Galina Zlotnikova

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in California. I have an MA in counseling psychology from Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University) in Palo Alto, CA. I practice a holistic and somatic form of psychotherapy. That means that in my work I integrate traditional focus on thoughts and feelings as well as the body and the nervous system. I have extensive training in Sensorimotor psychotherapy aimed at helping people overcome effects of developmental trauma and PTSD and develop inner resources for emotional well-being and self-regulation. I have pursued this training, because research and clinical experience show that trauma, especially early childhood trauma is often a root cause of many challenges that we all face at one time or another in our lives, including relational, family and social conflicts, depression, anxiety, addiction, mental and physical illness and many others. I specialize in working with people living with chronic and invisible illness and their caregivers. Both through my work at a hospital and county clinic settings and personal experience I am familiar with the plight of people who are disabled because of chronic illness, or are caregivers to someone living with chronic illness. Many people live with debilitating and/or gradually worsening physical symptoms caused by a variety of medical conditions that often make them unable to work full time, engage in social activities, or sometimes leave their homes or even their beds. Physical illness is often accompanied by emotional distress from living with difficult symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, uncertainty about the future and erosion of social connections and intimate relationships. People living with these circumstances for a long time may experience gradual disappearing from society and often feel “invisible”. If that has been your experience, I am here to provide support and advocacy for your journey towards regaining your health. Additionally, as a first generation immigrant from the former Soviet Union I understand the challenges of acculturation, loss of home, and the legacy of transgenerational trauma that many first generation immigrants have to face adjusting to life in the USA, and the long lasting effects of this significant life transition. I love helping people develop resilience and discover ways to live fulfilling lives no matter their history or current circumstances. Foundation of my work is in the warmth of human connection and respect I have for my clients, their lives, experience and wisdom. I offer support and practical tools to deal with stress, overwhelm, anxiety, grief, loss, depression, anger, and difficulties with relationships. My goal is for us together to discover what what works for you and to support you in using this knowledge and any new skills you learn in the course of our work together in your life going forward.