Maor is extraordinary at what he does, through guided work a lot of my past was transformed for the better. For those looking for a provider that is attuned, thoughtful, and pragmatic then the Feeling Good Institute is the right place for you. read more

The therapists consistently failed to manage session time. Stacy Clark in particular often would go over the allotted period despite multiple reminders that I did not consent to pay for extra time and had other appointments. They would extend sessions under the pretext of "needing more time to reflect and appreciate the moment," which felt unprofessional and disrespectful of boundaries. The billing practices feel predatory, in addition to consistently billing more than what we've agreed upon to, Kevin attempted to have me pay for a series of non-refundable sessions. I've never encountered a therapist who pressured a client into paying thousands of dollars upfront when we don't even know if it's a good fit to work together yet. They are scam artists preying on emotionally vulnerable people, pure and simple. Additionally, this was the only therapy experience I've had where the therapist dominated the conversation, talking about 75% of the time or more. Sessions often felt more like listening to the therapist's reflections and stories than being guided through my own process. There was also pressure to give perfect ratings in surveys and to avoid providing honest feedback, I'm not sure if they are evaluated by their practice from these scores directly. This made it difficult to share genuine concerns or trust that feedback would be received constructively. Lastly, Stacy Clark and Kevin Cornelius did not have the skill or emotional presence to hold difficult emotions. They will simply take a long time to repeat back what you've told them rather than understand and dig deeper on the why and how the behaviors arose. Overall, I would not recommend this practice to anyone seeking a professional, client-centered, and time-respectful therapeutic experience. read more

These guys are super - I mean SUPER - expensive. Honestly, therapy is overhyped. Since when do people have solutions to complicated problems and can or will solve your problems for you? If there were easy answers, we would already all know about them. Paying someone hundreds of dollars for an hour of their time - I'm sorry, that's just NOT where it's at. These people are in the business of making SERIOUS money... (And no, Dr. Katz - I will not read your self-serving reply to this review!) read more

Dr. Ellen Sande is an exceptional therapist. She is professional, compassionate, and kind, and knows how to treat patients with courtesy and respect. I highly recommend Dr. Sande. Carol R read more

I would rate this organization a 0 if possible. I suffer from a fear of flying and sought help as I was scheduled for a flight and experiencing high anticipatory anxiety. I reached out to this office with a clear request for coping tools to manage my anticipatory anxiety regarding flying and facilitate my ability to board the plane. They assigned me a therapist who seemed inexperienced, and after just two sessions, I didn't feel she had the expertise to help me. I decided to reach out to Dr. Angela Krumm, Clinical Director to explain my situation and explained again clearly why I was seeking help, she never explained that this might not be the best course of action for me and in fact assured me that this therapist could help with my goal and she convinced me to continue with the same therapist, who then proposed a costly modified intensive 5-day program costing over $1250. Disappointingly, I received no valuable tools to address my anticipatory anxiety. To my surprise, after my final session, the program director, Jill Levitt, informed me by email that "it is not likely that one can decrease their anticipatory anxiety substantially BEFORE encountering the fear" and that they do not teach "coping skills" to feel better in such situations. Had I been made aware of this when I initially contacted the program, I would have explored alternative methods to address my situation." I explained all of this to Amanda Krumm, Clinical Director and was told they do not offer refunds. The Feeling Good Institute failed to give me any tools to help me with my fear of flying leaving me far from 'feeling good,' and instead took advantage of a struggling single mother, charging her $1250, due to their questionably business practices. I was deceived and not given accurate information until after I paid $1250.00. read more

I found Mor Frenkiel through Psychology Today website, picked her from a list based on personal arbitrary reasons, when I was going through a personal crisis, suffering from depression without understanding the reasons. I knew nothing about the Feeling Good Institute, I happen to have read a portion of Dr Burns book years ago, but I did not connect the dots, I just needed help. The process started with a free virtual consultation, which ran long, but Mor did not mind. I decided to proceed, and so far I had about 10 sessions. After about 5 sessions my depression completely disappeared, she helped me with a variety of personal issues I've struggled my whole life. Their approach is completely transparent: Mor encouraged me to read Dr. Burn's books and to listen to his podcast, in which their techniques are broken down step by step, so there are no secrets behind what they do. At this point we moved on to working on my relationship with my children, and I am making progress almost before we started, just by reading a book that Mor recommended. read more

I just finished up a set of sessions with one of the counselors at the Feeling Good Institute, and would wholeheartedly recommend them. I went in with a few goals, and from my very first session, felt like I was making tangible progress. What sets them apart is their focus on homework and action between therapy sessions that really speeds up your progress, the skills you gain, and how equipped and empowered you feel in a short time period. If you have things you want to tackle, the Feeling Good Institute is absolutely the place to do it. read more

I came for a week long intensive with Ellen Sande. I feel right now that this may be one of the most important things I have done in my life for my happiness and well being. I have dealt with anxiety and depression for years, seeing around 6 different therapists and being treated with several medications. I can say that this intensive is the most helpful thing I have done to help me make real and substantial change. Ellen was so skilled in helping me pull out and address the issues I deal with. Not only were the sessions extremely helpful, but I came away with a plan, new perspectives and understandings, and a set of tools to help me continue moving forward. I feel like I've entered into a new world where I can be happy, and see my self and others so differently than I used to. I'm so grateful for my experience here, and I couldn't recommend Ellen enough. read more

My treatment is not finished yet but I can categorically say that these last few weeks have been the best in the last 30 years. (YES. YOU READ CORRECTLY. 3 x 10 = 30 ). After all those years of suffering from chronic depression, I read Dr. David Burns' book "Feeling Great" (which explains TEAM CBT) I immediately identified myself with the PATIENT RESISTANCE TO TREATMENTS approach as I had already tried "everything". Unfortunately, I have not found ANY certified TEAM CBT therapist in Brazil. I got in touch with the Feeling Good Institute that referred me to some certified professionals outside the USA because American therapists couldn't help me because I live in Brazil. I opted for Dr. Dipti Joshi (India) who has been doing an EXCELLENT job and I already have clear symptoms improvement. She is very patient, empathetic, and technically accurate. After we broke the language barrier (I'm a non-native English speaker) the results started to show up. If you are a psychologist, get certified. Don't think twice. If you are a patient, don't think.... just do it !! I made conventional CBT in Brazil, the USA, and Germany: the effectiveness and productivity of TEAM CBT are much superior/more "professional". In addition, I found the experience of doing therapy remotely via Zoom excellent because you have the option to record sessions and watch again later. My special thanks to Dr. David Burns who created this method, to Dr. Dipti Josh who has been applying the method, and to Ms. Lea Crase of the Feeling Good Institute who patiently responded to my contact and referred to Dr. Dipti Josh ( and other psychologists outside the USA) read more

This post is regarding Ellen Sande. I was having severe anxiety and my physician recommended I see Ellen " ASAP. " I could not tolerate meds. Ellen immediately understood what was happening to me , we clicked , and worked together for only a few sessions. She helped me thru a very difficult time as my sister was dying, as well as relationship difficulties, and transitioning to a retirement community. She taped a healing meditation for me which I use every day. Her positive calmness is extreme helpful. I am feeling the best I have felt in a very long time, and I thank Ellen . Sue K. read more

Betterhelp and Jessica Young have helped me so much during this difficult time. I worried about finding a therapist that was a good fit and I found a good one right out of the gate read more

I went to Ellen Sande during the several years that my mother was dying. She helped me so much. Helped me to understand my patterns and how my brain works. I haven't seen her for about 2 years, but I would love to see her again if she were in network! read more

The therapists here are extraordinarily skillful, warm and compassionate. I highly recommend FGI. I began working with Ellen Sande one week ago hoping for relief from some very deep-seated negative thoughts which have plagued me for several years. I expected that perhaps over the course of a few months of therapy and hard work I'd experience a little relief, which would have been welcome. This isn't my first go-round with therapy -- I've seen two other therapists at different institutions over the past two years with no success, and I felt nervous about starting up with yet another therapist. But after two 2-hour sessions my anger, resentment and anxiety disappeared. Completely. It's like waking up from a long and terrible nightmare. I feel immensely grateful for Ellen's expertise and the unique, effective cognitive tools implemented by all of the therapists at FGI. If you're looking for relief from immense emotional distress, look no further. You'll find it here. read more

I worked with Michael Mikulski for 2 months, as a treatment for severe depression. He was wonderful- knowledgable, compassionate and devoted to getting me better. Michael taught me CBT from Dr. Burns' books. I am now feeling great and owe him a lot. He is really special read more

I am a counseling student and have had my fair share of personal therapy. I have read, studied and been trained by a couple of the FGI founders. I absolutely love the TEAM - CBT approach and found it effective, empathic and kinda fun. I have used the approach on myself as well as my clients. And it takes work and motivation. It is very data based and solution focused which I really appreciate. The trainers are amazing. Dahlia is very sweet, knowledgeable, and approachable. Jill gives very detailed and gentle feedback. If you're a student looking to expand your knowledge and gain effective skills and experience, I highly recommend getting traine by any of the FGI trainers. read more

I had a horrible experience as a patient at The Feeling Good Institute. I saw one of the MFTI therapists for four sessions. I had an initial phone consultation in which the therapist was clear that we could work on the issues I wanted to address. However, during the four sessions we spent most of the time talking about what we would talk about and how I made her feel. Never working on any of the issues she had said we could work on together. On the last session, the therapist suggested that we end early because she wasn't sure she could support me. She said she would follow up after talking to her supervisor and send my superbill for insurance - I received neither of these. After the extremely negative experience I had, I reached out to the head of program to give feedback and get some answers. Over the last six weeks, I've called during regular business hours seven times and left four messages. I received only one call back which I unfortunately missed and have not heard back after leaving another message. The therapist offered false advertising, it's impossible to get a hold of a person to give direct feedback and get support and they are extremely expensive $95-$600 for 50minutes depending on the therapist. I would caution anyone from seeking the services of the Feeling Good Institute. As providers of mental health services their core function is to communicate with clients in a responsible and compassionate way so as to do no harm. Instead, they treated me with no regard or respect and ended up doing me more harm than good. Proceed with caution! read more

Note that the 5 star reviews are from colleagues rating the training, not clients rating the treatment. This is a client side review. Dr Katz is extremely bright, self-confident, ambitious, detailed, thoughtful, empathic and interested in connecting with his patients. He really is a very likeable earnest guy. For whatever it's worth, by reputation more than one area networked mental health professional described him as 'he'll tell you how smart he is' when asked for referral review. Do some research before starting therapy here, which is why there is Yelp. Know what you're getting into. The Feeling Good Institute has a very specific approach -- TEAM-CBT -- that has a bit of a cult vibe. The name of this practice is explicitly linked to this. Read this ironic piece by the FGI founder David Burns about avoiding Schools of Therapy... while promoting his own School of Therapy as superior. http://feelinggood.com/therapist-error-6-joining-a-school-of-psychotherapy/ There's also overall good info about different therapy approaches in there for you to consider. Expect some by the book (literally) approach: clients will be required to buy and do homework between sessions from the 762-page Feeling Good Handbook. http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-Handbook-David-Burns/dp/0452281326 If you're depressed and unmotivated, having assignments you can't make yourself do may just add to your depression. (Read those Amazon reviews!) Be prepared for "that makes me feel / how do you feel about" discourse that borders on cliche or condescension. Addiction is strictly run through the 12 step methodology, itself rather cultlike, so if you've tried AA/NA/etc and that's not your thing, look elsewhere. If you're over say, 35 and have been through the therapy industry merry go round already, this is probably going to feel absurd to you. Keep going, and good luck. read more

I speak for myself and my personal experience with Ellen Sande during my short-term therapy relationship with this institute. If you come away with nothing else from these Yelp reviews, please know that there is an art to finding a therapist and/or therapy philosophy that suits your needs as they are right now. For some, TEAM - CBT and/or a particular therapist at this institute is a good fit for you. For others, your search for a strong connection with a therapist and/or philosophy may continue beyond this place. The first therapist you get an appointment with may or may not be a best fit for you. I hope, dear reader, that you may find connection and meaning in a therapist partnership, and I hope you do not get discouraged if at first you don't succeed. The FGI was my fourth shot at a professional therapy connection (never mind the 7 other institutions I also left my name, number, and a brief voicemail for). In my moment of confusion, self-doubt, and suffering, I found the TEAM - CBT approach to fit my current life philosophy and Ellen's therapist style to fit my needs. How so? I describe myself as an action-orientated person, and the TEAM-CBT approach suited that for me - I love homework and I felt very productive doing it. Ellen was kind, thoughtful, calming, a coaching presence, and strongly focused on helping me reach therapy goals I had come into the sessions looking to accomplish. My situation was unique. Yours will be too. I had a transformative experience with this institute's approach and with Ellen. I wish you the best on your own journey. read more

I am a psychiatrist in private practice and sometimes I get referrals that I can't see because my practice is full. In that situation, I have referred many clients to the Feeling Good Institute and have been very pleased with their work. The clinicians there are extremely competent, warm, and effective. I have felt better knowing that if I refer someone to FGI, they are in capable hands. read more

I have been attending a weekly training group for therapists at the FGI for the past 10 months and have found it to be tremendously helpful and have learned so much. Angela Krumm has been a great group leader and I really admire both her clinical skills and her ability to teach the more complicated concepts in a clear and precise manner. I have also attended some of the one day trainings that the FGI offers and found those also to be very educational. I would definitely recommend the FGI for therapists who want to improve their skills and for clients who are looking for competent and compassionate therapists. read more

The feeling good institute offers the finest clinical psychotherapy and professional training in the Bay Area if not the entire country. The professional trainings completely transformed my career as a substance abuse counselor. People I've referred have made tremendous gains in both their professional as well as personal lives. 5 stars!! read more

My name is Chris and I am an MFT in Oakland, CA working with children and adolescents. Dahlia Woods, MD, was my lead trainer while I was learning the TEAM -CBT model earlier this year. I couldn't speak more highly about Dahlia's expertise and skill in teaching this model. I have tons of gratitude for Dahlia because I learned so much from her and I was able to take everything I learned and apply it to my own practice. Dahlia is extremely bright, warm-hearted with a lovely soul. I would highly recommend working with her without any hesitation. I have also taken courses at FGI which I also rate 5 BIG stars. The material covered in these courses combined with practice time has been invaluable in my career as a therapist. I would highly recommend these courses to therapists: beginners and advanced who want to keep growing professionally. read more

This place is terrible. They will make an appointment with you and then cancel it with out any warning or explanation. Avoid this place at all cost unless you enjoy your time being wasted. read more

Dr. Katz is incredibly arrogant and entirely unhelpful. At least he left ECH so patients aren't subjected to him involuntarily. I have a number of issues with him and his methods. read more

After years of struggling with emotional difficulties and then recent serious health issues I was referred to Feeling Good Institute. I saw Ellen Sande for a few months and it was by far the best therapy I have ever had. Not only did I find CBT to be life-changing for me, but the way in which Ellen worked with me with such openness and empathy was exactly what I needed. I have completely turned my life around and have found a calmness and joy I had only experienced occasionally before. I am grateful to the Institute and Ellen and would highly recommend CBT to anyone seeking therapy. read more

I'm a psychologist in New York City and I've been fortunate to get to know and work with most of the staff at FGI. Maor Katz, Jill Levitt and Angela Krumm are three of the most competent therapists and teachers that I have ever worked with. My own clinical skills have improved tremendously since I have begun studying with them. Also, even though I am working on the other side of the country, I have actually referred several people to FGI for intensive therapy experiences, where they have several hours of therapy daily for several consecutive days. Some were patients of mine who were not making progress in therapy and some were patients that I didn't have the expertise to deal with. In all cases the patients came back satisfied with the outcome. read more