Walnut Creek Therapists specializing in Parenting

Poppy Haines

I am able to help parents navigate the difficulties of raising children and in particular, those who have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder, depression, or anxiety.

Leslie Hemedes

I utilize a strength-based, collaborative, and solution focused approach to treatment. My hope is that I provide a space that encourages safety and openness. I believe that our identity is influenced by our genetic make-up, significant relationships, life experiences, & culture. Throughout the therapeutic process, we will understand how your unique history influences your thought processes, decision making capacity, values, goals, motivations, self-worth, sense of balance, and relationship style. Drawing stronger connections between the past and the present, will make more room for identifying useful tools that will help you manage distress and move toward your goals. Throughout this journey, we will work together to help you better understand who you are, how to transform challenges into opportunities, and how use insights/tools to decrease distress, resolve conflict/problems, identify strengths, and move toward being the best version of yourself.

David S. Wu

I believe the power of therapy lies in improving our relationship to the world, the people close to us, and ultimately to ourselves. Sessions may focus on specific issues or be a space to explore, process your experiences and deepen your healing/growth. Sessions consist of a combination of talk therapy and experiential & somatic activities that incorporate mindfulness and creativity. The approach is excellent for short-term problem solving and long-term in-depth work. My core approach to therapy is mindfulness focused, relational, and integrative. I am trauma sensitive, while integrating techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and somatics.

Alvin Gregorio

I relate in a conversational therapy style, rooted in Narrative Approaches, utilizing strategies and interventions informed by EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Humanistic perspectives. I incorporate mindfulness practices for stress reduction and to reconnect my clients back to their authentic selves.

Nicole Kangas

I strive to create a safe and supportive space for women and their partners to examine their life experiences, address their challenges, and make the changes they desire. I believe that all people are resilient and capable of working through pain and obstacles in order to live their best life. My integrative, holistic style is specifically tailored to meet each person’s unique needs and goals. I draw upon various evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt), mindfulness, positive psychology, humanistic-existential theories, EMDR, and solution-focused therapy. In my work with individuals, couples and groups, I am dedicated to providing an atmosphere of warmth, genuineness, acceptance and respect for each person in order to encourage growth and change. I believe in building upon strengths, and working collaboratively to understand your unique concerns. During sessions, I am active, engaged, and focused on helping you make the changes you desire.

Sharon Flynn

Drawing from my own experience as a parent and using both trauma-focused CBT and behavioral therapy frameworks, I have helped caregivers to provide attunement for their child, set consistent limits, improve communication/cooperation, as well as helped caregivers manage their own stress in order to enhance stability in the home.

Anny Papatheodorou

I put a lot of emphasis on the humanistic aspects of integrative depth psychotherapy. This means that I meet you where you are currently at, with no judgement or agenda of my own, and an appreciation for the complexity of your whole being. I wholeheartedly believe that your soul knows what it needs, i.e. you can become your own healer. I recognize the differences between us and see you as the sole expert on who you are, where you come from, and how you walk through life. My approach has been described as having depth, heartfelt curiosity, integrity and humility. I consider the relationship we forge together as a central part of our process. As our relationship deepens and evolves we may notice how it starts resembling habitual patterns in your own life that we will be able to work through in a way tailored to your needs. I will be present every step of the way to witness what emerges and share my thoughts with you in a synergetic and exploratory way.

Ines Vaniman

I have over 10 years of experience working with teenagers and adults. I grew up and became and Psychologist in Buenos Aires, Argentina and later moved to San Francisco so I could be at the hub of all the latest research and findings in Psychology. I completed my training at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. I developed as a down to earth and efficient therapist, who uses scientifically proven approaches, based on the needs and preferences of my clients. I focus on building strong relationships, providing a space where, together, we can assess, develop and implement a plan to get you where you want to be.

David Matz

It is my goal to work in partnership with you and the appropriate family and community members to consider all factors which may be influencing your mental health and well being. Together we will design a plan to support your own resilience and innate healing response. My philosophy is more pragmatic, than theoretical. The focus is not merely on the treatment of symptoms of disorder, but on achieving health, a higher level of functioning, and a renewed sense of purpose, meaning, and joy. I strive to provide responsive and effective assistance with compassion and respect, and believe it is a privilege to be in a position to help you, and make a difference in people’s lives and future.

David Matz

It is my goal to work in partnership with you and the appropriate family and community members to consider all factors which may be influencing your mental health and well being. Together we will design a plan to support your own resilience and innate healing response. My philosophy is more pragmatic, than theoretical. The focus is not merely on the treatment of symptoms of disorder, but on achieving health, a higher level of functioning, and a renewed sense of purpose, meaning, and joy. I strive to provide responsive and effective assistance with compassion and respect, and believe it is a privilege to be in a position to help you, and make a difference in people’s lives and future.

Cynthia Mansur

Are you tired of emotional pain? Whether you're upset about problems in your relationship, unhappy about a breakup or divorce, feeling depressed or anxious, or are struggling with other life challenges, my goal is to help you reclaim the happiness you deserve and make lasting changes in your life. If you're like most people, painful emotions affect your entire outlook on life. And you may feel that you've been spinning your wheels trying to resolve these problems on your own. In our work together, I will identify practical changes you can make to achieve your goals for counseling. For example, I can guide you in improving your relationship, in managing depression or anxiety, in boosting your self-confidence, or in dealing with various other difficulties you may be experiencing.

Tessa Barrows

For many years, I saw clients and taught Reiki and breathwork before I went to graduate school to earn my Masters in Counseling Psychology at JFK University. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist currently practicing in Pleasant Hill. I speak Spanish fluently and enjoy working with the Latino community. My approach is holistic including somatic and transpersonal techniques to help my clients increase their self-awareness on all levels of their being – emotional, mental, physical and spiritual. I utilize breath, visualization, body sensations, mindfulness, art therapy and intuitive counseling to guide sessions and support clients with gently increasing self-awareness and creating positive change within themselves.

Shohreh Schmuecker

I have supported parents, caregivers, and future parents and their children in addressing emotional, relational and behavioral needs. I am rostered in Child-Parent Psychotherapy through the UCSF Child Trauma Research Program. I completed my Post Master's Clinical Fellowship at UCSF Children's Hospital in Oakland in the Early Intervention Services Department where I received specialized training on child-parent therapy.

Zoltan Nabilek

My clients and colleagues tell me I bring a genuine concern and empathy into all my encounters. They tell me I offer a safe and nurturing space to grow and experiment with the change process. My goal is to help clients find both the meaning for their behaviors as well as a clear understanding of what’s holding them back, always encouraging them to find the “the possibility to learn” in every situation. I use a process known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (pronounced "act") a proven scientifically based approach that utilizes acceptance and mindfulness strategies mixed in different ways with commitment and behavior-change strategies, to help achieve your greatest needs, longings and dreams.

Julie Levin

I work with people who are over-achievers and over-givers. These are strategies we use to feel needed, to ensure a sense of belonging. But the price we pay for these behaviors is high. When our value is determined by winning the approval of others, it's always precarious - because people are moody and difficult. Imagine being able to focus inward, on what you feel and need, and making choices based on your own wellbeing. At first it might feel scary - possibly disappointing others. But over time, you might discover a deep sense of trust in yourself - no longer betraying yourself to avoid causing distress for someone else. You might come to really love the person who listens deeply to you and honors your feelings and needs. This is how I define self esteem - that experience of really loving yourself because you are always kind, understanding, forgiving and compassionate with yourself.

Katherine Jewett

Katherine Milano

I approach therapy from a client-centered perspective and believe everyone has the answers inside of them, sometimes we just need help finding them. I focus upon genuineness, empathy and relationship, helping clients connect their thoughts, feelings and actions and facilitate opportunities for personal growth. It takes great courage to face ourselves when we are struggling through difficulties or merely wanting change. The first step is asking for help. I look forward to meeting you there.

Robyn Holmes-Cannon

When working with adults I use a blend of approaches such as EMDR, mindfulness-based practices, CBT and supportive talk therapy. For children, I specialize in working with anxiety, trauma, ADHD and parenting & attachment issues and have extensive training in child-centered approaches including; Play Therapy, Theraplay (family-based play therapy), and EMDR for children and adolescents.

Karen Cuneo

Are you struggling just to make it through the day? Stuck in the past or paralyzed with fear when you think about the future? Tired of watching your life pass by without you in it? If you answered yes, you are not alone. Allow Karen to hold the hope of a brighter tomorrow while you both find solutions for today. Karen has extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, trauma, dual diagnosis, relationship issues, and chronic mental health conditions. She completed her undergraduate studies in Liberal Arts at the University of San Diego and earned my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has advanced training in Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other evidence-based practices.

Christopher Fenaroli

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) at Foresight. I received my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, CA. I also enjoy working with parents, couples, and individual adults who want more self-awareness and skills for relationships, including inner child work. My approach is eclectic including aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic approaches, mindfulness approaches, and transpersonal approaches. I have specialty approaches in dream work (night time), coaching, and The Work by Byron Katie.