Buddhist Therapists in 94609
![Photo of Kay (Karen) McGee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0f83110-8009-4f96-99c2-0159774ae2c4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'll teach you how to access + trust your intuition, innate creativity + embodied wisdom using the teachings of modern psychology and Buddhist philosophy.
There are elements to all of us that are hidden and unknown until we encounter right timing. It is important to uncover these secret parts of self, yearning to be discovered, with the right support. A few things you should know about what it's like to work with me: My style is warm, witty, compassionate + forthcoming. I value transparency, kindness, justice + joy. I'm directive when called for + I like to challenge my clients to go deep. I draw from my own experience of trauma + healing.
I'll teach you how to access + trust your intuition, innate creativity + embodied wisdom using the teachings of modern psychology and Buddhist philosophy.
There are elements to all of us that are hidden and unknown until we encounter right timing. It is important to uncover these secret parts of self, yearning to be discovered, with the right support. A few things you should know about what it's like to work with me: My style is warm, witty, compassionate + forthcoming. I value transparency, kindness, justice + joy. I'm directive when called for + I like to challenge my clients to go deep. I draw from my own experience of trauma + healing.
![Photo of Jayeon Kim, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c8ff9ab-573a-481e-b73b-e10afd11f544/4/320x400.png)
I am a therapist who combines my background in mental health with a passion for creativity and personal growth. My own journey has taken me from art and design to counseling psychology, and I believe that our life experiences can be a powerful source of healing and transformation. I work on depression, anxiety, perfectionism, multicultural or interpersonal issues—with family of origin or an intimate partner—and complex developmental trauma (CPTSD). CPTSD means that you have experienced prolonged difficulties especially in your childhood or adolescence.
I am a therapist who combines my background in mental health with a passion for creativity and personal growth. My own journey has taken me from art and design to counseling psychology, and I believe that our life experiences can be a powerful source of healing and transformation. I work on depression, anxiety, perfectionism, multicultural or interpersonal issues—with family of origin or an intimate partner—and complex developmental trauma (CPTSD). CPTSD means that you have experienced prolonged difficulties especially in your childhood or adolescence.
![Photo of Matt Bernarding, MS, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f440978b-81c9-4a21-bbb7-ecada4fcf0f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Matt Bernarding
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I am here to listen and support your process as you define and pursue your own goals in therapy, as you develop your strengths and come into new strengths, as you grow through life changes, challenges, and transitions, and recover from distressful current conditions and past traumas. I currently have availability to meet with couples, families and and teens between 12 and 17 to work on how we relate to ourselves and others, with an emphasis on empathy, connection, communication and healthy relationships.
I am here to listen and support your process as you define and pursue your own goals in therapy, as you develop your strengths and come into new strengths, as you grow through life changes, challenges, and transitions, and recover from distressful current conditions and past traumas. I currently have availability to meet with couples, families and and teens between 12 and 17 to work on how we relate to ourselves and others, with an emphasis on empathy, connection, communication and healthy relationships.
![Photo of Zvi Bellin, PhD, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/912d70cc-1e90-4d2e-9dac-bf57ef773918/1/320x400.jpeg)
Struggle in your life, relationships, and family can provide surprising opportunities to cultivate resilience, connection, and meaning. Working with me is a collaborative process. I work with individuals, couples, and families to develop a framework that fosters nourishing joy and holistic health. I welcome clients who experience social/racial marginalization. If you struggle with communication, satisfaction, depression, meaning, or difficulty in life transitions, you will find resonance with my mindfulness-based and narrative approach. I work best with clients who seek to ease suffering and aim for transformation.
Struggle in your life, relationships, and family can provide surprising opportunities to cultivate resilience, connection, and meaning. Working with me is a collaborative process. I work with individuals, couples, and families to develop a framework that fosters nourishing joy and holistic health. I welcome clients who experience social/racial marginalization. If you struggle with communication, satisfaction, depression, meaning, or difficulty in life transitions, you will find resonance with my mindfulness-based and narrative approach. I work best with clients who seek to ease suffering and aim for transformation.
![Photo of Ryn Mulhern Benefield, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/951e7ae4-815f-48f0-81b7-1bae77462b39/4/320x400.jpeg)
Ryn Mulhern Benefield
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I am a queer relationship therapist dedicated to supporting partners in relating across difference from a place of loving wholeness. Maybe you want to feel more connected, authentic, and loving toward your partner, or you may need to repair from breaches of trust. You may not have met your “inner children” yet and want to develop a trusting relationship with them. I hold space as a compassionate guide to walk that path with you. I'm here to witness, support, and make space for you and your partner to feel, share, and nurture all parts of yourselves, so that you can experience more of your own agency, authenticity, and wholeness.
I am a queer relationship therapist dedicated to supporting partners in relating across difference from a place of loving wholeness. Maybe you want to feel more connected, authentic, and loving toward your partner, or you may need to repair from breaches of trust. You may not have met your “inner children” yet and want to develop a trusting relationship with them. I hold space as a compassionate guide to walk that path with you. I'm here to witness, support, and make space for you and your partner to feel, share, and nurture all parts of yourselves, so that you can experience more of your own agency, authenticity, and wholeness.
![Photo of Sarwang Parikh, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1879770e-7a18-4c80-87ad-0c807b639d89/2/320x400.jpeg)
I support my clients to cultivate awareness and capacity to unwind from unhealthy thought and behavior patterns. I do this by drawing on their innate strengths and resilience. Collaboratively we learn to navigate challenging emotions and life transitions to rediscover aliveness, power, joy, purpose, care and a sense of connection. I bring dynamic qualities including curiosity, creativity and warmth into sessions for growth towards wholeness. My approach is guided by mindful awareness, honest inquiry and deep compassion. I am grounded in social justice, recognizing how social-historical factors impact well-being. I believe healing is a journey towards liberation.
I support my clients to cultivate awareness and capacity to unwind from unhealthy thought and behavior patterns. I do this by drawing on their innate strengths and resilience. Collaboratively we learn to navigate challenging emotions and life transitions to rediscover aliveness, power, joy, purpose, care and a sense of connection. I bring dynamic qualities including curiosity, creativity and warmth into sessions for growth towards wholeness. My approach is guided by mindful awareness, honest inquiry and deep compassion. I am grounded in social justice, recognizing how social-historical factors impact well-being. I believe healing is a journey towards liberation.
![Photo of Shawna B. Adkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a08d5857-718b-4b91-93e3-05d91587305e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shawna B. Adkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Thank you for being here! Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn other ways of relating to life stressors, anxiety, depression or addiction? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have nearly a decade of experience supporting adults and specialize in the treatment of substance use and addiction. I am also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher
Thank you for being here! Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn other ways of relating to life stressors, anxiety, depression or addiction? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have nearly a decade of experience supporting adults and specialize in the treatment of substance use and addiction. I am also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher
![Photo of Harjindar Lally, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/444e6287-01d6-4aaf-a897-bd03a4fe0e2d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am offering in person and telehealth appointments for individuals and couples. My practice focuses on the experiences of people of color, adult children of immigrants, young adults ages 18-25 and people working in social justice, helping and healing professions (including healthcare workers, teachers, social workers and therapists). I support individuals and couples who are seeking relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, race based stress, trauma, generational trauma, grief, burnout and vicarious trauma.
I am offering in person and telehealth appointments for individuals and couples. My practice focuses on the experiences of people of color, adult children of immigrants, young adults ages 18-25 and people working in social justice, helping and healing professions (including healthcare workers, teachers, social workers and therapists). I support individuals and couples who are seeking relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, race based stress, trauma, generational trauma, grief, burnout and vicarious trauma.
![Photo of Stephen Colgan, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c30fe56-18e5-443a-aae8-602e965d5914/2/320x400.jpeg)
It’s not new insight that will free you, but new experience- new experience of yourself. If you’re trapped in a cycle of the same experiences, inner and outer- you’re suffering. You’re moving through the same patterns over and over- an emotional Groundhog Day. That’s why you’re seeking help. Growth, change, new neural pathways, new freedom, come from new experience. That’s what effective therapy offers.
It’s not new insight that will free you, but new experience- new experience of yourself. If you’re trapped in a cycle of the same experiences, inner and outer- you’re suffering. You’re moving through the same patterns over and over- an emotional Groundhog Day. That’s why you’re seeking help. Growth, change, new neural pathways, new freedom, come from new experience. That’s what effective therapy offers.
![Photo of Dr. Lauren Szyper, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86b36b86-f774-4048-bd5a-3de7bae23c1e/2/320x400.jpeg)
The world can be overwhelming, especially if you are part of a minority group, that leads us to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Do you desire meaningful relationships, success in school or your career, and feel your best physically and emotionally? Many do, however, discrimination, insecurity, fear of abandonment, imposter syndrome, and not feeling good enough can make attaining this sometimes feel impossible. This is where I can help. For over 20 years I have assisted my clients in stepping outside of their circumstances and gain a better vantage point to understand and create meaningful change in life.
The world can be overwhelming, especially if you are part of a minority group, that leads us to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Do you desire meaningful relationships, success in school or your career, and feel your best physically and emotionally? Many do, however, discrimination, insecurity, fear of abandonment, imposter syndrome, and not feeling good enough can make attaining this sometimes feel impossible. This is where I can help. For over 20 years I have assisted my clients in stepping outside of their circumstances and gain a better vantage point to understand and create meaningful change in life.
![Photo of 'Uma' Amy Beth Kahn - Uma Kahn Therapy, MA, LMFT, MBA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe66c6f1-c002-46d7-b692-97d0c5b25c5c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Uma Kahn Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Many people want to change some aspect of their life: to feel more joy, less anxiety, more freedom to act, or to say no! To find their authentic voice in relationships. To stop hating themselves. I offer a safe, welcoming environment for clients to explore their worlds. With equal parts gentleness and honesty, we discover their strategies and limitations. Through this clear seeing, choice emerges. We then work to stablize the tender, newer Self. I think of this process as cultivating "self-agency." It's one of the most important things we can do to increase our vitality and happiness.
Many people want to change some aspect of their life: to feel more joy, less anxiety, more freedom to act, or to say no! To find their authentic voice in relationships. To stop hating themselves. I offer a safe, welcoming environment for clients to explore their worlds. With equal parts gentleness and honesty, we discover their strategies and limitations. Through this clear seeing, choice emerges. We then work to stablize the tender, newer Self. I think of this process as cultivating "self-agency." It's one of the most important things we can do to increase our vitality and happiness.
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![Photo of Melissa Murphy, MA, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5b0e35a-e722-43d8-8a9e-55a47c60739a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
![Photo of Taryn L Smith, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e67d4f1f-222a-439d-bfc6-4cb55504ee1e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about supporting creatives, artists, innovators and activists looking to break limiting patterns and cycles in their art, work, relationships and sex lives. In our sessions together we will explore ways to work through personal, creative and/or intimacy deadlocks, create and thrive while living in a world that often does not view your work/existence/desires as valid, manage symptoms of emotional overwhelm, creative fatigue, sexual shame and “imposter syndrome" and challenge habitual responses to help discover and reintroduce the parts of ourselves that may have been left behind, unexpressed, repressed or unexplored.
I am passionate about supporting creatives, artists, innovators and activists looking to break limiting patterns and cycles in their art, work, relationships and sex lives. In our sessions together we will explore ways to work through personal, creative and/or intimacy deadlocks, create and thrive while living in a world that often does not view your work/existence/desires as valid, manage symptoms of emotional overwhelm, creative fatigue, sexual shame and “imposter syndrome" and challenge habitual responses to help discover and reintroduce the parts of ourselves that may have been left behind, unexpressed, repressed or unexplored.
![Photo of Laura Bai, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cd2b510-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
You can be free from the patterns and struggles that keep you from living fully, authentically, joyfully. You may be feeling stuck or overwhelmed by recent challenges or past traumas. Wherever you are in your journey, I can provide you with the support and tools to stay present while addressing ongoing issues such as anxiety, depression, limiting self-beliefs, or painful cycles in relationships. As we attend to these issues with compassion, you will begin to heal the disconnection from self, relationship wounds, family dynamics, and trauma that may be at the root of these struggles.
You can be free from the patterns and struggles that keep you from living fully, authentically, joyfully. You may be feeling stuck or overwhelmed by recent challenges or past traumas. Wherever you are in your journey, I can provide you with the support and tools to stay present while addressing ongoing issues such as anxiety, depression, limiting self-beliefs, or painful cycles in relationships. As we attend to these issues with compassion, you will begin to heal the disconnection from self, relationship wounds, family dynamics, and trauma that may be at the root of these struggles.
![Photo of Xuel Sun, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1b50a6-1524-456f-9d55-4eb6dde258e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
You feel stuck in your relationships. Feeling stuck with too many things you are navigating . You are out of touch with your needs and desires or how to communicate them effectively. You hate the fighting but don't know how to slow down. That's why I'm here to help. I support you build inner resources so that you can be unfazed by judgements and challenges, centered in your self-love and clarity, have ease in giving and receiving, communicating and decision-making. I am especially skilled in helping multicultural, marginalized identities, neurodivergent, poly/CNM couples with communication, trauma and intimacy.
You feel stuck in your relationships. Feeling stuck with too many things you are navigating . You are out of touch with your needs and desires or how to communicate them effectively. You hate the fighting but don't know how to slow down. That's why I'm here to help. I support you build inner resources so that you can be unfazed by judgements and challenges, centered in your self-love and clarity, have ease in giving and receiving, communicating and decision-making. I am especially skilled in helping multicultural, marginalized identities, neurodivergent, poly/CNM couples with communication, trauma and intimacy.
![Photo of Mende Jung-Hsuan Chang, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad4b92ca-4b8c-4bd1-a8c3-acde323da332/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mende Jung-Hsuan Chang
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions- whatever you may be going through in life, you don’t have to do it alone. I am here to support you. Let's work together to build tools to manage the stresses of life and explore the connection to your authentic expressions of self today.
If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions- whatever you may be going through in life, you don’t have to do it alone. I am here to support you. Let's work together to build tools to manage the stresses of life and explore the connection to your authentic expressions of self today.
![Photo of Laura Goldberger Psychedelic Integration Therapy, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/beb49e6a-f686-48a9-bb07-f25a60c4c46b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Goldberger Psychedelic Integration Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I offer relational therapy based in mindfulness and somatic awareness, in person in the East Bay. Please see my website for more information: www.lauragoldberger.com.
I offer relational therapy based in mindfulness and somatic awareness, in person in the East Bay. Please see my website for more information: www.lauragoldberger.com.
![Photo of Dr. Jadu Malcolm Jagel, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ee1d0de-bc8d-48b0-9516-bcf75f38d860/2/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy offers the chance to become more present with ourselves. Together we contemplate the human journey. We can get familiar with our innate mindfulness and compassion. On my journey I've realized that well being can be learned; achieved with a level of skillfulness, a window of tolerance. Getting triggered helps us learn. I help individuals and couples study their nervous systems and their "parts" -- a complex legacy of neurobiological attachment wiring. With a manner that is warm, relatable, and active yet non-invasive, I help my clients find meaning, hope, and the freedom to become who they were meant to be.
Therapy offers the chance to become more present with ourselves. Together we contemplate the human journey. We can get familiar with our innate mindfulness and compassion. On my journey I've realized that well being can be learned; achieved with a level of skillfulness, a window of tolerance. Getting triggered helps us learn. I help individuals and couples study their nervous systems and their "parts" -- a complex legacy of neurobiological attachment wiring. With a manner that is warm, relatable, and active yet non-invasive, I help my clients find meaning, hope, and the freedom to become who they were meant to be.
![Photo of Jeffrey Ly | Porn Addiction Relationship, LPHA, MA, AMFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30845131-bf71-4281-8baa-b5f872d961f9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeffrey Ly | Porn Addiction Relationship
LPHA, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Pornography addiction can have a significant impact on your life and relationships but there is hope for recovery. I’m not just a mental health professional, I’ve been “you” for many years. I understand firsthand the personal and relational struggles that come with uncontrollable pornography use. The endless stream of attractive women a few clicks away on Pornhub, Onlyfan or Social Media used to reduce stress and boredom is hard to stop even when it’s destroying your life and relationships.
Pornography addiction can have a significant impact on your life and relationships but there is hope for recovery. I’m not just a mental health professional, I’ve been “you” for many years. I understand firsthand the personal and relational struggles that come with uncontrollable pornography use. The endless stream of attractive women a few clicks away on Pornhub, Onlyfan or Social Media used to reduce stress and boredom is hard to stop even when it’s destroying your life and relationships.
![Photo of Rudolph C Tescallo, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c41d43b5-1a07-44fe-b75b-cc6c6b47ccbe/2/320x400.png)
Relationship challenges, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms make daily life a challenge. I work with these common issues among all people, bodies and genders. I currently see individual, couples and non-monogamous partnerships. My orientations are relational, psychodynamic, and somatic. If you want a steady and strong presence, I'm your therapist. I will help you learn to express your needs in a way others can hear it, build self-trust and develop healthier coping mechanisms. We often find meaning in our lives through the process of unravelling struggle and reprocessing trauma. Website - www.rudytescallo.com
Relationship challenges, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms make daily life a challenge. I work with these common issues among all people, bodies and genders. I currently see individual, couples and non-monogamous partnerships. My orientations are relational, psychodynamic, and somatic. If you want a steady and strong presence, I'm your therapist. I will help you learn to express your needs in a way others can hear it, build self-trust and develop healthier coping mechanisms. We often find meaning in our lives through the process of unravelling struggle and reprocessing trauma. Website - www.rudytescallo.com
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Buddhist Therapists
Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.