Compassion-Focused Therapy Therapists in California
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) helps individuals develop self-compassion and resilience, especially when facing self-criticism, shame, or emotional distress. By blending mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and compassionate mind training, CFT supports emotional healing and encourages positive, lasting change. With 61 CFT-trained therapists in California, you can access specialized care designed to nurture inner strength, self-acceptance, and well-being. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is welcoming new clients, offering timely and compassionate support tailored to your journey toward emotional growth.
Nela Cavelis
(she/her)
$150/session
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I strive to help you clarify and achieve your goals. I am trained and experienced in a variety of evidence-based practices, allowing me to tailor my approach to meet your unique needs. In my practice, I use CBT, ACT, CPT, DBT, mindfulness, mind-body connection modalities, and more. My goal is to support you in elevating, healing, and integrating different aspects of your life into a harmonious whole.
Sarah Lynn Guzick MFT
(she/her)
$200/session
LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
My goal is to increase self compassion and compassion for others as individual women over 18 navigate their personal, academic and professional lives via telephone sessions. Due to a back injury which prevents me from sitting for long periods of time, I am only taking individual female clients over the age of 18 for telephone sessions.
I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, filmmaking, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds.
I graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. In college, I studied theatre, documentary film and creative writing. I have a BA from Columbia College Chicago. While in Chicago, I was on the faculty at the Second City Training Center where I directed and co-wrote original sketch comedy revues and taught acting and improvisation to children, teens and adults. I received my master's in clinical psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. I am currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Louisa Gluck
(she/her)
$150/session
LMFT
32 years of experience
Virtual
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.
Shelley-Anne Walker
$200/session
LCSW
18 years of experience
Virtual
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 17 years of experience, I’m committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health support. With a Master’s degree from Barry University, I’ve honed my expertise in assisting individuals facing various challenges. My professional journey has included pivotal roles within medical and psychiatric hospitals, where I’ve gained invaluable experience in supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic illness, trauma, and coping skills.
Christy Stinton
$90/session
LPCC
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed counselor, with 20 years of experience. I have a warm and interactive style. I believe that real change occurs in a safe and accepting counseling environment. My approach is to combine cognitive-behavioral, developmental and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
Miyoung Seo
(she/her)
$120/session
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm Mimi (Miyoung)
Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time.
I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life.
Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.
Saira Patino
(she/her)
$140/session
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hey bestie! I'm Saira Patino, but you can call me your mental health cheerleader! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, I’ve been dedicated to this field since earning my master’s in social work from Edinboro University in 2017. Honestly, helping people navigate life’s ups and downs is kinda my thing. I love helping young adults navigate the tough transition to adulthood, especially when they are going about it without a solid support system. Many of my clients are figuring out their next steps while handling mental health challenges, which is rough. But don't worry because I'm here for you and I gotchu! (I tend to say this a lot in session lol).
Krista Edwards
(she /her )
$50/session
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Krista Edwards I’m a licensed in the state of California and Arizona. I have 20 + year of experience in the field of helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression and bipolar clients. I have been working with children and families. With such vast of knowledge, I believe I am qualified to assist you move on to the next phase of your journey.
My specialty is in the area of child abuse, parenting, trauma domestic violence and substance abuse, child abuse issues. I know how to navigate in this area . My experience working in the area of mental health disorders such as bipolar, depression, anxiety and as a facilitator and at a mental health hospital.
I have a caring and friendly nature. I will help you learn to put tools in your tool box to make changes in life. I am ready to help and assist you. Let's work together to help you make changes and experience life in a more positive way. You can talk openly and honestly with me and share whatever is on your mind.
Carrie Likeness
(she/her)
$200/session
LMFT
12 years of experience
Virtual
In-person
6630 Hwy 9, Fel...
Welcome! Are you feeling frozen, avoidant, exhausted, disconnected, or uncertain in life? Many of us do from time to time and this is where psychotherapy makes a difference. My passion as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist is helping those struggling with unresolved issues that can block personal growth and vibrancy. Some signs of being stuck appear as thought spiraling, rumination, thought or image intrusions, an increased self-critical voice, physical discomforts, sleep issues, irritability, despair, avoidance, isolation, and worrisome behaviors.
Lori Brown
(she/her)
$125/session
LCSW
17 years of experience
Virtual
A warm welcome to you! I've been a therapist for many years, have a master’s degree in social work from UC Berkeley, and draw upon a depth of life and work experience in our work together. You are the expert in you and I am your ally and resource. We team up and collaborate in meeting your goals and freeing you up to be the best version of yourself. Whether your goal is to figure out your career path, get your mood on an even-keel, tame your inner critic, or to move through your grief, I'm here for you.
Donna Angel
$145/session
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and welcome to my page! My name is Donna Angel and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I specialize in self love, self compassion, depression, anxiety, body image issues, eating disorders, addiction and mindfulness. It is my passion and joy to work with individuals and families seeking to improve their emotional well-being and live a fulfilling life.
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Frequently asked questions
Why filter by California rather than a city
like LA?
When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across California from San Francisco to San Diego! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in California.
Will my therapist take insurance?
When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.
How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?
The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.
What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?
Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.
Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?
Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.
What to expect during your first session?
Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.
Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.
Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.