Therapists for Teens in Berkeley, CA

Sometimes amazing things can grow under pressure. Living with stigma - related to a mind that works differently, a body that's unruly or "too much," or a sexuality that doesn't fit behind a white picket fence - asks us to be creative and fierce. The wisdom that can grow here is astounding. But the burden of stigma is heavy, and sometimes it grips us in painful positions. Whether you're feeling exhausted, sick of yourself, or just don't know quite how to relate to other people, therapy with me can help.

“There’s nothing more healing than choosing love.” You want connection and closeness yet you struggle to find it. You feel frustrated that your relationships aren’t fulfilling or aren't right for you. You're reflective and thoughtful, and yet you're having difficulty showing up how you want to in your life, partnership, or family. Perhaps you're struggling with isolation, anxiety, depression, or overwhelm. These are real challenges. Together we can co-create a gentle yet courageous space to explore who you are, what you need, and how to try new things that move you toward what you value most in life and in your relationships.

We can all use help dealing with life's challenges. I have more than thirty years of experience helping adolescents, adults, couples and families through tough times. My goal is to help you deal with problems, become more aware of your feelings, face sensitive issues and achieve personal growth. Our work together will enable you to develop the strengths and skills that allow you to deal effectively with life's challenges. Clients have reported that I am a good listener and create a warm and friendly environment in which they feel supported in the pursuit of solutions to their problems. I use a variety of theoretical approaches,

I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological testing with children and adolescents. I have been practicing in this area for over a decade and have trained with experts in child assessment. My evaluations assess the presence of attention challenges, learning struggles, and emotional difficulties. I conduct thorough, comprehensive assessments informed by the Therapeutic/Collaborative Assessment model. In this model, parents and children are team members in the process and we work together to answer the referral questions. At the completion of the process, adolescents receive a feedback letter explaining the testing findings in accessible language and children receive an individualized picture book.

My therapy style is down to earth, warm, inviting and active. I believe therapy is most effective when it is a collaborative process between the client and the therapist. We will work together to explore, reflect and identify areas in which insight and change are needed to achieve your goals. In sessions, I openly share my thoughts and my perspective as a guiding force but respect and believe that you are the leader in the room. I provide therapy as a transformative experience or a space to just let go, it can be whatever you need it to be, as long as the purpose of this space is for you to heal and find more joy in your life.

I have been working or volunteering with adolescents and adults for the past 25 years. In my most recent position as group psychotherapist/treatment coordinator in an adolescent partial hospitalization program, I have provided individual, group, and family therapy for teens struggling with an array of mental health challenges. These include depression, anxiety, chronic suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, PTSD, family strain, and self-esteem issues. My work with adults has centered around many of the issues mentioned above, as well as life transitions, marital conflict, loss, and parenting.

My practice is dedicated to the emotional and relational wellbeing of youth (preteens, teens, young adults) and families. With this in mind, I aim to create a safe space for shared reflection, build on existing strengths, and offer new tools to promote self-understanding, growth, and social and emotional resilience. My interventions and style are tailored to individual needs, but building a genuine, trusting, and supportive relationship is at the foundation of my work. Sessions may include a combination of talk, play, art, and movement, as well as other activities that create a safe space and facilitate the therapeutic process.

Figuring out who you want to be and how you want to live is a huge undertaking. It’s even harder to do while depressed, anxious, recovering from trauma, or grappling with your mental health. Add in a continuing, ever-changing global pandemic, climate change, systemic and interpersonal racism, threats to reproductive rights and LGBTQI rights as well as to our democracy, and an uncertain economic future? What’s there to feel good about? I hold out hope that you can create something beautiful and satisfying out of your experiences, even in the face of a traumatic past and uncertain future.

As an experienced therapist in private practice, I work with people of all ages who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges through different stages of the life cycle. I work collaboratively to help people reach their goals while offering insight and support. I offer a unique and thoughtful approach, developed through years of experience working with hundreds of individuals, teens and parents.

I'm so glad you have found your way to my therapy practice Creative Wisdom Therapy! My intention is to support you, your teen, or your child use the power of creativity to make the changes you seek. Are you an adult or teen who would like to use your creative expression to learn about yourself, heal old or recurring wounds, and build healthy coping skills? Do you have a child who has lots of worries or big emotions? Is your child struggling with a difficult life event or transition? Are you a parent feeling stressed in your parenting role or experiencing a shift in your family dynamics?

Hello, I have a passion for working collaboratively with adults, adolescents and children who may be experiencing distress or who simply seek greater fulfillment in life. I believe deeply in the importance of connection among individuals, families, communities, nature, and spirituality towards promoting resiliency and healing. I have worked extensively with young adults, children and adolescents who have suffered anxiety, depression, educational difficulty, trauma and loss.

I'm so glad you're here! You may consider individual therapy with me if you are an adult or teen looking for support with navigating pregnancy or parenthood, grief & loss, life transitions, depression & anxiety, or just want to move through the world with greater ease. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is foundational for our work together. Creating a safe, secure and trusting alliance will allow us to do the deep work that leads to effective and lasting transformation. My work with clients is heavily influenced by Somatic-based therapy, Relational therapy, and Mindful-based therapy.

Sometimes life poses challenges or does not work out the way we hoped. At some point, everyone needs help during difficult times. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to foster growth, healing, and self-compassion. I love working with people of all ages. I am deeply committed to meeting you and/or your child wherever you/they are so that over time you can find more ease and clarity in your daily and inner life.

Navigating this thing called Life is truly a trip! My mission is to support you to have more effective communication and coping skills, develop an uncompromising and joyful sense of self, develop stronger life skills, increased healthy coping with life transitions and heal traumas so that you can be the person you need to be.

Managing a chronic medical condition for your child or teen can be physically and emotionally exhausting for both you and them. You don't have to navigate this alone. Health Psychology Center, Inc. is here for your child and you. We offer wellness-focused psychotherapy and evidence-based techniques for managing chronic health challenges.

Through therapy with your child, I will work in building resiliency, learning new coping skills, emotional regulation, and providing a safe space to process memories and current life experiences and traumas. Unlike adults who tend more to communicate verbally or from a logical perspective, children use creativity and imaginative play to express their inner thoughts and feelings, it is often the main way children relate and learn about themselves and their world. Through play therapy, I respond to your child with care, attunement, and skillfulness in helping them understand difficult emotions and make sense of confusing experiences.

Are you or your middle school/high school age child needing the support of a gender specialist? Or are you an adult needing a LGBTQ+ affirming transgender/nonbinary therapist to support you in building greater resiliency and mental health? Welcome to my practice! I'm Dr. Townsend (he/him or they/them). I bring research, clinical, and lived experience to my work with the LGBTQ+ community. My approach combines tailored interventions, a warm interpersonal style, and fostering a safe and supportive environment to support you or your teen to reach greater authenticity and actualization.

Feeling anxious or a decrease in self esteem? Is your child/teen struggling or having problems in school? Looking for support to live the life you want? Psychotherapy can help you form a better relationship with yourself, your family, and others. I work collaboratively with clients, establishing a warm, empathic environment that feels safe and free of judgement. I provide individual psychotherapy and family therapy across the lifespan, and have training and experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and individual adult clients. I offer office (Berkeley), walk & talk (East Bay) and virtual (anywhere in CA) appts.

Every journey.. your first thought to call a therapist when you need to talk to someone, begins with a single step. When anxiety, depression, stress, personal, family, work relationship problems lead you to reach out, I will listen and help you find the best way through. Experienced licensed psychotherapist, 40+ years in general psychotherapy practice, I provide a safe place to talk, explore, resolve, heal what is challenging or troubling. I bring compassion, perceptiveness combined with patience, curiosity and many years of knowledge and skill to our collaboration to help you find effective solutions and make better life choices.