Female Therapists in El Cerrito, CA
Are you wondering what needs to change for you to feel better than you do, or having trouble making it happen? I believe that the struggles we face in our lives are invitations for us to grow. Seeking support for life's challenges is a courageous and powerful choice; consider me a partner on your road toward empowerment. I have a special interest in working with clients navigating intersectional identities: creative and intellectual seekers overcoming struggle, working to find their unique path in the world. Many of my clients are artists, activists, or environmentally conscious folks committed to personal and collective healing.
Are you wondering what needs to change for you to feel better than you do, or having trouble making it happen? I believe that the struggles we face in our lives are invitations for us to grow. Seeking support for life's challenges is a courageous and powerful choice; consider me a partner on your road toward empowerment. I have a special interest in working with clients navigating intersectional identities: creative and intellectual seekers overcoming struggle, working to find their unique path in the world. Many of my clients are artists, activists, or environmentally conscious folks committed to personal and collective healing.
Jessica Osmond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Welcome! I am a licensed therapist with 13 years of experience providing mental health services to adults and adolescents. My style is compassionate, trauma-informed, and grounded in principles of anti-oppression and harm reduction. Whether you are struggling with new symptoms or a previous diagnosis has become more difficult to manage, I offer a warm and welcoming environment in which to explore ways to improve your life.
Welcome! I am a licensed therapist with 13 years of experience providing mental health services to adults and adolescents. My style is compassionate, trauma-informed, and grounded in principles of anti-oppression and harm reduction. Whether you are struggling with new symptoms or a previous diagnosis has become more difficult to manage, I offer a warm and welcoming environment in which to explore ways to improve your life.
Kara Swedlow
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530 (Online Only)
My work is integrative, blending depth psychology with studies in attachment, neuroscience, and relational and developmental psychology. I am influenced by analytic traditions which contain a focus on trauma, and studies in contemporary neuroscience, which show how our brains process our affective (emotional) experience, particularly in the context of relationship.
In addition to discussing your current and historical life experiences in our sessions, we may incorporate your dreams and somatic (body) mindfulness practices, such as exploring body sensations and their emotional counterparts.
My work is integrative, blending depth psychology with studies in attachment, neuroscience, and relational and developmental psychology. I am influenced by analytic traditions which contain a focus on trauma, and studies in contemporary neuroscience, which show how our brains process our affective (emotional) experience, particularly in the context of relationship.
In addition to discussing your current and historical life experiences in our sessions, we may incorporate your dreams and somatic (body) mindfulness practices, such as exploring body sensations and their emotional counterparts.
Welcome to an opportunity to feel and think differently about yourself. I have many years experience providing an intuitive and safe therapeutic environment. Creating a trusting relationship allows us to explore your relationships, moods and anxieties. We also will focus on thoughts or ways of being in the world that are troubling to you so that you may start experiencing more success at work and in your personal relationships.
Welcome to an opportunity to feel and think differently about yourself. I have many years experience providing an intuitive and safe therapeutic environment. Creating a trusting relationship allows us to explore your relationships, moods and anxieties. We also will focus on thoughts or ways of being in the world that are troubling to you so that you may start experiencing more success at work and in your personal relationships.
Many of life's problems and traumas are difficult not just in and of themselves, but because they are isolating, leaving you with the feeling that no one understands or that no one sees your struggles. As a therapist, I think the relationship comes first. The work we do together requires warmth, comfort, trust and "goodness of fit" between us. I believe the relationship is both the safe and warm point of departure for your exploration and the soft landing place.
Many of life's problems and traumas are difficult not just in and of themselves, but because they are isolating, leaving you with the feeling that no one understands or that no one sees your struggles. As a therapist, I think the relationship comes first. The work we do together requires warmth, comfort, trust and "goodness of fit" between us. I believe the relationship is both the safe and warm point of departure for your exploration and the soft landing place.
Naomi Schiesel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
There are many reasons why you might be looking for a therapist at this time. You may be navigating a life transition, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling stuck in limiting relational patterns, contending with critical inner voices, relying on unhealthy coping strategies, or seeking to heal from difficult family experiences and systems of oppression. You might have the sense that you need to make some changes in order to find more satisfaction in your life, but are unsure how to go about doing so. Reaching out for help can feel like a risk, but it also a life-affirming act of bravery...and a necessary first step.
There are many reasons why you might be looking for a therapist at this time. You may be navigating a life transition, struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling stuck in limiting relational patterns, contending with critical inner voices, relying on unhealthy coping strategies, or seeking to heal from difficult family experiences and systems of oppression. You might have the sense that you need to make some changes in order to find more satisfaction in your life, but are unsure how to go about doing so. Reaching out for help can feel like a risk, but it also a life-affirming act of bravery...and a necessary first step.
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.
Does it sometimes feel like you’re stuck in the darkness and it’s hard to see where to go next? Do you want to increase a sense of lightness and connectedness in your life and relationships? If so, therapy can be a safe harbor from which to slow down and cast a light in your internal life and experiences and, within yourself, find ways to live a more fulfilling life. I have helped individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions and relational issues live life more fully after difficult experiences. I believe in each person's capacity to find the way to a brighter and more meaningful life.
Does it sometimes feel like you’re stuck in the darkness and it’s hard to see where to go next? Do you want to increase a sense of lightness and connectedness in your life and relationships? If so, therapy can be a safe harbor from which to slow down and cast a light in your internal life and experiences and, within yourself, find ways to live a more fulfilling life. I have helped individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions and relational issues live life more fully after difficult experiences. I believe in each person's capacity to find the way to a brighter and more meaningful life.
Jennifer Kapczynski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Are you seeking support in dealing with a new challenge, or in getting unstuck from older patterns of thinking, feeling, and being? Do you want to improve your relationships, overcome isolation or nurture your sense of connection and community? Or perhaps you want to get in touch with yourself again – to figure out not just what you think, but what you feel. Therapy can help, and you’ve probably found yourself here because you’re curious about how it – and I – might work for you. I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, isolation, grief and trauma.
Are you seeking support in dealing with a new challenge, or in getting unstuck from older patterns of thinking, feeling, and being? Do you want to improve your relationships, overcome isolation or nurture your sense of connection and community? Or perhaps you want to get in touch with yourself again – to figure out not just what you think, but what you feel. Therapy can help, and you’ve probably found yourself here because you’re curious about how it – and I – might work for you. I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, isolation, grief and trauma.
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
I specialize in working with young children, caregivers, adults, and birthing people. The early relationship between a caregiver and child is central to developing a sense of safety and self esteem. My goal is to strengthen the attachment between the child and their important caregivers, to promote healthy development, and address any issues that may be impacting the child or caregiver well-being. Through this therapeutic approach, the focus is not only on the child's individual experiences but also on the dynamics and interactions within the family unit.
Embarking on a journey of healing requires courage, and I commend you for taking the first step. Your presence here is a testament to your readiness for change. Together, we will create a tailored roadmap to guide you towards reclaiming your life, rebuilding relationships, and fostering a profound connection with yourself. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
Embarking on a journey of healing requires courage, and I commend you for taking the first step. Your presence here is a testament to your readiness for change. Together, we will create a tailored roadmap to guide you towards reclaiming your life, rebuilding relationships, and fostering a profound connection with yourself. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
There's a lot of pain when you carry the burden of judging yourself harshly for feeling like you did something wrong and the only solution is striving to be perfect. I specialize in working with people of color (BIPOC) with those kind of overwhelming issues. They are drowning to catch up with their "To-Do" list while at the same time cannot stop procrastinating because they want to get it "right" and avoid the fear of never being good enough. I was raised in the Bay Area and am dedicated to healing the challenging issues that are unique to Asian Americans. Let me support you in gaining peace and joy for your one precious life.
There's a lot of pain when you carry the burden of judging yourself harshly for feeling like you did something wrong and the only solution is striving to be perfect. I specialize in working with people of color (BIPOC) with those kind of overwhelming issues. They are drowning to catch up with their "To-Do" list while at the same time cannot stop procrastinating because they want to get it "right" and avoid the fear of never being good enough. I was raised in the Bay Area and am dedicated to healing the challenging issues that are unique to Asian Americans. Let me support you in gaining peace and joy for your one precious life.
Kathleen Lellis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I know who difficult it can be for teenage girls and women.
Kathy is a former teacher & mother of 3 adult children. She has volunteered with animal rescue. She has her Masters in Counseling Psychology from JFK University. She is focused on being a therapist for women, but also for those who have experienced trauma. She is certified in EMDR. She will be taking courses to do advanced EMDR and using EMDR for children.
I know who difficult it can be for teenage girls and women.
Kathy is a former teacher & mother of 3 adult children. She has volunteered with animal rescue. She has her Masters in Counseling Psychology from JFK University. She is focused on being a therapist for women, but also for those who have experienced trauma. She is certified in EMDR. She will be taking courses to do advanced EMDR and using EMDR for children.
Melissa C Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
PLEASE NOTE: MY PRACTICE IS CURRENTLY FULL. Anxiety and depression often signal that something important is going on . . . just beneath the surface. Making sense of this pain, how it's guided you in the past, and its current role in perceiving the world, your place in it, and how to get what you truly desire is at the core of our work. Meeting weekly, or more frequently, therapy provides an environment to help reflect,understand, and grow. My experience and interest encompasses formal diagnoses (abuse history, serious mental illnesses, and trauma) or that less defined, more pervasive sense that something is just a little off.
PLEASE NOTE: MY PRACTICE IS CURRENTLY FULL. Anxiety and depression often signal that something important is going on . . . just beneath the surface. Making sense of this pain, how it's guided you in the past, and its current role in perceiving the world, your place in it, and how to get what you truly desire is at the core of our work. Meeting weekly, or more frequently, therapy provides an environment to help reflect,understand, and grow. My experience and interest encompasses formal diagnoses (abuse history, serious mental illnesses, and trauma) or that less defined, more pervasive sense that something is just a little off.
Catherine Cheyette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Not accepting new clients
Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, problems in intimate relationships and stressful life circumstances are among the reasons people seek psychotherapy.
I enjoy helping my clients through their difficulties toward renewal, growth and optimism about their future.
In an atmosphere of respect and compassion, my clients and I work collaboratively to explore the difficulties they face and uncover deeper issues which impede the natural resolution of their suffering.
This process of self-discovery promotes clarity about the steps which are needed to bring about positive change.
Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, problems in intimate relationships and stressful life circumstances are among the reasons people seek psychotherapy.
I enjoy helping my clients through their difficulties toward renewal, growth and optimism about their future.
In an atmosphere of respect and compassion, my clients and I work collaboratively to explore the difficulties they face and uncover deeper issues which impede the natural resolution of their suffering.
This process of self-discovery promotes clarity about the steps which are needed to bring about positive change.
Taly Rutenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Not accepting new clients
You don’t need to suffer so much. In these uncertain and unsettling times, I create the safety to explore difficult feelings and navigate challenges in relationships, work, health and spirit. For over thirty years, I have helped couples and individuals let go of the unnecessary suffering that comes when we try to escape the realities of our lives. While I work with a wide variety of clients and issues, one aspect of my approach never changes – we seek truth. I have found that being with the truth of our lives is the most reliable path to positive and lasting change.
You don’t need to suffer so much. In these uncertain and unsettling times, I create the safety to explore difficult feelings and navigate challenges in relationships, work, health and spirit. For over thirty years, I have helped couples and individuals let go of the unnecessary suffering that comes when we try to escape the realities of our lives. While I work with a wide variety of clients and issues, one aspect of my approach never changes – we seek truth. I have found that being with the truth of our lives is the most reliable path to positive and lasting change.
Heftsi Assaf
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I work with clients of all ages who are dealing with emotional and life issues / changes. I work with client's symptoms rather diagnosis. Clients who want to get better and are willing to work and make commitment towards change can benefit the most. My approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic. When needed I incorporate art, relaxation, mindfulness and breathing techniques.The sessions are interactive and goal oriented. They focus on reframing negative thinking, problem solving and learning new skills to deal with daily stressors.
I work with clients of all ages who are dealing with emotional and life issues / changes. I work with client's symptoms rather diagnosis. Clients who want to get better and are willing to work and make commitment towards change can benefit the most. My approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic. When needed I incorporate art, relaxation, mindfulness and breathing techniques.The sessions are interactive and goal oriented. They focus on reframing negative thinking, problem solving and learning new skills to deal with daily stressors.
Leah Platoni
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Not accepting new clients
I am glad you found your way here! From our first contact, I focus on creating safety and trust in a therapeutic relationship. We need non-judgmental space to build insight into ourselves- our habits and patterns- and make desirable changes. The goals are honorable- to improve our relationships (with ourselves and with others) and to flourish more in our lives, finding more fulfillment on our journeys. I will be there, with compassion and curiosity, helping uncover how deeper memories, beliefs, and feelings shape your current relationship dynamics, way of moving through life, and perceptions of the world.
I am glad you found your way here! From our first contact, I focus on creating safety and trust in a therapeutic relationship. We need non-judgmental space to build insight into ourselves- our habits and patterns- and make desirable changes. The goals are honorable- to improve our relationships (with ourselves and with others) and to flourish more in our lives, finding more fulfillment on our journeys. I will be there, with compassion and curiosity, helping uncover how deeper memories, beliefs, and feelings shape your current relationship dynamics, way of moving through life, and perceptions of the world.
