EMDR Therapists in Albany, CA

I have been working for over 30 years helping a wide range of people create lasting, meaningful changes in their lives. My INDIVIDUAL THERAPY is personally tailored to each client. I use a solution focused approach for short-term issues and an in-depth model for longer term problems. In COUPLES THERAPY I work to create positive connections of closeness and depth, fostering intimacy and trust. In my DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ABUSE AND ANGER THERAPY my goal is to establish abuse free relationships based on trust, cooperation and mutual support. Through my THERAPY FOR HABIT CHANGE unwanted problematic patterns are transformed.

My approach to therapy emphasizes self knowledge, empowerment and insight helping move towards a more integral, meaningful and gratifying life. It is with passion and kindness that I witness the healing transformation a person goes through in the therapeutic relationship. Originally from Brazil, I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese working with clients who speak these languages. Three theories permeate my work: the Integral theory of Ken Wilber, Psychodynamic theory, and Hakomi. I integrate into the analysis the physical, mental, emotional, and social parts of the self (Integral) in a mindfulness-based, body inclusive, and experiential perspective (Hakomi).

Are you feeling stuck on a past relationship or experience? Finding it hard to cultivate compassion for yourself? Yearning for more creativity in your life? Would you like to develop an openness to growth and problem-solving, or a fresh approach to parenting? If any of these topics resonate with you, or you are looking for ways to manage your depression, anxiety, or responses to a traumatic experience, I may be able to work together with you to find answers and new ways of living.

Has your love, joy, and excitement in your relationship slowly faded away? Does it seem that no matter what you say or do, things are just not getting better, and you feel further from resolving your conflicts and understanding your loved ones? There is a way back to enjoying your relationships again. I have been doing this work for over 24 years, and I know that if you have not left the relationship, there is still hope. Learn how to get rid of the unhealthy patterns and learn new skills to get unstuck so you can enrich your marriage, family, and many other relationships.

I offer a compassionate, safe space in which to explore and work with the feelings, fear, anxieties and uncertainty of these challenging times. I also offer support and tools with which you can begin to change negative patterns, heal early wounding, learn to support yourself with self-acceptance, and open to new possibilities.

Do you feel trapped by your past and anxious about your future, unable to live in the present? This malaise of modern living is often a sign of past trauma. I can help you uncover and release the experiences that keep you from living a full and zestful life. My primary focus is women and parents, particularly those with a history of trauma. We’ll explore the feelings that arise in your body, and notice their links to your thoughts and behaviors. I’ll empower you to choose a more positive narrative, to look at your life through a different lens.

My intention is to help you live a more meaningful, easeful, and joyful life. I support with the following issues: Depression, Low Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Stress, & Burnout, Trauma, and Identity & Spiritual Exploration. I work with BIPOC/ People of the Global Majority, Children of Immigrants, Queer Folk, Neurodivergent folk, and Adult Children of Alcoholics.

When you are ready to embark on your healing path, I will meet you with compassion, fair witness, and the skilled guidance of 20 years as a psychotherapist. Together, we will follow the path of the present moment, journeying to your true Self. The blocks to our own potentials developed for good reason from damaging events in our lives. They have served as protections but have also kept us encaged. Our soul, our spirit, longs toward a fuller Self.

Are you ready for change and personal growth? Would like to explore and experience more fulfilling relationships? People seek therapy for many reasons, often it is when they are confronted by a challenging life circumstance or interested in resolving familiar issues or breaking destructive patterns. Whatever your reason for wanting therapy at this time, chances are you would like to feel happier more of the time.

My love for human development and growth and my outmost trust in human potential inspire me to facilitate effective, meaningful and ever-transformative change in my own life and in the lives of those who become my therapy clients. Through collaborative, respectful, compassionate and daring processes, I am here, with my talents and skills, to support you in finding your ways to live and love successfully. I am highly experienced and skilled at working with individual adults, couples and families, towards significant healing from anxieties, depression, relationship-challenges, major life adjustments and transitions, minor or significant trauma, grief and loss.

I welcome those into my practice who are struggling with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I am trauma-informed, with twenty years of experience working with adults, children and families. I have worked with adults and teens who have come to seek treatment for various types of developmental traumas such as childhood physical and sexual abuse, neglect, as well as single incident trauma. I welcome anyone who is looking to create a safe working alliance through which to explore issues with boundaries and self care, whereby I can assist you in the cultivation of a compassionate inner awareness.

Has anxiety and other overwhelming feelings taken control of your life? Did you experience a traumatic event that continues to have impact? Have you spent years in therapy but still feel stuck regarding past events? Are you not performing like you once did in your sport or professional capacity? All of these are common experiences that do not need to continue and can shift to help you lead the life you want.

My specialty is compassionate, effective, therapy. I can help with anxiety, depression, trauma or PTSD, as well as more subtle problems - such a feeling that "something is wrong" or that "I could be happier, but don't know how." I'll help you ease your problems and grow your strengths. I am a gifted and creative therapist, and you will find therapy with me to be a safe and nonjudgmental space. See my website for testimonials and then call (510) 771-7760 for a free, confidential, consultation.

I am an experienced therapist who is described as compassionate, interactive and comfortable to work with. As a trauma informed therapist, I specialize in working with people who have had challenging and traumatic life experiences. I work with individuals who experience a wide range of distress, including anxiety, panic, depression, relationship issues, hopelessness and self doubt. Building a relationship with a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and validated is the first step and I will be thoughtful about your needs.

Holistically oriented, I believe we each have wisdom inside waiting to be tapped into, utilized and developed. I provide a supportive and nurturing space where you can discover your capacity to feel alive and whole. I help people develop and enhance their relational skills. I bring a sensitivity and knowledge to the effects of inter generational trauma, societal and cultural realities that may impact one's sense of self and connection to others. I help with self-esteem, co-dependency, surviving/thriving, sexuality, relationships & developing one's intuition. I help and support individuals and couples/relationships.

Traumatic experiences, whether single incident or complex, can lead to relationship problems, shame, low self-esteem, problems trusting others, feeling unsafe, unhealthy relationship dynamics, maladaptive coping, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and reactivity to trauma triggers (startle response, emotional numbing, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, dissociation, etc.). I treat clients whose problems have originated from traumatic experiences to help them heal from the past and to live a full life in the present.

"Are you worrying that you are stuck in old patterns of thinking and behaving regarding yourself and others that make you unhappy, depressed, anxious, or irritable? Are you trying to connect and communicate with a partner, friends, or co-workers, but find youself misunderstood, angry, or lonely? Are you longing to be happier yet unable to figure out how to change? I have helped hundreds of people with similar concerns to experience more joy and success in their lives. Together we can examine your concerns from new perspectives and overcome the obstacles preventing you from achieving your innermost goals.

My approach consists of assisting people in identifying and exploring the stressors, issues, or losses that are causing pain, in order to begin to address them. I have a warm, direct communication style and will support you in developing a practice of self-care and self-reflection, while also implementing practical solutions, and coping skills. Building a healthy curiosity about your behavior, thoughts, and feelings will be encouraged in order to achieve a better understanding of the conscious and unconscious influences that perpetuate difficulties and conflicts. Deepening a self-understanding strengthens an ability to build healthier, more satisfying relationships with others and with yourself.

Many of life's problems and traumas are difficult not just in and of themselves, but because they are isolating, leaving you with the feeling that no one understands or that no one sees your struggles. ​ As a therapist, I think the relationship comes first. The work we do together requires warmth, comfort, trust and "goodness of fit" between us. I believe the relationship is both the safe and warm point of departure for your exploration and the soft landing place.