A friend recommended that I meet with Monica about 10 years ago when I was trying to resolve some issues in a long-term relationship; she helped me to come to an understanding that I needed to withdraw from the relationship since my partner had been unwilling to commit. She also helped me develop strategies to change some thought patterns/behaviors that were not serving me well. Some years later, I returned to seeing her when my marriage had become very challenging. With her help, I began to understand that it was not only a challenging relationship but that my husband was abusive and this was a pattern. She also helped me to navigate dealing with someone who is an addict both to substances but other activities. I have reflected many times how she helped me to find a way to leave a dangerous and extremely emotionally damaging situation without ever trying to just take control. She understood that the process can be overwhelming and met me where I was able to act. I did leave and relied on her very heavily for support initially and throughout the next few years as I worked to heal myself and support my children. Her efforts contributed directly to my ability to keep myself and my children safe in my marriage and ensuing high conflict divorce. There was a bit of an emotional "detox" period I had to go through after leaving, and she went above and beyond to give her support to me during that time. Monica is caring, professional, direct, compassionate, and skilled at her work. She understands and cares for children and adults equally well, which was so helpful to me as a mother. She helped give me some practical techniques for dealing with stress (that I still use), and for handling an abusive, psychopathic narcissist that I am unable to completely cut out of my life due to our children together. She was my safe place to release some hard feelings and thoughts during an extremely difficult time. When my husband was constantly at work trying to distort my reality, she served as a vital reality check. I always recommend that anyone going through something similar to get in with a good therapist as a first step--just to bring some reality and understanding to their situation--after I saw how much Monica helped me. I moved away to another state, but have kept in touch. I appreciate that she still sends me notes now and then, with recommendations for articles she feels might be helpful. If I were closer I would still be going to see her once in a while--fortunately I feel so much healthier and stronger now, thanks in large part to her help. read more

I saw Monica a couple years ago so my review is long overdue. I wanted us to work really bad because of the reviews but unfortunately my experience was not like everyone else. I am now with a therapist who fits me best and can see the difference. For one, my therapist now would never tell me that I'm a narcissist for having social anxiety. The last straw I had with Monica is when she gave me another issue to have anxiety on. She asked me what I was studying in school, I said sociology then she said, and I quote, "Ha. Good luck getting a job with a liberal arts degree." I don't know what she was trying to do when she said that but I did not appreciate it at the time. My regret is not saying this earlier to communicate that with her. On the good side, she has great book recommendations and I do appreciate her tell it like it is attitude but some things that were said to me was not okay. She didn't work for me but hope she works for you! read more

If you are looking for someone to talk to who's insight and perspective is spot on, then look no further because Monica is your MFT! She asks the thought provoking questions that would help guide me to the root cause of my challenges and has helped me overcome and navigate numerous life changing events. Thank you Monica! read more

For years, I suffered from anxiety and what I thought could be depression, and I rode the edge between reaching out for therapy and convincing myself that I was OK. I found Monica through my EAP when I was faced with a situation that was the figurative straw that broke my back, and I just could not handle this one on my own. What I found through working with Monica was a compassionate listener to my long story, who valued my perspective and experience, who guided me through questions about what I wanted to do about the situation, and who supported my decisions. I decided to continue my sessions with Monica when my EAP sessions ended because I felt that she could help me to address the experiences, thoughts, and anxieties that had me riding the therapy fence for years. I was right. I benefitted from EMDR therapy, which helped me to uncover some of the deep-seated, sometimes forgotten memories that were the source of my constant state of anxiety and negative self-talk. I also benefitted from the behavioral therapy handouts and book recommendations, and sometimes movie recommendations to shed light and to help me face my fears and regrets. Mostly I benefitted from Monica's compassion, and still do, even after being out of therapy for a couple of years. I know that I can always call her, and I have, and she will fit me in where she can. She keeps my story safe, and I trust her with it. To Monica, thank you! You have shown me the way out of my darkest thoughts and my biggest anxieties, and you are still a huge support to me. My life is so much happier because I was cared for by you. read more

After trying a few others, I am eternally grateful for finding Monica. She is honest, direct, supportive, and knowledgeable. She was able to help me understand my trauma by teaching me how it physically affected me. With her support, I learned the skills to identify triggers, change my inner self talk, and ground myself before panic could hijack the situation. She helped me understand what my emotions meant and also worked with me to deconstruct my dreams during stressful times. I learned to focus on myself and not distract myself with other peoples problems. I learned to invest in my own self care and make better life choices overall. Besides being an amazing therapist, she is extremely professional and attentive to detail. She is aware of clients needs and is a good reader of physical cues, offering water, kleenex, and fresh air when appreciated. Her office is clean, quiet, private, and comfortable. There is plenty of parking and it is ADA accessible. She accepts a variety of insurance providers (including many EAP programs), and has very reasonable out of pocket rates. If you are in need of a safe place to sort and work out any issues holding you back, Monica could change your life. Hard work and money well spent. read more

I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to have her help me in one of the darkest times in my life. She is truly compassionate, but also will not hesitate to call you out. She is extremely knowledgable and gave me the tools to be able to better cope with what I was dealing with at the time, and practices that continue to help me in my life going forward. I will be forever grateful for her being placed into my life and for the help that she gave to me. read more

My experiences were similar to that of the reviewer who had Monica "fit her in" when there were cancellations. She did have some really good insights, but I also found her slightly aggressive, and sometimes I felt like she was doing me a favor by seeing me. In addition, Monica dropped me after a few months. I understand if she felt as though she couldn't help me any further, but to do this without even any recommendations for a different therapist, seemed unprofessional. I was in the midst of severe trauma, and in desperate need of help, and this felt like just another blow. read more

My family and I (husband, son, daughter) began working with Monica for close to two years. My first impression of Monica was: She was very up front and .... Sometimes it's hard to hear the truth about myself! She helped us to navigate through difficult times I had with my teenage son. She guided us through many of our issues. We worked hard in her sessions. My son and I couldn't even stand to be in the same room without an argument. Today we still argue occasionally but our relationship have improved in so many levels. What a big difference! Monica has make a huge difference in our lives. We continue using her tools she provided and will for a very long time. read more

Numerous attempts over the years trying to get in touch with dozens of other therapists and previous experiences in dealing with my EAP had left me feeling distraught and ridiculously frustrated. A coworker had pointed me in Monica Brown's direction and I was not surprised when Monica responded that she didn't have room for new clients (as had been my experience with lots of other therapists) but what did surprise me was she was one of the few to reply to my email within a couple of hours and inform me that if I was willing to be worked into her cancellations that she would see me. I was over the moon because after reading her website I felt she would be the absolute perfect match for what I needed. I was not wrong. Monica is very professional and extremely knowledgeable in her field while also being friendly, approachable and genuinely warm. She has given me the tools to help me in areas of my life where I've been struggling. Monica has given me helpful paper handouts and assigned homework to help me on my journey. She breaks issues down into understandable information that may not be so obvious. I have sung Monica's praises to my friends and I have discovered that I know of several acquaintances whom have also seen her over the years and also love her as much as I do. I've even referred a friend to her. I sincerely look forward to working with Monica more in the future and if you're in the market for some guidance in your life, look no further than Monica Brown, MFT! read more

Here goes my long overdue review...22yrs in the making. I LOVE who I am today and that would not have been possible without the early intervention and continued therapy I received from Monica Brown. I started seeing Monica at 12 years old, due to being identified as an "at risk" youth in middle school. Both of my parents struggled with addiction among many other things. At 12 I was acting out and had zero boundaries. I was emotionally shut down, alway fighting someone, experimenting with alcohol, and I was a complete ball of anger...lashing out at any given opportunity. Throughout my early teen years I stayed connected to Monica, and was able to see myself beyond becoming an addict or teen mom. Which was the path of 99% of my peers. During our sessions, she knew when things had to be my choice. She loved me still and watched me stubbornly backslide for months till I finally made the choice to recover/eliminate people or things from my life. I know it wasn't always easy watching me in those early years....I was scared, stubborn and in denial of how bad things had or could become. She still didn't give up and stood by my side till I finally started to fight for myself again. Monica was the first person to tell me, she would like to see me graduate and eventually go on to college. Prior to that every adult I encountered, expected me to go to jail, be a teen mom and end up on welfare. Im proud to say I was the first in my family to graduate high school and college. With a full scholarship might I add! While in therapy with Monica, she created a space for me to speak my truth, trust my own feelings and actually allow myself to be ok with "feeling" actual emotions. Which was a foreign and very scary concept for me. I was the oldest, I had to be strong and take care of all the crazy people in my life and not feel a thing! Monica has always held iron clad therapeutic boundaries. She's very excepting, empathic, real, consistent, she has great depth and therapeutic knowledge. She's a therapist who embodies the Self and organically holds you with unconditional positive regard....you can really feel her good energy. She uses very progressive therapeutic modalities, even in those early years, such as EMDR in the 90's!!! She was then and continues to be well read and at the top of her field. Throughout my life, Monica walked me through many of life's crisis's such as abusive relationships, trauma, family's incarceration, marriage, divorce and most recently the loss of my mother. Hands down...I would not be the women I am today without Monica. She's been the only constant in my life. I'm happy, successful, grounded, married mother of two wonderful children....thanks to Monica! So...If you happen to receive her support, know your with THE BEST OF THE BEST!!! If she suggest you try something or read a particular book...just do it! You will grow, if not bloom! Drear Monica. Thank you. I know I have told you that countless times, but no matter how many times I repeat that phrase, it won't feel like enough. It won't be enough. It won't be enough because it may sound like an exaggeration to some, but you know it's true: YOU SAVED MY LIFE!!! I'm forever grateful! read more

Monica was a life saver! She is amazing at what she does, her methods are direct and she gave me the tools to deal with what was going on in my life. I found her through my company's EAP program, which was the best find I've ever had through the program. I have referred many friends to her, and everyone agrees, they love her too! Thank you Monica for all you do!!! read more

Monica helped me during a difficult time in my life. I found her welcoming and easy to talk to. She offered wisdom, and techniques for stress management and meditation practices, all of which I found very useful and helpful in dealing with my issues. read more

Monica has done wonders with me and my amygdala! I used to frequently be my own worst enemy and she has given me the tools to take care of myself much better than I have before. She is respectful, caring and uses appropriate humor therapy when necessary. She has my trust and well being at hand at all times. I so enjoy my time with her and appreciate her integrity in giving me advice straight on- even if it's not where I am at the time- ultimately it will benefit my overall wellness. Thank you Monica! read more

My husband and I sought out Monica for marriage counseling after we could no longer effectively communicate and navigate relationship dynamics with family and ourselves. Therapy with Monica made a world of difference for our relationship (14 years together and 11 years married) and quite honestly saved our marriage! We began couple's therapy with Monica right before the holidays in November 2018. Not only is Monica highly experienced in her practice, she is also genuine and made us feel immediately at ease. We saw her for one session nearly every week through March 2019. My husband and I neglected to address the deepening "cracks" in our marriage for years. It became "normal" to end up in nasty unproductive arguments when trying to talk things through on our own. Monica quickly gained a clear understanding of how we came to be and what it would take to build a healthy loving relationship for our marriage. She helped us become aware of the behavioral patterns that do not serve our relationships and educated us on using more effective ways to communicate based on neuroscience research. It was painfully difficult to recognize how we each contributed to the struggling state of our relationships, and that it would require thorough changes to our lifestyle for our marriage to survive and thrive. Monica's professional expertise and mindfulness approach helped us make several major breakthroughs until we no longer needed regular sessions of couple's therapy. I began to see Monica for individual therapy sessions through early June 2019, in which she conducted EMDR therapy to help me overcome serious trauma and PTSD. Therapy with Monica has allowed my husband and I to genuinely have fulfilling and healthy relationships with ourselves, each other, and family. We are so very grateful for Monica's guidance and could not be happier knowing we have been given the necessary "tools" to thrive in life! read more

I've been through a lot of therapists in my time, of all different types. I've had academic therapists. I've had hippie therapists. I've had strict rationalists. As a person who doesn't believe in crystals or communing with Gaia, but who also is also strongly emotionally driven, it's hard to find that balance to get a good relationship with a therapist (especially in the Bay Area). Monica, however, is perfect. She's thoughtful, listens, and caters to your actual needs. You don't feel like some rubric is being applied to you that works for "most" people - she'll work with you individually to find the help that suits you best. For me? I feel much more content with myself, and much more empowered to deal with the constant issues I face as someone in a very competitive career. My marriage is in a much better place, and I've come a good way in dealing with childhood trauma. Give her a call and take my spot before someone else does. read more

My first impression of Monica when I started seeing her was that she really wants to help people. She is very knowledgable about how the brain works and took the time to outline the details and how to apply them to stress, hopelessness, depression and anger. She is kind, professional, and has a deep understanding of what shapes us, starting from toddler to adulthood. I walked out of our first appointment with feelings of hope. "OMG maybe I'm not crazy!" She has helped me open doors, break down walls and find that I had a talent I never knew existed. I found that I can write and people really like reading me! Wheather I enjoy every session together or not, I always leave with a little more of what makes me, who I am. I laugh more and am able to live more in the present. These are hard times we live in and its easy to loose sight of what's good in our lives. There is no shame in admitting we need help. I am thankful there are those who want to help if one is willing to accept it. Monica Brown is one of those people. read more

If I could give Monica 10 stars I would. She helped me to overcome psychological trauma and depression that held me back from being the best version of myself. Over the time I met with her, Monica helped illuminate the root cause of my issues, and provided me with tools to gain control of them. When I stepped in her office for the first time, I had no idea how good I would feel 18-months later. She helped me to learn to live mindfully, with purpose, finding contentment and happiness. It's almost like a window into 'me' has opened and all is clear. Monica is intelligent, funny, kind, honest and real. Very professional, empathetic and caring, and is an exceptional therapist. She has a direct approach and will gently call you out if needed. One of the most important tools she gave me is to look at myself instead blaming others. Today I am a better person with a fantastic outlook on life. I owe it to Monica and her knowledge, compassion and hard work. Thank you, Monica. read more

Monica does very well at listening to my issues and thoughts and helping me walk through those issues to process and reflect upon. She offers great advice and actions that can be taken to improve anxiety, stress and improve mental health. She is very open and honest with her clients as well, no sugar coating what sometimes need to be said and heard. I have been very pleased with my years of seeing Monica and will continue when needed. read more

If I could give her 6 stars I would.. Where do I even begin? Monica helped me to overcome trauma and depression that held me back from being the best version of myself. She is intelligent, funny, and kind. But most importantly, honest and real! Her communication is always professional, but she will tell you like it is. She has played a major key in my development, and the things she taught me will stick with me forever. I could go on and on about how great of an experience I had, and about how much she's changed my life. When I stepped in her office for the first time, I had no idea I would feel this free. Thank you Monica read more

Monica is a personable and experienced therapist! My family (husband, two teen daughters, and I) were assigned to her starting in September 2016 and she fortunately has evening slots available. We live ~20 minutes away and don't get home until 6pm from work so a 7pm appointment worked perfectly! Monica was immediately able to catch on to each of our personalities and adjusted her conversation style accordingly. She gave my husband and I great ideas on parenting and helped us be less stressed about the issues we were dealing with as a family. I highly recommend Monica. read more

I began working with Monica following a troubling incident in my life. I was frightened that my emotions were spiraling out on control and that I could lose everything that I had worked for during my entire life. That included my job, my family and my freedom. Monica immediately provided me with tools to gain control of my issues. I left her office after the initial meeting knowing I had found the right person to help. Over the next 18+ months Monica illuminated the root cause of my issues, showed me how to control my emotions and renewed my confidence. She helped me learn to live in the moment and find happiness. Today I am a better person with a happy family, a new career and a fantastic outlook on life. i am looking forward to whatever the future may bring. Monica helped me get to this point through her knowledge and hard work....and she really really cares! read more

I consider myself extremely lucky and grateful to know Monica and have had the chance to work with her. She is incredibly kind, honest and knowledgeable. With her help, I've been able to do and feel things that I have never thought were possible for me. She's helped me become the person that I've always wanted to be. With her guidence, I have been able to find my way out of any dark paths, and now have the courage and knowledge to get through trials I once struggled with. There are not enough words to describe how indebted I feel to her for helping me see and obtain a life I've always wanted to live. I am happy with the person that I am, and I will always thank her for that. read more

If I could give 1 million stars I would. I am so happy to have found Monica. After contacting other therapists and having either no response from them or I didn't have the right vibe from them I found Monica on Yelp. I immediately liked her and felt that she was very compassionate for my situation. Never once has she make me feel bad about myself or judged. I feel that she really listens to me and helps to resolve whatever my issue may be.She has really helped me through some difficult times and has made me think about things and opened my eyes when i would have otherwise been blinded. Not to mention she is funny!! So glad that I found her. She is absolutely the best!! Thank you Monica for everything you do! read more

Monica Brown is an exceptional therapist. She is highly professional, empathetic and caring. She has a direct approach, is not for all clients, but if your dedicated to working through your stuff, she is the right therapist. She is highly trained and has years of experience. I would highly recommend her. read more

I met Monica and started therapy with her on 1/11/2019. I can not say enough about this lady, she helped me during my darkest moments. I have been able to manage my anxiety and other crazy thoughts with all the tools she has provided me with. I would recommend anyone who is feeling without hope to talk to Monica, she gives you hope and makes you feel better after the first session. I would had never thought that I would feel the way I feel now. She is very professional and I will continue to seek her guidance and recommend her to all who is in need of therapy. Monica you are awesome! read more

Monica is an excellent therapist. She helped me to be more aware of what how and what I was feeling, gave me tools to deal with life stresses more effectively, and explained the science behind what is actually happening with my mind and body. She is very kind and compassionate, but also doesn't sugarcoat anything or let you get away with easy answers. I cannot thank her enough for the professional, empathetic, knowledgeable experience she provided me with. read more

If you are looking for someone to assist you in making changes, and you are willing to work with a dynamic therapist who loves what she does, you have come to the right place. I would recommend Monica to anyone because of her insight, her heart and clarity of the human condition. Each session was as inspiration, and each time we met I took something away I could use to build from. read more

Monica is a good family and relationship therapist however if your seeking therapy for SPECIFIC anxiety disorders I don't recommend I also went with her and she is very into non medical approach which is fine if that's what your looking for I personally prefer a therapist that is knowledgeable in alittle bit of both (Therapy and medication management) when I first met with her she would tell me she was not taking new clients because she was always booked up and had so many people trying to get in to see her,however she would try to squeeze me in and I had to work around her schedule strangely enough she would have last minute cancellations (which seemed like a lot of cancellations ) and texted me to see if I was interested in her available times. I did notice somedays she seemed irritated with what I was trying to explain didn't allow me to ask questions and try to understand different therapy strategies she would use since it was my first time going to therapy, there was a few times where she would point out my "issues" as "easy money" from then on I got the impression that her help wasn't genuine, hence why she would have a cancellation every week and would fit me in. She has a very blunt and aggressive approach at times which can be either a good or bad trait to have I about almost had a few anxiety attacks when I would see her cause her approach would be to intense aggressive and pushy especially when someone is already in such a vulnerable state, I personally didn't gain any help with her service I left with impression of her jus getting her job done, session time is up now pay me , however like I said she might be a great choice for family and relationship therapy. read more

I was a client of Monica Brown for approximately a year or so a couple years ago. During that time I was fighting to keep my job, my residency, and my sanity. Monica was helping me through it. Durning my time with Monica, I felt my condition did not get worse. However I don't really think it improved either. Eventually I lost my job, medical insurance, and residency, and was forced to abruptly discontinue my counseling with Monica. Recently, I choose to reach out for help and try to get back into counseling. I called her to try to obtain my records to help my new counselor. This is where my complaint begins. When Monica returned my phone call, she was very rude and belittling, attempting to shame me for leaving so abruptly. She continued with this shaming tactic even after I tried to apologize for my Actions, lecturing me on how much "I hurt her feelings". I tried to apologize again but instead she went on for several more minutes condemning my actions, lashing out at me on how bad her feelings were hurt. She should of acted like a professional and removed her feeling from this situation all together. How I hurt her feelings? Listen Lady my whole life was getting flushed down the toilet. I had just lost a career I had spent 15 getting to. And your lecturing and shaming me for hurting your feeling. Shaming a patient for making a bad choice is unprofessional. I was there because my life was spiraling out of control. Let's reprehend a blind person for bumping into you. I would think that a person in this profession would know how to interact with some suffering from a disability appropriately. read more

I contacted this therapist because my daughter is going through a very traumatizing experience and she is very close to our home. Monica did contact me back but was extremely stand-offish and would not work with the times she could see my daughter. Quote "I told you I was filled up" and told me to look elsewhere. She is suppose to be helping people instead it felt like she was doing me a favor by even reaching out. Eek just didn't get a good vibe! read more