WOMEN'S ISSUES

I am passionate about treating all aspects of women’s emotional well- being and mental health. As a woman, partner, and mother myself, I am very aware of the challenges women face and what it is like to be a woman in today’s society.

I often ask myself how we do it. We are amazing, powerful human beings! The thing is, we often don’t use that power to take charge of our lives. Instead, we allow society to place impossible demands on us and, as a consequence, we place impossible demands on ourselves. Do some of these issues sound familiar?

  •  Unrealistic expectations of women’s bodies
  •  Impossible standards for women’s multiple roles as a mother, partner and caretaker
  •  Unachievable career-family life balance
  •  Unforgiving hormonal shifts that make us feel and act crazy
  •  Never-ending self-criticism that always gets in the way of attaining our goals and achieving well-being

Let’s talk about this self-criticism for a moment. Some experts believe that low self-esteem is an epidemic among women and that feelings of inadequacy are often a part of the many  problems women face, from overeating to alcoholism. Have you ever wondered why some women feel that their lives would be much better “if only” they were smarter, prettier, thinner? Studies have shown that self-defeating behaviors, such as focusing on flaws or making too much of failure are hallmarks of depression. In fact, low self-esteem is identified as a main contributor to the higher incidence of depression among women, who suffer from the blues twice as often as men.

I have many years of clinical practice working with women of all ages and backgrounds, from adolescence to old age. I love empowering them to take control of their lives, honor their voices and maximize the strengths that will help them flourish!

SPECIALTY AREAS IN TREATING WOMEN

  • Depression                                                                            
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Prenatal/Post-Partum Depression and Anxiety
  • Single mothers
  • Marriage
  • Separation and Divorce
  • Cutting/Self-injurious behaviors
  • Life transitions
  • Parenting and Family issues
  • Addictions
  • Trauma
  • Stress management
  • Career

Please contact me today to schedule an appointment to get started in claiming back your power!

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE

Vilma Sylvester, LMFT provides psychotherapy and coaching to individuals, teens, children, couples and families.  Her office is close to Albany, Emeryville, Alameda, Oakland, Piedmont, Walnut Creek and Lamorinda.  1664 Solano Ave. Berkeley, CA 94707

    Contact me to arrange for a free consultation.

 (925)640-7481

 vilmasylvesterlmft@gmail.com