LGBT therapists in San Mateo, CA

Anxiety and perfectionism have turned your mind into a battleground. Your inner critic nitpicks every interaction, leaving you exhausted by thoughts of “Damnit, why can’t I just be better!” Painful memories get louder, no matter how hard you try to ignore them. Daily invalidations of your Latina, queer, or immigrant identity sting, and you feel isolated as you keep your suffering to yourself. You’ve tried everything: doom scrolling, drinking, and self-help books, but nothing has worked. You're left feeling hopeless and weighed down.

I have had over ten years of training in a variety of somatic therapy approaches. I received my BA in Anthropology at the University of Georgia, and a MA in Counseling Psychotherapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. I've published and presented internationally on themes of embodiment, culture, ancestral memory, and gender. My research on embodiment and culture was published in in the volume Moveable Gardens: Itineraries and Sanctuaries of Remembrance in 2021.

I specialize in working with children, teens, and adults struggling with chronic stress, low self worth, loneliness, trauma/complex PTSD, and burnout. I am a compassionate witness and also a fierce protector.

I'm an interactive bi-cultural somatic expressive arts therapist who brings a lot of joy to the work she does, creating safety to address challenges people face. I offer a unique blend of person-centered, humanistic, transpersonal-oriented somatic-based Expressive Arts therapy and energy practices in German and English. I welcome a variety of clients across cultures, ages, lifestyles, and sexual/gender orientations.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

Hello! I'm Gurleen Hans, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journey. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and have five years of nursing experience working with diverse populations and cultures. My passion for mental health care stems from a genuine love of caring for others and witnessing the transformative power of compassionate, evidence-based treatment.

I specialize in medication management for adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and co-occurring substance use disorders. My experience spans both partial hospitalization programs and community-based outpatient settings, allowing me to understand the full spectrum of mental health needs—from acute crisis stabilization to ongoing maintenance care.

I have provided psychiatric services in various behavioral health settings, including work with interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. I have particular expertise in serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and I'm committed to meeting clients where they are in their recovery journey.

My approach integrates holistic wellness principles with pharmacological interventions, recognizing that effective treatment addresses the whole person. I stay current with emerging research through ongoing professional development, ensuring you receive evidence-based care.

I prioritize open communication and actively involve you in treatment decisions. Whether you're seeking support for the first time or looking for medication optimization, I bring clinical expertise combined with cultural sensitivity and an understanding that each person's mental health story is unique. I'm honored to support you on your path toward wellness, and lasting hope.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience helping folks navigate life's challenges.

I graduated from California State University, Chico and I have extensive background working in community mental health settings with people across the lifespan.

My practice focuses on supporting those struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and perinatal mood disorders, and I'm a certified perinatal mental health practitioner (PMH-C), bringing specialized training to support parents during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting years.

My approach is collaborative, solutions oriented, and grounded in evidence-based methods to help you build the skills you need to thrive!