Hello
My name is Tova Feldmanstern and my pronouns are she/her. I became a therapist because I enjoy nurturing growth. Whether it’s caring for a garden, tending a fire or helping others respond to life's invitations & challenges, I am honored to do this work. Opening up to a new person is not easy, even to a caring, nonjudgmental mental health professional; My approach to therapy is collaborative, people-centered and incorporates humor and creativity. As a white, cis-gendered U.S. citizen with many corresponding unearned privileges, I am committed to ongoing exploration, awareness, and accountability regarding the ways these privileges show up in my work and life. I have been practicing therapy for over a decade and am moved time and again by how my clients' courage in therapy empowers them to heal and prosper in powerful and enduring ways.
Professional Background and Interests
As a staff therapist at UC Berkeley and San Jose State University for many years, I provided individual and group therapy for students, training and consultation for faculty and staff, and clinical supervision for therapists-in-training. I also directed peer-mentorship programs for LGBTQIA+ students and led efforts to address students' basic needs on campus, and presented at national and regional conferences about these programs. Prior to this, I worked in community mental health agencies, hospitals and addiction treatment. In my free time, I enjoy playing music, reading, writing and spending time outdoors.