Bay Area Therapy Group
A Marriage Family Counseling Corp.
Gender: Male
Languages: English
Training: MA Psychology John F. Kennedy University
Specialty: Chronic Mental Illness and Trauma
Pronouns: He, Him, His
LMFT 42387
I have been involved in therapy it seems all my life. I have seen what I feel are awfully bad therapists and some very good ones. Ultimately it led me to my own style that focuses on being present with my clients and being genuine. Therapy often seems so passive, and I am excited to be able to work with individuals in a way that brings about systemic changes in their life through changing the way they perceive their memories and traumas in life. Utilizing a combination of CBT, DBT and EMDR therapies, clients can change their own internal systems, so they have different self-talk. Clients can then also look at past experiences and traumas without as much pain.
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The experiences I have had in my life have allowed me understand others effectively. Being open to being taught is of prime importance to me as I can never truly understand another’s experiences. Joining with clients to create treatment plan to learn skills and make progress is the method I have been taught to use to meet the goals my clients create for themselves.
While working as a therapist I have seen how few clinicians take insurance. I have seen how therapists hate billing and have created a company that I believe will help therapists be able to provide the work they love to do while also allow also allowing them to earn the income they deserve and have benefits to take care of themselves, and any dependents they add.
If anyone has questions, I am always available to answer calls or texts, except when I am with clients, or on Thursday nights, which is personal time with family and sacred.
Welcome.
Anisha Mauze
Maybe your life seemed fine until recently, and maybe you’ve been struggling longer than you can remember. Either way, I’m here to help. I work with all ages, genders, sexualities, racial backgrounds, cultures, and subcultures. From work stress to identity crises, communication problems to childhood trauma, all issues need space to breathe, and a big part of that is finding a therapist you can be real with.
I specialize in working with alternative lifestyles; if the system isn’t working for you, I will. Like good art, therapy with me aims to comfort those in challenging positions, and challenge the comfortable. I have understanding in many areas, but you are the expert of your life. I’m not claiming to be superhuman, just someone who's made it my job to care.
Gender NB
Languages: English
Training: MA Psychology John F. Kennedy University
Specialty: Chronic Mental Illness and Trauma
Pronouns:They She
LMFT #140236
Andrie Sismondo
Hey there! I’m Andrie. Nice to meet you! I am a therapist but I am not here to fix you. You aren’t broken. You may be struggling, which is why you’re reading this. I am willing to listen if you are willing to talk. I can offer tools and techniques if you find yourself stuck. The ability to grow is something we never lose as long as we are alive and I am always honored to see people take steps towards their own better lives. (There is no best when it comes to being human. Sorry. I don’t make the rules.) I am comfortable with religious and cultural beliefs that are not my own. Your values are always welcome. I am LGBTQ friendly and kink-aware. Everything is a little better with glitter.
Gender: Female
Languages: English
Training: MSW, University of Southern California
BA in Religious Studies, Pomona College
Specialities: adolescents, active duty and veteran mental health, adolescents, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, & severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Pronouns: She/her/them/dude (It’s a California thing.)
ACSW 107553
Ellen Strong
Gender: Female
Languages: English
Training:
Specialty: trauma
Pronouns: She, Her
LMFT #30133
Despite the following paragraph , there is hope.
We are living in unprecedented times. There is a sense of uncertainty and unease, which has affected each of us in different ways. Many people are feeling anxious, depressed, or a combination of both. Some are feeling lonely and isolated. You might be feeling unusually irritable or easily annoyed. Maybe you’re using food, alcohol or other substances, in order to “cope”, distract, and/or numb out. For those of you with a history of trauma, and/or mental illness, your usual coping skills just don’t seem to be working.
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I’ve been a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist for over 25 years. I've devoted my life to helping people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, unresolved grief; work and relationship issues; and chronic mental illness. I’ve worked with children, adolescents and adults in community mental health; inpatient psychiatric hospitals, recovery day treatment programs.
For the past five years, I've been working with young vets who are struggling with debilitating symptoms of PTSD, as a result of having served multiple deployments to Iraq, and Afghanistan. These vets have lived through unimaginable horrors and are simply trying to get through each day. What I’ve learned in the past 5 years about trauma and grief: Sometimes, less is more. Keep it simple. Listen, make space. Go slow. Be kind. Be gentle. Be present.
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I work with clients based on my sense of what will be most helpful for them. I generally use some form of CBT. I use Mindfulness Based techniques. Sometimes, I’ll use the concept of Radical Acceptance, when a client is in a particularly difficult place. I encourage clients to practice self-forgiveness and self-empathy, when they are able to. At times, I use Expressive Therapies; in particular, I’ve used writing exercises with clients who are working through grief.
Vera Lanaro
Gender: Female
Languages: English
Training: MSW University of Southern Main
Specialty: Grief Counseling
Pronouns: She, Her
LCSW 92059
I received my masters’ degree in social work in 2005 from the University of Maine and my LCSW in 2007.
Originally from New York, I lived in Maine for many years before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2018. I received my undergraduate degree in philosophy and decided to go into social work so I could put the questions and ideas I was studying into practical use helping other people. I wanted to know what it means to live a good life, and I wanted to help other people explore these questions in their own lives. While studying philosophy, I became interested in Eastern thought and began a meditation practice that has remained a central part of my life since then.
I’ve worked in community mental health providing services for adults including case management,
individual therapy, and group counseling. I also worked for several years at an inpatient psychiatric
hospital where I learned the importance of reducing stigma and mobilizing community support for
people struggling with acute mental illness.
I believe everyone can learn from their life experiences and improve the quality of their lives. I work
with clients using cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques to help them learn how to recognize and change unhealthy or painful patterns in their lives. The work is not always easy or
comfortable, but it is rewarding, and it has the power to bring lasting, positive change to our lives.
I enjoy playing pickle ball, hiking, knitting, and movies. I also like to cook and try out new recipes. During the pandemic I started doing origami; I’m currently working on folding 1,000 origami cranes.
Kadeth Pozzesi
Gender: Male
Languages: English
Training:
Specialty:LGBTQ, transgender/NB, kink community, sex worker/pro dom/domme, pagan/earth based/magic focused religions (including TST), adult domestic violence survivors, veterinary medical community, chronic illness. Neurodivergence in adults/late diagnosis adhd/autisim.
Pronouns: He/Him and Sir
LMFT 126444
Hi, I’m Kadeth
Look at you, so brave. You just did the hardest thing. Taking that risk to reach out. Trusting some stranger with your heart, mind and spirit.
With your true self.
I’m grateful you stopped to look at me.
I work with marginalized populations, specifically the LGBTQ population with focus on providing gender affirming care to adults, especially those who navigating transition later in life.
I work with the BDSM/kink community. M/s, D/s, littles, I speak kink. I speak consent. I understand the dynamics, the communication and the conflicts within the community. Pro Dom/Dommes, you are safe here. Those who question and explore you are safe here.
I work with religious trauma, and support diverse spiritualities. TST, pagan, earth based or other spiritual beliefs, we can talk within those frameworks.
What do we do here? We get to know each other a bit and build together a safe space. We follow the path of your discomfort, figure out ways to understand it, accept it, work with it, release it and heal it.
I examine patterns. Some patterns are social or family, some cultural and generational. Trauma has a pattern. Let’s look at that, map it. I share tools. We work together.
More than anything I learn about who you are and who you wish to become and support that journey.
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As a therapist I am relational, interactive, directive when I need to be and able to hold that silent deep feeling space we all need as well.
I have background in psychodynamic work, and I draw from several modalities including feminist, mindfullness, DBT, and pull what we need out of a variety of tool boxes. We collaborate together, learn together about what works for you.
I’m part of the communities I work with.
After hours I am an artist and musician. In the summertime you may see me working with molten glass. I have too many pets and we feed Odin’s messengers here.
Let’s get to know each other
Philip Baker
Languages: English
Training: MA Counseling Psychology John F. Kennedy University
Specialty: Trauma, LGBTQIA+ folks, Phase of life issues
Pronouns: He/Him
LMFT #123907
Let's be honest, no one ever dreams of having to see a therapist. People come into therapy for a variety of reasons, but whatever your reason may be, I'm glad you're here. I often treat people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, family problems, and life transitions. Whatever your struggle is, my goal is to help you feel supported in finding your strength in our sessions.
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I spent the start of my career in community mental health, where I served individuals and families at a several local schools and in community settings, before transitioning into private practice. Much of my focus has been around supporting folks who are in the LGBTQ, kink, and poly communities. I offer a therapy approach that is trauma-informed, Humanistic, sex-positive, and strength-based. I am also trained in EMDR therapy and utilize that as well with clients.
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I have lived in the Bay Area most of my life, and outside of the office, you can often find me eating sushi, cooking, or binge-watching murder mysteries and medical dramas.
Thuy Cao
Gender: Female
Languages: English
Training: MA Clinical Psychology, Antioch University
Specialty: Workplace stress, Cultural & LGBTQ
Pronouns: She, Her
LMFT 49946 & 203533
My name is Thuy Cao (pronounce Twee Cow). I was born in Vietnam, raised and educated in the United States. Prior to becoming a licensed clinician, with a specialty in Employee Assistance Programs, I was a classroom teacher, a curriculum & diversity trainer, a registered financial advisor and a technical project manager.
I enjoy working with adults on issues pertaining to workplace burnout, fears-worries around money and LGBTQ-related topics. I primarily use Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused and Strength-based Psychology techniques to help clients feel less stress, sleep better, and more confident. My diverse personal and work experiences as well as my academic training make me uniquely qualified to help individuals with the aforementioned issues.
Your level of comfort with me is very important. Our initial telephone conversation will give us a sense of our compatibility. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
Heather Mclarnon
Gender: Female
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Languages: English, Spanish & Portuguese
Training:
Specialty: Trauma
Pronouns: She, Her
LMFT 515193
When we experience trauma or when life becomes stressful, it can feel like our lives are unraveling. When your life isn’t working out the way you want, and you know you have to change what doesn’t work, it’s hard to know how to make it all different.
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I meet my clients wherever they are at with a lot of empathy and a lot of heart. I can support you if you want to:
-heal from trauma
-manage anxiety
-understand the roots of addiction
- -strengthen your relationships
- build a life in spite of childhood abuse and neglect -move through the grieving process after a loss -create the life you truly want for yourself
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My style is based in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and I am certified in EMDR to treat trauma. I have 10 years of clinical experience and am a licensed psychotherapist. We all have the potential to find fulfillment in our lives. If you are ready, let’s work.
Ruth Whittington
Ruth Whittington
LMFT, MA, PPSC
Languages: English
Pronouns: She, her
Specialty : Anxiety, OCD, Trauma, Neurofeedback, teenagers, and couples
LMFT 126060
I am originally from Southern California and have slowly moved up the state while
earning my MFT, MA/PPSC and LMFT.
I received my bachelors in social science and then studied social work and decided to
work with children and families in foster and group homes. That lead me to have a
family of my own. The next area of study for me was a degree in counseling with an
emphasis in academic counseling where I supported students and families
(academically and emotionally for 17 years). I became interested in psychology and
how the brain works, particularly related to trauma and earned my LMFT along with a
program in Neurofeedback. This lead me to working with a private agency and
supporting individuals, couples and families. I work with clients using cognitive behavior
therapy, mindfulness techniques, brief therapy and narrative therapy, eclectic and NFB
to support them in recognizing and understanding what changes they can make to
lessen and eliminate unhealthy patterns.
Life can be challenging and stressful and it can affect a person in many ways such as:
depression, anxiety, trauma, illness or strained relationships. If you’re struggling in your
relationship, adjusting to change in your life, stressed, anxious or depressed and trying
to survive, perhaps I can help.
My many years of working with foster and group home youth, working academically and
emotionally with high school students and their families, supporting a variety of
individuals with their depression, anxiety, trauma, transitions in their life have given me
a great deal of experience and respect for those who seek help.
I enjoy reading, cooking, gardening, hiking and traveling the world. I enjoy learning
trying new recipes and new restaurants. My latest endeavor has been refurbishing a
home from 1912 and visiting all of the National Parks in the continental U.S.
Alicia Mills
Languages: English
Training: MA Counseling Psychology National University
Specialty: Brainspotting, EMDR, Expressive Art
Pronouns: She, Her
LMFT # 113863
Often when we seek a therapy process, we are seeking some change in our lives. No matter what your past, present, or future challenges may be, I will collaborate with you to reach your individual goals. As a licensed marriage and family therapist I have years of experience working with individuals of all ages and specialized training including Brainspotting, EMDR, Expressive Art, and Neurofeedback. What I have learned over the years is that we are all unique individuals and every therapy process is going to be different than the last. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy as a framework to help bring about desired changes, and build on that framework with an integrated, positive, and creative approach. I believe when we are open to it, a therapy process can be the best self care. It is an honor to witness positive changes when one is able to overcome negative core beliefs and unlock their potential in life. I look forward to working with you.
Viviana Vallin
Gender: Female
Languages: English & Spanish
Training: MA Counseling,MA Yoga Studies
(Loyola Marymount University)
Specialty: Trauma, Couples, Mood & Anxiety Disorders, LBGTQ+ folks, Culture & Identity, Somatics/Trauma Sensitive Movement
Pronouns: She, Her, Ella
LPCC 7156
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Hi there! My name is Viviana and I am a Queer Latine/x therapist. My goal is to work in a way that is collaborative, culturally-honoring and trauma-informed. One of my passions and focus areas is trauma, both individual and collective. I have advanced training in Somatics and Yoga and often incorporate listening to our bodies and creating space for choice and healing. I also really enjoy working with couples/partnerships in breaking cycles of communication breakdowns and instead learning to better care for each other. I have many years of experience working with individuals who struggle with mood and anxiety disorders (depression, general anxiety, panic, OCD). Together we explore the sources of stress and learn compassionate ways to manage and decrease symptoms that are impacting your life.
I am an advocate for our own self-care and setting boundaries that help us move toward balance and wellness in our busy lives. My own hobbies include gardening, watching sports and walking my 2 pups Charlie and Koda. They make an appearance in sessions every once in a while.
I am excited to meet with you and provide a space for you to explore and prioritize your mental health needs!
Rebecca "Bex" Coffey
Are you struggling with the relationships in your life? My whole life I have studied people, and patterns, and how we affect each other relationally. I graduated from Mills college with a BA in Psychology, and a minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality studies, and from John F. Kennedy University with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. I have a long history of working with non-profit organizations and LGBTQ+ activism, and my focus has been on helping folks explore alternative relationship styles and sexualities, such as polyamory, and power-exchange dynamics found in BDSM. I love working with couples, and helping them explore what their relationship means to them, how they want it to look, and how to get there. I also guide people through exploring gender, sexuality, and other personal relationships, so they can feel safe and empowered to create the life they want.
Gender: Female
Languages: English
Training: MA Counseling Psychology, JFK University
Specialty: Couples, Attachment, Relational, Non-Monagamy, BDSM, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar
Pronouns: she/her
License: LMFT #144331
Kathleen "Kathy" Lellis
Gender: Female
Languages: English
Training: MA Counseling Psychology, JFK University
Specialty: Trauma, PTSD, Veterans, Anxiety
Pronouns: she/her
License: AMFT 123505
Supervised by John Bieda
I am a Bay Area native and love this area. I am a mother to three adult children along with a couple of dogs and some cats. I used to be an elementary school teacher.
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I decided to pursue a degree to become a MFT after watching my children navigate life and upon reflecting on my own life experiences.
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I enjoy helping people navigate relationships, career changes, process trauma or just being someone who will listen without judgement.
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I bring my life experiences into the therapy room to build a healthy connection.
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I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a large umbrella for many ways to help people. It can be mindfulness, journaling, homework, and talking. I also like Feminist Therapy. It doesn't mean the same thing as being a Feminist. It came about in the 1960's when women realized therapists were men and their methods developed by men, but they weren't looking at the way men and women, interact, think or feel. So women became therapists and wanted to work in a manner that seemed more in step with how women generally are, we talk and we share. So Feminist Therapy involves the therapist bringing a little of themselves, their experiences into the therapy session where it might help.
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I don't use a cookie cutter method because we aren't cookie cutter people. It might take a few sessions to determine the best method to move forward.
Lukan Weissburg
Gender: Male
Pronouns: He/They
Languages: English
Training: MS Clinical Psychology, San Jose State University
License: AMFT # 127615
Specialty: Depressive disorders, Anxiety, PTSD and Trauma, ADHD management, Veterans, LGBTQ+ issues, gender diverse populations, Non-monogamy
Supervised by: Kadeth Pozzesi, LMFT# 126444
What are your goals? In life, in relationships, in therapy? Many enter into therapy when they feel stuck and have nowhere or no one to turn to. As a teenager, struggling with neurological differences and depression, therapy was a safe place to express my frustrations and needs, set goals for myself, and improve my daily life.
I graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Human System Integration. After spending a year assisting children on the Autism spectrum with gaining life skills, I returned to school and graduated with a Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology from San Jose State University. I provide an eclectic style of psychotherapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative therapy, and Multisystemic frameworks, with the desire to learn new methods. The populations I work with tend to struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD symptoms, Trauma, PTSD, and LGBTQ+ issues. I currently work part time as a clinician for a LGBTQ+ non-profit, am a member of WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health), and volunteer on the Board of Directors for a kink-positive non-profit.
Taking the first step is always the most difficult, so let’s make sure there is someone in your corner!
Matthew "Matt" Van Osch
Gender: Male
Languages: English
Training: MA Counseling Psychology,
JFK University
Specialty: Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Trauma, Teenagers
Pronouns: He, Him
LMFT 132534
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Hey! My name is Matt, and I'm looking forward to meeting you. I'm a therapist who utilizes a variety of different approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Narrative Therapy. I have worked with clients from many different walks of life and in many different settings, such as high schools, colleges, community clinics, and in private practice. Everyone is unique, so my approach will be molded to accommodate your specific needs.
My goal as your therapist is to help you understand how your past experiences have shaped you and how those learnings impact the way you approach problems, your relationship with others, and your relationship with yourself. I believe you are the expert in your own experiences, and therefore, I take a cooperative approach while working together. My style is relational, collaborative, and flexible.
Ultimately, the most important factor in the success of your therapy is finding a therapist who you trust and feel you can be open with. So let's meet and see if we are a good fit.
A little bit more about me. I was born and raised in the Bay Area and spent most of my life there. For the past 5 or so years I have also been living in other areas of the country. In my free time you'll find me writing music, boxing, reading horror novels, hiking, or playing video games.
Andrea Simon
Gender: Female
Languages: English
Training:
License: AMFT #126450
Specialty: CBT, DBT, ACT, Trauma focused - CBT, Anxiety, Cultural/Ethnic Issues. Personality Disorders, Stress, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence. Infertility, Women's Issues
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Supervised by John Bieda
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Therapy can be intimidating and difficult to seek. It can also come at a time of
challenges and hardships. As a Clinician, I strive to create an open and inviting virtual environment filled with compassion, empathy, and acceptance. I am here to support and guide you in your journey of self-exploration and self-awareness. With an emphasis on a client-centered and solution-focused approach, I work with each client to find a treatment model that works best for them.
There is no more valuable project than your well-being, and it’s worth the effort. I have experience with anxiety, feeling stuck, relationship issues, depression, grief & loss,stress, pregnancy, life changes and more. I have a strong background in mindfulness practices that will help you bring a sense of calm and clarity.
My clients describe me as compassionate, easy to talk to, and non-judgmental. Your north star - the guide to well-being, is your connection to your true self. The truth is, it’s not out there… it’s within you.
I look forward to walking with you as you move through your journey.
Avital "Avi" Wolf
Gender: Female
Languages: English
Training: MA Counseling Psychology USF University SFSI Certified Sex educator 2012
License: LMFT 112841
Specialty: Gender & Sexuality, Trauma, Chronic Mental Illness
Pronouns: They/Them, She/Her
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As an experienced Trans, LGBTQIIAA2S, PolyAm, Kinky, SWer friendly therapist I offer a safe space and open ears for those looking for non-judgmental psychological support.
Life can be overwhelming, with the constant stress of balancing work, self, play, family, relationships, social life and outside obligations. Using techniques such as mind-fullness, grounding, thought stopping, and goal setting in session helps increase self awareness and gain control of difficult emotions and situations.
I believe that psychotherapy can be a very helpful tool when exploring yourself and exploring yourself in relationships with others. Daily stressors and life transitions can be distracting and frustrating to handle, but that with self-care and support together we can work towards decreasing these unwanted thoughts and behaviors to make a change for the better.
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I maintain a safe space for all race, faith, gender, and sexuality identities, as well as work with people exploring these topics.
I look forward to working with you.
additional clincians:
Lillith Shonkwiler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker #107517
Linda Rusak Licensed Clinical Social Worker #65312
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