Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapist in Covina, CA
Mats Hellsten provides specialized therapeutic services designed to address emotional distress, relationship challenges, and personal growth. Our practice integrates evidence-based modalities such as Hakomi Experiential Therapy, EMDR, and Somatic Psychotherapy to foster healing and self-discovery. With over 35 years of professional experience, including a background in law and advanced training in counseling psychology, we combine cognitive problem-solving skills with compassionate, client-centered care.Our holistic approach honors clients as multidimensional beings, addressing emotional, somatic, and spiritual dimensions to promote lasting transformation. We offer secure video sessions for California residents, ensuring accessibility while maintaining a supportive therapeutic environment. By prioritizing empathetic understanding and collaborative guidance, we empower clients to overcome anxiety, trauma, and self-limiting patterns, helping them achieve greater fulfillment and relational harmony.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Counseling
Trauma Recovery
Anxiety Treatment
Somatic Psychotherapy
Highlights and features
- We combine 35+ years of clinical experience with somatic and experiential therapy techniques.
- Our practice integrates evidence-based modalities like EMDR and Hakomi Experiential Therapy.
- California-licensed therapist with advanced degrees in counseling psychology and law.
- Holistic approach addresses emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of healing.
- Secure video sessions available for California residents seeking flexible access.
Associations and certifications
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences
- Hakomi Institute
Services
Individual Therapy
Tailored psychotherapy sessions addressing anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. Using somatic and experiential techniques, we help clients transform negative patterns and access inner resources for emotional resilience. Ideal for individuals seeking sustainable personal growth and healing from past experiences.
Couples Counseling
Specialized therapy for couples improving communication and resolving conflicts. We employ Emotionally Focused Therapy to address attachment needs and create secure relational bonds. Designed for partners seeking deeper connection and constructive conflict resolution strategies.
Trauma Recovery
Evidence-based trauma treatment using EMDR and somatic approaches. This service helps clients process unhealed memories and reduce symptoms like flashbacks or hypervigilance. Effective for both acute trauma and chronic emotional distress from past experiences.
Anxiety Treatment
Targeted interventions for anxiety relief through mindfulness and cognitive restructuring. We address both acute symptoms and underlying causes of distress. Combines somatic awareness with practical coping strategies for long-term emotional regulation.
Somatic Psychotherapy
Holistic approach integrating bodily sensations with psychological healing. Uses mindful awareness of physical experiences to access and resolve core beliefs. Beneficial for clients seeking embodied self-discovery and release from chronic tension patterns.
People
Mats Hellsten
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
California-licensed therapist with 35+ years of experience in somatic and experiential modalities. Holds MA in counseling psychology from JFK University and JD from Stanford. Specializes in trauma recovery, couples therapy, and holistic mental health treatment.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I integrate Hakomi Experiential Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Psychotherapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy tailored to each client's needs.
Are sessions available online?
Yes, I offer secure video sessions for California residents via HIPAA-compliant platforms.
What issues do you specialize in treating?
Anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and life transitions using evidence-based methods.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes, with extended options available for intensive therapeutic work.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate as an out-of-network provider; clients receive superbill documentation for potential insurance reimbursement.
What's your cancellation policy?
24-hour advance notice required for cancellations to avoid full session fees.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Brasidas N.
Apr 10, 2019
Report
Not a good experience for me. Not sure where the $170 for 3 hours in another review came from, but I paid $140 for 50 minutes. He was not flexible with rescheduling appointments. It wasn't something he was not up front about, but be prepared to pay full price for cancellation without 48 hours notice.
Overall, the whole experience of trying to work with him only added to my stresses and pushed me closer to a breakdown. Not a good thing in this line of work, I'd say.
Overall, the whole experience of trying to work with him only added to my stresses and pushed me closer to a breakdown. Not a good thing in this line of work, I'd say.
Shannen R.
Mar 23, 2019
Report
"We repeat what we don't repair."
My very first therapy session was at a well-known facility. The only problem was that the modalities were too cookie-cutter-like for me. Although we were able to narrow things down and everything went okay, I didn't really connect with that person. So I figure I'd give it another try with someone else that would best suit my needs.
Mats practice is a whole different ball game. He's very professional, kind, and is very empathetic. Most importantly, he's one hell of a problem solver. It was very easy to open up to him. It&apos
My very first therapy session was at a well-known facility. The only problem was that the modalities were too cookie-cutter-like for me. Although we were able to narrow things down and everything went okay, I didn't really connect with that person. So I figure I'd give it another try with someone else that would best suit my needs.
Mats practice is a whole different ball game. He's very professional, kind, and is very empathetic. Most importantly, he's one hell of a problem solver. It was very easy to open up to him. It&apos
Warren W.
Feb 18, 2017
Report
Wow, Mats definitely deserves more rave reviews for his counseling expertise.
I'll do my small part here. My family has been going through catastrophic changes with a string of divorces and high dysfunction. It was beyond words to watch your own father self-destruct and watch his wallet get torn through his loins through alimony--all while all his children can only watch the carnage.
Seeking the wisdom to create a divergent path, I took my time to find a counselor that I could connect with. I particularly wanted a male counselor as I felt more comfortable that way. There's less explanation
I'll do my small part here. My family has been going through catastrophic changes with a string of divorces and high dysfunction. It was beyond words to watch your own father self-destruct and watch his wallet get torn through his loins through alimony--all while all his children can only watch the carnage.
Seeking the wisdom to create a divergent path, I took my time to find a counselor that I could connect with. I particularly wanted a male counselor as I felt more comfortable that way. There's less explanation
Tessa R.
Aug 30, 2015
Report
I know Mats as a fellow therapist, and I've referred several clients to him. We have done psychotherapy trainings together over the years, where I've had the chance to observe and experience his work. I have found Mats to be a kind, gentle, wise and extremely capable therapist. I appreciate how he listens with great care, and how thoughtful and considerate he is in response. I have experienced this as a practice client, from personal interactions, and also from observing how he interacts with others. He is able to ask questions that help me consider the situation in a new light, to slow
