Kathy Jarosz, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Appointments are held online using a secure platform, or in my San Rafael office on Lincoln Ave. Your comfort and success are so important to me. From the start, I will want to make sure we are a good fit and that we work well together. Since there are often several ways to help a person, we will collaborate closely to find the way that works best for you. Your thoughts and feedback are so important to the process. Over the past 40 years, I've been trained in numerous approaches. I work hard to stay current with important advances in the field, and what research tells us is most effective. I am a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist. Although I present a lot of information about couples therapy on my website, I have also practiced individual therapy for over three decades, and I am skilled at issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, grief, etc. I am also certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy for people dealing with chronic pain due to stress or mind body triggers.

There are several things that set apart my practice: 1. I am a Certified Gottman Couples therapist (other specialties are mood conditions, chemical dependency, and chronic pain). Two day couples therapy intensives offered or weekly couples sessions. 2. I am a "marriage-friendly" couples therapist, meaning I am not neutral about your marriage being saved if that is your goal. 3. I offer a unique 5-session model for couples on the brink; it's called discernment counseling. 4. I have practiced for over 40 years. This length of experience comes in handy. And I'm still loving the work. 5. I have a strong background in chemical dependency. 6. I am also an advanced pain reprocessing therapist and trained in emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET). I welcome new chronic pain clients. 7. I accept some insurances, employee assistance programs (EAP), sliding scale, private pay, and out-of-network.

Couples therapy. Individual therapy focused on depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, coping, grief, etc. chronic pain for mind body or stress related pain. Couples therapy intensives. Couples on the brink of divorce. Chemical dependency. Executive coaching.

The most common complaints I have heard from people over the years regarding negative therapy experiences with previous therapists are that the therapy seemed to have no goals, tools were never offered, the therapist didn't provide enough feedback and talk enough, and the therapy went on too long without progress. My approach is to be sure to set goals clearly with people, and to keep reviewing the goals and progress periodically. I offer tools and encouragement to practice those tools between sessions. My style is an active contributor, offering guidance, feedback, etc. My practice is filled with both short and long term clients, no one size fits all.

Choosing a therapist involves three important steps. First, reading my profile and website and watching my videos. Then we can have a brief discussion on the telephone, no obligation. Later we can set an initial session to see how the fit feels to you and me. Finding a good fit is really important. It's worth your time.