A friend of mine referred me to Michael Gelbart for therapy at least 14 years ago, and he helped me through a very hard patch in my life. More recently, 3 years ago, when I was experiencing a family crisis, I went back to Michael, and he gave me so much support and courage while at the same time being uplifting. He has helped me find inner strength and courage, while also validating and supporting the parts of me that I sometimes miss. I am filled with appreciation and gratitude for his support, and I recommend him highly. read more

Michael is an absolutely amazing therapist -- just next level. I have been seeing him on and off for several years, but boosted it to weekly more recently when it became clear that I really needed it. Truly, he has helped me change my life in all sorts of ways. He is engaged, shares his insights, reframes my less-than helpful stories, and supports my long-term health. I cannot say enough good things about him. What a gem. Thank you, Michael. read more

I found Michael after searching for a somatic therapist on the advice of a family member. Though I didn't really know exactly what that meant, I was curious about the impact somatic therapy had in her life and wanted to give it a try. My husband and I worked with Michael for most of 2024 and it was a very important experience for us both as a couple and as individuals. For some time, I would go in with a mental list of things I wanted to work on with my husband, and would sometimes find myself blurting them out at the end of the session because I felt I hadn't had an opportunity to bring them up earlier. As we worked together more, I realized Michael's gift to us was slowing us down physically and mentally (somatic therapy ;)) to parse out issues into smaller, more manageable portions while teaching us more respectful communication skills in the process. The "what" began to matter less as we focused more on the "how" and were able to implement some of these new skills in our daily lives. I found myself less likely to save my grievances for therapy as we became more equipped to handle our issues on our own. Michael also helped us address ancestral trauma and patterns, to learn more about each other and ourselves and the ways we bring our childhood programming into all our relationships. Michael's office is a haven - a large, sunny, comfortable space with multiple seating options and places to move around if needed. We always felt at ease there and this certainly helped us along in our progress. I've referred Michael to friends and they have been equally impacted by him and his approach. If you're looking for a couples' therapist who will shake things up, offer a deeply grounded yet spiritual approach to human relationships, and definitely not sit idly by while you and your partner go at each other, then look so further. read more

I cannot recommend Michael enough! From our very first session, I felt heard, understood, and supported. He creates such a warm and non-judgmental space where I feel comfortable opening up. Michael has an incredible ability to ask insightful questions and guide me toward meaningful breakthroughs. He is able to get to the core of my challenges which is instrumental in my healing process. This is something I did not experience with other therapists over the years. Thanks to Michael's expertise and empathetic approach, I've gained tools to manage my challenges and feel more confident navigating life. Each session leaves me feeling empowered and hopeful. If you're looking for a compassionate and skilled therapist, Michael is the one to see. I am so grateful I was lucky enough to find him. He's a life-changer, sincerely. read more

I first found Michael roughly a decade ago because I was looking for a clinician well-versed in PTSD and childhood trauma. I didn't want someone to just quietly listen for an hour, only pipe up to ask a generic question here or there or to simply announce the session was over. I was looking for a growth-minded therapist who was engaged and willing to offer insight, strategies, and a jumping-off point for me to continue to learn and take the healing further on my own outside our meetings. Michael is just such a therapist. Within our first few sessions he had employed the EMDR technique (including use of an EMDR hand-held bilateral stimulation unit) to enable me to successfully process an early traumatic experience I'd struggled with for decades. Later on, he used the same EMDR treatment modality to help me overcome the painful memories of a sudden late-term pregnancy loss. Before Michael's treatment, I couldn't even think about these traumatic events - let alone try to speak of them - without almost immediately dissolving in tears. As a strong, independent person, that was not acceptable to me. So I just chose to keep those memories bottled away. Sure, on the surface I was functioning well in the outside world... but that is not the way to truly heal. Michael showed me that. With his guidance and EMDR, I progressed surprisingly quickly to the point where I can talk about those traumas without emotional trigger - no tears. The events no longer have any power over me. They are just simply history. I'm still amazed at the progress! And as a student of science and an initial skeptic of EMDR, I am so thankful I kept an open mind and had such an intelligent, rational clinician like Michael administer the technique. Pretty early on in my sessions with Michael, I began to consider him more of a "life coach." I used to scoff at that term, but now I get it. I had come to him seeking a therapist to address very specific issues, and he had performed admirably. In theory, I could have just terminated treatment at that point because I did feel healed! But I consistently got so much value from the sessions; he's helped me achieve growth professionally, academically, and as a parent. And let me be clear - he doesn't TELL you what to do or simply rattle off jargonic, new age advice. He guides YOU through engaging conversation toward your own self-discovery. He's a trusted consigliere, a curator of credible wellness info, an astute business consultant. Every time I leave a session I am inspired in some way: - my curiosity is piqued by a new area of research - he's gently coached me toward a new plan of action - I have a new book, exercise, or experience recommendation - I've had an epiphany - a shift in perspective. His practice name is aptly named, indeed. And thank goodness I stuck with him, because he's subsequently helped me navigate through a divorce along with the aftermath of a debilitating long-term injury. It's not just me: he's been able to assist two other family members - a male and a female - effectively manage their own difficult patches. When they discuss the efficacy of his treatment, they gush about him as much as I do! And I was delighted to learn that Michael deals equally well with science/tech nerds like me, artistic/creative types, neurodivergent/ADHD patients - you name it. He's an active listener. He tailors his approach to you in your authentic self. So here's wishing you success and healing in whatever area of your life that brought you here to read this review. And thank you, Michael. Your coaching has been a pivotal and profound gift in my life. read more

I have had two occasions in my life where I felt I needed some outside help to help me sort out and recognize what changes I needed to make to become a more patient, giving and loving man, and to open up and be more in touch with the world around me. I had an immediate connection with Michael, he has a good sense of humor and his office creates a positive and relaxed atmosphere conducive to open and honest discussion. He has amazing listening skills and he impressed me with his ability to recall statements I made that I considered insignificant but he felt were topics of discussion, it proved to me that he was totally in the moment with me through the whole session. I very much enjoyed my time with him and it feels good knowing I have him as a friendly resource if needed again. read more

Michael is a wonderful therapist. He really helped my husband and I navigate the difficulty of adding our second and third child in our busy, neurodiverse family. Marriage is hard, especially when you grew up with poor modeling. We have a complex family and our dynamics are probably pretty irregular, but Michael always made us feel comfortable and at ease. I loved that he gives tangible advice, and doesn't just nod along. He also does EMDR which is magic for those of us with trauma and PTSD. Highly doubt our marriage would have made it without his help. Thank you Michael! read more

Dr. Gelbart brought back joy to our relationship with my partner. Helped us understand each other, our backgrounds that shaped us to the people we were. Helped us with techniques to improve our communication. We couldn't thank him enough! read more

Michael is a very special therapist. I am so lucky to have found him. Kind, funny, smart, he has been a deeply important part of my healing journey. I don't know how I would have been able to navigate some of the toughest times of my life without him. read more

Michael, helped me deal with serious anger issues, and anti-social behaviors which often led to low self esteem and depression. I can't say enough for the help and care I received while working with Michael. As a therapist myself today, I often think back to the out of box thinking Michael used to help me, and through this, I help others. I am so appreciative of his contribution to my life. Ken Letizia read more

Michael is an expert in his field. In a short time, he has helped my marriage go from despair to hopeful. Over the coarse of a long term marriage my husband and I had drifted apart and found ourselves arguing more than talking. Michael has helped us find our way back to each other with his incredible intuitiveness. I credit Michael for bring laugher and love back into our home. read more

Reviews are highly important for me, and that was one reason I chose to work with Michael. Another reason is the information on his website was exactly what I was looking for. The main reason I chose to work with him is the surprise I felt after the first 2-3 sessions. He very quickly demonstrated how he helps "shift perspective." I started to see things differently, and he did it so gracefully. It was my curiosity to learn more about myself that influenced my decision to keep working with him. Since I began this journey, I met someone new and began developing the deepest relationship I've ever had - that person is myself. I have been seeing Michael now for about 16 weeks now. When I started with him, I was not in a place I wanted to be - mentally. One of the things I have enjoyed the most about working with Michael is the inspiring energy I get out of our sessions. I have completely immersed myself in this process. I'm reading books, I'm writing in my journal - none of this was prescribed by Michael, but I felt motivated to start it and continue it. Just when I think I have seen all that Michael can do to help, I am surprised with a different modality. His toolbox is endless! I wish I could give more specific examples, but I'd obviously like to keep that private. Look, I'm not diagnosed with anything, I don't need or use medications. I'm what society would categorize as "normal." Some of my peers may even question why I am seeking therapy in the first place. It is unfortunate that therapy is sometimes thought to be for people who are really going through something. We are ALL going through something. If your life is perfect and you are at peace with yourself and others 24/7 - great. If not, that's okay too. Give him a call, see if he is accepting new clients, and schedule a consult. You won't regret it. read more

I have seen a lot of therapists through the years and Michael is by far the most intuitive, calming and insightful that I have worked with. I have seen him alone and with my wife. I would highly recommend him for individuals and couples. He can make difficult situations fun to take the edge off. We look forward to our sessions and always come away amazed and closer. read more

Michael Gelbart, Shift In Perspective - "May the Force Be With You". - Counseling & Mental Health Near Me - San Leandro, California

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Incredibly helpful + compassionate therapist. I feel lucky to be able to work with him.

I would absolutely recommend. I will keep the reasoning short due to not wanting my personal business out there. Definitely give him a call it will change your life. read more

Wow, where to start? We've been so lucky to have found such a great therapist. I feel like he's not only been a wonderful tool for us a a couple, but I feel safe individually in knowing that he took the time to get to know each/both of us. We came in from opposite end and Michael was able to pull us together in a way that validated each of our needs. We've also been lucky enough to be part of Michael's couples' group therapy sessions where we've found friendships that have long since past our weeks in his office. We've kept our group going, still learning from and helping each other explore the highs and lows in partnership. I can't say enough about how much I respect and appreciate Michael's help. Super grateful. read more

Micheal has been my therapist for 17 years, he has great insight, coupled with an interesting approach for viewing my self in a different ways, allowing me to be much more integrated as a person. He has helped me through my toughest phases in life and I couldn't be more grateful to him and his practice. I highly recommend him as therapist. read more

I love Michael! He has taught me acceptance and with his help I have learned so much in life and the skills that will stay with me lifetime. He genuinely cares about his clients and his energy is so positive and relatable. He is def on my list of top 10 influencers in my life. Thanks Michael for doing something so purposeful for others!! read more

I've seen Michael for a few sessions and I can already see a significant positive impact on the way I look at life. One of the coolest things I have experienced with him. Is his ability to listen to me banter about the thoughts and experiences I've had in life and he shapes it into a cohesive conclusion. Or a generalization put into words that allows me to see where I am in my life and some perspective on how to grow. He has provided some great practices and mind exercises that I'm sure I will continue to use for the rest of my life. Michael is very knowledgeable and provides a comfortable environment that allows you to be open minded and thoughtful about everything that comes in to your mind. I recommend him to anyone wanting more from life. To anyone stuck in the same patterns of a negative attitude or actions. To those who want to try to figure out the complexities of their own life and how to live a meaningful existence despite those complexities. Reach out to him, you won't be disappointed! read more

This review is long overdue and we cannot thank Michael enough for what he has done for our relationship and our family. I found him on yelp as I know it's hard to find a good therapist to connect with. He definitely did not disappoint! Therapy is hard and uncomfortable but he makes our sessions fun and helps me break out my shell.... Which is pretty hard to do! He's very intuitive, easy going, non-judgmental, trustworthy, authentic and observant. I am so thankful that I found him as he has completely turned my life around. He's helped us to become better as individuals as well as a stronger family unit. My relationship is the best it's ever been! Thank you Michael read more

Update: 2/2/22. Thank you, Michael! I am starting to thrive! 2021 was my "annis horriblis", yet with your support and presence, I am really digging deep to exorcize my inner demons and fears so I can fulfill my purpose. Every day, my vision becomes more clear and focused on the path I'm navigating. I feel so lucky to have met you, and I am looking forward to more hysterical laughter, some tears, and more self exploration this year! Can't wait to see What a ride this is going to be! read more

I have had sessions with Michael on and off for the last couple years. He is truly a remarkable therapist. I usually call on him when Im going through a relationship crisis. He always gets right back to me and makes time for our session. He is an attentive listener and has the gift of reflection. He is able to point out certain perspectives that I couldnt see on my own. By simply reflecting back to me what Im saying, he will point out any inconsistencies im displaying with kindness, but he wont let me get away with them. I feel that he encourages me to be the best person I can by simply acknowledging where Im at. With his assistance delving into the deeper aspects of how i feel and why, I feel empowered to take responsibility for myself and push through the story that I thought I was victim to. I have healed two relationship traumas with his help and for that I am very grateful. He is very wise and brings a lot of full spectrum healing to the table when it comes to resolving the issues at hand. I appreciate his sense of humor, emotional intelligence, accessibility, and strength. And where else can you do a therapy session and sit on a yoga ball at the same time? Thanks Michael for being there for me. read more

I met Michael through a mutual friend introduction when I asked for a therapist for my teenage son. I liked him instantly! Over the course of a few months working with Michael, my son is more communicative at home, more expressive and confident in his abilities, and most importantly his estranged relationship with his father has improved dramatically. Michael is a very unique clinician. He's clinical when it's called for, spiritual when it's called for, with a fine balance between the masculine/feminine. I highly recommend Michael Gelbart, often sharing with other teenage mothers how a few therapy sessions with a therapist could greatly benefit the entire family. Thank you Michael, for shifting all of our perspectives! read more

I've been seeing Michael for 4 years. Michael helps me build and leverage tools for my toolkit that can be used when needed and in different situations, personally and professionally. Michael always makes himself available and is committed to helping me reach my goals! Best LSCW!! read more

I have been seeing Michael for several years to assist with stress management and personal traumatic experiences growing up. I appreciate his holistic approach that assisted me to better coup with challenges in my personal, family and professional life aspects. Without the need for prescriptions, we were able to develop and implement necessary life tools for me to better myself and take ownership of my emotional development. He is a very trustworthy and compassionate professional and I highly recommend his services. read more

Michael Gelbart is an individual who will pin-point your current circumstance and allow you to examine from a distance enabling resolution. I can't say enough positive things..... Michael has been my personal consultant/coach for 15 years. He will listen. He will also allow you to examine your own response to discomfort. I can't give enough stars for what the experience can be for you. Great therapist/Life Coach. read more

I was searching for a therapist when I was at an impasse in my life. I wanted somebody to help me understand motivations and behaviors that​ were not working for me. He has experience, intelligence, and curiosity combined with a real desire to help. His warmth and positive regard for his clients is self-evident. He consistently goes the extra mile and for his generosity of spirit and willingness to do deep work with me, I am truly grateful. I liken working with him, to something as hard to define and as rare as Alchemy. His ability to work in the moment with what is happening in the room, yet drawing on resources from a vast array of modalities is so deft you don't notice how impressive it is until you think about it. * Rather than tell me what to do, he asks the skillful questions to get me to my own "aha" moments * In addition to his breadth of knowledge, he's versed in the somatic psychologies: his attention to whats happening in my body as I discuss upsetting events is critical to teaching me how to become grounded. * he's trained in EMDR which is a technique to break through deep-seated trauma. * He's familiar with narrative therapy: which allows me to understand how the story I tell myself about what's happened to me, impacts me, and how to ''rewrite it'' * He is skilled with interpersonal relationship issues: helping me define healthy boundaries, communicate my needs, and shore myself up so that I'm strong no matter what happens. For the first time in my life, I feel good mental health is possible He's created a safe therapeutic container necessary to do deep work. It is truly life changing when you know that your therapist has your back, is genuinely invested in your healing and believes that you can do it. He is respectful and appropriate when revealing personal details which underscore the issue at hand. Through his modeling and vulnerability, he's created a great sense of trust and belief in me. I can't recommend him more highly. Georgianne Fastaia read more

I am so extremely grateful to have found Michael. After my recent stroke, he has given me effective knowledge, advice, references and strategies for dealing with heavy psychological and physiological issues. He is an excellent and compassionate listener and a brilliant therapist. He has earned my highest recommendation and appreciation. This gent is a true healer in every sense of the word. read more

Today was my fiancé and I's first session with Michael and he was wonderful! I found him on here on yelp and had saw his amazing reviews and decided to give him a try and our first session was intense but he was fair, honest, has a very calming but real personality. He sent us paperwork and a questionnaire that helps him get to know us as a couple and individuals before the session. His office is a convenient location with lots of parking. He was on time and his office was nice, big and comfortable. He let us both have our time to speak but also have his input and helped both of us to see things from a different perspective. His energy is positive but calming. As far as first impressions go he made a great one on both of us. Would highly recommend A+++ read more

Michael has been helping me through I rough period in my life. He's been able to recommend books that will help.!!!!! He's awesome with handing out info during our session. when you touch on a subject that will help your personal situation. He's very very attentive, great advice during our sessions.!!! He's a diamond in the rough!!!! Very easy to talk and open up too!!!!!!!! read more

Michael is an amazing therapist. My husband and I started seeing him for couples counsiling about 3 years ago. After only a few visits there was a noticable improvement in the relationship. My husband has always been very negative about therapy in general and felt untrusting of therapists. He was so impressed with what Michael was doing for our marrage and the ways that Michael communicates, that he signed up for individual therapy. After a few months I was so impressed with the changes in my husband that I left my therapist of 5 years (who I liked but felt like I wasn't really getting anywhere) and signed up with Michael for my personal therapy. I have a complex and complicated psych history and came to Michael barely functioning at times and very unhappy. He has a way pinpointing exactly what is going on from what you tell him and offering extremely appropriate suggestions or tools to help you understand yourself and take the best actions towards healing. He suggested I join a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy support group and it was the magic ticket I had been looking for. Group, together with my regular visits with Michael has given me the where-with-all and the tools to regain my mental health and strive for self actualization. I made tremendous progress in my first year with Michael as compared to little progress after 5 years with another therapist. Michael just seems to know what I need to help me and I am confident that he approaches all his clients with this same, individualized treatment. One of the things I really like about Michael is that he has a huge knowledge base and often suggests books, treatment types, and therapeutic tools that he thinks will benefit you. He promotes education as a therapeutic tool. I think Michael was born to do this work and has found his true calling. He is really very very good at what he does. read more

I was hesitant to start counseling with anyone because of negative experiences I'd had in the past, but working with Michael has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm deeply grateful to him for the positive impact he's had on my life in the short time we've known each other. read more

Michael is kind, compassionate & competent! I commend him, without reservation. His multi-disciplinary approach for addressing trauma-related issues are very effective. read more

I have used Michael's services for the past year. In that time, I have found him to be very objective, compassionate, and helpful. I met him during the most challenge personal emotional time of my life and he definitely helped to rehabilitate and stabilize my psyche in my time of need. Through different therapy methods, he is able to appropriately treat me and meet my needs as a patient. He is very easy to reach and accommodating with scheduling. I could not ask for a better experience. Highly recommended! read more

I have been seeing Michael for close to three years. He is the most down to earth therapist that I have ever met. I have had a lot of losses in a short period of time, which caused me to start experiencing panic attacks. I had trouble forgiving people I had trouble letting things go my relationship with my wife and her two sons from a previous marriage was not the greatest to say the least. I could talk all day about Michael but basically just to summon up I feel like he has rebuilt my life he's helped me look at things different I've learned to talk through A lot of my problems which are not really problems anymore. In the process I've also quit drinking and smoking. I consider Michael not only my therapist but a good friend. read more

We initially saw Michael as a family with two ADHD teenage sons. We then saw him as a couple, and later again, for crisis intervention and then by myself. This has spanned off and on again over 5 years. We are all much better as a family and individually as a result of the work completed with Michael. I found him to be consistently reliable, an exceptional listener providing insights, new perspectives and stretching us to find our inner capability and self worth. I loved how Michael was able to offer his perspective with varying skills of researched information, new age and practical insights and meditative practices. As a result, I am able to confidently use tools I have learned from Michael to cope with life's unexpected and challenging circumstances. I am truly fortunate that I have had this time with Michael! The discomfort caused by some of the personal work I've done has been well worth my earned freedom. read more

I began seeing Michael as a result of a traumatic childhood and had suffered from depression and suicide attempts for many years. Michael has this ability to "see" you, the real, whole & healthy you inside these messes. Finally I saw my real healthy self surviving inside, and with his gentle help, brought myself out in the open. Today, I am a happy, well-adjusted person, depression-free for the first time in my life. I'm happy! Such a joy! I have peace of mind finally, which was my goal when I entered therapy with him. Without Michael's guidance in forgiveness, I could NEVER be at peace. He has been a Godsend to me and his other clients, and I will tell anyone how kind, gentle and knowledgeable he is. He uses a multidisciplinary approach, which I loved. He can pull advice from all kinds of religions and schools of thought. I never once felt labeled and put in a slot I could never grow out of. Thank goodness for Michael! read more

Michael is easy to communicate with. He is/has been tremendously helpful in getting me through a trying time and getting me back to being grounded. I have learned much from him. And his healing therapy isn't limited to psychological; he has been helpful in giving me guidance for physical exercises and the like to assist in attaining a greater calmness in my life. I can't recommend him highly enough! Thank you Michael for being you!!! read more

What a great man, went in to talk about a traumatic experience, ended up changing my life completely for the better and establishing better relationships. Go see this man. Takes a few months and careful listening and honest interaction, but you will see the light. read more

I was told by friends I needed some help and they told me about Micahel. I am very happpy that I have been able to talk with him. He helped me immensly, there are time you don't want to hear what he says but he says it in order to help you becaome a better you. He is special and does not hold back. read more