Psychotherapist Intern

Lisa Himelstein, M.S., MFTI

As a private practice psychotherapist intern, I believe self discovery, personal growth and positive change happen best in an atmosphere of safety, mutual trust, and honest connection between you and me. You are the expert of your own life, yet there are times when you feel lost, and the gentle insights, focus and empathy of a caring professional, can help you find your way.

I came to this work at mid life. That means I’ve lived long enough to experience being ‘stuck’, as well as many of the feelings, losses, events and traumas, that you may be bringing into therapy. Having lived and worked internationally, in varied capacities, I feel adept at counseling people of all backgrounds, cultures, orientations and ages, and connecting with understanding, openness, and compassion. I have worked quite successfully with individual adults at all developmental stages, as well as couples, families and adolescents in the areas of anxiety and depression, relationships, life/career transitions, adjustment, motivation, and grief and loss. I am always interested in exploring challenging issues of all kinds.

I tend to work with people in an informal, very interactive manner. I am direct, 100% present in the room, non judgmental and very actively involved in every session. In terms of approach and technique, I believe one size does NOT fit all. Each person is unique, with his/her own history, life experiences, perspectives, desires and needs. In my opinion, therapy is most effective when the Counselor can go into her ‘tool belt’ and pull out the orientations and techniques that will best serve the client.

Being in therapy is hard work, and there are no magic solutions. It can, and very often does result in life changing epiphanies and rewards. Whatever it takes, I am personally committed to helping you become your best self.

I have flexible day/evening and weekend hours in both San Francisco and San Rafael. Please feel free to call me at 415-668-3904, ext 2.

I am supervised by Robin Smith, MFT.