Gestalt Therapists in Venice, CA
I use an integrative approach, drawing from a wide range of psychological principles/orientations (Spiritual psychology, Jungian, Gestalt, Humanistic) bringing in each as needed.
We are in uncertain times, and I understand how intense and traumatic this can be for you. Each of us are personally grieving, as well as grieving for humanity in some sense. I work with humans of all ages, including young children, which holds a special place in his heart (I work with Individuals, couples, and families as a whole) I am curious to learn more about what hurts, where you feel stuck, and create a safe space for you to process and grow from these experiences. Please keep reading to get a better understanding of how I work with you.
I use an integrative approach, drawing from a wide range of psychological principles/orientations (Spiritual psychology, Jungian, Gestalt, Humanistic) bringing in each as needed.
We are in uncertain times, and I understand how intense and traumatic this can be for you. Each of us are personally grieving, as well as grieving for humanity in some sense. I work with humans of all ages, including young children, which holds a special place in his heart (I work with Individuals, couples, and families as a whole) I am curious to learn more about what hurts, where you feel stuck, and create a safe space for you to process and grow from these experiences. Please keep reading to get a better understanding of how I work with you.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with clients living with a range of experiences which often include healing Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), self-discovery and acceptance within oppressive systems, finding wholeness after narcissistic abuse, and strengthening the heart after the loss of a loved one. To assist, I use an eclectic approach that can include theories from EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and the Internal Family System. When artfully combined, these principles help to awaken change and ripple out improvement in the internal and external realities.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with clients living with a range of experiences which often include healing Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), self-discovery and acceptance within oppressive systems, finding wholeness after narcissistic abuse, and strengthening the heart after the loss of a loved one. To assist, I use an eclectic approach that can include theories from EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and the Internal Family System. When artfully combined, these principles help to awaken change and ripple out improvement in the internal and external realities.
Alexandra Afanasyeva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90292
I am a supportive, compassionate and empathetic therapist with years of experience working with a diverse population of individuals largely specializing in developmental trauma, PTSD, many other traumas, anxiety and depression. My approach is eclectic; mostly influenced by Gestalt psychology, Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) therapy with their shared roots in existential phenomenology, person-centered attitude, and body -mind awareness.
I am a supportive, compassionate and empathetic therapist with years of experience working with a diverse population of individuals largely specializing in developmental trauma, PTSD, many other traumas, anxiety and depression. My approach is eclectic; mostly influenced by Gestalt psychology, Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) therapy with their shared roots in existential phenomenology, person-centered attitude, and body -mind awareness.
I specialize in: Spiritual Psychology Teachings, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Trauma Informed Therapy, PSYCH-K Subconscious Reprogramming, Jungian Depth Psychology, Dreamwork, Shadow Work, Inner Child + Inner Parent Work, Conscious Communication, Intuitive Channeling, Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork, Strategic Business Planning for Entrepreneurs.
Have you done a ton of personal development work but still find yourself stuck and frustrated that you just keep repeating the same patterns of behavior? Or you're in the middle of a major life transition and unsure of how to cope with the changes and emotions? Searching for purpose and direction in this wild ride of life and just can't seem to find it yet? I help brilliant people like you move beyond these issues by teaching self mastery skills so you can be your own best therapist, healer, and guide. If you're ready to learn the skills and make the changes to become the master of yourself, you've landed on the right page.
I specialize in: Spiritual Psychology Teachings, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt Trauma Informed Therapy, PSYCH-K Subconscious Reprogramming, Jungian Depth Psychology, Dreamwork, Shadow Work, Inner Child + Inner Parent Work, Conscious Communication, Intuitive Channeling, Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork, Strategic Business Planning for Entrepreneurs.
Have you done a ton of personal development work but still find yourself stuck and frustrated that you just keep repeating the same patterns of behavior? Or you're in the middle of a major life transition and unsure of how to cope with the changes and emotions? Searching for purpose and direction in this wild ride of life and just can't seem to find it yet? I help brilliant people like you move beyond these issues by teaching self mastery skills so you can be your own best therapist, healer, and guide. If you're ready to learn the skills and make the changes to become the master of yourself, you've landed on the right page.
Carol Waisman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
I have taught graduate level "Substance Abuse Diagnosis and Treatment" and am trained in hypnotherapy and gestalt therapy which I find particularly helpful in working with clients.
Are you uncomfortable in social situations, or experiencing conflict in important relationships? Do you struggle with unwanted habits? My practice is dedicated to assisting you to resolve emotional and behavioral issues that interfere with optimal functioning. By acquiring tools to help manage your moods and feelings, you can loosen compulsive patterns and achieve greater self-acceptance. I work collaboratively with my clients and strive to develop a partnership that begins with listening.
I have taught graduate level "Substance Abuse Diagnosis and Treatment" and am trained in hypnotherapy and gestalt therapy which I find particularly helpful in working with clients.
Are you uncomfortable in social situations, or experiencing conflict in important relationships? Do you struggle with unwanted habits? My practice is dedicated to assisting you to resolve emotional and behavioral issues that interfere with optimal functioning. By acquiring tools to help manage your moods and feelings, you can loosen compulsive patterns and achieve greater self-acceptance. I work collaboratively with my clients and strive to develop a partnership that begins with listening.
Kelsi Elizabeth Dahn
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291 (Online Only)
I draw upon my extensive training in various therapeutic and philosophic approaches, including Gestalt therapy, existential philosophy, nonviolent communication, narrative therapy, somatic and yogic practice, 12-step recovery, and group therapy.
Tired of staring out into the abyss staring back at you? Being a human is hard, no matter how you go about it, and trying to make meaning out of the chaos can be overwhelming. I support my clients to align their lives with their most Authentic Self, while collaboratively honoring and transforming anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and other feelings or behaviors that seem out of balance with everyday life. I believe that coming from a place of authenticity opens the door to a wider range of possibilities for your life's path, and makes interpersonal relationships along the journey better and more fulfilling.
I draw upon my extensive training in various therapeutic and philosophic approaches, including Gestalt therapy, existential philosophy, nonviolent communication, narrative therapy, somatic and yogic practice, 12-step recovery, and group therapy.
Tired of staring out into the abyss staring back at you? Being a human is hard, no matter how you go about it, and trying to make meaning out of the chaos can be overwhelming. I support my clients to align their lives with their most Authentic Self, while collaboratively honoring and transforming anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and other feelings or behaviors that seem out of balance with everyday life. I believe that coming from a place of authenticity opens the door to a wider range of possibilities for your life's path, and makes interpersonal relationships along the journey better and more fulfilling.
As a therapist, I call upon a variety of practices to nurture each individual’s or couple’s personal process. With a background in movement, music, art and drama, I approach therapy as a creative pursuit rooted in clinical analysis. I have a trauma-informed approach, allowing space for the many layers of stress that our culture can bring about in an individual or within a couple. I draw on traditional psychodynamic, Gestalt, Emotionally Focused Couples therapy, and relational methodologies, while incorporating eastern philosophies, symbolism, somatics, and creative or spiritual practices.
As a therapist, I call upon a variety of practices to nurture each individual’s or couple’s personal process. With a background in movement, music, art and drama, I approach therapy as a creative pursuit rooted in clinical analysis. I have a trauma-informed approach, allowing space for the many layers of stress that our culture can bring about in an individual or within a couple. I draw on traditional psychodynamic, Gestalt, Emotionally Focused Couples therapy, and relational methodologies, while incorporating eastern philosophies, symbolism, somatics, and creative or spiritual practices.
My style is warm and interactive, drawing from psychodynamic, attachment, and Gestalt therapy.
I offer psychotherapy in English and French for individuals and couples who need support through challenging times. Life is a series of transitions, I help those who might feel held back, disconnected, misunderstood, or like they don’t belong—leaving them feeling isolated, anxious, or hopeless. For couples and diverse relationship structures, we will work on building connection and safety by exploring each partner’s needs, strengths, baggage and identifying patterns of disconnection. I also specialize in working with people from multicultural or international backgrounds.
My style is warm and interactive, drawing from psychodynamic, attachment, and Gestalt therapy.
I offer psychotherapy in English and French for individuals and couples who need support through challenging times. Life is a series of transitions, I help those who might feel held back, disconnected, misunderstood, or like they don’t belong—leaving them feeling isolated, anxious, or hopeless. For couples and diverse relationship structures, we will work on building connection and safety by exploring each partner’s needs, strengths, baggage and identifying patterns of disconnection. I also specialize in working with people from multicultural or international backgrounds.
Daniela Morse
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
Many people come to therapy feeling stuck, dissatisfied in relationships, anxious, depressed, and unsafe or uncomfortable in their bodies. Most people know what they want to change but it’s difficult because we are habitual creatures; we want to show up in the world in a different way but we’re drawn to the familiar way of doing and being. I can help you understand more about how your history, and the history of the generations before you, influences your current way of being in the world. I can help you get present and discover a more authentic way of living.
Many people come to therapy feeling stuck, dissatisfied in relationships, anxious, depressed, and unsafe or uncomfortable in their bodies. Most people know what they want to change but it’s difficult because we are habitual creatures; we want to show up in the world in a different way but we’re drawn to the familiar way of doing and being. I can help you understand more about how your history, and the history of the generations before you, influences your current way of being in the world. I can help you get present and discover a more authentic way of living.
Do past hurts haunt your interpersonal relationships? Childhood trauma can feel like a monster best kept hidden away in the dark. Out of sight, out of mind - until it's triggered again. As Carl Jung said, "what you resist not only persists, but will grow in size." Through this lens, I offer a compassionate and integrative approach to healing the deep wounds of relational trauma. Collaboratively, as a therapeutic team, we cultivate and create a safe space for acknowledging and nourishing the inner child, establishing self-worth, building self-esteem and developing skills for managing complex relationships with self and other.
Do past hurts haunt your interpersonal relationships? Childhood trauma can feel like a monster best kept hidden away in the dark. Out of sight, out of mind - until it's triggered again. As Carl Jung said, "what you resist not only persists, but will grow in size." Through this lens, I offer a compassionate and integrative approach to healing the deep wounds of relational trauma. Collaboratively, as a therapeutic team, we cultivate and create a safe space for acknowledging and nourishing the inner child, establishing self-worth, building self-esteem and developing skills for managing complex relationships with self and other.
Eric Paulson is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDR practitioner located in Venice/Santa Monica, CA. For over 25 years, Eric has immersed himself in the helping profession exploring both traditional and non-traditional approaches to healing. Throughout his career, he has worked with adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups in the treatment of attachment and developmental trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, dissociative disorders, spiritual emergencies, and psychedelic experience preparation and integration.
Eric Paulson is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and EMDR practitioner located in Venice/Santa Monica, CA. For over 25 years, Eric has immersed himself in the helping profession exploring both traditional and non-traditional approaches to healing. Throughout his career, he has worked with adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups in the treatment of attachment and developmental trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, dissociative disorders, spiritual emergencies, and psychedelic experience preparation and integration.
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Kevin Kunkel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
The first steps to beginning therapy can seem hard. I want you to have hope, that If you are feeling stuck in unhealthy feelings or thoughts or needing support through stressful life events, there are effective holistic strategies for finding relief and bringing you back into balance. Trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, grieving are all experiences of the body as much as the mind, and effective therapy should integrate both. Through a compassionate, accepting relationship and an innovative somatic approach, I have found success in guiding clients to find relief of their symptoms and struggles in their body, mind, and hearts.
The first steps to beginning therapy can seem hard. I want you to have hope, that If you are feeling stuck in unhealthy feelings or thoughts or needing support through stressful life events, there are effective holistic strategies for finding relief and bringing you back into balance. Trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, grieving are all experiences of the body as much as the mind, and effective therapy should integrate both. Through a compassionate, accepting relationship and an innovative somatic approach, I have found success in guiding clients to find relief of their symptoms and struggles in their body, mind, and hearts.
Danielle Birrittella
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MFA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
My role as a psychotherapist is to accompany people on their courageous journeys of healing, discovery, and self-expression. I enjoy working with individuals who are curious and inspired to take their inner work seriously. I believe that the narratives we tell about ourselves hold tremendous power and that, through our work together, we can become more conscious of how these stories shape our lives in order to find opportunities for new understanding and meaning making. As a depth psychotherapist, I have reverence for the wisdom of psyche, the unconscious, to help guide us to explore parts of ourselves in order to become more whole.
My role as a psychotherapist is to accompany people on their courageous journeys of healing, discovery, and self-expression. I enjoy working with individuals who are curious and inspired to take their inner work seriously. I believe that the narratives we tell about ourselves hold tremendous power and that, through our work together, we can become more conscious of how these stories shape our lives in order to find opportunities for new understanding and meaning making. As a depth psychotherapist, I have reverence for the wisdom of psyche, the unconscious, to help guide us to explore parts of ourselves in order to become more whole.
Always accepting new patients. I have over 40 years of experience treating individuals, couples & groups. As a painter and psychoanalyst, I am especially interested in helping people deal with difficulties in their creative work and in their relationships. I have written, presented, and published psychoanalytic papers on relationships and the creative process. My latest paper, "Victims of Envy," was published in the Psychoanalytic Review in June 2019 and my book on creativity, Chaos & Control, was published by Routledge in 2018.
Always accepting new patients. I have over 40 years of experience treating individuals, couples & groups. As a painter and psychoanalyst, I am especially interested in helping people deal with difficulties in their creative work and in their relationships. I have written, presented, and published psychoanalytic papers on relationships and the creative process. My latest paper, "Victims of Envy," was published in the Psychoanalytic Review in June 2019 and my book on creativity, Chaos & Control, was published by Routledge in 2018.
I have 20 years experience helping individuals, couples and groups find deeper meaning, satisfaction and inspiration in their unique experience of life. Individuals are often led to therapy by symptoms - anxiety, depression, panic attacks, failed relationships, compulsions and addictions, phobias, post-traumatic reactions and self-destructive behavior. Although symptoms can seem random and be destructive, they are important messengers guiding us toward introspection and growth. In psychotherapy we discover what lies beneath the surface of symptoms; we uncover that which has previously been unconscious.
I have 20 years experience helping individuals, couples and groups find deeper meaning, satisfaction and inspiration in their unique experience of life. Individuals are often led to therapy by symptoms - anxiety, depression, panic attacks, failed relationships, compulsions and addictions, phobias, post-traumatic reactions and self-destructive behavior. Although symptoms can seem random and be destructive, they are important messengers guiding us toward introspection and growth. In psychotherapy we discover what lies beneath the surface of symptoms; we uncover that which has previously been unconscious.
Lauren Elizabeth Taus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and a yoga and meditation teacher based in Venice Beach, California. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey home - to yourself. As a therapist, I see individuals, families and couples. My practice areas of expertise include stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, creative blocks, and life transitions. My approach is individualized. I’ll meet you where you are, and offer you an individualized treatment plan based on my education and trainings.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and a yoga and meditation teacher based in Venice Beach, California. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey home - to yourself. As a therapist, I see individuals, families and couples. My practice areas of expertise include stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, creative blocks, and life transitions. My approach is individualized. I’ll meet you where you are, and offer you an individualized treatment plan based on my education and trainings.
My approach is holistic, incorporating mind, body and soul. As a therapist, I'm totally committed to your growth. I don't simply sit back and listen. Rather, I'm on the journey with you, as a companion, witness and guide, holding a safe container in which your healing can unfold. I see therapy as a lively creative process that accesses the wisdom of your body and the power of your imagination to put you back in the driving seat of your life.
My approach is holistic, incorporating mind, body and soul. As a therapist, I'm totally committed to your growth. I don't simply sit back and listen. Rather, I'm on the journey with you, as a companion, witness and guide, holding a safe container in which your healing can unfold. I see therapy as a lively creative process that accesses the wisdom of your body and the power of your imagination to put you back in the driving seat of your life.
Research indicates that the most important factor in psychotherapy may be the alliance between client and therapist. It makes sense that any individual, couple or family would reflect heavily on this aspect of their search. Initial consultations are about providing a uniquely safe, private space for the client(s) to share thoughts, questions, feelings or concerns. Specialization in ADHD, symptoms related to individuals and couples, as well as its impact on work/life balance, sex/uality, friends & family members, as well as co-occurring disorders.
Research indicates that the most important factor in psychotherapy may be the alliance between client and therapist. It makes sense that any individual, couple or family would reflect heavily on this aspect of their search. Initial consultations are about providing a uniquely safe, private space for the client(s) to share thoughts, questions, feelings or concerns. Specialization in ADHD, symptoms related to individuals and couples, as well as its impact on work/life balance, sex/uality, friends & family members, as well as co-occurring disorders.
Maria Enriquez Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291
I work with adults and children experiencing emotional and/or physical challenges relating to recent and long-standing hardship. Through guided exploration and support, I help clients navigate difficult experiences, facilitate lasting personal growth, and achieve desired change.
I work with adults and children experiencing emotional and/or physical challenges relating to recent and long-standing hardship. Through guided exploration and support, I help clients navigate difficult experiences, facilitate lasting personal growth, and achieve desired change.
Maru Serricchio-Joiner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
Imagine the following: you have been using the same paint palette for a while. You never clean the palette, so all the paint from the past years have dried on top of each other. One day, you feel uneasy with the top color so you decide to rip it off. It isn't until you turn it over that you see all the colors and realize they cannot be separated from each other. I focus on the clients as a whole and I believe that whatever brings you to therapy is deeply rooted in your cumulative life experiences, not in isolation.
Imagine the following: you have been using the same paint palette for a while. You never clean the palette, so all the paint from the past years have dried on top of each other. One day, you feel uneasy with the top color so you decide to rip it off. It isn't until you turn it over that you see all the colors and realize they cannot be separated from each other. I focus on the clients as a whole and I believe that whatever brings you to therapy is deeply rooted in your cumulative life experiences, not in isolation.
See more therapy options for Venice
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Venice
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Hawthorne
- Inglewood
- Manhattan Beach
- Marina Del Rey
- Pacific Palisades
- Santa Monica
- West Los Angeles
- Westchester
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.