Open Path Therapy

Introduction

As we live engaged and connected lives, all of us face challenging curves in the road from time to time. Whether it be anxiety or depression, relationship difficulties, troublesome patterns at work or school, or turbulence along a personal or spiritual path, we can all benefit from some support navigating these consequential twists and turns. Dissatisfaction or suffering on any scale can serve both as a signal and a motivation towards greater understanding, integration, and alignment with ourselves, loved ones, and our deepest values or aspirations.

Whether it’s anywhere from a modest course-correction to inner transformation that you seek, let’s explore the path together.

My Approach to Psychotherapy

I use a flexible synthesis of interpersonal, psychodynamic, insight-oriented, and trauma-informed somatic perspectives. These are integrated with elements from neuroscience like polyvagal theory as well as approachably practical elements from cognitive-behavioral and dialectic behavioral therapy to address nervous system and emotional regulation as well as communication. If appropriate and resonant for clients, contemplative practices including meditation and body-based practices can be introduced into therapy. These orientations help better link different parts of ourselves so we feel better and more easily express ourselves fully in the world.

For couples, both emotion-focused and systems theory form the groundwork of therapy. I work to support both partner’s insights as individuals and as a couple to explore paths to better communication, less conflict, as well as deeper understanding and connection.

“Our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world but in being able to remake ourselves”

— Gandhi

Background and Training

My personal path to practicing psychotherapy has passed through academic internal medicine, a broad spectrum of psychological training from depth psychology to somatic therapies to evidence-based approaches, teaching and facilitative work in classroom and small group settings, a creative life in ceramics and painting. as well as a Zen-Taoist path of meditation and inquiry.

My professional education began in the context of 20 years of teaching and practicing internal medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine and the Palo Alto VA Health Care System. My therapeutic training towards licensure as an Marriage and Family Therapist began in 2010 and I’ve been active in private practice since 2015. I teach as Associated Psychology Faculty at the Palo Alto University and facilitate educational modules on resiliency and wellness with groups of medical and mental health providers as part of my business- Resilience In Healthcare.

Contact

christophegimmler@gmail.com
(650) 665-9799

Los Altos Office

851 Fremont Ave. Suite 102
Los Altos, CA 94024

Hours

Tuesdays 1 pm - 7 pm Fridays 1 pm - 7 pm