I highly recommend Patrick. I have found him to be a master and student of his craft and hegenuinely cares about helping you. He meets you where you are so that he can understand how to help you and ultimately empower you to help yourself. He's worth his weight in gold. Even when I don't think I have a lot to talk to about I look forward to seeing him and I get something out of it. A perfect balance of care and logic. 08/24/20 Update - Today is our 24th wedding anniversary. Thanks to Patrick we are celebrating this day and looking forward to many many more! read more

I'd seen two therapists before Patrick: one thought it was OK to answer her phone throughout our session and the other although she did listen to me, I just didn't connect with her and I left feeling the same as when I went in. I was initially apprehensive about seeing a male therapist as I worried that I'd be embarrassed to open up to him or that he wouldn't understand me. I was wrong. From the first meeting he just told me to say what was on my mind, I did and it was great and I left feeling like I'd actually done something that was helping me move in the right direction. He's friendly, kind, welcoming, a great listener, I don't know how he does it but he remembers pretty much everything, he's funny and you feel like he genuinely cares about what you have to say while helping you realize the reasons why you feel and act the way you do. Along with other important changes I've made in my life, he has truly been a great help in guiding me to be more assertive and quiet my own inner critic enough to find peace of mind. There is still work to be done and I know that Patrick will be able to continue to help me. It goes without saying that I strongly recommend Patrick. read more

I've been working with Patrick for almost 5 years now and I've never been happier than I am today. He's helped me so much in my journey and my relationships with myself and with others. I had experienced a lot of trauma that he helped me overcome. I'm so thankful for him and his patience to help me. The best part about him is that he truly cares to help you become the best version of yourself. read more

Patrick saved my marriage! My husband and I began to see Patrick when we realized our marriage was falling apart despite only being married three years. We knew we wanted to make things work but I was harboring so much resentment and at the time my husband was dealing with his own issues on top of an alcohol problem. I've seen therapists since I was 16 years old and have always been an advocate for mental health so I knew I would be extremely open to the idea of marriage counseling. My husband on the other-hand, I wasn't too sure. Though, we are both from similar traditional Mexican backgrounds, my husband definitely grew up more with this machismo mentality and just that typical mentality of "suck it up". Being from a Mexican family it sometimes feels like taboo to go to therapy for help. So, I wasn't sure if he was going to really commit. Oh man, was I wrong! First session in, Patrick was able to connect with my husband. He definitely has this way of really reading his audience well. He has this sense of "cool" and a great way of talking and amazing way to explain things that my husband was able to just really connect with him and open up. In one of our sessions I was even like "dang, can I talk?" This is shocking since my husband says maybe 10 words at most a day. He is SO reserved! Having been in counseling since I was a teen, I felt like I had a gold medal in therapy. And maybe I do as an individual but when I began to see Patrick for couple's therapy it made me realize how much work I also needed to put in to make this marriage succeed. With a lot of hard work, my husband and I were able to reconnect and it felt like we fell in love with each-other all over again. I was also seeing my husband transform right before my eyes. Not that he needed to change but he just had a lot of issues to resolve that had led him to keep all this frustration within which resulted to drinking. There was even a point in our journey through all of this that I just sat there one day in our session with Patrick and got watery eyes seeing how he was able to express himself and see how much improvement he's made. It's a beautiful thing to witness. Going to therapy wasn't just important for us as a couple, it was crucial for him as an individual. Since we began our sessions with Patrick, my husband has become this confident man that can express himself in a healthy way and THAT in itself has been an amazing accomplishment. Not only did it help my husband but I was able to also become the partner I've always wished to be. Growing up with "tough love", you take that with you. Now that we have a child, I knew I didn't want to set that example for my family. Vulnerability has been my biggest obstacle to overcome and working with Patrick made me really see things in a different light. Like I mentioned before... I've seen therapists since I was 16 years old and I've seen every type of therapist you can think of so believe me when I say, HE IS AMAZING! Hands down, one of THE best therapist I've had the pleasure to work with. He is kind, patient, an incredible listener, compassionate and above all nonjudgmental. He creates a safe environment which is so important for someone opening up with raw emotion. I know if it wasn't for Patrick, my husband and I would most definitely be going down the path of separation. Even though it felt like there was nothing else we can do, he saved us from the disaster up ahead. Even in those hopeless moments, just know there's always time and there's always a way. It's never too late. My husband and I are beyond grateful for Patrick. Can never thank him enough for all that he has done for me and for my family. read more

I can't remember exactly how long I've been seeing Patrick for, but I'd say it's been close to a year now. Although I know I still (or should I say we haha) have some work to do, I can truly feel that I've made improvements and am closer to my goals for myself. I, like many others, have a strained relationship with a parent and have experienced self esteem/worth issues through out my life. It was affecting my current relationship (as it did my last ones as well), so I finally decided to try to "fix myself". Initially, I was hoping to find a female therapist because a therapist I had prior to Patrick was a male and it just didn't work out. I'm so glad that the few female therapists I called before Patrick didn't return my calls, because I wouldn't be where I'm at today. Patrick is intelligent, sympathetic, and funny (which makes it easy to talk to him). He has insight and is knowledgeable, so he's been able to teach me techniques to try to help me change my way of thinking and help heal me. He's helped me understand why I feel the way I do, but also encourages me to face the bad and feel good about myself. If this is what you're looking for, do not hesitate to call and set up an appointment! You won't be disappointed. These things do take time, however mental health is just as important as physical, and Patrick is definitely a person who can help you overcome whatever it is you're going through in life. read more

I'm not not one to write reviews, but if my experience with Patrick Cleveland can shine a light for you then I'm glad to share my story. On September 16th I was spinning out. I had been shoving 35 years of family issues, hurt from a recent downsizing at my job, making sense of my friendships as an adult, and compulsive eating all into this proverbial closet where I felt all my problems would stay safely tucked away as long as I kept it under lock and key. And then I learn of the passing of someone who was merely an acquaintance and not even a close friend, and all at once EVERYTHING came flooding out of that closet. I woke up in the middle of the night crying for no reason and feeling like my brain was broken. I had the weight of the world on my head, and as much as I tried I couldn't seem to get my head above the water to where the sun was shining. I was inconsolable in spite of how much my wife was trying to help me calm down, and thankfully I finally went to sleep. I woke up around 7 and the overwhelming sadness was on top of me once again. I felt like the wiring in my head was jumbled and I needed help. My wife had been trying to get me to see Patrick for the longest time, but I swore that I was doing a great job holding it all together. And then on 9/16 the balloon popped and I was drowning. However, being a person of color in my culture and the way we were raised, we're not supposed to go seek help. You're sad? Go work. Still sad? Suck it up! This obviously was not working and I needed a "software update". And the fact that Patrick understands where I grew up and the culture that I come from as a person of color is a HUGE additional layer of comfort as I can speak in a comfortable way and he's right there with me on my analogies or slang and I don't feel like he's this professorial figure lording over my situation with some kind of quiet disdain...to put it simply, he connects and is right there with you in a way that lets you know it's okay to let it all out and not feel like you need to apply a filter as you share all that you're trying to work through. My wife called Patrick and miraculously was able to secure a same-day appointment. The entire day I tried to sleep just to count down the hours until I was able to see and meet this man, and to tell you that I cried tears of joy upon the end of my first session is no exaggeration. In just that initial hour, he walked into the "warehouse of my mind" with me and took an assessment of everything that was crowding this multi-thousand square foot facility. And we started putting everything on the floor to make sense of it before we started putting these experiences onto their proper shelves now with reassigned meaning and understanding of their individual significance. What I love about my sessions with Patrick is that his kind and patient style ever-so-gently has me talking through these stories and situations that had been unresolved for the longest time, and along the way he's asking these questions or making these slight observations that give me this joyous feeling of clarify as we proceed on down the road to the end of each story/situation. He really wants you as the patient to do the work of talking through it as this magically always ends up in my coming to these "AHA!" moments right as the words leave my mouth. Walking through the story brings me to these checkpoints (with his help) where I'm able to get clarity and a new perspective on this situation in a way that I hadn't been able to in the countless times I had played the story back prior to having Patrick's help. There are not enough words to quantify the amount of peace and clarity that my sessions with Patrick have given me. I feel free for the first time in 35 years thanks to his guidance and his help in making my "warehouse of the mind" now feel so organized. There's no longer a monster in the closet, and I'm able to walk with a different ease and confidence that I didn't have for I don't know how long before meeting this wonderful man. To put it simply, Patrick is a master of giving you the tools to put in your toolkit so that even when you're not in a session you know what to reach for to help make sense of the unavoidable stresses or sometimes sad spells that hit you in the course of a day. And now like Batman with his tool belt you can throw the right ninja star or smoke bomb or use the right grappling hook to get you over whatever hurdle life may put in front of you--a hurdle that you may not have been able to overcome before--and now you're back above the water where the sun is shining on your face again. If you feel like you're drowning like I was, don't hesitate any longer....make the call. This man's gift and guidance may save your life like it saved mine. read more

Patrick is a great, down to earth counselor/therapist. He listens and gives you enough insight to do "the work". I'm on a good, mentally healthy path and will continue to see him as life's challenges arises. It does wonders just talking to a neutral person about your issues - there no judgement, just help. read more

Patrick Cleveland is the very best therapist I could have asked for. I had no idea I could connect with someone so well and that it would benefit my life in such a comprehensive way. I have seen Patrick for multiple issue ranging from adjustment issues, relationship issues, to grief counseling. I had seen other therapists before, but not connected in a way that allowed me to truly benefit. His style is non-intrusive and allows you to dig deeper into what your triggers and mindset might really be in and he encourages the development of self-awareness that will create an opportunity for catharsis and change. I spent much of my time just talking to Patrick in a way that might seem casual, but it was the best version of therapeutic release. He is intelligent, attentive, and kind. His background in philosophy coupled with his psychology education make him extremely well suited for anyone looking for not only the practical parts of thereapy but the existential (should you want to dive in). I would unreservedly recommend him to anyone searching for therapy. Particularly if you want a different style than what many current therapists offer. I will consider him my sole therapist for as long as I am local to his services. My life is better for knowing him; I will remember my time with him as a bright light during darker times. read more

Patrick is a game changer. I had done therapy before with no significant progress to a point where I was honestly skeptical of the whole thing. Flash forward to 2 years ago when I decided to give it one more chance and searched for the best therapist around and Patrick popped up. Let me tell you there is a reason for why he comes so highly recommended. I went from not being able to maintain a long term relationship to now being engaged to my fiancée in a healthy productive one. He always seems to have the right viewpoint and advice on difficult situations that really help when I'm in those circumstances. The awareness and confidence I now have to properly get thru things I once struggled with has been a game changer for me and I owe that to Patrick. read more

In February 2019, I began seeing Patrick for therapy every other week. At the time, I was feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and anxious. Being able to speak with Patrick provides me an opportunity to vent and unpack trauma. With his help and therapy, I've been able to overcome hurdles in my life and become more aware of my patterns. Patrick fosters a safe space for you to discuss anything that is on your mind. One of my favorite aspects of Patrick is his attentiveness and his follow-up questions. Prior to Covid-19, Patrick accommodated me by speaking on FaceTime before switching to a therapy based webcam site. I'm very grateful to speak to Patrick on a regular basis. I've seen four therapists and counselors prior to Patrick and I appreciate being able to talk to someone who is so congenial and relaxing. read more

Unbelievable how much Patrick has helped me in a short period of time, and continues to do so, in this wonderful life that presents us with a ton of obstacles. He gave me the courage and the tools to understand myself, boost my confidence and my inner strength. I've been in therapy before, but I have never, ever been given the tools to manage situations with ease. My life is so much better because of him and will continue to be with his support! If you're looking for a safe place to explore whatever is troubling you, Patrick can help. I highly recommend him! Thanks Patrick. read more

In 2012 I went through a nasty breakup and fell into a horrible depression. I literally felt as if I was losing my mind. I was sad, depressed and anxious all the time. My inner dialogue was so bad that I felt worthless and damaged. Because I was so depressed and anxious all the time my relationship with my son (who was 10 years old at the time) was suffering badly. My son who has an ADHD diagnosis was also having terrible problems at school with bullying (being bullied and sometimes being the bully) and his self-esteem was very low. I am a recovering drug addict. I have been clean 10 years, but at that time, I felt that I needed to reach out for professional help before I went into relapse mode. At first, I was seeing a therapist that never said a word to me during our sessions. She was a great listener, but she never really gave me any insight into anything I said to her. I always left those sessions feeling upset and confused. I felt I had gained no greater understanding of myself than I did when I first walked into her office. I also felt that this therapist couldn't really connect with my son. That is when I began looking for a new therapist and I found Patrick on Psychology Today. After seeing Patrick for the first time it was a totally different experience. He listened intently, but he wasn't just listening, he was actually "hearing" what I was saying. He has such a subtle yet, very effective way, of helping me look at the things I was thinking and saying in a way I had never done before. During some of our sessions, I have felt the lightbulb go off in my head; I've had revelations about myself and the things that have happened in my life. I finally found someone to understand me, but also help me to understand me, and accept me, in a gentle, non-judgmental or threatening way. After several meetings with Patrick my harsh, inner critic, was almost made silent and even though it rears its head every so often, I have learned to be kind to myself, to accept myself, flaws and all. Patrick has an amazing memory. He seems to remember lots of the little details from the things I've shared with him in previous sessions, which makes me feel important during our time together. Patrick is wonderful with my son who is now 12. Patrick is a safe place for my son to unload all the things that are bothering him. Now that my son is a pre-teen I feel that it is more important than ever to have someone he can bounce his feelings off of and get positive, supportive feedback. Whenever my son, is having an emotional time at school or with friends, he looks forward to the visits he has with Patrick and afterwards I notice that my son is willing to be more open with me about what is going on in his life without me having to pry. I still have a long way to go in my journey of self-discovery but I can say that I now feel hopeful about my future. My outlook on life, myself and my relationships have improved so much that I am in awe of the mental and spiritual growth I have achieved in such little time. If you are thinking about reaching out to a therapist I would highly recommend that you contact Patrick Cleveland. You won't regret it. read more

Patrick is awesome...he is very attentive and leads you with his questioning in a way that has you come to the answers all by yourself. He was the first counselor I've ever been to and he is worth his weight in gold. He also has a nice office... read more

It's been on my mind to write this review for some time. Patrick Cleveland was my therapist when he lived in San Francisco, and he helped me a great deal. He was insightful and engaging, and clearly intelligent. He also really seemed to want to help me. When I was going through a rough spot, he listened to me and seemed to care. I went to see him weekly for about six months before he moved to SoCal, and I can say my life got a little better because of it. read more

Patrick is a very open-minded, non-judgmental therapist who practices excellent containment. He was able to assist me while pulling from different traditions/approaches as were fitting for the situation. Patrick was able to seamlessly blend and adjust (even including schools of existential thought, when applicable) to follow my train of thought and encourage me down the path I needed to go. During our sessions, he helped me get to a point in which I was able to make important decisions/life transitions I had once thought daunting. He also helped me to express emotions and feel entitled to my narrative of being hurt and neglected; even if "others have it worse" is objectively true, my feelings are still my feelings, and my pain is valid. Learning this actually helped me to NOT be stuck in a victim mentality, which is what I was trying (and failing) to accomplish by repressing or explaining away my feelings to begin with. Patrick also helped me to drastically limit contact with and set better boundaries with some people in my life. I feel I have achieved many milestones with his help, and my mental health is much better for this. He also allowed me to bring my husband to two of the sessions, even though we were not signed up for "couple's therapy" without charging extra, and this really helped me to get some clarity and start conversations I needed help to have. Patrick is very practical and willing to help you take the next logical steps to continue on your journey. I really appreciate the loving kindness Patrick showed toward me and the extra steps he took sending me articles for further reading. He is a great therapist! read more

My husband and I went to see Patrick hoping to learn how to navigate the highs and lows of being married a bit better. At the time I had lost hope of ever having a happy relationship again. I am so grateful that we decided to do couples therapy with Patrick. Now we communicate with each other in a healthier way and we are both much happier with our relationship because of everything we learned and worked on at therapy. Our work with Patrick has made our marriage much stronger. We treat each other more respectfully since going to therapy. My husband was very apprehensive about going to couples therapy, but he felt very comfortable with Patrick and even had individual counseling sessions with Patrick. Now, I am so grateful for my marriage and enjoy the time I spend with my husband. I would suggest Patrick as a therapist to anyone who wants to grow or change in any area of their own life or relationship. read more

Therapy has helped me and my fiance. After each session I understand myself much better and value the insights that I have taken away. I've actually been able to work on what I have learned. Attending therapy helped me to create a more holistic version of myself that I am happy to share with my friends, family, and fiance. I believe Patrick's approach was essential to this because he is opened, non-judgmental and supportive. He also has a great sense of humor and I think it is central to his approach. Sharing laughs during sessions has helped me take a step back, put things into perspective, and realize that some things aren't as bad as they seem. Patrick relates by sharing some of his own stories. It never feels like he is controlling the session or imposing his views. Instead I feel like the insights come from within me and that I can own my feelings and actions. Patrick's approach has helped me become a better person because I accept who I am and I can act as my more authentic self. I feel I have become a more loving and stronger partner for my finance and family members. I would highly recommend Patrick. read more

I had the pleasure of having Patrick as a colleague at a mental health agency. Patrick is a sincere, professional, and dedicated individual. His drive and passion to help people was reflected in his connections with his clients and colleagues. Through consultations with Patrick, I observed how his knowledge in psychoanalysis and his individual experiences assisted him in taking clients to a deeper level of healing. I am grateful to have worked alongside such a good person and skilled clinician. I would highly recommend Patrick as a therapist. read more

I have been seeing Patrick for a little over a year now. Having been in therapy for over half of my 36 years of life, I feel qualified to say that Patrick really knows what he's doing. After a terrible breakup and experiencing moderate to severe depression, I started seeing Patrick. We started by trying to determine the root cause of my feelings. After we identified the reality of the issues, we took a unique approach to working through them. I say "we" because Patrick makes you feel like this is a team effort. It's not just YOU working and him listening. He is very welcoming, supportive, never uses the word "should", and always listens. Through my sessions, I discovered that I had control over my thoughts and feelings and actions. I realized that I had to reshape my way of thinking in order to become the person that I wanted to be. Throughout the year +, Patrick has consistently supported any and all of my decisions. He has challenged me to be honest with myself and has helped me realize the inner workings of my unconscious. Without Patrick, I don't know where I'd be today. Even after a year, I still walk out of his office feeling like I learned something new or accomplished something from within myself. Sometimes it's just something he said that makes me see a situation in a new light, but sometimes it's something that I said that I didn't realize I was feeling. Patrick has a way of bringing the unconscious out during his sessions. Because of Patrick's help, I now feel like a whole new person. I feel more positive, confident and secure in myself and my relationships with others. His laid back, easy going, but firm style in a cozy, but roomy office (with comfy couches) provides a relaxed, comfortable, safe environment. If you are thinking about getting mental health counselling, you can't go wrong with Patrick Cleveland. read more

My unconscious speaks to others and I've been able to learn what it tells them. Before therapy I had no idea that I was giving off certain impressions to people now I have clearer understanding of how my unconscious comes out. I can tell when working with Patrick Cleveland that he has a genuine interest in what I have to say and will help me get to the realization of what comes out in therapy. He does not judge anything that I say and tries to find out why I put them on myself. I have been able to integrate the pieces of myself that I did not know to be scattered. I feel that Patrick's style of therapy has helped me tremendously. I also value that he does not label me and that he discourages my use of them so that I do not pigeon hole myself as being a certain way. I have recommended many people to see Patrick and hope that people give therapy a chance. Therapy is meant to help everyone learn about themselves and make their life a little bit better. read more

I value my sessions with Patrick as they have helped me come upon several self-realizations. I found that voicing my thoughts out loud in an open, safe environment, free of "should"s or "have to"s has brought me to recognize my own fear of opening up to others and allowing people in. I've begun to learn about the power of vulnerability and have learned to embrace it, as being vulnerable does not make me frail; it makes me human. I have also been able to get past blockages that have held me back from expressing my true self. Having the opportunity to share deep thoughts, feelings and emotions in my sessions has allowed me to go out and share with my family and friends. My sessions provide me a time to acknowledge my feelings so then I am able to release ones that no longer serve me and increase the ones that do. I've grown to be more accepting, and compassionate to my own feelings and then in return to others. My sessions have not only helped me grow but for my teenage son as well. I've noticed so much growth in my son as well after his individual sessions and pleasantly surprised his willingness to attend. My son's therapy sessions with Patrick have helped us open up to each other and connect from the heart space to a more loving, and understanding mother son relationship. I walk out after my sessions with clarity, more insight on who I am as an individual. I've learned that my fear of walking into his vibrant office is not greater than what I have gained, as every time that I walk away feeling lighter, more open, and in my heart. read more

I began therapy believing it would be a short, in-and-out sort of deal. Although I was completely wrong, I am happy about it, because the time I have spent with Patrick has been time well spent. I leave each session knowing a bit more about myself and realizing that I am moving closer to reaching inner peace. Patrick has guided me through several circumstances, from allowing me to find my passions and choose a college major, to taking the steps in order to heal deeper wounds. I appreciate most his patience and extremely since attitude, which has allowed me to heal and discover at my own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed with new thoughts and feelings. I truly believe that what I have learned in therapy will stay with me for a lifetime, as I've learned skills and have begun to embrace my inner and outer changes instead of fearing away from them. Patrick has truly been an extremely positive addition to my life, and without his help and guidance, I would not have been able to break out of my shell and begin my journey to happiness and becoming my true self. read more

Some time ago I was overwhelmed with the events occurring in my life. I was advised to see a psychologist. I was very hesitant at first because of all the stereotypes associated with attending therapy, but after some sessions with Patrick I found the stereotypes to be wrong. Patrick creates an amazing space where anyone can feel safe, and free to express themselves without judgment. I am amazed by how patient Patrick is. He never was pushy and always open to whatever you needed to say. He genuinely cares for his clients. I highly recommend everyone to give therapy a chance. You will find out more about yourself than you could imagine. Patrick helped me overcome so many of my fears. With his help I am much more open-minded, and aware of my emotions. He helped me see I can work through whatever life throws at me and survive. I feel now I can actually enjoy my life thanks to Patrick. read more