to the root of why it is so painful. My interest and expertise has focused on: 1) Perinatal Mental Health (pregnancy, loss, infertility, and postpartum), 2) Couples Work (particularly grappling with issues of monogamy), and 3) Long-term Individual Psychotherapy (struggles with relationships, creativity, and being in touch with your true self). I believe in being Good Enough rather than striving to be the perfect (partner, parent, person).
Chelsea Owens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC, MA
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94305 (Online Only)
I'm a level 2-trained IFS therapist and art therapist. I know how important relationships are, and how little we are taught about how to do them! I work with clients who are feeling disconnected from themselves. Folks who are struggling with body image issues, eating disorders, trauma, boundaries and relationship issues. I'm here to help facilitate a relationship between you and all parts of you. I believe there is creativity, reflection and expression inside of everyone and it can be easier to communicate without words. I bring warmth and energy to the room and levity to situations that can sometimes feel overwhelming and heavy.
I'm a level 2-trained IFS therapist and art therapist. I know how important relationships are, and how little we are taught about how to do them! I work with clients who are feeling disconnected from themselves. Folks who are struggling with body image issues, eating disorders, trauma, boundaries and relationship issues. I'm here to help facilitate a relationship between you and all parts of you. I believe there is creativity, reflection and expression inside of everyone and it can be easier to communicate without words. I bring warmth and energy to the room and levity to situations that can sometimes feel overwhelming and heavy.
Leighna Harrison
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My therapy focuses on stress management and relaxation techniques for Silicon Valley professional women. To address the unique pressures facing females in tech, including but not limited to: work life balance, gender and race issues in the workplace, and professional advancement, I use evidence-based practices, informed by strengths and systemic perspectives, to help decrease stress and worry, and cultivate enhanced energy, joy, and vitality.
My therapy focuses on stress management and relaxation techniques for Silicon Valley professional women. To address the unique pressures facing females in tech, including but not limited to: work life balance, gender and race issues in the workplace, and professional advancement, I use evidence-based practices, informed by strengths and systemic perspectives, to help decrease stress and worry, and cultivate enhanced energy, joy, and vitality.
I believe the key to change lies in cultivating a safe, strong therapeutic relationship. Through a developmental lens, I aim to understand each person’s history and how their unique story informs current challenges. I feel passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and utilize a culturally-informed approach when understanding life experiences and associated thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In conjunction with this psychodynamic, relationally-driven approach, I help clients identify a clear presenting concern, develop goals, and integrate the appropriate evidence-based practice tailored to their specific needs.
I believe the key to change lies in cultivating a safe, strong therapeutic relationship. Through a developmental lens, I aim to understand each person’s history and how their unique story informs current challenges. I feel passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and utilize a culturally-informed approach when understanding life experiences and associated thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In conjunction with this psychodynamic, relationally-driven approach, I help clients identify a clear presenting concern, develop goals, and integrate the appropriate evidence-based practice tailored to their specific needs.
Do you feel depleted by constantly having to show up for others? Despite having achieved a lot of success, you still feel like it’s not enough. You are constantly receiving messages about who you “should” be, and you often find yourself second guessing yourself and feeling like there are parts of you you have to hide in order to "fit in" and be respected. You often feel the pressure of attending to the needs of others. You are left feeling misunderstood, unseen, and unappreciated. Your needs often come last, and when you are able to focus on yourself you are left feeling guilty and overwhelmed by the thought of it.
Do you feel depleted by constantly having to show up for others? Despite having achieved a lot of success, you still feel like it’s not enough. You are constantly receiving messages about who you “should” be, and you often find yourself second guessing yourself and feeling like there are parts of you you have to hide in order to "fit in" and be respected. You often feel the pressure of attending to the needs of others. You are left feeling misunderstood, unseen, and unappreciated. Your needs often come last, and when you are able to focus on yourself you are left feeling guilty and overwhelmed by the thought of it.
See more therapy options for Stanford
Nearby Feminist Therapists Searches for Stanford
- Atherton
- Cupertino
- Foster City
- Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills
- Menlo Park
- Mountain View
- Newark
- Palo Alto
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- Sunnyvale
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.