Online in California
(Online Only)
I have been a practicing psychotherapist in the San Francisco bay area since 1998. I am very experienced in helping adults navigate OCD, anxiety, job stress, burnout, trauma, addictive behaviors and relationship distress. I combine thoughtful depth work with practical tools for a scientifically informed, skillful, intelligent approach. I use effective tools such as EMDR, exposure and response prevention (E&RP), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotion focused therapy for couples (EFT) to support you through the difficulties you are navigating. Collaborating with an experienced psychologist can be a game changer. It can dramatically reduce suffering, create clarity and build a tool box specifically tailored to help you thrive through any challenge. My professional expertise is enhanced by my personal experience as a working mother, advocate for neurodiverse children, and long term relationship partner of 20+ years.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Buddhist, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Women clients.
Treatment Approach
- Behavioral Therapy Uses learning techniques like reinforcement and practice to change unwanted behaviors. It is often applied to phobias, anxiety, and habits.
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
Approach Description: My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative. I respect the depth of knowledge you bring. And I offer skilled insight and a large tool box of practices to help you find clarity, feel calm and grounded, and make decisions from the wisest part of yourself.
Education & Credentials
Heidi Hartston PhD
- Female
- License # CA PSY17348
- Licensed in CA
- Practicing Since 1991
Education: PhD clinical psychology, 1998, UCSD/SDSU Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.
Internship, Palo Alto VA Healthcare system, spec. in Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology.
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford University, grant sup. from the National Institute of Mental Health, OCD specialty
Finances
Insurance
- Out of Network
- No insurance accepted. But superbills are provided.
Heidi Hartston Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: Private secure Zoom meetings
I am dedicated to helping you free yourself from negative thinking, anxiety, self-defeating patterns, anger, reactivity related to past traumas, and addictive behaviors that get in your way. I have a specialty focus in treating OCD, trauma, anxiety, addictions, relationship distress, stressful family dynamics, parenting and adult ADHD. I combine thoughtful, depth work with practical, effective, scientifically supported tools that lead to measurable, lasting improvements in your mood, relationships and quality of life. I offer individual psychotherapy and couples counseling. And I use EMDR, mindfulness based psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion focused therapy for couples (EFT) and exposure and response prevention (E&RP).