Gestalt Therapists in Novato, CA
I have had extensive training in psychodynamic-developmental, family systems, cognitive, Gestalt, somatic, and mindfulness oriented modalities of psychotherapy, and will apply insights and "tools of these trades" in our work together.
I believe human beings change and develop throughout their life span. In some 30 years of practicing psychotherapy I have come to view most emotional symptoms and all relationship crises as opportunities for re-engaging and supporting aspects of self development.
I was educated in Germany and the US: my professional experience ranges from work in very traditional clinical settings to being a therapist and group facilitator for staff at the Esalen Institute.
I have had extensive training in psychodynamic-developmental, family systems, cognitive, Gestalt, somatic, and mindfulness oriented modalities of psychotherapy, and will apply insights and "tools of these trades" in our work together.
I believe human beings change and develop throughout their life span. In some 30 years of practicing psychotherapy I have come to view most emotional symptoms and all relationship crises as opportunities for re-engaging and supporting aspects of self development.
I was educated in Germany and the US: my professional experience ranges from work in very traditional clinical settings to being a therapist and group facilitator for staff at the Esalen Institute.
Kari Sandell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945 (Online Only)
I take an integral approach to therapy that draws from several modalities, including Gestalt, relational therapy, ecopsychology, somatics, attachment-based therapy and DBT.
Hi, I'm Kari. I take a client-centered approach to therapy, with an emphasis on helping individuals build awareness and cultivate more self-compassion. I often get feedback that clients experience me as warm, engaged, non-judgmental, and down-to-earth. My specialties include anxiety, depression, eating and body struggles, self-esteem challenges, transition, identity exploration, relationship struggles, trauma, life direction challenges, existential crisis, relationship with sexuality, and attachment issues.
I take an integral approach to therapy that draws from several modalities, including Gestalt, relational therapy, ecopsychology, somatics, attachment-based therapy and DBT.
Hi, I'm Kari. I take a client-centered approach to therapy, with an emphasis on helping individuals build awareness and cultivate more self-compassion. I often get feedback that clients experience me as warm, engaged, non-judgmental, and down-to-earth. My specialties include anxiety, depression, eating and body struggles, self-esteem challenges, transition, identity exploration, relationship struggles, trauma, life direction challenges, existential crisis, relationship with sexuality, and attachment issues.
Ryan Gertz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
I have an integrative approach of Parts Work, Somatic Focusing, Jungian, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Dream Work, EFT (emotionally focused couples therapy) as well as CBT, coaching, with an emphasis on the whole aliveness of ones life.
I provide support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of meaning, authenticity and agency in their lives. Challenges I work with are trauma( PTSD & CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
I have an integrative approach of Parts Work, Somatic Focusing, Jungian, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Dream Work, EFT (emotionally focused couples therapy) as well as CBT, coaching, with an emphasis on the whole aliveness of ones life.
I provide support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of meaning, authenticity and agency in their lives. Challenges I work with are trauma( PTSD & CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious? Are you struggling with confidently meeting life's obstacles? I have been able to help where others have failed. My 38 years in practice, training and life experience allows me to provide a warm and deeply caring connection which is necessary for healing. I am very interested in meeting you and assisting in your transformation to the happy, healthy, connected person you always hoped you would be. Over the years I have discovered that therapy is the beginning in having a truly authentic and happy existence. I can also assist you in developing a daily practice of mindfulness.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious? Are you struggling with confidently meeting life's obstacles? I have been able to help where others have failed. My 38 years in practice, training and life experience allows me to provide a warm and deeply caring connection which is necessary for healing. I am very interested in meeting you and assisting in your transformation to the happy, healthy, connected person you always hoped you would be. Over the years I have discovered that therapy is the beginning in having a truly authentic and happy existence. I can also assist you in developing a daily practice of mindfulness.
Welcome! You may have been thinking about seeking support from a therapist for quite a while. Maybe you’ve been struggling with anxiety, feeling alone, insecure in your relationship, or feeling stuck with distressing thought patterns that lead to an uneasy feeling of avoidance. I care deeply about creating a warm, empathic, and well-attuned connection with my clients. I strive to provide a collaborative experience while working with an array of diverse individuals who seek support with navigating their specific challenges.
Welcome! You may have been thinking about seeking support from a therapist for quite a while. Maybe you’ve been struggling with anxiety, feeling alone, insecure in your relationship, or feeling stuck with distressing thought patterns that lead to an uneasy feeling of avoidance. I care deeply about creating a warm, empathic, and well-attuned connection with my clients. I strive to provide a collaborative experience while working with an array of diverse individuals who seek support with navigating their specific challenges.
Larissa R. Wolford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPPC, PPSC
Verified Verified
Novato, CA 94947
Life! It can be overwhelming, frustrating, upsetting, amazing and confusing. Counseling can provide the extra support, comfort and nudge we need to get through it. Please contact me to see how working with me can be the catalyst needed to feel more comfortable, confident and healthy. I would love to work with you in your journey through life and look forward to hearing from you.
Life! It can be overwhelming, frustrating, upsetting, amazing and confusing. Counseling can provide the extra support, comfort and nudge we need to get through it. Please contact me to see how working with me can be the catalyst needed to feel more comfortable, confident and healthy. I would love to work with you in your journey through life and look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for reading! I imagine you are here because you are searching for something; an answer to your pain and suffering. People don't typically come to therapy because all is well; they are looking for relief from the pain. We will sit together in that pain because pain shared is pain decreased. And then we begin to take action to feel more in control of our lives. Taking action is the perfect antidote to that crippling sense of powerlessness. Yes, there are many things we can't control; we identify them and let them go. And, there are many things we can control, primarily through a change in perspective.
Thank you for reading! I imagine you are here because you are searching for something; an answer to your pain and suffering. People don't typically come to therapy because all is well; they are looking for relief from the pain. We will sit together in that pain because pain shared is pain decreased. And then we begin to take action to feel more in control of our lives. Taking action is the perfect antidote to that crippling sense of powerlessness. Yes, there are many things we can't control; we identify them and let them go. And, there are many things we can control, primarily through a change in perspective.
Kristi M. Hudson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
You and your relationships are important and worth the investment of therapy. Reaching out for help can be challenging, but know that part of healthy relating is being able to reach out and trust that your needs can be met. It may be helpful to know that my Marin County office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in Novato and Thursdays in San Rafael. I look forward to meeting you for a free initial consultation to see if we're a good fit!
You and your relationships are important and worth the investment of therapy. Reaching out for help can be challenging, but know that part of healthy relating is being able to reach out and trust that your needs can be met. It may be helpful to know that my Marin County office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in Novato and Thursdays in San Rafael. I look forward to meeting you for a free initial consultation to see if we're a good fit!
I would like to help you find more comfort, ease and joy in your life. If you are suffering from anxiety and stress, chronic pain or illness, fears/phobias, or lack of motivation, we'll work together to find the best path forward, enabling you with tools and resources to sustain lifelong positive change.
I would like to help you find more comfort, ease and joy in your life. If you are suffering from anxiety and stress, chronic pain or illness, fears/phobias, or lack of motivation, we'll work together to find the best path forward, enabling you with tools and resources to sustain lifelong positive change.
I will help you gain insight as to how your character style inhibits healthy coping and interferes with healthy relationships. Liberate your true Self as you envision moving forward. Please call for a 1/2 hour consultation to discuss how I work and see if we are a good fit!
I will help you gain insight as to how your character style inhibits healthy coping and interferes with healthy relationships. Liberate your true Self as you envision moving forward. Please call for a 1/2 hour consultation to discuss how I work and see if we are a good fit!
Many relationships have faced challenges over the past few years. You might be feeling stuck, or struggling to resolve differences with your partner. As a certified AASECT sex therapist & long time couples counselor, I help identify& understand what lies beneath these stuck places, building true relational safety. Using easy to implement tools for healthy communication, I help couples negotiate desire discrepancy, find creative solutions for low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships: including infidelity repair, polyamory, & consensual non-monogamy. I am kink aware & LGBTQ+ friendly.
Many relationships have faced challenges over the past few years. You might be feeling stuck, or struggling to resolve differences with your partner. As a certified AASECT sex therapist & long time couples counselor, I help identify& understand what lies beneath these stuck places, building true relational safety. Using easy to implement tools for healthy communication, I help couples negotiate desire discrepancy, find creative solutions for low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships: including infidelity repair, polyamory, & consensual non-monogamy. I am kink aware & LGBTQ+ friendly.
M Patricia Graef
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Whatever is troubling you, anxiety or depression, a personal crisis or loss, difficulties with a partner or concern about a child's behavior - relief is possible. I work with individuals, children, teens, adults, couples and families, and treat a wide range of the human experience, including anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, panic attacks, borderline personality disorder, bi-polar conditions and anger management. My approach is character analytic which offers an opportunity for clients to experience a wider range of feelings, resulting in more energy and an ability to move through life's difficulties and experience life's pleasures.
Whatever is troubling you, anxiety or depression, a personal crisis or loss, difficulties with a partner or concern about a child's behavior - relief is possible. I work with individuals, children, teens, adults, couples and families, and treat a wide range of the human experience, including anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, panic attacks, borderline personality disorder, bi-polar conditions and anger management. My approach is character analytic which offers an opportunity for clients to experience a wider range of feelings, resulting in more energy and an ability to move through life's difficulties and experience life's pleasures.
David J Kest
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94947
Waitlist for new clients
I offer an "Integrated Approach to Psychotherapy" for adults, couples and families. We may first seek to reduce negative symptoms and increase stability in our life, but eventually I support and challenge my clients to graduate from "surviving to truly "thriving" in all major aspects of their life. Relationships have shaped and influenced who we are and many clients appreciate help with essential relationship skills. I am one of the few therapists in Marin and SF actually certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and have had the honor to assist the cofounders many times with their weekend workshops. on the West Coast.
I offer an "Integrated Approach to Psychotherapy" for adults, couples and families. We may first seek to reduce negative symptoms and increase stability in our life, but eventually I support and challenge my clients to graduate from "surviving to truly "thriving" in all major aspects of their life. Relationships have shaped and influenced who we are and many clients appreciate help with essential relationship skills. I am one of the few therapists in Marin and SF actually certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist and have had the honor to assist the cofounders many times with their weekend workshops. on the West Coast.
I have many years of experience and training and feel fortunate to work with adults, couples and teens. I find that most clients come to me when their old ways of coping are no longer working (or they are unhealthy) and the stress is too much! Why do it alone? I hold the hope for my clients when they aren't able.
I have many years of experience and training and feel fortunate to work with adults, couples and teens. I find that most clients come to me when their old ways of coping are no longer working (or they are unhealthy) and the stress is too much! Why do it alone? I hold the hope for my clients when they aren't able.
Hello! Thank you for checking out my site. Please call me if you really want to set yourself up to thrive! As a seasoned therapist, life coach and happiness expert, I can show you how to dramatically improve your coping with stress, re-pattern thinking and habits and take empowered and purpose driven action to achieve lasting peace and happiness. I also can help you to improve your existing relationship or find one that is right for you. I use a holistic approach that considers all the factors affecting your well-being and develops a clear pathway for your wellness.
Hello! Thank you for checking out my site. Please call me if you really want to set yourself up to thrive! As a seasoned therapist, life coach and happiness expert, I can show you how to dramatically improve your coping with stress, re-pattern thinking and habits and take empowered and purpose driven action to achieve lasting peace and happiness. I also can help you to improve your existing relationship or find one that is right for you. I use a holistic approach that considers all the factors affecting your well-being and develops a clear pathway for your wellness.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
Fiona Walsh Dinan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Are you feeling stuck with past trauma or dealing with daily anxiety? Are you struggling with the challenges of being a new mom and postpartum depression or anxiety? Are you not where you wish to be in your life and with your well-being? Do you want to connect more deeply with your inner knowing and guidance? It can be hard to know where to start, and life's day-to-day can feel all-encompassing. The time is now to seek support and say yes to your needs.
Are you feeling stuck with past trauma or dealing with daily anxiety? Are you struggling with the challenges of being a new mom and postpartum depression or anxiety? Are you not where you wish to be in your life and with your well-being? Do you want to connect more deeply with your inner knowing and guidance? It can be hard to know where to start, and life's day-to-day can feel all-encompassing. The time is now to seek support and say yes to your needs.
I work with both children and adults and provide each client with the individualized support they need. I have specialized training in OCD and Brainspotting and work with individuals inflicted by anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also offer parenting support and educational consultation around the IEP process.
I work with both children and adults and provide each client with the individualized support they need. I have specialized training in OCD and Brainspotting and work with individuals inflicted by anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also offer parenting support and educational consultation around the IEP process.
Robynne has expertise in treating anxiety and depression in adults, children and teens, working with adult survivors of sexual abuse and other childhood trauma, and treating patients with alcohol and other addictions. She also specializes in working with couples around marital issues and has training in grief and loss, having worked with many patients confronting these issues, including parents who have lost a child. In addition to working with clients in therapy, Robynne is also a trained mediator and works with divorcing couples around custody and financial agreements.
Robynne has expertise in treating anxiety and depression in adults, children and teens, working with adult survivors of sexual abuse and other childhood trauma, and treating patients with alcohol and other addictions. She also specializes in working with couples around marital issues and has training in grief and loss, having worked with many patients confronting these issues, including parents who have lost a child. In addition to working with clients in therapy, Robynne is also a trained mediator and works with divorcing couples around custody and financial agreements.
Jennie Beuhler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Novato, CA 94945
Do the “shoulds” dictate your every move? Are you a “people pleaser” putting the needs and wants of others before your own? Do you constantly take care of others at the expense of yourself? Do you frequently second guess or doubt yourself? Doing these things means you ignore your own wants, needs and values. Living out of alignment with yourself leads to feeling lost, discontent, anxious, low self-esteem, disconnected, unfulfilled, regret, resentment, or grief. Let's find ways for you to live more in alignment with who you truly are so you can experience relief and feel more confident, grounded and fulfilled.
Do the “shoulds” dictate your every move? Are you a “people pleaser” putting the needs and wants of others before your own? Do you constantly take care of others at the expense of yourself? Do you frequently second guess or doubt yourself? Doing these things means you ignore your own wants, needs and values. Living out of alignment with yourself leads to feeling lost, discontent, anxious, low self-esteem, disconnected, unfulfilled, regret, resentment, or grief. Let's find ways for you to live more in alignment with who you truly are so you can experience relief and feel more confident, grounded and fulfilled.
See more therapy options for Novato
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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.