Tova Abelman
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Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #138177
408.508.4519
I work with adult individuals and couples helping them to create change in their lives, cultivate meaning and purpose, and strengthen relationships with self and other. I offer telehealth psychotherapy to adults and couples in Los Gatos, the Bay Area, and throughout California.
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I am passionate about taking a holistic approach to mental health integrating lifestyle habits, relationships and social connection, and cultivation of meaning and purpose. I believe individuals do not exist in isolation. We are each embedded in contexts, systems, and dynamics that influence us; sometimes in ways that are not readily apparent. Gaining increased awareness of what shapes and influences you can lead to greater intention in your choices and actions in life.
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I draw from a wide range of modalities including drama therapy, expressive arts, DBT, ACT, cognitive behavioral, attachment theory, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and parts work congruent with client needs. I honor the role of the physical body in mental health and recognize that sleep, physical activity, and nutrition have a bidirectional relationship with mental health.
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I will often draw on drama therapy including story, metaphor, creative expression, embodiment, and parts of self/inner roles.
My goal is to teach you skills to manage anxiety, reduce stress, and improve wellness and wellbeing.
On a Personal Note
I love spending time in nature and engaging in a wide variety of creative projects. I have a background in improv and acting, elements of which inspire me personally and professionally.
Areas of Specialization
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Adults
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Couples
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Drama Therapy
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Creative Blocks
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Anxiety
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Binge Eating
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Grief
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Self Esteem
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Life Transitions
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Stress
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Wellness & Wellbeing
Qualifications & Education
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Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #131877 (Supervised by Debra Pace, LMFT 101506)
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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Drama Therapy, California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
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MBA, Pepperdine University
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BS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UC Santa Cruz
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Certificate in Integrative Nutrition, UC San Diego Extension
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TEAM-CBT Level 1 Certified
Clinical Experience
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Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Los Gatos Counseling Center
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Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Mindset Counseling Group
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MFT Trainee at The Bill Wilson Center
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Pre-Practicum Intern at De Colores Art
Associations & Memberships
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Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)
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San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
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California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
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East Bay CAMFT chapter
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Santa Clara Valley CAMFT chapter
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North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA)
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Northern California CBT Network​