Family Therapy in Oakland, CA

I work to build a warm, empathic relationship with my clients to create an environment where we can think together about the issues that bring you to therapy and how best to resolve them. I am informed by psychodynamic theory and utilize this rich tradition to explore unconscious defenses, maladaptive patterns and underlying schemas that can cause a person to repeat problematic behaviors despite their best efforts to change. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfullness practices to support clients with acquiring the tools they need to make those changes.

Looking for an in-person therapist in Oakland? Need help with managing stress, dating, work problems, relationships, family issues, life transitions, or depression? College/grad students, young professionals, millennials, Gen Z, new moms, tech workers, and creative types are my specialty.

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 a Columbia-trained psychologist and trauma specialist, I offer treatment for post-traumatic stress, addiction, grief, anxiety, depression, insecure attachment, and other trauma-related conditions. I utilize a combination of EMDR, internal family systems (IFS), cognitive behavioral (CBT), and dialectical behavioral (DBT) therapies to provide a somatic and source-focused approach to healing. I educate my clients on the universality of traumatic and addictive experiences. I define trauma broadly as any past experience that remains charged and disturbing, and thus has value in alleviating mental health challenges in the present.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience treating children, adolescents, families and adults. I provide highly indiviudalized therapy to each and every client. I integrate techniques from several theoretical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, and psychodynamic theory, to formulate an indiviudalized treatment plan for each client. Within the session, I create a safe, compassionate and confidential setting for clients to address their core issues and to work out past and present difficulties.

I welcome collaboration and creativity in the therapeutic process! My approach is to listen with curiosity and attention. I enjoy working with neurodivergent adults and adolescents. I support couples and relationships that are experiencing challenges because of different "wiring" that leads to misattunement and dysregulation. I understand the challenges that parents can face in taking care of their complex children. I work with all identities and family structures. I welcome clients who are queer, gender diverse, or in less traditional relationship configurations.

I am a trauma centered, queer therapist incorporating the body, family systems and collective liberation. I center the relational experience and hope for therapy to be a place of support to encounter all parts of yourself. I view therapy as a place to feel and be felt, one that can hold unknown territory. Our bodies know what they need even if for a multitude of reasons there is a not knowing. I orient the therapeutic container to hold the process of disentangling from the myriad systems influencing how we relate to ourselves and others.

Life is a series of peaks and valleys, and the low points can feel really overwhelming. It's in those moments that we most need support, but that's also when we're most prone to isolating and bottling up. Relationship issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, and workplace stress can all be urgent matters, yet we often hesitate admitting we need help.

My practice includes teenagers, individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in helping adults better understand their relationships with others and themselves. My therapeutic approach is based on establishing a genuine, trusting relationship with clients. This enables my clients to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment and leads to greater insight and positive life changes. I live in the East Bay and enjoy outdoor activities, spending time with my family/friends and being a therapist.

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.

Alcohol and drug problems as well as mental health issues - - anxiety, depression - - often lead to hopelessness, demoralization and isolation. My first step is to evaluate core problems collaboratively, to create a shared understanding of these issues, and then to develop a plan and solutions to deal with them.

Are you a gay or queer man feeling lonely and disconnected despite seemingly having good relationships, friendships, family, and/or community? If you find yourself confused about these feelings and wanting more support, you've come to the right place. I understand the unique challenges you face, not just as a gay man myself, but also as a therapist who is experienced working with gay and queer clients. I specialize in supporting people just like you: gay and queer men who are motivated to get to the bottom of things together and who want to be in authentic connection with others. With me, you will be in safe and capable hands.

Recognizing the need for help is challenging enough; finding the best clinician should be simple and straightforward. Regardless of who we are working with, our primary focus is on improving self-esteem, building self-confidence, and working to enrich the self-worth of each of our clients. The more faith a person has in their own abilities and innate uniqueness, the more they are able to engage with the world they live in, the family they belong to, and the life they deserve to experience. Put simply, we aim to improve the quality of life for every one of our clients.

Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.

If you are looking for down to earth & collaborative therapy, I'd be happy to see how I can be of help. I'm dedicated to providing a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, welcoming, culturally humble, compassionate and thoughtful. In addition to treating depression, anxiety and trauma, I specialize in 1. Relational Trauma (when someone has been repeatedly hurt by a loved one, community, institution and/or society), 2. Religious Trauma (when theology, culture and/or religious leader/community has caused shame, fear and pain) and 3. Child/Adolescent Therapy (for ADHD, school refusal, social struggles, depression and anxiety).

If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, my aim is to introduce clarity, authenticity, and self-motivation. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I’ve been successfully treating adults, families, and youth for over 20 years facilitating their self-growth. I teach techniques to better manage the emotional stress of everyday life. I have also focused on extensive training in anxiety/depression, play therapy, parenting, treating past and recent trauma, OCD, addiction, and working with family systems.

The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.

Are you experiencing challenges in dealing with anxiety, depression, and traumatic experiences? Do you struggle with effective communication and setting boundaries in your relationships with others? Life often presents obstacles and difficulties that might lead to these difficulties without proper tools, resources, and guidance. I utilize CBT, DBT, ACT, and Trauma-informed care to help you manage symptoms and promote healing and growth. With a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each client and their lived experiences, I foster a collaborative and inclusive therapeutic environment.

Life is already so complicated. My hope is to empower you to make yours more fulfilling. Our work will take action and help you become your own best ally. I'm a therapist for people who have been reluctant to try therapy! My strength is in relationships, whether those are with ourselves, our children, or our partners. I offer couples counseling, parent guidance and coaching, and family and individual therapy. My style is warm, client centered, holistic and down to earth. I can help when anxiety, depression, ADHD, addiction, trauma, high-conflict and big decisions are interfering with life and relationships.