Family Systems Therapists in Oakland, CA

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.

Hello and welcome! I’m a bilingual (English/ Spanish), bicultural clinical psychologist who has been providing therapy for the past 9 years. My private practice focuses on children, youth, and their families, in addition to individual adults. My approach to therapy is collaborative and informed by psychodynamic and systems theories. I have a deep respect for the unique persons my clients are, and their innate desire to heal, grow and to have meaningful relationships.

Finding the right match in a therapist is essential to beginning this uniquely personal process. Therapy often gets a bad name when there is a sense of disconnect between client and therapist, which can make therapy feel like another struggle. Life is challenging enough. I am committed to creating a comfortable and genuine dialogue with each client, or to offering more fitting outside referrals. I am able to put people at ease, welcoming humor where appropriate.

You've got some things going right in your life "on paper," but you still have fears: about the future; about changes on the horizon; about your relationships with your parents and maybe your children; about where your partnership (your marriage, your life, your career . . .) is headed. And there's still grief about time "lost" since 2020. And uncertainty about the unknowns.

Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.

Are you at a place in your life that no longer feels comfortable and you're unsure of how you've have gotten there? It's impacting your personal and/or work relationships and your self-image. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space allowing you to gain insight into your journey thus far and give yourself permission to change. I will help you move to a place of self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and self-love.

Are you going through internal struggle due to trauma? Do you feel anxious and depressed about the future? Do you struggle with family issues and relationship issues? I’m willing to meet you where you are, help you process unwanted thoughts and emotions, and help develop an action plan to effectively cultivate your healing and growth. I’m here to help you explore unresolved feelings (anxiety, depression, anger, helplessness, grief, etc.) and develop skills to effectively cope with them. Thus, you can feel relieved and fulfilled in your relationship with yourself and others.

It can be vulnerable to start therapy; it takes courage. I believe it can be very rewarding and is one of the most powerful paths of transformation. Being in therapy is an opportunity to look at your life, and to learn new ways of relating to yourself, to others, and to your circumstances. This process can ease the pain of whatever difficulty you may be going through. It is an opportunity to not have to be alone with your pain, but to have the support and guidance of someone who is familiar with the terrain of the human psyche.

I create a trusting and safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings, without judgment, and I will normalize their experiences and help you have a deeper understanding of what your child is going through. We will work together collaboratively. You as parents are the expert on your child and family. I am there as a support and facilitator- making the first step in asking for help is the most crucial step in the journey of repairing.

I currently have openings for children, adults, couples, and families at my Oakland office.

Life transitions can be overwhelming experiences and even though it takes some time to adjust to changes in our lives, it is good to reach out to professionals that can help you. My focus is on cognitive behavioral therapy and complicated grief therapy. Sadness over a loss is normal and everyone takes a different and unique path to navigate grief. We try to cope with the world’s challenges based on the values and strengths we built during childhood, but there are ways to rekindle our creativity and joy as adults to re imagine a new way to live.

Do you feel depressed or anxious due to childhood trauma? Do you feel disconnected in your relationships with others? I’m here to help you develop an action plan for meaningful changes. My approach to therapy is relational and person-centered. I will work alongside you in a warm and understanding environment where you can explore your emotions and find better ways to deal with the stressors in your life.

Do you struggle with anxiety and depression due to your childhood trauma? Are you having problems with your partner or family members due to life transition issues? Are you experiencing increased stress, fears, and doubts around the future? I believe that we all have the capacity to heal our emotional wounds and create meaningful changes. My goal as a therapist is to offer you a safe place in which you can process insights, concerns, and emotions associated with trauma.

I am here to be present with you as you explore and process how the vast injustices in the world may be affecting your internal states. Together we can examine the question: Is there something “wrong” with me as an individual, or do we live in an inequitable society that causes emotional and often generational trauma? Our trauma can lead to behaviors that do not ultimately serve us or align with our core values—but there is room to heal. Your ancestral roots, intersecting identities, and cultural practices are an honor for me to make space for in our work together.

Are you feeling caught between cultures, unsure of where you belong in a rapidly changing world? Perhaps you're struggling to balance your family's expectations with your own aspirations in our modern society. As a young professional, student, or first/second-generation immigrant in California, you might be grappling with anxiety, depression, or the lingering effects of past experiences. You're seeking a therapist who truly understands these complex dynamics - someone who can help you navigate your unique challenges, heal from past wounds, and develop a sense of identity that feels authentic to you.

If you desire growth, change, and an improved quality of life - it would be my honor and pleasure to support you in that process. Perhaps it shows up for you as feelings of anxiety or depression. Maybe it's the frustration with the state of the world. You might be a high performance athlete or artist working through a creative block. Whatever it happens to be for you, you want something different for yourself and I am here to collaborate with you to bring about the change you desire.

Life used to be easier! Perhaps you feel stuck in your relationships and you are not getting along with the people you see daily. Issues in life can be overwhelming and full of challenges. I begin by meeting you at your place of growth or healing, and whether trauma, abuse, grieving, recovery or life issues, we work together to overcome them. There is hope. Let me help you reach the goals and connections you deserve. With sensitivity and compassion, we work to determine what might be blocking your full potential and your feelings.

As an engaged listener, I strive to create an atmosphere of respect and understanding, while also being compassionate, non-judgmental and warm. Within this safe space, we can explore family and relationship patterns and address your specific needs. I tailor sessions to meet each client’s challenges, developing trusting relationships that help him or her move towards a life of playfulness, passion and purpose. Your unique journey is made up of the circumstances, choices, beliefs and values that make up your reality. Together, we will determine new ways to bring tranquility, vitality, and fulfillment to your life. www.drzackberman.com

Have you recently experienced a traumatic loss and are feeling lost and overwhelmed with grief? Are you in the midst of a major life transition with your career or relationship? Perhaps you are an artist experiencing a creative block? Art Therapy may be the answer for your or your teen. As an Art Therapist, I specialize in guiding clients through grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and blocks in creativity and self exploration. I help my clients to harness the power of creativity to deepen emotional exploration and uncover feelings that may be challenging to otherwise articulate with words.