Narrative Therapists in Albany, CA

Photo of Jennifer Kirkland, PhD, Psychologist
Jennifer Kirkland
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
I use positive, narrative techniques and evidence-based methods as the foundations for change.
During these stressful times, more than ever people need support for positive change. Being able to connect with someone can open up the possibilities for better relationships, and a better life. Finding someone to partner with can help make the shift from suffering in silence to working together to create solutions.
I use positive, narrative techniques and evidence-based methods as the foundations for change.
During these stressful times, more than ever people need support for positive change. Being able to connect with someone can open up the possibilities for better relationships, and a better life. Finding someone to partner with can help make the shift from suffering in silence to working together to create solutions.
(510) 399-0868 View (510) 399-0868
Photo of Mia Turner, MA, LMFT, RYT, ASDCS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mia Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
My work with every client and family is personalized, trauma-informed, rooted in strengths, collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally tailored to your needs and experiences. I believe that each client possesses the intergenerational heirlooms of innate resilience, spirituality, and introspection that serve as tools to assist in your healing journey. You are the expert of your experience and I am here to offer hope and support you as you share your narrative and author a new chapter of healing, continuing to grow into your best self, discovering balance, serenity, joy, and connecting with yourself and surroundings.
My work with every client and family is personalized, trauma-informed, rooted in strengths, collaborative, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally tailored to your needs and experiences. I believe that each client possesses the intergenerational heirlooms of innate resilience, spirituality, and introspection that serve as tools to assist in your healing journey. You are the expert of your experience and I am here to offer hope and support you as you share your narrative and author a new chapter of healing, continuing to grow into your best self, discovering balance, serenity, joy, and connecting with yourself and surroundings.
(510) 737-7485 View (510) 737-7485
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 Jannat Zahoor, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jannat Zahoor
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
My passion is in serving individuals who are seeking to cultivate inner peace, build self-trust, nourish meaningful connections, and create joy in their lives. My Areas of Focus are Depression & Low Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Stress, & Burnout, Family & Relational 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.
My passion is in serving individuals who are seeking to cultivate inner peace, build self-trust, nourish meaningful connections, and create joy in their lives. My Areas of Focus are Depression & Low Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Stress, & Burnout, Family & Relational 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.
(510) 983-7987 View (510) 983-7987
Photo of Annie Dutka, PsyD, Psychologist
Annie Dutka
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
Many of us struggle to feel at home in our bodies and minds. Our inner voice can be harsh and unkind; sometimes, we can hardly hear it over the noise of anxious thoughts. Painful experiences may intrude upon our sense of safety, as well as the hopes we have for the future. Therapy offers you the time to slow down and the space to be heard. During our first session, I will follow your lead, actively listening with the aim of understanding what’s bringing you here. Throughout our work together, I endeavor to create a nonjudgmental space for all the different parts of you, including those parts you feel are closed off.
Many of us struggle to feel at home in our bodies and minds. Our inner voice can be harsh and unkind; sometimes, we can hardly hear it over the noise of anxious thoughts. Painful experiences may intrude upon our sense of safety, as well as the hopes we have for the future. Therapy offers you the time to slow down and the space to be heard. During our first session, I will follow your lead, actively listening with the aim of understanding what’s bringing you here. Throughout our work together, I endeavor to create a nonjudgmental space for all the different parts of you, including those parts you feel are closed off.
(510) 906-8428 View (510) 906-8428
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 Paul Oglesby, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul Oglesby
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
If you are a parent who is feeling overwhelmed by the needs of a struggling child, confused and frustrated by family discord or at a loss as to how to communicate with your loved ones, I can help you restore the balance, calm and cooperation that have gone missing in your home. I have more than 20 years’ experience working with children and families who are grappling with problems such as divorce, adoption, major transitions, defiant behavior, ADHD, gender/sex/identity issues, grief/loss, learning challenges, drug and alcohol use/abuse, and more.
If you are a parent who is feeling overwhelmed by the needs of a struggling child, confused and frustrated by family discord or at a loss as to how to communicate with your loved ones, I can help you restore the balance, calm and cooperation that have gone missing in your home. I have more than 20 years’ experience working with children and families who are grappling with problems such as divorce, adoption, major transitions, defiant behavior, ADHD, gender/sex/identity issues, grief/loss, learning challenges, drug and alcohol use/abuse, and more.
(650) 492-6789 View (650) 492-6789
Photo of Alberto Barrera, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alberto Barrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
Welcome and bienvenidos. Do you want help in dealing with big changes, loss, and the unexpected turns in life? Are you feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward? Would you like to break free from depression, anxiety, grief or unproductive thoughts? Are you struggling with the challenges of intergenerational conflict, identity, culture shock, or discrimination? I create a compassionate, non-judgmental and welcoming space to help you better understand yourself and uncover your own strengths. I support you in building confidence and skills to make life changes, find healing and self-acceptance.
Welcome and bienvenidos. Do you want help in dealing with big changes, loss, and the unexpected turns in life? Are you feeling stuck or unsure of how to move forward? Would you like to break free from depression, anxiety, grief or unproductive thoughts? Are you struggling with the challenges of intergenerational conflict, identity, culture shock, or discrimination? I create a compassionate, non-judgmental and welcoming space to help you better understand yourself and uncover your own strengths. I support you in building confidence and skills to make life changes, find healing and self-acceptance.
(510) 947-8870 View (510) 947-8870
Photo of Anshu Sharma Prunet, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anshu Sharma Prunet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
You may be feeling temporarily overwhelmed by the situation, in your relationship, at work, in the culture you live in or you may have felt emotionally distressed over a long period of time. In both cases, therapy can be the first step to bring relief, self actualization and happiness to you and your loved ones.
You may be feeling temporarily overwhelmed by the situation, in your relationship, at work, in the culture you live in or you may have felt emotionally distressed over a long period of time. In both cases, therapy can be the first step to bring relief, self actualization and happiness to you and your loved ones.
(510) 694-1431 View (510) 694-1431
Photo of Dana McMullen, MA, LPCC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dana McMullen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
I have worked with adults, couples, adolescents and children for over 18 years. I offer a free telephone consultation as you explore what your needs are in finding a therapist and whether you feel I might be of help to you.
I have worked with adults, couples, adolescents and children for over 18 years. I offer a free telephone consultation as you explore what your needs are in finding a therapist and whether you feel I might be of help to you.
(510) 466-1217 View (510) 466-1217
Photo of James Francis Gallagher Jr., MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
James Francis Gallagher Jr.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
We are all born whole, in lovingkind perfection. But life produces obstacles that sidetrack our becoming ourselves. Obstacles take any forms: trauma in the body, inauthentic identities, existential fears, beliefs indoctrinated but in conflict with one's essential values, or anxiety that something is wrong with oneself. The result can be alienation, grief, substance use issues, depression, anxiety, difficulty connecting, or incapacity to speak or create from the heart. Reconnecting with ones body, the natural world, and with an unconditional community are the foundations re-emerging into the Self you've always been.
We are all born whole, in lovingkind perfection. But life produces obstacles that sidetrack our becoming ourselves. Obstacles take any forms: trauma in the body, inauthentic identities, existential fears, beliefs indoctrinated but in conflict with one's essential values, or anxiety that something is wrong with oneself. The result can be alienation, grief, substance use issues, depression, anxiety, difficulty connecting, or incapacity to speak or create from the heart. Reconnecting with ones body, the natural world, and with an unconditional community are the foundations re-emerging into the Self you've always been.
(510) 876-9446 View (510) 876-9446
Photo of Kanika Singh, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kanika Singh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
Have you been experiencing heightened levels of stress? Challenges focusing on your college courses? Microaggressions in the workplace that you aren’t sure how to address? Were you ever sexually assaulted or the victim of intimate partner violence (IPV)? Has your grief paralyzed you? Do you have negative thoughts that prevent you from moving forward in life? If you answered yes to any of those questions, I can help. I work with adults (18+) throughout California from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds who want to heal and live a life filled with joy, purpose, healthy relationships, abundance, and laughter.
Have you been experiencing heightened levels of stress? Challenges focusing on your college courses? Microaggressions in the workplace that you aren’t sure how to address? Were you ever sexually assaulted or the victim of intimate partner violence (IPV)? Has your grief paralyzed you? Do you have negative thoughts that prevent you from moving forward in life? If you answered yes to any of those questions, I can help. I work with adults (18+) throughout California from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds who want to heal and live a life filled with joy, purpose, healthy relationships, abundance, and laughter.
(510) 216-1679 View (510) 216-1679
Photo of Mey Saephan - Mey Saephan, LMFT, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mey Saephan, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94707
Waitlist for new clients
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.
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.
(510) 771-8506 View (510) 771-8506
Photo of Sonia Decker, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sonia Decker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed? Are you longing for more balance, connection, and meaning in your life? I would love to help you reclaim feelings of leadership in your life and move towards more healing, self-compassion, and joy. I have experience working with adults, families, and teens, especially those struggling with extreme ways of coping. I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), drama therapy, and a relational approach to support you to get to know all parts of yourself, release burdens you may be carrying, and find more ease, balance, connection, and aliveness within yourself and in your relationships with loved ones.
Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed? Are you longing for more balance, connection, and meaning in your life? I would love to help you reclaim feelings of leadership in your life and move towards more healing, self-compassion, and joy. I have experience working with adults, families, and teens, especially those struggling with extreme ways of coping. I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), drama therapy, and a relational approach to support you to get to know all parts of yourself, release burdens you may be carrying, and find more ease, balance, connection, and aliveness within yourself and in your relationships with loved ones.
(510) 519-5548 View (510) 519-5548
Photo of Naomi Kimmelman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Naomi Kimmelman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706  (Online Only)
I offer support in coming into greater clarity, connection, self assuredness, ease and peace about the past, where you are now, and where you hope to go or get to within yourself and relationships. If you are feeling stifled by anxiety, depression or overwhelm, are trying to navigate decisions about your life and relationships, are wanting to change patterns, heal from trauma, or are processing grief, loss and change, I may be the therapist for you. I love supporting individuals through these sorts of challenges and more. Email me to setup a free consultation. Whatever you are experiencing, you do not have to go through it alone.
I offer support in coming into greater clarity, connection, self assuredness, ease and peace about the past, where you are now, and where you hope to go or get to within yourself and relationships. If you are feeling stifled by anxiety, depression or overwhelm, are trying to navigate decisions about your life and relationships, are wanting to change patterns, heal from trauma, or are processing grief, loss and change, I may be the therapist for you. I love supporting individuals through these sorts of challenges and more. Email me to setup a free consultation. Whatever you are experiencing, you do not have to go through it alone.
(510) 800-9427 View (510) 800-9427
Photo of Allan Grill, MS, MFT, CRC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Allan Grill
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, CRC
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
I work with clients with various medical conditions, including neurological disorders, physically disabling and aging-related conditions, and other impairments. Clients include Caregivers and LGBT persons with disabling conditions. For over 25 years I have helped adults with emotional and logistical concerns related to chronic medical and aging-related conditions, short and long term care planning, relationship and communication problems, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I hold an MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and am a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a California licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Please see my website www.allangrill.com for more information.
I work with clients with various medical conditions, including neurological disorders, physically disabling and aging-related conditions, and other impairments. Clients include Caregivers and LGBT persons with disabling conditions. For over 25 years I have helped adults with emotional and logistical concerns related to chronic medical and aging-related conditions, short and long term care planning, relationship and communication problems, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I hold an MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and am a Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a California licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Please see my website www.allangrill.com for more information.
(510) 232-1630 View (510) 232-1630
Photo of Britt Goh, ASW
Britt Goh
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94706
I tend to work with people that feel stuck. Stuck in the same thoughts, behavior, and situations they can’t quite figure out how to move beyond. Stuck in their relationships, unsure how to communicate, or commonly fighting over “the same thing.” Instead of asking “What’s wrong with me?” and “How can I fix myself?” We can focus on questions like, “How can I know myself better?” and “I wonder why I respond that way?” to build self-compassion and curiosity.
I tend to work with people that feel stuck. Stuck in the same thoughts, behavior, and situations they can’t quite figure out how to move beyond. Stuck in their relationships, unsure how to communicate, or commonly fighting over “the same thing.” Instead of asking “What’s wrong with me?” and “How can I fix myself?” We can focus on questions like, “How can I know myself better?” and “I wonder why I respond that way?” to build self-compassion and curiosity.
(415) 687-5839 View (415) 687-5839
Photo of Franca V Niameh - Reinvisioning Psychotherapy, PsyD, Psychologist
Reinvisioning Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
As an integrative licensed clinical psychologist, I am open, receptive, and adaptive. My goal is to help you cultivate resilience and the human capability for recovery.
As an integrative licensed clinical psychologist, I am open, receptive, and adaptive. My goal is to help you cultivate resilience and the human capability for recovery.
(510) 756-4180 View (510) 756-4180
Photo of Kristen M. VanKlootwyk, MA, AMFT, PCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kristen M. VanKlootwyk
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, PCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Albany, CA 94710
2024 Specializing in couples and adult child and family work. If you are suffering in your relationship, or if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, therapy can provide immediate relief so that you can move beyond simply getting by. Being truly heard and offered evidence based tools to make change are available to you in therapy. Busy working professionals, new parents, the newly retired, of all genders and orientations are welcome in my practice. I can offer you a safe place to be witnessed, rest, restore and heal. Contact me for a free 20 minute session today.
2024 Specializing in couples and adult child and family work. If you are suffering in your relationship, or if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, therapy can provide immediate relief so that you can move beyond simply getting by. Being truly heard and offered evidence based tools to make change are available to you in therapy. Busy working professionals, new parents, the newly retired, of all genders and orientations are welcome in my practice. I can offer you a safe place to be witnessed, rest, restore and heal. Contact me for a free 20 minute session today.
(510) 660-0689 View (510) 660-0689
Photo of Angela Vincent Polk, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angela Vincent Polk
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
Not accepting new clients
I work with clients virtually, in nature, or in person. I prefer to work with a client who will come to sessions even when it is challenging. I allow the therapy relationship to open up space for safe exploration of the realities of life, ways to cope with reality and improve spiritual and mental strength. Therefore, my client would demonstrate commitment to the therapy relationship, whether for brief therapy or long-term work, by doing the work necessary to understand the self and make necessary life decisions to maximize the availability of life energy.
I work with clients virtually, in nature, or in person. I prefer to work with a client who will come to sessions even when it is challenging. I allow the therapy relationship to open up space for safe exploration of the realities of life, ways to cope with reality and improve spiritual and mental strength. Therefore, my client would demonstrate commitment to the therapy relationship, whether for brief therapy or long-term work, by doing the work necessary to understand the self and make necessary life decisions to maximize the availability of life energy.
(510) 876-4753 View (510) 876-4753
1
Narrative Therapists

Is narrative therapy evidence-based?

Narrative therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Some small studies do show that depressed and anxious individuals who were treated with narrative therapy reported improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms.

How long does narrative therapy last?

Narrative therapy is less structured when compared with psychoanalysis, for example. Narrative therapy is more open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a few months, and sometimes a year or longer. Patients see their therapist one to two times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a person’s challenges and progress. Individuals can also practice the principles of narrative therapy after treatment has ended.

Does narrative therapy work?

Narrative therapy can help a person manage or reduce symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety. This type of therapy encourages a person to reflect on the moments of their life when their particular problem was not at the forefront of their minds—perhaps life celebrations, achievements, and other successes. The individual is encouraged to rewrite their storyline as if their particular problem was not part of their life. This therapy may offer benefits that are hard to measure.

What are the possible limitations of narrative therapy?

Narrative therapy is person-centered or client-centered, and the health professional pays more attention to the subjective narratives that are constructed by the client, as opposed to other objective measures. The therapist privileges the individual’s perspective over all others. This open form may feel frustrating for individuals seeking a more structured approach; certainly, no one therapy type will work for every individual.