Therapists for college students near 94305

I help people to resolve anxiety and trauma using a combination of talk therapy and somatic practices. Changing your mind isn’t enough, you have to change the way that you feel in your body. Simple practices like EMDR, Brainspotting and EFT can help you to make lasting changes in your life.

During my clinical training at a college counseling center, I worked closely with students navigating anxiety, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, trauma, academic pressures, and major life transitions. I also currently serve as a clinical supervisor for doctoral trainees in a graduate psychology program. As a contributing author in a Cambridge Scholars Publishing volume exploring the transcultural unconscious, I am especially attentive to the ways psychological suffering can emerge across emotional, relational, somatic, cultural, ancestral, and intergenerational layers—particularly for individuals navigating between multiple cultural worlds, identities, or systems of meaning. In addition to my clinical work, I draw insight from four decades of lived experience across business, music, holistic practices, and cross-cultural traditions, which continue to inform my understanding of psychological resilience, creativity, identity, and the complexity of human experience. Many of the individuals I work with appear highly capable on the outside while privately struggling with a persistent sense of disconnection from themselves or uncertainty about who they are beyond achievement and external expectations. If you are trying to meet academic, familial, cultural, or social demands while also struggling with questions of identity, self-worth, meaning, or belonging, therapy can offer a space where your inner life is approached with greater curiosity and depth rather than reduced to productivity or performance. Therapy may also help you develop the psychological flexibility to hold the tension between external expectations and your own emerging questions about identity, meaning, and authenticity without forcing one side of yourself to disappear. I work particularly well with students and young adults who are psychologically curious and interested in understanding the deeper patterns shaping their emotional lives. This may especially resonate if you tend to organize your inner life and external world primarily through thinking, analysis, and intellectual understanding. The capacity to reflect, reason, and make meaning from complexity can be a profound strength that supports resilience, creativity, and achievement. At the same time, thinking can sometimes become a way of creating distance from emotional or somatic experience, especially when vulnerability or relational life once felt difficult to navigate. You may genuinely enjoy ideas, self-reflection, and intellectual exploration, while also sensing that certain emotional experiences remain difficult to access, articulate, or fully feel. Together, we may explore how early relational experiences, unconscious dynamics, cultural and family histories, and internalized expectations influence your self-esteem, relationships, perfectionism, emotional regulation, and sense of meaning or purpose. My approach is psychodynamic and depth-oriented while also integrating evidence-based trauma treatment, including EMDR. Therapy is not only focused on symptom reduction, but also on helping you develop a more reflective and compassionate relationship with yourself. I value both the importance of making practical progress in daily life and the longer process of psychological development that unfolds as your inner and outer worlds begin to come into deeper dialogue. For many young adults, this stage of life involves more than adapting to social expectations—it can also become an important period of questioning, identity formation, and emotional integration. Therapy can provide a space for you to think deeply, process difficult experiences, and cultivate a more grounded and genuine sense of self.

You are smart, capable and aware. But life just feels… hard. If you could figure it out on your own, you would. That's where we come in.

Hi, I'm Jessica Taylor Vara, LMFT, a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. On paper, your life might look pretty good. You're responsible. Capable. The person everyone turns to when they need help. But underneath it all, you're exhausted. Maybe you're constantly overthinking, struggling with anxiety, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like you're never quite enough no matter how hard you try. Maybe you're stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, carrying the weight of childhood experiences you thought you should be over by now, or finding yourself overwhelmed by stress, perfectionism, and self-doubt. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. I help college students, graduate students, young professionals, and adults heal from anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, relationship difficulties, and the lasting impact of difficult life experiences. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-achieving people who have spent years trying to understand themselves but still feel stuck repeating the same emotional patterns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply compassionate. I integrate EMDR therapy and traditional talk therapy to help clients move beyond insight and create real, lasting change. Together, we'll work to heal the root causes of your struggles, build healthier relationships, strengthen your confidence, and help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to yourself. You don't have to keep carrying everything on your own. I provide online therapy for residents of California and Florida.

My practice specialization is focused on women’s issues and perinatal mental health. In response to the recent changes in access to women's reproductive healthcare, many of us are feeling confused, scared, (and p*ssed off!). I provide a safe space for women to process whatever emotions they may be feeling as a result of their direct experiences or related to future concerns. I believe that the relationship between clinician & client is the foundation for a successful therapy experience. Please know that I realize how difficult it is to connect with a “stranger” when you are feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Therapy can be challenging, but it can also be very enlightening. It can also be light-hearted & fun. (I guarantee a few laughs during each session!) I utilize a variety of therapy techniques, which ultimately allows for flexibility in making sure that you get what you need in a way that works for you.

I am a dedicated therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions and more. With a deep understanding of the complexities of the human experience, I offer personalized support in a warm and nurturing virtual environment. Your well-being is my priority, and 1 am committed to providing you with the guidance and tools needed to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. Together, we'll explore your unique journey, uncovering insights and developing strategies for meaningful growth and healing. Whether you're facing overwhelming emotions, navigating major life changes, or seeking clarity and direction, 1 am here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, towards a more fulfilling and empowered Life.

As an individual who has some life experiences behind her, I understand the value of mental health services, and the importance of finding the right fit. I have a strong background in the field of social work, and appreciate the process of collaboration, being present and accompanying an individual in their journey of well-being. I strive to fully engage with you, not just to hear and to listen, but to be curious and inquisitive, to ask questions and to foster open communication. At the first session, I hope to convey to you that this is a safe and supportive spot to be heard, to speak up, and as we continue to meet, trust will be established. Building trust takes time as we get to know each other and establish rapport. I hope to meet you where you are at, to understand what will make you comfortable as we learn how to communicate. I never rush or apply pressure for you to act a certain way or provide information that you may not feel comfortable sharing. I welcome your questions and to please speak up.

Anxiety’s greatest hits: overthinking, self-doubt, people-pleasing, indecision. Sound familiar? Life gets heavy when your mind won’t slow down, and everything feels like a lot. But really, why have a mind if you can’t change it? As someone who’s been there, I help clients move from stuck and overwhelmed to confident and grounded. Together, we’ll connect the dots between your past and present, understand what’s driving your patterns, and build real tools to calm your body, quiet your thoughts, and create meaningful change. Let’s make space for ease...and joy. Despite my title, I only work with adults individually (I don't see couples or families at this time).

Our approach is one of compassion, providing a non-judgmental place to help you safely explore life's challenges and strengthen your connection to yourself; fostering lasting emotional well-being. We offer a wide range of specialties and interventions styles. Reach out and we will set you up with a therapist that best suites your needs and therapeutic style

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with a collaborative and compassionate approach. I work with clients facing anxiety, sadness, relationship struggles, or major life transitions, supporting them in reconnecting with their strengths, values, and goals. In therapy, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be heard and understood. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and family systems theory, tailoring each session to your unique needs. My goal is to help you increase self-awareness, build self-compassion, and develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges and creating a more fulfilling life. I know that opening up to someone new can feel vulnerable, and I strive to make the process approachable and collaborative from the first session. Life’s difficulties don’t need to define you – you have the ability to shape how you think, feel, and act. I would be honored to support you on your journey of growth and self-discovery.

Our 1:1 therapy sessions meet your needs, in-person or via telehealth. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work with you to create your individualized treatment plan. Our programs include multiple areas of development, including independence, communication, self-help, social-emotional, and academic skills. 1:1 nutrition counseling with a Registered Dietician (RD) is also available. For more information, please visit our website and contact us.

Claudia is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working across diverse age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Holding both a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare (MSW) from UCLA, Claudia is licensed in California and Colorado and is fluent in both English and Portuguese. Her expertise encompasses various evidence-based practices, including Family Structural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP). Specializing in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, parenting, and the stresses of daily life, Claudia is committed to fostering positive transformation in the lives of her clients. Grounded in the belief that everyone possesses unique gifts and talents, Claudia encourages her clients to tap into their potential to effect change in their lives, communities, and beyond. Embracing the mantra, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” Claudia guides individuals to discover and empower themselves, enabling them to craft the fulfilling life they aspire to achieve. With a profound understanding of the human condition and genuine compassion, Claudia is dedicated to supporting her clients on their journey toward self-discovery and empowerment, ultimately helping them realize their full potential.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, seeking relief from anxiety or depression, needing support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or are wanting to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, I frequently look at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. I can help you identify key thoughts and specific barriers or behaviors that are interfering or impacting your quality of life. As we work together, I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, and changing unhelpful patterns. I offer a free, 20-minute phone consultation to prospective clients. This provides an opportunity for us to determine if we might work well together. We can talk about what is leading you to seek therapy and I can provide you with more information on my approach to treatment and answer any questions you may have.

I am passionate about helping college students navigate life's challenges with empathy and understanding. Let's work together to create positive change.

Life can be overwhelming and challenging at times. College can be a time of discovery and big questions about who you are and how you hope to live your life. I offer a warm and compassionate space to safety explore these curiosities as well as any past traumas, recent losses, and emotional challenges. I find symptoms often lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and believe therapy can be a place to find the road back to our center. I enjoy working with young adults as they navigate their personal journey of self-discovery or as they experience deep suffering in life. With dedication and commitment, therapy can be a space of growth and resiliency. Please feel welcome to reach out for a free consultation call or to schedule a session. I see clients online and in person in Petaluma, CA.

Integrated, individualized counseling, coaching, psychotherapy and psychopharmacology!

Hi, I'm Ava (she/they). I'm a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about providing therapy to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. As someone who is part of these communities, I have firsthand experience with difficulty finding a therapist who truly “gets” me without making assumptions or generalizations.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Honestly I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be a therapist. I’ve always been very sensitive and empathetic to people’s experiences. Also growing up in a very dysfunctional family affected by alcoholism had a part to play as well. I know how important it is to feel seen and heard. I will communicate my understanding of your experience, not in the same words, but in a way that you will have the experience of me understanding. Part of this is also being open to you communicating that I didn’t get it and having the space to try again until I do. I build trust by really valuing the creation of a safe, trusting container in which I continue to get more and more understanding of your experience. This container comes from you being able to be honest with me, and feel like you can communicate what is needed in the moment no matter what it is.