Couples Counseling Therapists in Oakland, CA
For the past 35 years, I have supported people navigating anxiety, depression, addictions and overwhelm to rediscover their aliveness, and the gifts that can come from even the most difficult experiences. As a highly interactive and warm person, I focus on the quality of our therapeutic relationship, as I believe it is pivotal to the healing process. Deeply intuitive and strength based by nature, I help you recognize your innate wisdom to creatively reshape your life. In the supportive environment of therapy, you are invited to unfold at your very own pace while facing challenges and perceived limitations.
For the past 35 years, I have supported people navigating anxiety, depression, addictions and overwhelm to rediscover their aliveness, and the gifts that can come from even the most difficult experiences. As a highly interactive and warm person, I focus on the quality of our therapeutic relationship, as I believe it is pivotal to the healing process. Deeply intuitive and strength based by nature, I help you recognize your innate wisdom to creatively reshape your life. In the supportive environment of therapy, you are invited to unfold at your very own pace while facing challenges and perceived limitations.
Working primarily from an interpersonal/relational perspective, I also integrate mindfulness and skills building into my approach to helping individuals, couples, and adolescents develop greater awareness of themselves and improved skills and capacities for adapting to the difficulties in their lives.
I have over 12 years experience working with adults, children, and adolescents experiencing relationship problems, anxiety and mood concerns, emotional and/or behavioral troubles, trauma and loss, and difficulties with burnout and the compassion fatigue of caring for loved ones with these issues. If you are an adult attempting to work through such difficulties in your life, the partner of someone having these problems, or if you are a parent seeking help for your child, I would welcome a chance to talk with you about how I may help.
Working primarily from an interpersonal/relational perspective, I also integrate mindfulness and skills building into my approach to helping individuals, couples, and adolescents develop greater awareness of themselves and improved skills and capacities for adapting to the difficulties in their lives.
I have over 12 years experience working with adults, children, and adolescents experiencing relationship problems, anxiety and mood concerns, emotional and/or behavioral troubles, trauma and loss, and difficulties with burnout and the compassion fatigue of caring for loved ones with these issues. If you are an adult attempting to work through such difficulties in your life, the partner of someone having these problems, or if you are a parent seeking help for your child, I would welcome a chance to talk with you about how I may help.
As we move forward, I will seek to understand, alongside you, how secure you feel in yourself and with your partner, identify what blocks and aids this sense of security, and help you learn how to build a stronger sense of yourself in the world, and in your relationships.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
As we move forward, I will seek to understand, alongside you, how secure you feel in yourself and with your partner, identify what blocks and aids this sense of security, and help you learn how to build a stronger sense of yourself in the world, and in your relationships.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
Monique Anne Thompson
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
I am a clinical psychologist specializing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I treat adults with depression, anxiety (panic, worry, phobias), social anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, and life stress. I am a partner at the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Berkeley. I believe in a collaborative approach that emphasizes symptom relief, skill building and self-exploration. I have published two books on CBT, CBT for Depression, Essential Strategies to Manage Negative Thoughts and Start Living Your Life and The Insomnia Workbook for Teens.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I treat adults with depression, anxiety (panic, worry, phobias), social anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, and life stress. I am a partner at the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UC Berkeley. I believe in a collaborative approach that emphasizes symptom relief, skill building and self-exploration. I have published two books on CBT, CBT for Depression, Essential Strategies to Manage Negative Thoughts and Start Living Your Life and The Insomnia Workbook for Teens.
I have special expertise in dealing with issues related to relationships and relationship difficulties.
In my practice I emphasize depth work, including insight and emotional experiencing, that may allow for problems that have not responded to more solution focused methods to resolve. My focus is particularly appropriate for people seeking more fulfilling relationships and rich inner lives in addition to the resolution of a concern.
I have special expertise in dealing with issues related to relationships and relationship difficulties.
In my practice I emphasize depth work, including insight and emotional experiencing, that may allow for problems that have not responded to more solution focused methods to resolve. My focus is particularly appropriate for people seeking more fulfilling relationships and rich inner lives in addition to the resolution of a concern.
I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 20 years with adults, couples and adolescents.
People turn to therapy when they are in too much emotional pain, stuck in intractable situations with intimate partners or at work, or acting in ways that are self-destructive or harmful to others. When other solutions have not worked, therapy offers a chance to address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work. It offers the possibility of exploring new ways of relating to ourselves and others that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. The therapist must provide a place of safety and be a partner in this process.
I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 20 years with adults, couples and adolescents.
People turn to therapy when they are in too much emotional pain, stuck in intractable situations with intimate partners or at work, or acting in ways that are self-destructive or harmful to others. When other solutions have not worked, therapy offers a chance to address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work. It offers the possibility of exploring new ways of relating to ourselves and others that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. The therapist must provide a place of safety and be a partner in this process.
Dr. Eric Bottino
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I use a system theory lens with families and a cooperative, collaborative approach for couples therapy.
Are you so overwhelmed that you can't focus on your partner, kids, or other meaningful relationships? Do you feel like letting go of patterns is challenging and find yourself obsessing about your body to the point that eating becomes an ordeal? Do you feel like the past is weighing you down and you can't put it where it belongs, that is in the past? Do you engage in behaviors such as drug, alcohol, or other reckless endeavors that bring about tension and conflicts at home, at work, or other social settings?
I use a system theory lens with families and a cooperative, collaborative approach for couples therapy.
Are you so overwhelmed that you can't focus on your partner, kids, or other meaningful relationships? Do you feel like letting go of patterns is challenging and find yourself obsessing about your body to the point that eating becomes an ordeal? Do you feel like the past is weighing you down and you can't put it where it belongs, that is in the past? Do you engage in behaviors such as drug, alcohol, or other reckless endeavors that bring about tension and conflicts at home, at work, or other social settings?
Imagine a life where you and your partner communicate calmly and effectively, even when stressed.
Are you and your partner stuck repeating the same arguments, ones filled with defensiveness, blame, and complaints? Do you yearn for the blissful early days of your relationship? If you and your partner are struggling to feel connected, please know that it’s possible to get back on the same page again. I've helped countless couples (and triads/polycules - non-monogamous, queer, and kinky folx, you're welcome here!) on the brink of divorce rediscover what made them fall in love in the first place.
Imagine a life where you and your partner communicate calmly and effectively, even when stressed.
Are you and your partner stuck repeating the same arguments, ones filled with defensiveness, blame, and complaints? Do you yearn for the blissful early days of your relationship? If you and your partner are struggling to feel connected, please know that it’s possible to get back on the same page again. I've helped countless couples (and triads/polycules - non-monogamous, queer, and kinky folx, you're welcome here!) on the brink of divorce rediscover what made them fall in love in the first place.
In addition to working with adults and couples, I have 15 years experience working with adolescent youth from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Often when an individual or couple is seeking out a therapist they're in the midst of a significant transition or challenge that can feel overwhelming. Paradoxically, I believe this is often the time in which the greatest change is possible. By exploring issues through a multi-layered approach, we will identify the deeper truths and lessons these challenges are presenting. By lending tools and feedback, I assist my clients in having a different relationship with their challenges; thus moving away from constriction into conscious growth and empowerment.
In addition to working with adults and couples, I have 15 years experience working with adolescent youth from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Often when an individual or couple is seeking out a therapist they're in the midst of a significant transition or challenge that can feel overwhelming. Paradoxically, I believe this is often the time in which the greatest change is possible. By exploring issues through a multi-layered approach, we will identify the deeper truths and lessons these challenges are presenting. By lending tools and feedback, I assist my clients in having a different relationship with their challenges; thus moving away from constriction into conscious growth and empowerment.
I am passionate about working with: People of Color; Trans, non-binary, and genderqueer individuals, and their partners and families; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer folks; Polyamorous and non-monogamous individuals, couples, families and other relationship configurations; Activists and organizers involved in social justice movements and struggles for liberation; and especially, people at the intersections of these categories. Therapy with me may be able to help with: depression and anxiety; grief and loss; PTSD and complex trauma; difficulty forming and maintaining nourishing relationships; and distress related to oppression.
I am passionate about working with: People of Color; Trans, non-binary, and genderqueer individuals, and their partners and families; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer folks; Polyamorous and non-monogamous individuals, couples, families and other relationship configurations; Activists and organizers involved in social justice movements and struggles for liberation; and especially, people at the intersections of these categories. Therapy with me may be able to help with: depression and anxiety; grief and loss; PTSD and complex trauma; difficulty forming and maintaining nourishing relationships; and distress related to oppression.
Gwen J Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I specialize in working with adults dealing with loss, stress and trauma and with couples with communication and intimacy concerns.
My clients are most often dealing with communication concerns, issues of intimacy and complications related to life changes. When traumatic events impact their daily lives, they may seek assistance.
Occasionally couples and families experiencing stress in their relationships may need an objective listener and guide to help them figure out how to reestablish balance. With the many demands of life and work, we work together to find pleasure in their families and for parents to reinstate parental authority within the family structure.
I specialize in working with adults dealing with loss, stress and trauma and with couples with communication and intimacy concerns.
My clients are most often dealing with communication concerns, issues of intimacy and complications related to life changes. When traumatic events impact their daily lives, they may seek assistance.
Occasionally couples and families experiencing stress in their relationships may need an objective listener and guide to help them figure out how to reestablish balance. With the many demands of life and work, we work together to find pleasure in their families and for parents to reinstate parental authority within the family structure.
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Depending on your goals, treatment may include identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns, exploring relationship dynamics, and implementing practical strategies for noticeable changes.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety problems like stress, worry or OCD as well as health problems such as illness or chronic pain. If you are coping with any of these conditions, I can help you. Anxiety and pain can leave you feeling stuck, and overwhelmed, especially when you feel pressure to perform or make life decisions. I have a strong background in evidence-based treatments and focus on practical, results-oriented treatments that have been proven effective. No matter what challenges you are facing, we can work together to reduce uncomfortable feelings and help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.
Depending on your goals, treatment may include identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns, exploring relationship dynamics, and implementing practical strategies for noticeable changes.
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety problems like stress, worry or OCD as well as health problems such as illness or chronic pain. If you are coping with any of these conditions, I can help you. Anxiety and pain can leave you feeling stuck, and overwhelmed, especially when you feel pressure to perform or make life decisions. I have a strong background in evidence-based treatments and focus on practical, results-oriented treatments that have been proven effective. No matter what challenges you are facing, we can work together to reduce uncomfortable feelings and help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.
Jonathan Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, substance use, couples, trauma, life transitions, men's issues, personal & professional relationships, and Veteran needs.
I view therapy as a unique relationship between two people - the therapist and the client. Therapy is a process that fosters acceptance and change of the challenges people face and helps provide clarity. My goal is to help create a safe place to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences that cause you pain, which may lead to difficulties in relationships, work, and/or daily life. Through this process we will create goals and a plan to reach your specific goals. My approach is genuine, compassionate, and non-judgmental. As a therapist, I bring over 20 years of experience working with individuals from many walks of life.
My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, substance use, couples, trauma, life transitions, men's issues, personal & professional relationships, and Veteran needs.
I view therapy as a unique relationship between two people - the therapist and the client. Therapy is a process that fosters acceptance and change of the challenges people face and helps provide clarity. My goal is to help create a safe place to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences that cause you pain, which may lead to difficulties in relationships, work, and/or daily life. Through this process we will create goals and a plan to reach your specific goals. My approach is genuine, compassionate, and non-judgmental. As a therapist, I bring over 20 years of experience working with individuals from many walks of life.
I have worked with parent/child conflict, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, depression, adjustment disorders, and family changes.
My approach is relational, healing-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative. I support parents, caregivers, and families to find their inner strengths and nurture their relationships with their children. I specialize in helping the parent-child dyad through attachment theory, empathy, and connecting communication. I aim to provide therapy based on the cultural and diverse needs of individuals, parents, families, and children. I am committed to providing emotional support and creating a safe environment where parents, families, and children can better understand themselves.
I have worked with parent/child conflict, anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, depression, adjustment disorders, and family changes.
My approach is relational, healing-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative. I support parents, caregivers, and families to find their inner strengths and nurture their relationships with their children. I specialize in helping the parent-child dyad through attachment theory, empathy, and connecting communication. I aim to provide therapy based on the cultural and diverse needs of individuals, parents, families, and children. I am committed to providing emotional support and creating a safe environment where parents, families, and children can better understand themselves.
Jessee Lovegood
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I recognize that building trust in the therapeutic relationship takes time and I strive to be a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental listener.
Folks come to therapy for a variety of reasons that all boil down to change, whether they're struggling to handle it or make it. Many of my clients' lives don't align with societal norms, either intentionally coloring outside the lines or struggling to fit in. Folks may find themselves overwhelmed, dealing with big emotions, the effects of complex or single-event trauma, complex medical issues, or chronic pain. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ - including trans kids and their families, disabled, and neurodiverse populations. I like to work with individuals, couples, polycules, and families of all shapes and sizes.
I recognize that building trust in the therapeutic relationship takes time and I strive to be a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental listener.
Folks come to therapy for a variety of reasons that all boil down to change, whether they're struggling to handle it or make it. Many of my clients' lives don't align with societal norms, either intentionally coloring outside the lines or struggling to fit in. Folks may find themselves overwhelmed, dealing with big emotions, the effects of complex or single-event trauma, complex medical issues, or chronic pain. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ - including trans kids and their families, disabled, and neurodiverse populations. I like to work with individuals, couples, polycules, and families of all shapes and sizes.
Keya enjoys working with individuals, adolescents, couples, families and groups.
Keya believes one of the greatest supports during challenging times is having someone to talk to. Keya provides a safe environment for clients to 'open up' by being empathetic, warm, and interested in the client's experience. Keya is dedicated to helping people grow in the ways they desire to. In addition, to private practice, Keya serves as a Behavioral Clinician building and restoring families in the community one session at a time.
Keya enjoys working with individuals, adolescents, couples, families and groups.
Keya believes one of the greatest supports during challenging times is having someone to talk to. Keya provides a safe environment for clients to 'open up' by being empathetic, warm, and interested in the client's experience. Keya is dedicated to helping people grow in the ways they desire to. In addition, to private practice, Keya serves as a Behavioral Clinician building and restoring families in the community one session at a time.
Dr. Maria Pilar Bratko
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I specialize in a variety of issues including: depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, trauma, childhood issues, and relationship difficulties.
Generally, what brings clients to my office are concerns related to work, relationships, and life. I offer both short-, and long-term therapy for individuals and couples. I welcome those from the Latino community. In individual therapy I will work with you to better understand your feelings and thoughts, find new ways for dealing with problems, and be more effective in recognizing and meeting your needs, desires, and aspirations. Couples often want to understand where their communication is not effective. We will work to improve your relationship by strengthening communication skills. I don't work with domestic violence.
I specialize in a variety of issues including: depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, trauma, childhood issues, and relationship difficulties.
Generally, what brings clients to my office are concerns related to work, relationships, and life. I offer both short-, and long-term therapy for individuals and couples. I welcome those from the Latino community. In individual therapy I will work with you to better understand your feelings and thoughts, find new ways for dealing with problems, and be more effective in recognizing and meeting your needs, desires, and aspirations. Couples often want to understand where their communication is not effective. We will work to improve your relationship by strengthening communication skills. I don't work with domestic violence.
Anyone who is currently struggling with emotional pain and wanting to change, is my ideal client. I am here to guide you through a journey into your mind and heart, to help you face your greatest fears, and discover your unimaginable strength. Out of the ashes, rises the phoenix and out of a personal crisis, comes tremendous growth and healing. Whether you are dealing with mood swings, depression, anxiety, addiction, panic, trauma or relationship issues, I am here to help.
Anyone who is currently struggling with emotional pain and wanting to change, is my ideal client. I am here to guide you through a journey into your mind and heart, to help you face your greatest fears, and discover your unimaginable strength. Out of the ashes, rises the phoenix and out of a personal crisis, comes tremendous growth and healing. Whether you are dealing with mood swings, depression, anxiety, addiction, panic, trauma or relationship issues, I am here to help.
Self-understanding within the context of a safe therapeutic relationship gives people the power to make healthy, informed choices that reduce distress and create more meaning and joy.
Psychotherapy is a uniquely effective way to address and process deeply rooted issues that manifest in ways that are painful, confusing, and make people feel out of control. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, and exploration. My orientation is predominantly psychodynamic, and I tailor my approach to each individual to address unique circumstances and complexities. I strive to create a safe, warm, and validating environment that enables people to share and be vulnerable without fear of judgment.
Self-understanding within the context of a safe therapeutic relationship gives people the power to make healthy, informed choices that reduce distress and create more meaning and joy.
Psychotherapy is a uniquely effective way to address and process deeply rooted issues that manifest in ways that are painful, confusing, and make people feel out of control. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, and exploration. My orientation is predominantly psychodynamic, and I tailor my approach to each individual to address unique circumstances and complexities. I strive to create a safe, warm, and validating environment that enables people to share and be vulnerable without fear of judgment.
Monica Lois Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94605 (Online Only)
I work with individuals and couples on issues related to anxiety and depression, trauma, relationships, parenting, grief, transitions, body-image, and navigating the ups and downs of ones 20s and 30s.
I work with individuals and couples on issues related to anxiety and depression, trauma, relationships, parenting, grief, transitions, body-image, and navigating the ups and downs of ones 20s and 30s.
