Book 25+ of the best Buddhist therapists in California

As a board-certified psychotherapist, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse array of remarkable clients. My professional journey encompasses assisting parents in the reunification process with their children, guiding young adolescents through the complexities of emerging emotions, and supporting older adults as they navigate the challenges of lifelong illnesses. My education is a bachelor's degree in child and Adolescent Development and a master's degree in social work.

I am a seasoned and dedicated therapist, holding a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I am based in California. With 13 years of experience in this field, my practice is driven by a profound commitment to assisting individuals in their journey toward self-discovery and personal growth. My therapeutic approach centers around meeting my clients right where they are in their lives, offering them a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I am deeply passionate about nurturing self-understanding, self-compassion, and self-love, guiding individuals to embrace these qualities as they navigate life's challenges. In my practice, I emphasize the importance of moving away from self-criticism and self-blame, recognizing these patterns as hindrances to personal well-being. Instead, I work collaboratively with my clients to foster self-acceptance and self-compassion, empowering them to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to help individuals discover their inner strengths, enhance their self-awareness, and develop the tools they need to lead more fulfilling and contented lives. It's a privilege and a passion of mine to assist others on their journey towards greater self-acceptance and emotional well-being.

Just joined Grow and I'm excited to be here... due to the current market situation, I've reduced my rates for encouragement. You are welcome here. Let’s find your path to inner peace and personal growth. I offer a safe space where you can explore your feelings and thoughts, overcome challenges, and develop your full potential. Whether you're feeling anxiety or going through any of life transitions, I'm here to support you on your journey. Take your first step towards a happier, healthier you by experiencing the transformative power of therapy. With your interest, this is what we are able to do together: "Sierra Forest is a talented and empathic therapist who has the ability to help people change and transform their lives." Bob Shelby, LMFT, John F Kennedy University

I have worked in private practice and the school systems providing Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) for almost 25 years. During this time I founded a small business where my team and I provide these mental health services individually and in groups on-site to school districts all over Sonoma County, CA. I love working with children k-12 and their families. I have worked in non-public schools, public schools, and privately with at-risk youth and their families. This has been my passion my whole career. I have been married to my lovely wife for 18 years, together for 24 years and we have two beautiful children. Our son is 13 and our daughter is 10. I enjoy all things outdoors. I surfed competitively in my youth and I love mountain biking, snowboarding and anything that has to do with water, but my main love is spending time with my family.

As a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, I partner with clients on their journey toward authentic living and deep healing. My integrative approach combines evidence-based Western psychology with Eastern wisdom traditions to create lasting transformation. In our work together, we create a safe, nurturing space where you access your inner wisdom so that your life thrives. Each session honors your unique path while providing practical tools for lasting change.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (MFT51546), a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH 342), and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. Having my own immigration experiences and having lived in 4 different countries, I approach my work through the perspectives of culture, systems and the interconnections of our human existence. My background in literary arts as a poetic writer who speak 3 languages has also informed how creativity, language, and metaphors work in trauma and healing. I have worked in various community-based organizations with client groups from disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds. I work through a relational-cultural theoretical perspective to support my clients toward their own empowerment. I have worked in the mental health sector for over 20 years and been licensed since May 2012.

Why me? I provide a safe space to unload your struggles, desires, failures, losses and be supported in your future goals. Don't know yet, we can take the journey and discover these together. I use my years of experience to educate about the functioning of the brain, body and spirit to lead toward a more fulfilling life. We will work to integrate all aspects of the self, achieve balance and harmony by learning to manage life's stress. I often give tools to practice outside of our meetings to accelerate progress.

Welcome to your turning point. I'm Albert, a dedicated Licensed Psychotherapist, but more than that, I'm your partner in sparking transformative change in your life and relationships. In a world where stress peaks and feeling 'not good enough' becomes a constant shadow, I see you. You're battling, striving for balance, yet often finding yourself overwhelmed by the weight of your inner critic. It's time to break free from this cycle, rediscover happiness, and truly thrive. With stress at unprecedented levels and the quest for happiness seemingly endless, it can feel like an uphill battle to find peace and fulfillment. But imagine a life where you're in control, where peace, calm, and genuine happiness aren't just fleeting moments but a sustained reality. Envision empowering yourself to silence the inner critic that's held you back, embracing your inner hero with every step forward. As your therapist, I aim high: to alleviate your pain, yes, but more importantly, to catalyze your growth and personal development. Utilizing a holistic blend of evidence-based techniques, enriched by my own experiences and inclusive of existential and spiritual insights when fitting, I'm here to guide you from where you are to where you dream to be. Therapy with me is more than a journey; it's a commitment to unlocking your best self, leveraging your unique complexities to uncover endless pathways to growth and self-discovery. Investing in therapy is investing in your unparalleled self. In our sessions, I pledge to meet you with unwavering compassion, to open your mind, embrace your challenges, and apply a diverse array of strategies to fortify your resilience. Together, as a unified team, we'll navigate your path to healing and self-realization.

Therapy can be a unique opportunity to work through and resolve obstacles that are preventing you from leading the life you truly deserve. I provide a safe and supportive space to facilitate emotional well-being, healing and growth. I utilize an interactive approach and will challenge you when needed. Therapy can be short-term or long-term depending on your specific needs. I work with individuals, couples, and families. My areas of speciality include anxiety, complex traumas and chronic pain.

Matthew Tentler is a marriage and family therapist in Southern California. He specializes in treating in depression, post traumatic stress disorder, addiction and cultural, spiritual, and identity issues. After working as a teacher, a professional behavioral analyst, and later as a first responder on a mental health crisis team, Mr. Tentler worked as a lead clinician for a non-profit providing aid for survivors of human trafficking, where he developed a trauma informed martial arts, self defense and somatic therapy program.

Everyone needs support;have you been dealing with life with no support from friends or family? Are you dealing with childhood trauma,estrangement and or abandonment from your family of origin?Are you having difficulty attracting and keeping a healthy intimate relationship?Do you feel you are repeating generational patterns? Maybe you have been coping all these years without really exploring and understanding your pain.We help clients understand themselves with compassion rather than shame and self judgment.I help you to change generational patterns that are not serving you .We are sensitive to your values ,needs and are culturally sensitive. My work mainly consists in solution focus with collaborative efforts from the client in order to attain goals . Todo el mundo necesito ayuda,aqui le ofreceremos la terapia totalmente en espanol para que pueda entender.

I am a licensed psychotherapist in CA, NC and SC. I have been a practicing clinician for more than 20 years, and have also supervised pre-licensed psychotherapists and graduate students for 11 years. I have an MS in Clinical Psychology from SFSU. Most important to me is building a trusting, warm and caring relationship with my clients. I use evidence based modalities such as EMDR, DBT, ACT, and CBT, and am also trained in psychodynamic and mindfulness based approaches. I also like to bring in art therapy, and somatic awareness when helpful. Every person is different, and I believe sessions should be focused on what is most supportive to each person.

My background includes training in somatic therapy, spiritual emergence, buddhist psychology, expressive arts, sandtray, rosen method bodywork, aikido, person centered and transpersonal therapy and diverse trainings in psychological methods for personal growth and healing. My approach is holistic and includes exploring mind, body and spirit connections. I have worked as a school counselor, a military family life consultant, in clinics and in private practice. Currently I work with individuals in private practice.

Hi There! My name is Michael. I have my master's in clinical psychology, focusing on marriage and family therapy LMFT. I did my internship at Glendale Adventis Hospital, dual diagnosis program. Just because I'm an expert in my field, does not make me an expert about you. You have lived a life experience that no one can teach about in a grad course. You will teach me much more than the classes I took. I take many CE units (I joined an unlimited program), read work related books just for fun, and truly enjoy my work and private life. I'm grateful for everything! Outside the office I have two adult children, love to water ski, play drums, race cars, and fix things.

My journey to becoming a therapist began with a deep curiosity about human relationships and a desire to help others navigate life’s challenges. Early on, I was drawn to the complexities of emotional connections and how they shape our well-being. This led me to pursue formal education in psychology and counseling, where I developed a passion for working with individuals, couples, and families. Over the years, I gained experience in various therapeutic settings, refining my skills and understanding of the unique struggles people face, particularly in relationships, intimacy, and personal growth. Becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist felt like a natural progression, allowing me to use my compassion, empathy, and expertise to empower others. After 24 years in the field, I remain deeply committed to helping clients find healing, fulfillment, and meaningful change.

Hi! My name is Tiffany and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I was born and raised in occupied Tongva land (Los Angeles), and I am the child of Chinese-Vietnamese refugees. I speak fluent English and conversational Mandarin and Cantonese. I am not comfortable with conducting full psychotherapy sessions in Mandarin or Cantonese but am happy to substitute Mandarin or Cantonese words or phrases throughout the session. I was a first-generation college student and a student organizer as an undergraduate and graduate student. I hold a Masters in Asian American studies (ethnic studies) and a Masters in Social Work. I have been practicing as a therapist in community mental health settings as well as acute inpatient psychiatry. I only work with folks 18+. I have extensively worked with formerly incarcerated folks and folks who identified as unhoused, refugee, immigrant, and victims of sexual assault. I became a therapist to work with BIPOC communities, especially women and femmes of color. After I saw the lack of access to culturally relevant therapy for BIPOC communities I knew that I wanted to become a therapist. I pride myself on being a trauma-informed, culturally relevant, Socratic therapist. I utilize various therapeutic modalities depending on my client's needs and goals. I offer a non-judgemental space for individuals who are experiencing relational issues, anxiety, depression, trouble with school/work, difficulties adjusting to different life stages, and individuals experiencing psychosis. I also offer sliding scale rates for folks who are not using insurance.

Welcome! I am a licensed clinician with a masters in marriage and family therapy and a background in pastoral ministry and counseling. I have been a therapist for 15 years and specialize in helping people move through loss, change, relational stress, career stress, and life transition through a holistic, humanistic, eclectic, and straight forward approach. Working with me, you will be challenged to move past the obstacles you face as you move towards your self-defined goals. *Please note I do not schedule appointments on weekends or evenings and will not be opening weekend or evening appointments anytime soon. Due to my caseload, my availability now is limited to between the late morning to mid- afternoon. *

With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, I am committed to providing patient-led care that respects the unique needs and pace of each individual. My therapeutic approach incorporates solution-focused therapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), motivational interviewing, and strength-based methods. This multifaceted approach allows me to collaborate with clients, fostering a supportive environment where they can leverage their strengths and work toward meaningful solutions in their mental health journey.

Namaste, my name is Ashwini Gupta and I am Therapist/Intuitive Life Coach specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Vedanta and Mindfulness-based practices. With 20 plus of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges, I am passionate about empowering my clients to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives truly being in touch with the essence of soul identity. Using ACT as my primary therapeutic approach, I create a warm and non-judgmental space where we can work together to address difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. ACT combines mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change strategies to guide clients towards psychological flexibility, allowing them to better handle distress and align their actions with their deeply-held values. What is ACT? At its core, ACT is a behavioral therapy: it’s about taking action. But it’s not about just any old action. First, it’s about values-guided action. There’s a big existential component to this model: **What do you want to stand for in life? **What really matters, deep in your heart? **What is the legacy do you want to create for yourself? ACT gets you in touch with what matters in the big picture: your heart’s deepest desires for who you want to be and what you want to do during your brief time on this planet. You then use these core values to guide, motivate, and inspire behavioral change. What is Vedanta? Vedanta is one of the world's oldest philosophies which affirms the oneness of existence and the divinity of the soul. A close look at the word "Vedanta" is revealing: It is the combination of 2 words: "Veda" which means 'knowledge' and "anta" which means 'the goal of'. In this context, knowledge refers to understanding one's own divine nature- meaning and purpose in life.

Hi and thank you for your consideration. Relationships with professors led to my providing therapy as an undergraduate student majoring in Community Service at University of Oregon. After receiving a Masters Degree in Social Work, the majority of my career was working 23 years for the National Center for PTSD. I had the extraordinary experience of creating my own job description as a Health Scientist in the emerging field of Disaster Mental Health. Over the course of these years, I responded to more than a dozen Presidentially-declared catastrophic events. At first, I worked with survivors or next-of-kin. As a first responder, I learned what every first responder learns when working with people in need. Without intention, we receive more than we give. It is, if you will, sacred work. It has long been important to me to conceptualize what I am trying to achieve professionally. Toward that end, I published research, published guidelines to practice, etc. Eventually, I became a national, and then international consultant regarding emergency response policies, be they federal, state, county, or institutional. In 2018, I received a Fulbright grant to continue the work I began in Ukraine, following the revolution in 2014. In 2022, I began offering telemental health therapy and have been enjoying the work and the progress with my clients.

Sometimes ordinary psychotherapy just isn’t “it”. Most people who come into my practice come due to persistent sexual and emotional problems that regular psychotherapy analyzed, but did not effectively facilitate. Sometimes, “How does it make you feel?” Is simply too little and not sufficient for change. You are left feeling an inventory of your issues, but not much change. You will likely find me quite different to the above. I don’t fit the mold and this is intentional because traditional psychotherapy frustrates me and I need to bring about relief and real change. I am extroverted and high-energy. I am an active and verbose facilitator, and you come because you desire to do the hard work on yourself. It is my honor to serve. I help emotional/sexual/abuse traumas heal using bilateral stimulation known as tapping, and positive psychotherapy. We laugh together! I work with fathers as well. I teach men how to listen effectively, for conflict resolution and to learn how to validate your mate and yourself for deeper relaxation and communion as a pair. What people are saying: "She blew my mind! I feel so much better." "I should have done this years ago." "Now I have the mental tools to be effective. I have "proof of concept". This is all worth it." "This is rewarding to share; I can provide my kids with tools they can use growing up." "This has had such an impact on my life." "I feel Great!" "You are the best psychotherapist I have ever had, and I have seen plenty of them!"

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Berkeley California and serving clients statewide via telehealth. I received my Masters in Integral Counseling from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2019 and my Bachelors in Psychology from Reed College in 2010. I have over 15 years of experience in Community Mental Health and have been practicing as a therapist since 2018. I work holistically, integrating an eclectic blend of approaches including relational, trauma-informed, humanistic, psychodynamic, somatic, existential, gestalt, transpersonal, motivational interviewing, ACT, feminist, Polyvagal, somatic experiencing, narrative, and compassionate communication / NVC. I support people to find greater connection, safety, agency, meaning, authenticity, stillness and joy in their relationships with themselves, others and the world.

I am a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker with approximately 14 years of experience working with adults and youth. I am compassionate, and curious therapist and in my practice, I create a safe and trusting environment, providing my clients with the emotional support needed to overcome challenging issues and make positive adjustments to be and feel your best. My approach helps clients find their own way through reflection, self care and self compassion.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been working with children, youth and adults for the past eight years. My background is special needs case management and parenting as a school social worker. My "why" when I think about my work is this: listening to clients stories' and sitting with them in their path to building resiliency. I believe the client knows themselves and their strengths, I sit by and guide them to build insight about how they want to make changes for personal growth. I champion my clients as they build their capacity for vulnerability to develop their authentic selves. I consider it a huge privilege to do this very important work.

In my role as a mindfulness-based therapist, I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that is nurturing and non-judgmental, allowing clients to delve into their inner workings with a sense of compassion and empathy. I emphasize the importance of being fully present in the current moment and embracing a mindset of acceptance without criticism in my therapeutic approach. Furthermore, I prioritize guiding clients toward cultivating a deep sense of self-compassion and understanding, recognizing these as fundamental elements for personal advancement and emotional reconciliation. By integrating mindfulness techniques and meditation practices, I actively assist clients in developing an enhanced self-awareness and fostering a compassionate outlook on their experiences.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the next steps in your life? I am passionate about creating a supportive and affirming space where individuals can explore their experiences, gain insight, and develop meaningful coping strategies. With extensive experience working with individuals, families, and couples across the lifespan—including children, teens, adults, and elders—I help clients navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, and relationship concerns. When working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression, I use evidence-based approaches to help them understand their emotions, identify triggers, and build effective coping skills to regain a sense of balance and well-being. I guide clients through life transitions, whether it’s adjusting to a new phase of life, career changes, or shifting family dynamics, by fostering resilience and helping them create a path forward that aligns with their values and goals. For those engaging in identity exploration, I provide a nonjudgmental space to reflect on personal, cultural, and societal influences, helping clients cultivate self-acceptance and confidence in who they are. I also support individuals and couples in navigating relationship challenges, whether it involves improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, or healing from past relational wounds. I take an inclusive, culturally responsive approach to therapy, ensuring that every client feels seen, heard, and valued. By integrating various therapeutic modalities, I tailor sessions to meet each individual’s unique background and needs. My goal is to empower clients with the tools they need to foster personal growth, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. I believe therapy should be a collaborative, empowering experience where clients feel supported in their journey toward healing and self-discovery. My style is direct, warm, compassionate, and goal-oriented, helping clients not only process their emotions but also develop concrete strategies to create meaningful change.