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 five 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 have clinical expertise working with children, adolescents, and couples in family groups and individually. 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, 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.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Attachment issues, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Expats, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Immigration Issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Multicultural Concerns, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and Discrimination, Self-Harm, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 126110
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Kona Gleitsman. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Kona has been an amazing, warm voice of reason who has helped me immeasurably while I put my life in order. I feel very lucky to have been paired with her, and I hope to continue the relationship at a later date should it become possible. I give her skills as a counselor my highest recommendation.
Thank you!
Written on Jul 20, 2021 after therapy with Kona for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Kona is literally saving my life right now. She has made me understand some things about myself that I have been struggling to understand. Through her expertise and words, she has provided me with valuable wisdom and clarity about my issues. I am so glad this website matched me with her.
Written on Jul 14, 2021 after therapy with Kona for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes