Ondina Hatvany, Psychotherapist in San Francisco, 94114

Ondina Nandine Hatvany, LMFT

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling
License Status:
Other (see below)
Licensing Info:
Director of the Eating Disorders Program at the Community Instit
Primary License:
MFT - MFC38780

My Approach to Helping

Although often difficult periods of change can give us opportunities to bring our lives more in alignment with what has true value and meaning for ourselves. I work with people during important transitions in their lives, for instance either starting or leaving a significant job or relationship.

Communication, trust, intimacy and/ or sexual issues with your partner?
I am very comfortable working with traditional, alternative and queer couples. I can assist you and your partner to develop better communication and understanding around sensitive topics such as betrayal, intimacy and trust. I use an approach called Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which focuses on creating the emotional safety and understanding for intimacy to flourish.

As Director of the Eating Disorders program at Community Institute of San Rafael, Marin, I work with people who obsess that if they only had the perfect weight their lives would work out. So many of us through over dieting and body hatred have lost our connection to ourselves. The body instead of being home for our psyche/ spirit becomes the battleground. I work with clients to get off the fasting/ feasting cycle and reclaim their appetite for life! I also lead support/ psycho-educational groups for women with food/ weight and body image struggles.

Do you feel emotionally stuck in the past? You might be suffering from trauma. I help my clients move through traumatic experiences using EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) This well researched method has fast and effective results in working with people suffering from trauma. I also help my clients release the cellular and muscular memory of the trauma (which is where trauma is often stored) using somatic psychotherapy. This is an approach that taps into body awareness and mindfulness, which does not involve touch.

More Info About My Practice

As an astrologer I give readings and teach beginner's astrology classes in Marin and San Francisco. Some of my clients find astrology a useful adjunct to their therapy, as it provides a transpersonal perspective on an old issue or problem.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I help couples define the "negative cycles" that have taken over their relationship and that create the disconnection and discord between them. This is key because it is the "negative cycle" and not each other that is the enemy. Once a couple is clear on who the enemy is, they can join forces instead of fight each other towards the solution. In this way they are that much more empowered. It is very gratifying for me to help couples to get out of their negative and destructive cycles to that place of love and connection they might have thought was lost.

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

It is very common to be ambivalent about starting therapy! It is hard to talk to a near total stranger about challenging areas in your life. We live in a society that gives us all kinds of alternatives; pop a pill, drink this, eat that... Denial is encouraged! For this reason I have a lot of respect for someone who shows up in my office to address their challenges- this takes a lot of courage and strength. If you are considering seeing a therapist I recommend setting up a phone consultation first to get any questions or concerns answered. If you feel the therapist can understand you and has the skills and expertise to be able to help you with your issues then the next step is to set up an initial interview session. If you can stomach it I recommend interviewing 2-3 therapists to find the best fit for you. Finding the right therapist is key to a successful outcome for your therapy. For this reason I recommend taking your time and being choosy!

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
Family Therapy
Group Therapy
Clinical Supervision
Online Counseling / Phone Therapy
Home-Based Therapy

Ages I Work With

Teens
Adults
Elders

Languages I Speak

English
French

Groups I Work With

Couples (Traditional, Alternative and Queer) and Individuals, GLBTQQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioining), People who obsess that if they only had the perfect weight their lives would work out (eating disorders), People who self medicate (addictions), People who feel emotionally stuck in the past (trauma)