Therapists in Contra Costa County, CA
Working together, we can create a treatment plan to help you improve daily functioning, increase your ability to manage stress, strengthen your relationship with yourself and others, improve ability to effectively communicate with others and resolve interpersonal conflict.
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I offer both short-term therapy and longer insight-oriented work. I utilize my years of experience, intuition, compassion, and humor to support my clients in addressing the issues that brought them into therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, anger, abuse/trauma, parenting/divorce/blended family issues, foster care, as well as other social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Through my dynamic approach, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and resolve various issues. I draw from the following theories and techniques: psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic psychology.
Working together, we can create a treatment plan to help you improve daily functioning, increase your ability to manage stress, strengthen your relationship with yourself and others, improve ability to effectively communicate with others and resolve interpersonal conflict.
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I offer both short-term therapy and longer insight-oriented work. I utilize my years of experience, intuition, compassion, and humor to support my clients in addressing the issues that brought them into therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, anger, abuse/trauma, parenting/divorce/blended family issues, foster care, as well as other social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Through my dynamic approach, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and resolve various issues. I draw from the following theories and techniques: psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic psychology.
Grishma Gautam
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA(SOM), MA(DMP)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Are you feeling stuck, frustrated or helpless? Weren’t affirmations or self-talk helpful? It’s because we can't access our full Self from a cognitive level. The body reflects mind & stores memories including trauma which unconsciously disrupts nervous system & our natural ability for balance, leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, etc. Symptoms look like “traits" when not contextualized in developmental, interpersonal & social trauma contexts. So, we will co-create a nourishing space to unravel somatic stories, triggers, patterns & skills to realign you into innate wisdom & help you move from helplessness to empowerment.
Are you feeling stuck, frustrated or helpless? Weren’t affirmations or self-talk helpful? It’s because we can't access our full Self from a cognitive level. The body reflects mind & stores memories including trauma which unconsciously disrupts nervous system & our natural ability for balance, leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, etc. Symptoms look like “traits" when not contextualized in developmental, interpersonal & social trauma contexts. So, we will co-create a nourishing space to unravel somatic stories, triggers, patterns & skills to realign you into innate wisdom & help you move from helplessness to empowerment.
My name is Areli Balvaneda, LMFT 105678. I work under the CBT, DBT, and Interpersonal therapy models. My approach to therapy is based on compassion. Relinquishing the idea that we are meant to be perfect and how more importantly, how our lack of perfection makes us human. Currently, I work with young adults to middle age adults. Addressing childhood trauma, depression, and anxiety. My communication style is compassionate and direct. My approach has helped my clients work through their challenges and not around them.
My name is Areli Balvaneda, LMFT 105678. I work under the CBT, DBT, and Interpersonal therapy models. My approach to therapy is based on compassion. Relinquishing the idea that we are meant to be perfect and how more importantly, how our lack of perfection makes us human. Currently, I work with young adults to middle age adults. Addressing childhood trauma, depression, and anxiety. My communication style is compassionate and direct. My approach has helped my clients work through their challenges and not around them.
In therapy you and/or your loved one will explore life's challenges, purpose and meaning; as well as relationship enrichment and interpersonal skills in order to find healing and balance.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with adolescents, young adults (COLLEGE students), adults and families. I believe you are capable of accessing and making use of dynamic, healing, empowering capacities in order to shift habits of negative thinking, self-doubt and problematic behaviors. The relationship between therapist and client is vital in facilitating healing, self-compassion and growth. My hope is to assist you in finding and expressing your greatest strengths and potential; as well as working through barriers to express your vibrant self, experience happiness, peace and self-acceptance.
In therapy you and/or your loved one will explore life's challenges, purpose and meaning; as well as relationship enrichment and interpersonal skills in order to find healing and balance.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with adolescents, young adults (COLLEGE students), adults and families. I believe you are capable of accessing and making use of dynamic, healing, empowering capacities in order to shift habits of negative thinking, self-doubt and problematic behaviors. The relationship between therapist and client is vital in facilitating healing, self-compassion and growth. My hope is to assist you in finding and expressing your greatest strengths and potential; as well as working through barriers to express your vibrant self, experience happiness, peace and self-acceptance.
Has your life suffered because of trauma you have experienced? I work with individuals, couples, and families to overcome their challenges related to abuse and trauma as well as anxiety, depression, and interpersonal issues. I have worked with survivors of sexual trauma and domestic violence, the LGBT community and unique concerns within that community, and individuals who struggle with co-occurring mental illness and substance use. I'm also familiar with the struggles you may have in managing a chronic illness. I value the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental space to work on yourself.
Has your life suffered because of trauma you have experienced? I work with individuals, couples, and families to overcome their challenges related to abuse and trauma as well as anxiety, depression, and interpersonal issues. I have worked with survivors of sexual trauma and domestic violence, the LGBT community and unique concerns within that community, and individuals who struggle with co-occurring mental illness and substance use. I'm also familiar with the struggles you may have in managing a chronic illness. I value the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental space to work on yourself.
I take an active role in our sessions, utilizing cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, interpersonal, and client-centered interventions, to explore the causes of your distress and how to resolve them.
Many of my clients describe me as compassionate, open-minded, and patient, while maintaining a good sense of humor. I utilize these traits to build rapport with clients, while also drawing upon my knowledge and skill in research-supported interventions to alleviate mental and emotional distress. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I also work with people to accept and tolerate their emotional distress, to appropriately communicate their needs in relationships, and to find meaning and purpose in their work, academic, and personal lives.
I take an active role in our sessions, utilizing cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, interpersonal, and client-centered interventions, to explore the causes of your distress and how to resolve them.
Many of my clients describe me as compassionate, open-minded, and patient, while maintaining a good sense of humor. I utilize these traits to build rapport with clients, while also drawing upon my knowledge and skill in research-supported interventions to alleviate mental and emotional distress. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I also work with people to accept and tolerate their emotional distress, to appropriately communicate their needs in relationships, and to find meaning and purpose in their work, academic, and personal lives.
Erin Osanna-Barba
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Danville, CA 94526
With over 21 years of experience with crisis intervention, interpersonal violence, trauma, grief, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through work as a Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Counselor, Crime Victim’s Advocate within the criminal court system, a Director of a sexual assault and violence prevention program on a college campus, and primary therapist at an outpatient eating disorder treatment center, I am skilled at creating a safe space for clients. I see clients who need support in various stages of life, who are experiencing difficult situations and transitions.
With over 21 years of experience with crisis intervention, interpersonal violence, trauma, grief, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through work as a Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Counselor, Crime Victim’s Advocate within the criminal court system, a Director of a sexual assault and violence prevention program on a college campus, and primary therapist at an outpatient eating disorder treatment center, I am skilled at creating a safe space for clients. I see clients who need support in various stages of life, who are experiencing difficult situations and transitions.
Sarah Hester, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
Exploring early attachment relationships, as well as important relationships of the present, is useful for gaining a deeper sense of how our beliefs & interpersonal style were first developed & now currently affecting us overall.
Connecting with people in positive, satisfying ways is essential for our emotional health. I prioritize creating a genuine and supportive relational experience in the therapy setting so that my clients can comfortably process and heal what hurts, while also learning useful skills to manage emotions and behaviors in healthier, more effective ways. I have tools that help my clients untangle any resistance to making changes and to feel more motivated, encouraged and valued. I am very experienced at treating anxiety/panic, OCD, relational struggles, grief, trauma, life transitions and issues special to women and new parents.
Exploring early attachment relationships, as well as important relationships of the present, is useful for gaining a deeper sense of how our beliefs & interpersonal style were first developed & now currently affecting us overall.
Connecting with people in positive, satisfying ways is essential for our emotional health. I prioritize creating a genuine and supportive relational experience in the therapy setting so that my clients can comfortably process and heal what hurts, while also learning useful skills to manage emotions and behaviors in healthier, more effective ways. I have tools that help my clients untangle any resistance to making changes and to feel more motivated, encouraged and valued. I am very experienced at treating anxiety/panic, OCD, relational struggles, grief, trauma, life transitions and issues special to women and new parents.
I am a strength-based therapist with a warm, nonjudgmental and direct approach. Championing evidence based practices such as ACT, cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy, I utilize these modalities to help you evaluate and work through maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors that are keeping you "stuck" in your present situation. I will work collaboratively with you to create a culturally sensitive and uniquely tailored treatment plan. Holding a strong belief that therapeutic relationship is a privilege, I approach all my clients with curiosity, compassion and empathy.
I am a strength-based therapist with a warm, nonjudgmental and direct approach. Championing evidence based practices such as ACT, cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapy, I utilize these modalities to help you evaluate and work through maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors that are keeping you "stuck" in your present situation. I will work collaboratively with you to create a culturally sensitive and uniquely tailored treatment plan. Holding a strong belief that therapeutic relationship is a privilege, I approach all my clients with curiosity, compassion and empathy.
Sahiba Singh Chowdhary
Psychologist, PsyD, MACJ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (Online Only)
Throughout my service in various clinical settings, I have been struck by the importance of creating a safe space for those seeking mental health care and working towards personal growth. While I treat a wide range of mental health concerns, I specialize in working with those who: are navigating life transitions, including relationship and dating challenges, grief and loss, medical difficulties, or relocation; are striving to find effective ways of managing difficult emotions and communicating with others; have faced interpersonal traumas or identity-based invalidations; or are struggling to engage in meaningful ways with others.
Throughout my service in various clinical settings, I have been struck by the importance of creating a safe space for those seeking mental health care and working towards personal growth. While I treat a wide range of mental health concerns, I specialize in working with those who: are navigating life transitions, including relationship and dating challenges, grief and loss, medical difficulties, or relocation; are striving to find effective ways of managing difficult emotions and communicating with others; have faced interpersonal traumas or identity-based invalidations; or are struggling to engage in meaningful ways with others.
Jenifer Pereira-Weiss
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (Online Only)
Together, we will identify your concerns and goals, create a treatment plan that fosters growth, increased level of functioning, interpersonal effectiveness, empowerment and self-acceptance. Collectively, we will identify and challenge distorted thinking and behavioral habits, then cultivate balanced more rational thought patterns and adaptive behaviors. We will explore principles of Mindfulness, de-escalation, emotion regulation, boundary setting and self care to create a holistic approach to your healing process and ultimately reduce suffering.
Together, we will identify your concerns and goals, create a treatment plan that fosters growth, increased level of functioning, interpersonal effectiveness, empowerment and self-acceptance. Collectively, we will identify and challenge distorted thinking and behavioral habits, then cultivate balanced more rational thought patterns and adaptive behaviors. We will explore principles of Mindfulness, de-escalation, emotion regulation, boundary setting and self care to create a holistic approach to your healing process and ultimately reduce suffering.
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My name is Julie Houston, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Redlands, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, feelings of Imposter Phenomenon, perfectionism, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. I work with adult individuals who are feeling burnout, overwhelmed, and stressed who are struggling with habits, patterns, or relationship issues that cannot be resolved on their own. These individuals often appear to have everything together to the outside observer but feel like a failure on the inside.
My name is Julie Houston, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Redlands, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, feelings of Imposter Phenomenon, perfectionism, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. I work with adult individuals who are feeling burnout, overwhelmed, and stressed who are struggling with habits, patterns, or relationship issues that cannot be resolved on their own. These individuals often appear to have everything together to the outside observer but feel like a failure on the inside.
Tiffany Orozco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Antioch, CA 94531 (Online Only)
I have developed excellent rapport building and interpersonal communication skills that help foster problem solving.
Are you in search of someone that is able to culturally-empathize, and have the capacity to meet you where you are in life? Often times we are unsure on next steps to take when dealing with life stressors. My core belief is that everyone possesses the resiliency needed to overcome such barriers. Face it we get in our own way sometimes! Individual therapy can help you face some of those conflicts head on. Whether it be professional, or personal struggles, it is my hope to assist you with identifying what's been holding you back. " Nothing you been through shall be wasted" T.J. Jakes
I have developed excellent rapport building and interpersonal communication skills that help foster problem solving.
Are you in search of someone that is able to culturally-empathize, and have the capacity to meet you where you are in life? Often times we are unsure on next steps to take when dealing with life stressors. My core belief is that everyone possesses the resiliency needed to overcome such barriers. Face it we get in our own way sometimes! Individual therapy can help you face some of those conflicts head on. Whether it be professional, or personal struggles, it is my hope to assist you with identifying what's been holding you back. " Nothing you been through shall be wasted" T.J. Jakes
I offer support for anxiety, depression, trauma, insomnia, interpersonal challenges, stress management, life transitions, and grief.
I understand how challenging life can be sometimes, and how helpful it can be to have someone to talk to and work with on managing some of those challenges. I use a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to therapy, using individualized techniques tailored to meet your specific situation and needs. I work with teens, couples, adults and elders. I provide Couples therapy and individual therapy. I'm an artist and occasionally use art as an expressive avenue during therapy.
I offer support for anxiety, depression, trauma, insomnia, interpersonal challenges, stress management, life transitions, and grief.
I understand how challenging life can be sometimes, and how helpful it can be to have someone to talk to and work with on managing some of those challenges. I use a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to therapy, using individualized techniques tailored to meet your specific situation and needs. I work with teens, couples, adults and elders. I provide Couples therapy and individual therapy. I'm an artist and occasionally use art as an expressive avenue during therapy.
Even though I use different modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and trauma-informed strategies, among others, I use attachment and family systems as the basis to help my clients make progress toward their goals in therapy.
My name is Luisa Amighetti, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at LMFT. I work in Los Angeles, California, providing services via telehealth with individuals and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, perinatal/maternal mental health or who are facing tough life decisions/role transitions. My approach to therapy is to build trust with my clients to foster openness to change and healing.
Even though I use different modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and trauma-informed strategies, among others, I use attachment and family systems as the basis to help my clients make progress toward their goals in therapy.
My name is Luisa Amighetti, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at LMFT. I work in Los Angeles, California, providing services via telehealth with individuals and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, perinatal/maternal mental health or who are facing tough life decisions/role transitions. My approach to therapy is to build trust with my clients to foster openness to change and healing.
Kristina Holloway
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
My practice is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where individuals and couples can explore emotional, interpersonal, and developmental challenges, all while emphasizing our shared journey toward healing and growth.
We all experience challenges in life. At times, these can seem beyond our ability to handle. I would like to offer you my support. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations into the therapeutic journey.
My practice is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where individuals and couples can explore emotional, interpersonal, and developmental challenges, all while emphasizing our shared journey toward healing and growth.
We all experience challenges in life. At times, these can seem beyond our ability to handle. I would like to offer you my support. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations into the therapeutic journey.
Dr. Krystal S Smith
Psychologist, PsyD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (Online Only)
Life can be rough sometimes, and it’s so easy to feel stuck, wondering where you’re headed. My goal is to help you find new perspectives and new ways of looking at any situation so that you can approach life with confidence and authenticity. Along with bringing a multicultural perspective to therapy as a therapist of color, I utilize an integrative approach of Narrative, Interpersonal, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, and other modalities that fit your unique life journey.
Life can be rough sometimes, and it’s so easy to feel stuck, wondering where you’re headed. My goal is to help you find new perspectives and new ways of looking at any situation so that you can approach life with confidence and authenticity. Along with bringing a multicultural perspective to therapy as a therapist of color, I utilize an integrative approach of Narrative, Interpersonal, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, and other modalities that fit your unique life journey.
I use different therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy depending on your individual needs.
I look forward to helping you manage anxiety and depression, set boundaries, reduce stress, and learn how to protect your mental health so you can focus on what truly matters to you. Prioritizing your mental health is the first step toward your healing journey, and it would be an honor to walk alongside you.
I use different therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy depending on your individual needs.
I look forward to helping you manage anxiety and depression, set boundaries, reduce stress, and learn how to protect your mental health so you can focus on what truly matters to you. Prioritizing your mental health is the first step toward your healing journey, and it would be an honor to walk alongside you.
Jane Weil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Ramon, CA 94582 (Online Only)
Making the sometimes difficult call for therapy is the first step towards achieving a deeply needed change in your emotional well being. Anxiety, depression, sadness, feeling stuck, difficulty in relationships, are all painful themes that people struggle with. I bring to my practice over 35 years of experience in doing psychodynamic psychotherapy with a broad range of individuals and couples. I will work in a warm, direct, and collaborative manner with you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, to help you resolve personal and interpersonal conflicts and to redirect your life positively.
Making the sometimes difficult call for therapy is the first step towards achieving a deeply needed change in your emotional well being. Anxiety, depression, sadness, feeling stuck, difficulty in relationships, are all painful themes that people struggle with. I bring to my practice over 35 years of experience in doing psychodynamic psychotherapy with a broad range of individuals and couples. I will work in a warm, direct, and collaborative manner with you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, to help you resolve personal and interpersonal conflicts and to redirect your life positively.
Our work will be grounded in child development research, infant-parent and lifespan attachment (attachment theory) and interpersonal neurobiology emphasizing regulation.
I am a clinical and developmental psychologist with over 35 years experience. I currently have limited availability for 1) caregivers seeking parenting support; 2) people anticipating or during pregnancy, adoption, fostering or otherwise transitioning to parenthood and early parenting; and, 3) for consultation and supervision for professionals and students.
Our work will be grounded in child development research, infant-parent and lifespan attachment (attachment theory) and interpersonal neurobiology emphasizing regulation.
I am a clinical and developmental psychologist with over 35 years experience. I currently have limited availability for 1) caregivers seeking parenting support; 2) people anticipating or during pregnancy, adoption, fostering or otherwise transitioning to parenthood and early parenting; and, 3) for consultation and supervision for professionals and students.
See more therapy options for Contra Costa County
Interpersonal Therapists
Is interpersonal therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found interpersonal therapy to be effective for life transitions including retirement, divorce, and job loss. Also, some studies have found it to be just as useful as medication and other therapy approaches. The benefits of interpersonal therapy can last long after treatment has been completed; the individual can use the tenets of this therapy throughout their life.
How long does interpersonal therapy take?
Interpersonal psychotherapy is normally time-limited and focuses on specific problems in the client’s everyday relationships. Treatment can be either one-on-one or take place in a group setting; it tends to last 12 to 16 weeks, depending on the individual client’s needs. If a new interpersonal problem arises in the future, the client may require additional therapy to address it specifically. The timeline and session schedule may vary depending on the client’s challenges as well as their progress. Treatment may conclude with wrap-up sessions to review the client’s accomplishments.
Is interpersonal therapy effective?
Research shows that interpersonal therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of conditions such as depression or anxiety. The approach may also offer a range of benefits that are hard to measure but valuable—including healthier relationships and improved feelings of self-worth. The therapist will give the client practical solutions that can be put into practice. The brief duration of this therapy also means that clients can see changes in their relationships fairly quickly.
What are the limitations of interpersonal therapy?
Interpersonal therapy may not effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as psychosis, chronic illness, or alcohol relapse. Because it is short-term in nature, it may not be the best approach for conditions that need to be tracked, though maintenance sessions are a viable approach under these circumstances.
Can interpersonal psychotherapy be done online?
Yes, interpersonal psychotherapy can be conducted effectively either in-person or online. A therapist with expertise in IPT will be able to adjust their techniques, such as role-playing, to better suit the online environment. Offering online IPT can make it more accessible for clients who have transportation difficulties; it also provides the ideal opportunity to explore challenges unique to digital relationships.