I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT138177) working under the supervision of Candice Seti, Psy.D (License PSY21609) at Me Only Better. I work with adult individuals and couples to help them create change in their lives, cultivate meaning and purpose, and strengthen relationships with self and other to support healthy weight loss and weight management. I offer telehealth psychotherapy to adults and couples in the Bay Area and throughout California.
I have an MA in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Drama Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. I completed my practicum as an MFT Trainee at The Bill Wilson Center (San Jose, CA). I completed my Pre-Practicum assisting facilitation of ‘Improv for Interaction Classes’ with De Colores Arts. I also have an MBA (Pepperdine) and BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (UCSC). I have a Certificate in Integrative Nutrition from UC San Diego Extension.
I am passionate about taking a holistic approach to mental health that integrates lifestyle habits, relationships and social connection, and cultivation of meaning and purpose. An individual does not exist in isolation. We are each embedded in contexts, systems, and dynamics that influence us, sometimes in ways that are not readily apparent. Increased awareness of what shapes and influences you can lead to greater intention in your choices and actions in life.
I draw from a wide range of modalities including drama therapy, expressive arts, DBT, ACT, cognitive behavioral, attachment theory, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and parts work to meet client needs. I honor the role of the physical body in mental health. Sleep, physical activity, and nutrition have a bidirectional relationship with mental health.
I will often draw on drama therapy including story, metaphor, creative expression, embodiment, and parts of self/inner roles.
In couples therapy you’ll learn effective ways to communicate feelings and needs so you both get what you want from your relationship. Our relationships impact our mental health in profound ways. Working to improve relationship issues as a couple is an important process to support wellness and wellbeing.
Tova Abelman*, AMFT138177 (she/her)
*Supervised by Candice Seti, Psy.D (License PSY21609) at Me Only Better
My Education, Trainings, and Certifications:
MA, Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Drama Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)
MBA, Pepperdine University
BS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UC Santa Cruz
Certificate in Integrative Nutrition (UC San Diego Extension)
TEAM-CBT Level 1 Certified, Feel Good Institute (2023)
CBT for Shame and Anxiety, workshop facilitated by Drs David Burns & Jill Levitt, Feel Good Institute (2023)
Affirming CBT for Transgender and Gender Diverse Clients facilitated by Debra Hope, PhD & Nathan Woodruff (2023)
Building Shame Resilience, psychodrama workshop facilitated by Kate Hudgins, PhD & Quynh Tran, OD. (2023)
Integrative Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and OCD facilitated by Dr Peter Aston, clinical assistant professor in the Stanford School of Medicine (2022)
Emotion Efficacy Therapy Training, facilitated by Dr Aprilia West (2022)
Evidence-Based Treatments for OCD facilitated by Sarah Carr, LMFT (2022)
Values Prototyping: Using Action to Help Clients Explore Their Values facilitated by Dr Jenna LeJeune from Portland Psychotherapy (2022)