Find a Therapist in Pleasant Hill, CA

Jennifer Bakowsky is a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, specializing in supporting families through challenging behaviors and emotional transitions. With a strong educational foundation from John F. Kennedy University, where she graduated in 2007, Jennifer expertly guides families facing difficult situations such as intense emotional responses, trauma, and behavior problems. She understands how overwhelming stage-of-life transitions can be and strives to empower families in addressing the unique needs of each member, especially children. Utilizing her diverse skill set in therapy types like Art Therapy, Family / Marital therapy, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Jennifer is committed to developing tailored behavior plans that foster positive change. She works effectively with children, teens, and adults, addressing issues such as defiance, school refusal, anger outbursts, and attention difficulties. Additionally, her extensive experience with bonding and attachment issues, particularly within the foster care system and for children with developmental disorders, allows her to provide holistic support to families. Jennifer is dedicated to fostering healthier relationships and emotional well-being within the family unit.

Tessa Barrows, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with an MA and LMFT credentials, brings her expertise and compassion to those feeling overwhelmed or unfocused in their lives. She specializes in guiding individuals of all ages—from preteens to elders—through their journeys of self-discovery and healing. Tessa understands the frustration of feeling 'too much' or 'not enough' and recognizes that many share these sentiments of unworthiness. Through her supportive and secure environment, she combines innovative psychotherapy modalities, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Expressive Arts, creating a dynamic healing experience. Tessa's approach involves breaking down barriers to foster self-acceptance, trust, and confidence. Her goal is to help clients cultivate clarity and connect with their inner wisdom. With a variety of therapeutic styles at her disposal, she offers the tools necessary to maintain balance and calm even amidst life's challenges. Tessa invites everyone to take this journey towards greater satisfaction and well-being, knowing they are not alone on this path.

Karen Chow, a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), understands the complexities of balancing family togetherness, relationship demands, job pressures, and everyday obligations. She recognizes that many individuals, particularly children and adolescents, may be grappling with peer relationships or academic challenges. Seeking support during such times is a testament to courage, and Karen is here to help. She brings expertise in navigating issues like anxiety and depression, assuring clients that their mental health and emotional well-being are paramount. Through her extensive work with individuals and families, Karen has effectively restored balance and harmony in countless lives. She skillfully uncovers where one may feel stuck, guiding her clients toward new opportunities and paths for growth. Passionately committed to facilitating healing journeys, Karen provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for her clients, fostering a sense of trust as they work together to enhance their quality of life.

Scott David Alexander, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with expertise in trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, and self-esteem, empowers individuals to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. His therapeutic approach encourages clients to free themselves from past burdens, embrace growth, and clarify their goals. Scott employs experiential, body-oriented techniques alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnosis, tailoring his methods to each individual's needs. He expertly guides clients in integrating and aligning their thoughts, feelings, and sensations, fostering mindfulness and resilience. Scott's commitment to helping people recognize barriers to their desired lives allows them to work through competing beliefs, learn strength-based skills, and develop positive habits. For those facing struggles or seeking to advance in life, Scott's compassionate therapy provides the support needed to address challenges before they escalate. He invites individuals ready for change to explore the transformative power of therapy.

Nicole Desamparo, LMFT, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping children, adolescents, parents, and adults navigate through challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship struggles. With a degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, she brings over 15 years of experience to her practice, emphasizing the importance of creating a nurturing environment for her clients. Nicole believes therapy is a journey of uncovering strengths and building healthy solutions that lead to empowerment and self-acceptance. Her gentle yet straightforward approach, often infused with humor, fosters a space where individuals can discuss their feelings comfortably. Utilizing a variety of evidence-based methods, including Expressive Arts and Trauma Focused techniques, she tailors her therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual. Nicole understands that symptoms, though painful, can be transformative, and she approaches therapy as a collaborative process, providing ongoing support and guidance for a calmer and more adaptive way of being. Her commitment to fostering resilience and self-esteem allows her clients to find their path to healing with courage and support.

Patty Filomeo is a compassionate and collaborative Marriage & Family Therapist Associate who specializes in working with adults, adolescents, and families. She expertly helps her clients identify what they yearn for and recognizes the barriers that hinder their achievements, guiding them towards rewarding changes in their lives. With a focus on fostering communication and understanding, Patty emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and how to relate to others effectively. Utilizing a blend of transpersonal and psychotherapeutic approaches, she integrates life skills that empower clients to face their current challenges. Specializing in communication, couples therapy, and family dynamics, she also offers support for amicable divorce and coparenting, welcoming all who seek to improve their lives. To Patty, communication in today’s technological age can often feel lost, but she is dedicated to restoring it by teaching negotiation skills and deepening self-understanding. Together with her clients, she helps uncover their true selves, offering insights that they may have never received before. If Patty is unable to assist, she ensures that she will connect clients with someone who can help.

Phyllis Ginsberg, a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with an MA and MFT, offers transformative therapy for adults navigating anxiety, thinking disorders, and life transitions. With a focus on Positive Psychology, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she skillfully employs diverse modalities for both individuals and groups. Phyllis brings a compassionate approach to therapy, helping her clients cultivate resilience and a positive mindset, empowering them to embrace change and thrive in their lives.

Noga Gressel is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist dedicated to guiding clients on their journey of self-exploration and personal growth. She believes that therapy is a powerful process that fosters greater self-awareness, enabling individuals to make informed choices and cultivate acceptance in their lives. Just as one learns to drive by understanding the mechanics of a car, Noga understands the importance of familiarizing oneself with the inner landscape of personal motivations and goals. Her approach is both thoughtful and practical, allowing adults and couples alike to navigate their experiences with clarity. As a certified Imago therapist and EMDR practitioner, she possesses specialized skills to support her clients through their healing and relational challenges. Choosing a therapist can feel like a daunting task, but Noga welcomes the opportunity to connect and help individuals determine if her therapeutic style aligns with their needs.

Dr. Josh Gressel is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping adults and elders navigate the complexities of life. With a PhD in psychology, he specializes in addressing various relationship issues and employs innovative techniques such as sand play therapy to facilitate healing and self-discovery. His approach is grounded in Jungian and psychodynamic principles, alongside transpersonal therapy, allowing him to connect deeply with his clients’ needs. Dr. Gressel works with individuals and couples, offering support in areas including trauma, PTSD, and grief, as well as men’s issues and addiction. With a warm and engaging presence, he creates a safe space for exploration and growth, assisting clients in overcoming personal challenges and enhancing their overall well-being.

Valerie Keim is a compassionate marriage and family therapist who specializes in telehealth for individuals and couples navigating the complexities of post-pandemic life. She understands that many people feel anxious, burned out, and disconnected, yet she firmly believes that with her guidance, they can cultivate resilience and rediscover their strength. Valerie often works with successful women who appear to have it all together but feel overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty. A challenging comment from a coworker or partner can create deep emotional turmoil, and home life may be in need of revitalization. With Valerie's support, these women can reclaim their confidence and live powerful, fulfilling lives. She also provides therapy for couples who are smart, educated, and accomplished but find themselves entangled in frequent arguments, which can affect their well-being and that of their children. Valerie helps couples shift from conflict to understanding, reigniting the spark in their relationship and fostering open communication that leads to deeper, more meaningful conversations. With her expertise, couples can remember the love that originally brought them together, and work towards creating a marriage filled with joy, peace, and partnership. Valerie is dedicated to transforming relationships and assisting individuals and couples in finding harmony and happiness in their lives.

Patsy Jabuka, MA, LMFT, is a dedicated marriage and family therapist who understands the challenges individuals and couples face, particularly in troubling times. With a compassionate and solution-based approach, she specializes in guiding adults and couples through a wide range of issues, including loneliness, relationship dynamics, communication challenges, trauma, and anxiety. Patsy is committed to helping her clients find insight and direction in their lives while equipping them with the tools needed to overcome life's obstacles. Many who have sought her support report feeling a sense of relief and improvement within just a few sessions. Through her expertise, Patsy aims to create an environment where individuals can work through feelings of hopelessness and conflict, ultimately leading to healing and enhanced well-being.

What if you didn’t have to feel as though you were holding all those balls in the air by yourself? What if those stomach-dropping, throat-clenching, heart-racing thoughts didn’t have to keep you up at night? What if you could learn to manage difficult emotions instead of feeling overwhelmed by them? Katherine Jewett, a passionate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, is here to support individuals, couples, preteens, teens, adults, and elders in navigating life's challenges. With a rich background in therapeutic modalities, including Expressive Arts, EMDR, and Mindfulness-Based approaches, she helps clients understand how their past shaped their present and how to create a new and empowering future. Katherine provides the tools necessary not just to manage emotions, but to listen to what those emotions are revealing, facilitating meaningful change. Known for her honesty, practicality, and compassionate care, Katherine walks alongside her clients as they uncover their inner resources and discover new strengths. Her passion for illuminating others' inner lights ignites her mission: to help clients transform their stories into narratives that resonate with hope and possibility. Katherine eagerly invites you to explore how she can assist in your journey towards healing and growth.

Jessica Johnson is a dedicated marriage and family therapist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in helping individuals navigate life's struggles. She understands that many people feel lost, experience ongoing conflicts with loved ones, or grapple with substance-related issues. Jessica provides a safe, calm, and nurturing environment where clients can explore their challenges and work towards solutions. By employing a diverse range of therapeutic techniques, she collaborates with clients to help them overcome their fears and reach their full potential. Jessica is passionate about guiding others on their journey to emotional wellness and personal growth.