I have been in the counseling profession for 24 years and licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 1994. Originally from Ohio, my first career was in newspaper journalism and advertising. In the late 1970's I became interested in early research involving human potential. Practical apllications of optimal performance techniques evolved in psychotherapies, sports, business organizatons, and also personal relationships. Exploring greater human potential involved many facinating aspects of the "Mind-Body" connection, including meditation, yoga, wilderness experiences, bodytherapies, and enhanced relationship skills. All of this was very much about "mindfulness" and cultivating awareness from the Esalen Institute to The Lomi Clinic and Spirit Rock. So the adventure continued through graduate school at Antioch University in San Franciso focussing on Clincal Psychology and Somatic Education.
When you are experiencing conflict in your relationship or have a feeling of "growing apart" seeking professional assistance will help. Couples counseling can help you and your partner reconnect and communicate clearly on a "level playing field". David Kest provides an opportunity for a calm and safe environment to restore your relationship.
When you are experiencing conflict in your relationship or have a feeling of "growing apart" seeking professional assistance will help. Couples counseling can help you and your partner reconnect and communicate clearly on a "level playing field". David Kest provides an opportunity for a calm and safe environment to restore your relationship.
A number of factors may contribute to communication challenges between partners. Differences of opinion may lead to disagreements that can grow over time, and this can contribute to communication difficulties. Those who seek counseling for relationship concerns may frequently cite communication issues as a reason for seeking treatment. We specialize in establishing quality lasting connections.
A number of factors may contribute to communication challenges between partners. Differences of opinion may lead to disagreements that can grow over time, and this can contribute to communication difficulties. Those who seek counseling for relationship concerns may frequently cite communication issues as a reason for seeking treatment. We specialize in establishing quality lasting connections.
When the early excitement of falling in love fades, differences which once felt trivial become the source of disagreement and frustration. In a safe and confidential setting, I welcome individuals and couples into my private practice to improve their communication skills, increase their positive self esteem, and restore the connection in their primary relationships.
When the early excitement of falling in love fades, differences which once felt trivial become the source of disagreement and frustration. In a safe and confidential setting, I welcome individuals and couples into my private practice to improve their communication skills, increase their positive self esteem, and restore the connection in their primary relationships.
David has had over twenty years experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the SF Bay Area helping individuals ,couples and families in a confidential and compassionate manner work out thier issues and taking the next step to further their growth and well being. Certified (2010) as an Imago Relationship Therapist, (founded by Dr. Harville Hendrix,PhD. in his best selling/classic book: GETTING THE LOVE YOU WANT), he coach couples in "The Art of Dialogue," to heal relationships and restore deeper connection. Within several sessions, couples begin to have the direct experience of "getting the love you want" and "giving the love that heals." Please see my additional page about IMAGO or go to the IMAGO website: Imagorelationshipswork.com
While also certified (2006) as an Analytic Somatic Therapist, (developed by John Conger, PhD and in his book, THE BODY IN RECOVERY: Somatic Psychotherapy and the Self), I help individuals learn about the characteristic patterns that block their energy and we work together to restore more embodied experiences of aliveness and shared intimacy with others. For those clients suffering from various forms of trauma I utilize an effective form of treatment called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) after apopropriate histories and assessments have been taken.
In all three of these " Integrative Psychotherapy models" you can learn from direct experience how to move through your feelings of fear towards gratitude, empathy, and love.
My goal is to help you recover your true potential and lead a life that is truly worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve current challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. In this work together we are moving "from surviving to thriving!" (TM)
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
Please call or email me for an individual, couples or family therapy consultation today.
Day | Hours | Location |
---|---|---|
Monday | 10:00am - 8:00pm | San Rafael |
Tuesday | 10:00am - 8:00pm | San Francisco |
Wednesday | 10:00am - 8:00pm | San Rafael |
Thursday | 10:00am - 8:00pm | Online sessions only. |
Friday | By Appointment | Flexible |
Saturday | Closed | Closed |
Sunday | Closed | Closed |