After earning my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, I spent a number of years traveling the world and then went on to earn two Master’s degrees, the second in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been working as a therapist for close to seven years, but have worked as a counselor with children, adolescents, and families for over 15 years. I built my own academic counseling business after my first graduate school, in which I fostered relationships with families and the community. This experience working closely with hundreds of local families gave me great insight into the power of supportive, goal oriented, client centered, positive relationships as catalysts for change in individuals and relational systems. I approach my clients with the belief that they are capable and valuable, and that with my support in identifying their strengths and resources, both internal and external, they can gain skills and achieve goals that can instill a sense of hope which enables them to move forward successfully. I have spent a great deal of time traveling, living, and working in diverse parts of the world, and I believe my own experiences coupled with my genuine positive regard for people has cultivated a broad perspective of understanding that contributes to my success as a therapist.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session, I would love to get to know more about you at a pace that feels comfortable to you. I would like to hear your story, or any parts you would like to focus on and share, while collaborating on your top priorities and goals, in order to formulate an appropriate and individual treatment plan.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I am inspired by both the diversity and universality of human nature and experience, and I strive to bring a nonjudgmental and curious attitude to my sessions as I learn from my clients about their own culture and experiences.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I have clinical expertise working with adults, children, adolescents, and family groups. Wide range of experience working with at risk and high need populations from many demographics. High level of cultural competency. Skilled in diagnosis, case conceptualization, and treatment. Experience working with trauma, severe mental illness, and addiction. Credentialed Triple P parenting provider. Clinical orientation in solution focused, CBT, trauma informed, recovery, and mindfulness models. In my therapeutic practice, I began work as a school counselor, seeing cases where children and families were often affected by immigration stressors, gang violence, mental health and substance use issues, poverty, domestic violence and abuse, cultural conflicts, and other risk factors. I have also worked for several years with families referred by Child Welfare Services for abuse and neglect and I have had experience with a wide range of diagnoses and treatment. I feel comfortable and capable working with clients from all walks of life, from high functioning mentally stable clients with great insight to those who have more severe diagnoses or multiple risk factors.

About Kona M Gleitsman