LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in El Cerrito, CA
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, gender queer, 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, gender queer, and those with diverse lifestyles. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration w/Journey Clinical.
Farhana Sobhan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
My therapeutic work is influenced by my intersectional identities and experiences as an immigrant, Bangladeshi, South Asian, Muslim, womyn, queer, survivor, and artist.
My practice is supporting others in becoming more resilient and taking steps towards leading a life with more meaning and intentionality. Our unique intersections of life have brought us experiences and challenges that made a lasting impact on how we navigate our systems and relationships. Becoming more aware of the patterns that enabled us to survive in the past can aid in providing more insight and clarity into ourselves to inform our future. Together we will build capacity for unlearning old patterns and developing new capacities that support your growth process and change the narrative from surviving to thriving.
My therapeutic work is influenced by my intersectional identities and experiences as an immigrant, Bangladeshi, South Asian, Muslim, womyn, queer, survivor, and artist.
My practice is supporting others in becoming more resilient and taking steps towards leading a life with more meaning and intentionality. Our unique intersections of life have brought us experiences and challenges that made a lasting impact on how we navigate our systems and relationships. Becoming more aware of the patterns that enabled us to survive in the past can aid in providing more insight and clarity into ourselves to inform our future. Together we will build capacity for unlearning old patterns and developing new capacities that support your growth process and change the narrative from surviving to thriving.
I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and community from rural areas, as someone who understands the experience of isolation and judgment. I have a warm, soulful, collaborative, empathic, non-judgmental approach to therapy. My goal is to help individuals find their inner voice and truth, heal from new and old wounds, and repair interpersonal conflict with their loved ones. I work with all genders, LGBTQ+, gender expansive clients. Individual, family therapy, couples therapy, sex therapy. Accepting new clients virtually. I am also accepting supervisees currently registered with the BBS.
I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and community from rural areas, as someone who understands the experience of isolation and judgment. I have a warm, soulful, collaborative, empathic, non-judgmental approach to therapy. My goal is to help individuals find their inner voice and truth, heal from new and old wounds, and repair interpersonal conflict with their loved ones. I work with all genders, LGBTQ+, gender expansive clients. Individual, family therapy, couples therapy, sex therapy. Accepting new clients virtually. I am also accepting supervisees currently registered with the BBS.
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.
I also have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing relationship/family issues, divorce, and LGBTQ challenges.
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
I also have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing relationship/family issues, divorce, and LGBTQ challenges.
Are you hindered by anxiety, depression, or trauma, preventing you from expressing your authentic self? Do you find yourself trapped in navigating challenging family and relationship situations? Every minor issue now feels incredibly overwhelming, reopening past wounds and creating new ones. Despite attempting to bury the pain, it persists, leaving you feeling isolated and tormented. The constant exhaustion, stress, and anger make you question your resilience. Unsure of where to seek assistance, you don't have to endure this painful journey by yourself. I aim to assist you in achieving a more integrated and balanced sense of self.
I specialize in LGBTQ issues, couples therapy, and sex therapy.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
I specialize in LGBTQ issues, couples therapy, and sex therapy.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Are you thinking about breaking a pattern that no longer serves you? Often feel like an outsider? Wanting to understand threads between past, present experiences, and possibilities ahead? Utilizing a variety of approaches, I can offer perspective and help you feel understood in order to create change in your life. I provide an affirming space for a lot of people who have had previously unsatisfactory experiences in therapy including LGBTQIA folks. I have extensive training beyond just getting licensed to practice therapy. Working with a clinically astute, sincere therapist can be life-changing.
Are you thinking about breaking a pattern that no longer serves you? Often feel like an outsider? Wanting to understand threads between past, present experiences, and possibilities ahead? Utilizing a variety of approaches, I can offer perspective and help you feel understood in order to create change in your life. I provide an affirming space for a lot of people who have had previously unsatisfactory experiences in therapy including LGBTQIA folks. I have extensive training beyond just getting licensed to practice therapy. Working with a clinically astute, sincere therapist can be life-changing.
I work online and am kink and LGBTQ friendly.
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.
I work online and am kink and LGBTQ friendly.
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.
I have experience working with individuals who struggle with issues stemming from substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, and personality disorders.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
I have experience working with individuals who struggle with issues stemming from substance abuse, LGBTQIA+ issues, and personality disorders.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
Krisztina Dihen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Additionally, I have specialized in areas of peripartum mood management, chronic or acute illnesses, immigration and transition and geriatrics I am glad you’re here and I look forward working with you.
I am glad you’re here and I look forward to working with you. My experience extends to individuals, couples, teens and young adults with a wide array of needs and presentations. Using an approach that is rooted in ethics and accountability my therapy focuses on skills that help finds ways to manage life, relationships, transitions or just being with yourself. I help facilitate growth through curiosity within and outside oneself. I am pulled towards cultures and stories and the meaning and relevance of these personal elements in the lives of those I work with.
Additionally, I have specialized in areas of peripartum mood management, chronic or acute illnesses, immigration and transition and geriatrics I am glad you’re here and I look forward working with you.
I am glad you’re here and I look forward to working with you. My experience extends to individuals, couples, teens and young adults with a wide array of needs and presentations. Using an approach that is rooted in ethics and accountability my therapy focuses on skills that help finds ways to manage life, relationships, transitions or just being with yourself. I help facilitate growth through curiosity within and outside oneself. I am pulled towards cultures and stories and the meaning and relevance of these personal elements in the lives of those I work with.
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) psychologist with experience working with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma, family problems, and relationship issues. I approach treatment in a direct, dynamic, culturally sensitive, and client focused way. I am particularly interested in issues of diversity, couples, families, work stress, and helping you overcome patterns and obstacles that hinder your personal transformation.
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) psychologist with experience working with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma, family problems, and relationship issues. I approach treatment in a direct, dynamic, culturally sensitive, and client focused way. I am particularly interested in issues of diversity, couples, families, work stress, and helping you overcome patterns and obstacles that hinder your personal transformation.
Christopher Patrick White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
My clients are often sensitive, intelligent, and creative people who face life transitions, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and the challenges of liberating passion and creating meaning in life. Many struggle with the legacy of significant trauma.
Through acceptance, loving encouragement, and providing a container for self-exploration, I help clients to find a more encompassing love for self and other, develop strength and firmness of character, and tap into the well of their vitality, creativity, and joy.
My clients are often sensitive, intelligent, and creative people who face life transitions, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and the challenges of liberating passion and creating meaning in life. Many struggle with the legacy of significant trauma.
Through acceptance, loving encouragement, and providing a container for self-exploration, I help clients to find a more encompassing love for self and other, develop strength and firmness of character, and tap into the well of their vitality, creativity, and joy.
I am an experienced therapist who is described as compassionate, interactive and comfortable to work with. As a trauma informed therapist, I specialize in working with people who have had challenging and traumatic life experiences. I work with individuals who experience a wide range of distress, including anxiety, panic, depression, relationship issues, hopelessness and self doubt. Building a relationship with a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and validated is the first step and I will be thoughtful about your needs.
I am an experienced therapist who is described as compassionate, interactive and comfortable to work with. As a trauma informed therapist, I specialize in working with people who have had challenging and traumatic life experiences. I work with individuals who experience a wide range of distress, including anxiety, panic, depression, relationship issues, hopelessness and self doubt. Building a relationship with a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and validated is the first step and I will be thoughtful about your needs.
I am integrative and experiential in my approach, drawing on my training in trauma informed treatments (such as AEDP and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy), as well as mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and transpersonal modalities.
Have you ever felt like you talk about a painful issue over and over but nothing changes? Are you ready to start your journey to real transformation? Therapy helps us shift underlying patterns that cause distress, heal from past wounds, and mobilize inner strengths, so that we experience greater freedom and fulfillment. For 20 years, I’ve helped clients heal and grow, and cultivate lives of meaning and joy. I offer a holistic approach to counseling, which means I draw on multiple healing modalities, and support you in feeling healthy in all ways. I love this work, and am dedicated to helping you create lasting positive change.
I am integrative and experiential in my approach, drawing on my training in trauma informed treatments (such as AEDP and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy), as well as mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and transpersonal modalities.
Have you ever felt like you talk about a painful issue over and over but nothing changes? Are you ready to start your journey to real transformation? Therapy helps us shift underlying patterns that cause distress, heal from past wounds, and mobilize inner strengths, so that we experience greater freedom and fulfillment. For 20 years, I’ve helped clients heal and grow, and cultivate lives of meaning and joy. I offer a holistic approach to counseling, which means I draw on multiple healing modalities, and support you in feeling healthy in all ways. I love this work, and am dedicated to helping you create lasting positive change.
Our primary goal is to assist clients with learning the skills needed to reduce current symptom presentation and manage life's challenges as they arise. Our team of experienced mental health professionals is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality care.
Our primary goal is to assist clients with learning the skills needed to reduce current symptom presentation and manage life's challenges as they arise. Our team of experienced mental health professionals is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality care.
Sarah Hellman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530 (Online Only)
When potential clients reach out to me they are often at a place in their lives when their habitual way of living is no longer working for them. You may feel stuck, confused, frustrated, overwhelmed, uncertain of how to move forward. You want to do things differently but don't know HOW. You're interested in personal growth, in developing other ways of moving through your life and relationships. Wherever you are, there is always a way forward. As a body-oriented therapist, I use a variety of approaches to help you access deeper levels of knowing and being with yourself; helping you find ease in moving through uncomfortable states.
When potential clients reach out to me they are often at a place in their lives when their habitual way of living is no longer working for them. You may feel stuck, confused, frustrated, overwhelmed, uncertain of how to move forward. You want to do things differently but don't know HOW. You're interested in personal growth, in developing other ways of moving through your life and relationships. Wherever you are, there is always a way forward. As a body-oriented therapist, I use a variety of approaches to help you access deeper levels of knowing and being with yourself; helping you find ease in moving through uncomfortable states.
Heather Burns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
It's hard to go it alone with painful feelings of confusion, guilt, sadness, anxiety or despair. I help you access and unravel internal knots related to work or school performance, conflictual relationships, gender and sexuality, addictive behaviors, struggles with self-care and body image, or a family history troubled by dysfunction, divorce, addiction, mental illness, abuse, unresolved conflict or estrangement from loved ones.
It's hard to go it alone with painful feelings of confusion, guilt, sadness, anxiety or despair. I help you access and unravel internal knots related to work or school performance, conflictual relationships, gender and sexuality, addictive behaviors, struggles with self-care and body image, or a family history troubled by dysfunction, divorce, addiction, mental illness, abuse, unresolved conflict or estrangement from loved ones.
Mark Allen Resch
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, BA, MFA, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
I know the profound impact of life transitions—the challenges and opportunities they bring.
I work with clients who are asking, “Who am I beyond my achievements and job titles?” Our work together reorients your life, helping you craft a renewed sense of purpose and meaning. I offer empathetic, insightful therapy to individuals, couples, and families across California. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, relationship complexities, work-life balance, career transitions, anxiety, grief, or depression, I’ll tailor a treatment plan that fits your unique situation and helps you thrive.
I know the profound impact of life transitions—the challenges and opportunities they bring.
I work with clients who are asking, “Who am I beyond my achievements and job titles?” Our work together reorients your life, helping you craft a renewed sense of purpose and meaning. I offer empathetic, insightful therapy to individuals, couples, and families across California. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, relationship complexities, work-life balance, career transitions, anxiety, grief, or depression, I’ll tailor a treatment plan that fits your unique situation and helps you thrive.
Deepa Ranganathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cerrito, CA 94530 (Online Only)
By the time people start therapy, they've often tried nearly everything to solve their problems on their own. I respect the hard work you may have already done -- and your courage in seeking more support. Therapy can help you free up the "stuck" places in your life. My approach is warm, open-minded, active, and empathic. My goals are to help you find more satisfaction in your work and relationships, feel more self-confidence and vitality, and live a happy, meaningful life. My priority is always to respect the pace and direction that is right for you.
By the time people start therapy, they've often tried nearly everything to solve their problems on their own. I respect the hard work you may have already done -- and your courage in seeking more support. Therapy can help you free up the "stuck" places in your life. My approach is warm, open-minded, active, and empathic. My goals are to help you find more satisfaction in your work and relationships, feel more self-confidence and vitality, and live a happy, meaningful life. My priority is always to respect the pace and direction that is right for you.
I work with depression, bipolar, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions and substance abuse.
What would it be like to feel at home in your body, in your mind, and in your heart? How would it feel to truly inhabit your life, with a greater sense of aliveness, ease, and connection? From my experience working with hundreds of clients from all walks of life, I know that difficult times can become a doorway to healing, change and greater connection with one's true self. I have a warm, collaborative approach and will support you in healing the wounds of the past and making inner and outer changes needed for a more fulfilling life.
I work with depression, bipolar, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, life transitions and substance abuse.
What would it be like to feel at home in your body, in your mind, and in your heart? How would it feel to truly inhabit your life, with a greater sense of aliveness, ease, and connection? From my experience working with hundreds of clients from all walks of life, I know that difficult times can become a doorway to healing, change and greater connection with one's true self. I have a warm, collaborative approach and will support you in healing the wounds of the past and making inner and outer changes needed for a more fulfilling life.
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Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for El Cerrito
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Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.