Feminist Therapists in Berkeley, CA
I aspire to create a space for children, teens, and adults to feel seen and valued. I strive to maintain a decolonial and feminist lens and I believe that true compassion and empathy can help us uncover what we need to thrive. I am training in treating anxiety, in particular obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Selective Mutism, employing family interventions, school collaboration, and individual sessions when working with children.
I aspire to create a space for children, teens, and adults to feel seen and valued. I strive to maintain a decolonial and feminist lens and I believe that true compassion and empathy can help us uncover what we need to thrive. I am training in treating anxiety, in particular obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Selective Mutism, employing family interventions, school collaboration, and individual sessions when working with children.
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for individual adults, especially women, who are struggling with low self-confidence, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, a harsh internal critic and work life balance. I work to help my clients not only address their current symptoms, but also understand where those symptoms are stemming from for enduring, long term change. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I am collaborative, relational and empathic. I most frequently use Relational Psychodynamic Therapy, a Feminist and Narrative perspective, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy & Mindfulness.
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for individual adults, especially women, who are struggling with low self-confidence, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, a harsh internal critic and work life balance. I work to help my clients not only address their current symptoms, but also understand where those symptoms are stemming from for enduring, long term change. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I am collaborative, relational and empathic. I most frequently use Relational Psychodynamic Therapy, a Feminist and Narrative perspective, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy & Mindfulness.
I offer a variety of forms of counseling-Narrative, Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based, and Feminist Theory.
It has been my experience that all people need some support at times with understanding themselves and their relationships better. Most people interact with all types of relationships throughout the day. How we manage, interpret, and reflect about these experiences with ourselves and the one's closest to us matters. It is an important step towards understanding ourselves when we can gain insight on how we affect others and how others affect us in our daily lives. How we see ourselves and the meaning we make of our experiences can support a deeper knowing of oneself.
I offer a variety of forms of counseling-Narrative, Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based, and Feminist Theory.
It has been my experience that all people need some support at times with understanding themselves and their relationships better. Most people interact with all types of relationships throughout the day. How we manage, interpret, and reflect about these experiences with ourselves and the one's closest to us matters. It is an important step towards understanding ourselves when we can gain insight on how we affect others and how others affect us in our daily lives. How we see ourselves and the meaning we make of our experiences can support a deeper knowing of oneself.
I am dedicated to working with clients to face the challenges that life may bring with respect and compassion. I use my knowledge and training as a counseling psychologist to create a safe space for you to explore your challenges in the context of your strengths while taking the full complexity of who you are into consideration. I balance my traditional psychological and scientific training by grounding my work firmly within a sociocultural context. I utilize an integrative, strength-based approach informed by multicultural and feminist perspectives.
I am dedicated to working with clients to face the challenges that life may bring with respect and compassion. I use my knowledge and training as a counseling psychologist to create a safe space for you to explore your challenges in the context of your strengths while taking the full complexity of who you are into consideration. I balance my traditional psychological and scientific training by grounding my work firmly within a sociocultural context. I utilize an integrative, strength-based approach informed by multicultural and feminist perspectives.
N. Lette Stockwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
My therapeutic lens is anti-racist, decolonial, intersectional feminist, and Buddhist.
Are you trans, queer, or LGBTQIA adjacent looking to better manage the effects of stress, mood problems or anxiety? Maybe you're exploring your relationship to some problematic habits or making some changes? You want a therapist who is warm, welcoming and insightful, but who isn't too psycho-babbley. I won't tell you that you're too sensitive or that your feelings don't make sense.
My therapeutic lens is anti-racist, decolonial, intersectional feminist, and Buddhist.
Are you trans, queer, or LGBTQIA adjacent looking to better manage the effects of stress, mood problems or anxiety? Maybe you're exploring your relationship to some problematic habits or making some changes? You want a therapist who is warm, welcoming and insightful, but who isn't too psycho-babbley. I won't tell you that you're too sensitive or that your feelings don't make sense.
Micah Rea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94702 (Online Only)
It is grounded in trauma-informed, social justice, intersectional trans- feminist, harm reduction, psychodynamic relational, and Health at Every Size frameworks.
I have been working with LGBTQ+ communities and their families in mental health settings for the last 8 years. I'm passionate about providing a space for all people to be celebrated for their full authentic selves. I honor and respect the strategies clients have learned that support them in coping and surviving. Together, we can work towards becoming more aware and understanding of how these coping strategies and patterns best serve us, recognize what may no longer serve us, and find new ways of coping. I support clients with any needs or goals that they bring to therapy.
It is grounded in trauma-informed, social justice, intersectional trans- feminist, harm reduction, psychodynamic relational, and Health at Every Size frameworks.
I have been working with LGBTQ+ communities and their families in mental health settings for the last 8 years. I'm passionate about providing a space for all people to be celebrated for their full authentic selves. I honor and respect the strategies clients have learned that support them in coping and surviving. Together, we can work towards becoming more aware and understanding of how these coping strategies and patterns best serve us, recognize what may no longer serve us, and find new ways of coping. I support clients with any needs or goals that they bring to therapy.
I have been licensed as an MFT working somatically, for over 30 years. I'm interested in what isn't working in your present life that brings you to therapy, what is unresolved from past relationships that you'd like to clear up, and what comes up in our relationship as we get to know one another. These facets help us create a complex experience which can transform old stuck patterns. Through the lens of my somatic training, clients can include their felt experiences in their bodies as an additional resource for exploring and understanding themselves. I also use a feminist and social justice orientation.
I have been licensed as an MFT working somatically, for over 30 years. I'm interested in what isn't working in your present life that brings you to therapy, what is unresolved from past relationships that you'd like to clear up, and what comes up in our relationship as we get to know one another. These facets help us create a complex experience which can transform old stuck patterns. Through the lens of my somatic training, clients can include their felt experiences in their bodies as an additional resource for exploring and understanding themselves. I also use a feminist and social justice orientation.
Mary Beth Schuler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
There are so many reasons folx come to therapy, but most often it is because folx notice something isn’t working quite right, and they would like a change. My practice is rooted in the belief that therapy is a form of liberation. Understanding your emotional landscape, locating yourself in society, and exploring capitalism’s impact on you can help find your authentic self. My work is relational, person-centered, and trauma- and strengths-informed. Each person is unique, so we will collaborate to tailor your therapy to meet your needs. I draw upon the following therapies: humanistic, attachment, liberation, and feminist.
There are so many reasons folx come to therapy, but most often it is because folx notice something isn’t working quite right, and they would like a change. My practice is rooted in the belief that therapy is a form of liberation. Understanding your emotional landscape, locating yourself in society, and exploring capitalism’s impact on you can help find your authentic self. My work is relational, person-centered, and trauma- and strengths-informed. Each person is unique, so we will collaborate to tailor your therapy to meet your needs. I draw upon the following therapies: humanistic, attachment, liberation, and feminist.
Julianne M Carroll
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
My work as a therapist is grounded in trauma-informed, feminist, and attachment based principles that highlight the importance of safe and trusting relationships. I am here to provide attuned feedback and guidance as you navigate sex and love, anxiety, grief and loss, the ongoing effects of childhood trauma, unlearning codependency and strengthening or softening boundaries. My goal is to help you develop tools for self-awareness, resiliency and intimacy building, and conflict resolution. I believe deeply in the power of healing work, and the great courage it takes to turn inward, to turn toward pain, and to face and love ourselves.
My work as a therapist is grounded in trauma-informed, feminist, and attachment based principles that highlight the importance of safe and trusting relationships. I am here to provide attuned feedback and guidance as you navigate sex and love, anxiety, grief and loss, the ongoing effects of childhood trauma, unlearning codependency and strengthening or softening boundaries. My goal is to help you develop tools for self-awareness, resiliency and intimacy building, and conflict resolution. I believe deeply in the power of healing work, and the great courage it takes to turn inward, to turn toward pain, and to face and love ourselves.
My approach pulls from Internal Family Systems alongside feminist, psychodynamic, and humanistic forms of psychotherapy.
Through co-creating a supportive environment that offers you opportunities for self reflection and gentle challenge, I will work with you to recognize the ways that painful and/or traumatic experiences have shaped your sense of value and impact your ways of relating to yourself and others. I support and stand alongside all who are survivors of emotional, sexual and/or physical violence and strive to create space for increased self love and resilience. I look forward to meeting you and discovering how we can address patterns that no longer serve you as we build awareness and skills to support you in gaining the life you want to live.
My approach pulls from Internal Family Systems alongside feminist, psychodynamic, and humanistic forms of psychotherapy.
Through co-creating a supportive environment that offers you opportunities for self reflection and gentle challenge, I will work with you to recognize the ways that painful and/or traumatic experiences have shaped your sense of value and impact your ways of relating to yourself and others. I support and stand alongside all who are survivors of emotional, sexual and/or physical violence and strive to create space for increased self love and resilience. I look forward to meeting you and discovering how we can address patterns that no longer serve you as we build awareness and skills to support you in gaining the life you want to live.
Victoria Julita Spiers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Waitlist for new clients
I am impassioned by intersectional feminist, queer, multicultural, liberation and transformative justice theory and principles.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
I am impassioned by intersectional feminist, queer, multicultural, liberation and transformative justice theory and principles.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
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Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
My practice is guided by a belief in the healing power of being with. I bring compassionate witness and a warm, collaborative, relational approach that is informed by psychodynamic, somatic, feminist, narrative, attachment, and trauma theories. A deep commitment to social justice, and attunement to the impacts of social and systemic oppression, grounds my work.
My practice is guided by a belief in the healing power of being with. I bring compassionate witness and a warm, collaborative, relational approach that is informed by psychodynamic, somatic, feminist, narrative, attachment, and trauma theories. A deep commitment to social justice, and attunement to the impacts of social and systemic oppression, grounds my work.
Briana D., LCSW | Therapy for Self-Doubt & Burnout
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Coach, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
Experienced in working from a feminist, liberation focused lens with Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latina, Indigenous, Women of Color, help revolutionary women break free from self-doubt, impostor syndrome, career and academic burnout, and cultural stress so you can show up fully and authentically in the world and sustain yourself in the work you feel called to do.
You're a cycle breaker, healer, care worker dreamer, activist, educator, care worker, change maker, therapist, student, intern, or good ancestor in the making. You care deeply about people and the planet, but you aren't so sure about taking care of yourself. No matter how much you do or how hard you work, you never feel like you're doing enough. You struggle to give yourself permission to rest and experience joy when there is still so much to do. You find yourself tangled up in self-sacrifice, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, hustle culture, overextending, guilt, martyrdom, and career and academic stress And you're exhausted.
Experienced in working from a feminist, liberation focused lens with Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latina, Indigenous, Women of Color, help revolutionary women break free from self-doubt, impostor syndrome, career and academic burnout, and cultural stress so you can show up fully and authentically in the world and sustain yourself in the work you feel called to do.
You're a cycle breaker, healer, care worker dreamer, activist, educator, care worker, change maker, therapist, student, intern, or good ancestor in the making. You care deeply about people and the planet, but you aren't so sure about taking care of yourself. No matter how much you do or how hard you work, you never feel like you're doing enough. You struggle to give yourself permission to rest and experience joy when there is still so much to do. You find yourself tangled up in self-sacrifice, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, hustle culture, overextending, guilt, martyrdom, and career and academic stress And you're exhausted.
Lili Nakita Kroutilina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, LMP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
I personally identify as queer, white, liberal, feminist, immigrant, and activist.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence? Confused about how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform your life to be what you want. I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, and my background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, and fitness. I have a gentle yet directive, relational style.
I personally identify as queer, white, liberal, feminist, immigrant, and activist.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence? Confused about how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform your life to be what you want. I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, and my background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, and fitness. I have a gentle yet directive, relational style.
I personally identify as queer, feminist, white anti-racist, cisgender woman (and trans-affirmative), Arab-American, and social justice activist.
Stress and trauma can take many forms. Sometimes we survive an event such as a car accident, wildfire, assault, or military-related event. Or we may notice chronic struggles with trusting others and ourselves, and feeling stressed and unsatisfied in our relationships. The experience of trauma can significantly impact how we change or grow in each present moment, how we connect and separate from others, and how we experiment, take risks, and resource our creativity. Let's co-create a therapy relationship that works to support the development of loving relationships with self and others.
I personally identify as queer, feminist, white anti-racist, cisgender woman (and trans-affirmative), Arab-American, and social justice activist.
Stress and trauma can take many forms. Sometimes we survive an event such as a car accident, wildfire, assault, or military-related event. Or we may notice chronic struggles with trusting others and ourselves, and feeling stressed and unsatisfied in our relationships. The experience of trauma can significantly impact how we change or grow in each present moment, how we connect and separate from others, and how we experiment, take risks, and resource our creativity. Let's co-create a therapy relationship that works to support the development of loving relationships with self and others.
Amanda Piasecki
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
My approach is influenced by depth psychology, feminist, relational, collectivist, transformative justice, and somatic perspectives and practices.
Through therapy, we can author and re-author life stories and personal mythologies in order to bring self-supporting realities into existence. I work collaboratively with clients, cultivating existing strengths and internal resources in order to foster relationships and life experiences that contribute to clients' recovery and wellbeing. When invited, and with respect, I’m honored to explore what makes clients who they are, and to support who they want to become.
My approach is influenced by depth psychology, feminist, relational, collectivist, transformative justice, and somatic perspectives and practices.
Through therapy, we can author and re-author life stories and personal mythologies in order to bring self-supporting realities into existence. I work collaboratively with clients, cultivating existing strengths and internal resources in order to foster relationships and life experiences that contribute to clients' recovery and wellbeing. When invited, and with respect, I’m honored to explore what makes clients who they are, and to support who they want to become.
I work from a relational, feminist, anti-racist framework.
It is easy to feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed, when dealing with the many challenges that life throws at you. Often there is not a quick and easy solution when dealing with life's more complex challenges, however having a supportive ally throughout the twists and turns can make all the difference. I am committed to supporting people who have experienced oppression, trauma, or other difficult experiences. Figuring out how to live one's life with a sense of meaning, satisfaction, and authenticity can be difficult, and I am here to support you on that journey.
I work from a relational, feminist, anti-racist framework.
It is easy to feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed, when dealing with the many challenges that life throws at you. Often there is not a quick and easy solution when dealing with life's more complex challenges, however having a supportive ally throughout the twists and turns can make all the difference. I am committed to supporting people who have experienced oppression, trauma, or other difficult experiences. Figuring out how to live one's life with a sense of meaning, satisfaction, and authenticity can be difficult, and I am here to support you on that journey.
Annie Hamilton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720 (Online Only)
I'll utilize other techniques like motivational interviewing and feminist practice to support our EMDR work.
Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. I specialize in using EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help you heal from past trauma and build the life you want to live today. I work with people who have experienced events - both big and small- that continue to produce anxiety, guilt, shame, anger, or stress. EMDR is a structured therapy aimed at reducing disturbance of trauma memories and alleviating current symptoms. I've seen EMDR support clients in building strong relationships, reducing reactivity, and increasing their sense of peace. You can learn more about EMDR at www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy
I'll utilize other techniques like motivational interviewing and feminist practice to support our EMDR work.
Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. I specialize in using EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help you heal from past trauma and build the life you want to live today. I work with people who have experienced events - both big and small- that continue to produce anxiety, guilt, shame, anger, or stress. EMDR is a structured therapy aimed at reducing disturbance of trauma memories and alleviating current symptoms. I've seen EMDR support clients in building strong relationships, reducing reactivity, and increasing their sense of peace. You can learn more about EMDR at www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
Liz Vines
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94710 (Online Only)
I specialize in complex trauma, phobias/anxiety, and chronic illness for adults and teens. Many of my clients are recovering from developmental trauma, learning to soothe overactive nervous systems, and hoping to identify and express their needs in a new way. My work is depth oriented, empowering, feminist, compassion focused, and client-centered. I work well with artists and creative types, perfectionists, high achievers, nerds, people who love to learn, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Read more on my website at www.sierraspringspsychotherapy.com
I specialize in complex trauma, phobias/anxiety, and chronic illness for adults and teens. Many of my clients are recovering from developmental trauma, learning to soothe overactive nervous systems, and hoping to identify and express their needs in a new way. My work is depth oriented, empowering, feminist, compassion focused, and client-centered. I work well with artists and creative types, perfectionists, high achievers, nerds, people who love to learn, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Read more on my website at www.sierraspringspsychotherapy.com
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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.