Feminist Therapists in Albany, CA

Photo of Amy D Walthall, PsyD, Psychologist
Amy D Walthall
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
Welcome! Note: email is the best way reach me. Finding a therapist is daunting. The relationship tends to be the most consistent factor in whether therapy is successful, so I encourage you to trust your intuition. I work with adults (not couples) and adolescents over 14 on a variety of issues, including achieving greater mood stability, identity issues, improved relationships and sexuality, and recovery from trauma. I have experience working effectively with people who identify as trans, genderqueer, and those with diverse lifestyles. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration w/Journey Clinical.
Welcome! Note: email is the best way reach me. Finding a therapist is daunting. The relationship tends to be the most consistent factor in whether therapy is successful, so I encourage you to trust your intuition. I work with adults (not couples) and adolescents over 14 on a variety of issues, including achieving greater mood stability, identity issues, improved relationships and sexuality, and recovery from trauma. I have experience working effectively with people who identify as trans, genderqueer, and those with diverse lifestyles. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration w/Journey Clinical.
(510) 269-2917 View (510) 269-2917
Photo of Halle Brown, PhD, MA, NCC®, Marriage & Family Therapist
Halle Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, NCC®
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
When we are anxious, unsettled, or stuck, and unsure what our next steps should be or whether it is even possible to feel better about our self, our life path, or our relationships, we can feel very alone. You may have tried therapy before, or self-help strategies, and perhaps found some short-term relief, but are wondering if longer-term solutions and genuine life satisfaction are real possibilities for you. You may be finding difficulty holding on to a sense of hope that your life can change for the better, yet there is some glimmer of desire that has led you here, to search for help. There is a part of you that wants to heal.
When we are anxious, unsettled, or stuck, and unsure what our next steps should be or whether it is even possible to feel better about our self, our life path, or our relationships, we can feel very alone. You may have tried therapy before, or self-help strategies, and perhaps found some short-term relief, but are wondering if longer-term solutions and genuine life satisfaction are real possibilities for you. You may be finding difficulty holding on to a sense of hope that your life can change for the better, yet there is some glimmer of desire that has led you here, to search for help. There is a part of you that wants to heal.
(510) 216-4591 View (510) 216-4591
Photo of Deborah Joy, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah Joy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
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.
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.
(510) 292-4185 View (510) 292-4185
Photo of Sarah Liebman, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Liebman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
People come to therapy because they want something in their lives to be different. We hear that we can only change ourselves, yet even if we "know" the why or how or who of it, we can't always budge "it" on our own. My job is to help navigate the terrain, to make sense of the landscape, and to be with you as you reencounter your obstacles to living and loving your life.
People come to therapy because they want something in their lives to be different. We hear that we can only change ourselves, yet even if we "know" the why or how or who of it, we can't always budge "it" on our own. My job is to help navigate the terrain, to make sense of the landscape, and to be with you as you reencounter your obstacles to living and loving your life.
(510) 491-9003 View (510) 491-9003
Photo of Chantal Rohlfing, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chantal Rohlfing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Do you want to heal from your past and find greater peace and joy in your life? I applaud you for taking the first step in seeking therapy. I'll help you to move through your self-blame and embrace your magnificence. I provide a free 20-minute initial consultation to see if we are a good fit. If you are struggling with work, relationship or parenting stress, childhood abuse, life transitions or loss I will teach you how to shift old patterns, heal, and make positive changes. You can feel better and thrive!
Do you want to heal from your past and find greater peace and joy in your life? I applaud you for taking the first step in seeking therapy. I'll help you to move through your self-blame and embrace your magnificence. I provide a free 20-minute initial consultation to see if we are a good fit. If you are struggling with work, relationship or parenting stress, childhood abuse, life transitions or loss I will teach you how to shift old patterns, heal, and make positive changes. You can feel better and thrive!
(510) 900-5561 View (510) 900-5561
Photo of Gail Susan Gordon, MA, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gail Susan Gordon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94707
You want to make positive changes that will last. I’ll work with you, or you and your child, to address whatever is getting in the way of living the life you’d like. There may be feelings that run the show, behaviors that seem unchangeable, or relationships and jobs/school that don’t meet your needs and dreams. Whatever your history and current challenges, there are ways to move forward. Even in this period of pandemic uncertainty, we can build your resilience, developing strengths and capacities that lead to a more fulfilling life.
You want to make positive changes that will last. I’ll work with you, or you and your child, to address whatever is getting in the way of living the life you’d like. There may be feelings that run the show, behaviors that seem unchangeable, or relationships and jobs/school that don’t meet your needs and dreams. Whatever your history and current challenges, there are ways to move forward. Even in this period of pandemic uncertainty, we can build your resilience, developing strengths and capacities that lead to a more fulfilling life.
(925) 905-8105 View (925) 905-8105
Photo of Meagan Rossin, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meagan Rossin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
As a psychodynamic therapist, I listen on many levels for what is troubling you and connect any potential patterns I am hearing to effect long-term change and healing. I may point to things that stand out to me, but might otherwise pass you by. You already have a keen sense of awareness—our work will help you further connect with yourself and dynamics and triggers that are more elusive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I will work with you to ground in your experience, identify what is happening for you in a difficult moment, and explore ways to create more space and comfort within yourself, and satisfaction in your relationships.
As a psychodynamic therapist, I listen on many levels for what is troubling you and connect any potential patterns I am hearing to effect long-term change and healing. I may point to things that stand out to me, but might otherwise pass you by. You already have a keen sense of awareness—our work will help you further connect with yourself and dynamics and triggers that are more elusive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I will work with you to ground in your experience, identify what is happening for you in a difficult moment, and explore ways to create more space and comfort within yourself, and satisfaction in your relationships.
(628) 250-7143 View (628) 250-7143
Photo of Heidi Aronson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heidi Aronson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
We’ll make use of my professional training, life experience, imagination and intellect to gain perspectives on your relationships, your past, and your present. We’ll experiment with ways for you to manage difficult emotions, feel compassion toward yourself and others, and live with integrity and purpose.
We’ll make use of my professional training, life experience, imagination and intellect to gain perspectives on your relationships, your past, and your present. We’ll experiment with ways for you to manage difficult emotions, feel compassion toward yourself and others, and live with integrity and purpose.
(510) 947-8868 View (510) 947-8868
Photo of Emily Avilés, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Avilés
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
I believe that we are shaped, known, and grow in relationships. Therapy can help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and experiences—and find freedom and meaningful connection with yourself and others. With curiosity and openness, I work to create a supportive and collaborative environment. Together, we can explore who you are and the experiences that shape you. We can address your present concerns, and explore how your early experiences impact you.
I believe that we are shaped, known, and grow in relationships. Therapy can help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and experiences—and find freedom and meaningful connection with yourself and others. With curiosity and openness, I work to create a supportive and collaborative environment. Together, we can explore who you are and the experiences that shape you. We can address your present concerns, and explore how your early experiences impact you.
(628) 215-6138 View (628) 215-6138
Photo of Arielle Balbus, PsyD, Psychologist
Arielle Balbus
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
Life is messy. As we all navigate it the best we can, a lot of us find survival strategies that make sense at the time but don’t serve us in the long run. If you or your child are having trouble in relationships, feeling consistently down or anxious, or finding yourself stuck in painful past experiences, therapy can help identify patterns that don’t serve you and build practices that enable you to thrive. ​
Life is messy. As we all navigate it the best we can, a lot of us find survival strategies that make sense at the time but don’t serve us in the long run. If you or your child are having trouble in relationships, feeling consistently down or anxious, or finding yourself stuck in painful past experiences, therapy can help identify patterns that don’t serve you and build practices that enable you to thrive. ​
(510) 240-8582 View (510) 240-8582
Photo of Andrés Gonzalez - Andy Gonzalez, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Andy Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
Clients in my practice express various struggles such as feeling unhappy, lonely, unsatisfied, irritable, lost, stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, isolated, inauthentic, and hopeless. They are unsure about where they are in school, work, or life. They may use terms such as depressed, stressed, anxious, numb, angry, traumatized, grieving, and anxious/avoidant attachment. They seek to know themselves more or to feel more whole. They seek to unlearn unconscious and unhelpful habits. They wish to grow and nurture their relationships with others and themselves. They desire to feel more at peace, joy, and be able to tolerate the challenges.
Clients in my practice express various struggles such as feeling unhappy, lonely, unsatisfied, irritable, lost, stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, isolated, inauthentic, and hopeless. They are unsure about where they are in school, work, or life. They may use terms such as depressed, stressed, anxious, numb, angry, traumatized, grieving, and anxious/avoidant attachment. They seek to know themselves more or to feel more whole. They seek to unlearn unconscious and unhelpful habits. They wish to grow and nurture their relationships with others and themselves. They desire to feel more at peace, joy, and be able to tolerate the challenges.
(408) 676-2833 View (408) 676-2833
Photo of Maya Deshe Drori, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maya Deshe Drori
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94707
I'm passionate, dedicated, funny and curious. I have a huge, caring heart that is accompanied by a sharp and innovative mind. You will feel listened to and understood in ways that will surprise you, as I pick up on the gist of things, and then add thoughts, questions and layers. I will marvel at your uniqueness as I witness your beauty and despair. That will allow you to be the best version of yourself at any time, and will give you new breath so that you may deal with your life better.
I'm passionate, dedicated, funny and curious. I have a huge, caring heart that is accompanied by a sharp and innovative mind. You will feel listened to and understood in ways that will surprise you, as I pick up on the gist of things, and then add thoughts, questions and layers. I will marvel at your uniqueness as I witness your beauty and despair. That will allow you to be the best version of yourself at any time, and will give you new breath so that you may deal with your life better.
(510) 466-1069 View (510) 466-1069
Photo of Rain Sussman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rain Sussman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94707
The combination of strong anxiety and strong intellect poses special challenges for those caught in the crosshairs. I help individuals with active, analytical minds to work through anxiety-related problems such as panic, worry, avoidance, and compulsive thoughts or habits. My approach is warm, practical, and evidence-based, grounded in both mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
The combination of strong anxiety and strong intellect poses special challenges for those caught in the crosshairs. I help individuals with active, analytical minds to work through anxiety-related problems such as panic, worry, avoidance, and compulsive thoughts or habits. My approach is warm, practical, and evidence-based, grounded in both mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
(510) 649-1909 View (510) 649-1909
Photo of Amrit Schneider, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amrit Schneider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
CURRENT OPENINGS Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes an integrative and collaborative approach to create a strong alliance with each individual. I provide a holding space that fosters healing through self-awareness and building insight. My style is respectful, compassionate, and direct. I have extensive experience with goal-oriented approaches, as well as a deep understanding for how social and cultural contexts impact our lives. In addition, my work is influenced by psychoanalytic theory and attachment theory, and is informed by an awareness of trauma, including complex and inter-generational trauma.
CURRENT OPENINGS Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes an integrative and collaborative approach to create a strong alliance with each individual. I provide a holding space that fosters healing through self-awareness and building insight. My style is respectful, compassionate, and direct. I have extensive experience with goal-oriented approaches, as well as a deep understanding for how social and cultural contexts impact our lives. In addition, my work is influenced by psychoanalytic theory and attachment theory, and is informed by an awareness of trauma, including complex and inter-generational trauma.
(510) 422-1106 View (510) 422-1106
Photo of Catherine Cavette, PhD, Psychologist
Catherine Cavette
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Therapy is many levels of psychological work from resolving conflicts, to understanding the secrets we keep from ourselves and how they impact our lives. In addition to joy and success, many of us also experience trauma, grief, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame, as well as physical illness. Fortunately, these challenges are a portal to self-knowledge that allows us to grow and to learn. Therapy is working together in a collaborative process tailored to meet your needs. It leads to profound understanding about how you make sense of yourself and others in your life, and how to change the ways you impact your world.
Therapy is many levels of psychological work from resolving conflicts, to understanding the secrets we keep from ourselves and how they impact our lives. In addition to joy and success, many of us also experience trauma, grief, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame, as well as physical illness. Fortunately, these challenges are a portal to self-knowledge that allows us to grow and to learn. Therapy is working together in a collaborative process tailored to meet your needs. It leads to profound understanding about how you make sense of yourself and others in your life, and how to change the ways you impact your world.
(510) 661-3034 View (510) 661-3034
Photo of Shauna Reiff, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shauna Reiff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
Dissatisfied with your relationship to a partner, boss, or yourself? Do things feel out of control? Finding a good fit with a therapist can play a vital role in getting more of what you want in life. I see myself as someone who guides and facilitates a committed, compassionate and confidential space where we can clarify what is most important to you, and discover the blocks that get in the way of having the life that you want. In my practice I help individuals and couples find their own way to lasting changes.
Dissatisfied with your relationship to a partner, boss, or yourself? Do things feel out of control? Finding a good fit with a therapist can play a vital role in getting more of what you want in life. I see myself as someone who guides and facilitates a committed, compassionate and confidential space where we can clarify what is most important to you, and discover the blocks that get in the way of having the life that you want. In my practice I help individuals and couples find their own way to lasting changes.
(510) 986-4368 View (510) 986-4368
Photo of Anna E. Howland, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anna E. Howland
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
I lived in New York City for many years as a performing artist and body worker. My background as an actor and performer gives me a certain knack for working with those who have a creative bent. I have personal experience with the longings that come with artistic striving, but the reality is that my clients have a wide variety of careers, interests, and life stressors. I work with depression, anxiety, complex trauma, PTSD and more.
I lived in New York City for many years as a performing artist and body worker. My background as an actor and performer gives me a certain knack for working with those who have a creative bent. I have personal experience with the longings that come with artistic striving, but the reality is that my clients have a wide variety of careers, interests, and life stressors. I work with depression, anxiety, complex trauma, PTSD and more.
(415) 697-3712 View (415) 697-3712
Photo of Ben Morsa, PsyD, Psychologist
Ben Morsa
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
Therapy is a deeply personal experience and there are as many reasons to seek therapy as there are people who seek it. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or shame. You may have suffered traumas or losses and are wondering how these shape your thoughts, feelings and relationships. Maybe you simply have a sense that aspects of your life are not coming together in the ways you desire. Therapy is a space to explore these curiosities, to develop insight into your self, and, ultimately, to find greater fulfillment in your work, relationships, and play.
(510) 674-1235 View (510) 674-1235
Photo of Valerie Creane, PsyD, CPCC, Psychologist
Valerie Creane
Psychologist, PsyD, CPCC
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94707
Have you ever felt like you talk about a painful issue over and over but nothing changes? Are you ready to start your journey to real transformation? Therapy helps us shift underlying patterns that cause distress, heal from past wounds, and mobilize inner strengths, so that we experience greater freedom and fulfillment. For 20 years, I’ve helped clients heal and grow, and cultivate lives of meaning and joy. I offer a holistic approach to counseling, which means I draw on multiple healing modalities, and support you in feeling healthy in all ways. I love this work, and am dedicated to helping you create lasting positive change.
Have you ever felt like you talk about a painful issue over and over but nothing changes? Are you ready to start your journey to real transformation? Therapy helps us shift underlying patterns that cause distress, heal from past wounds, and mobilize inner strengths, so that we experience greater freedom and fulfillment. For 20 years, I’ve helped clients heal and grow, and cultivate lives of meaning and joy. I offer a holistic approach to counseling, which means I draw on multiple healing modalities, and support you in feeling healthy in all ways. I love this work, and am dedicated to helping you create lasting positive change.
(510) 250-7544 View (510) 250-7544
Photo of Asha Borgir, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Asha Borgir
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94707
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.
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.
(510) 488-6569 View (510) 488-6569
1
Feminist Therapists

How does feminist therapy work?

Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.

What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?

Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.

How long does feminist therapy last?

As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.

Does feminist therapy work?

As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.