Feminist Therapists in Oakland, CA
![Photo of Shelley M Samuels, MS, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4417f0eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shelley M Samuels
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
I am a feminist therapist, an Eco-therapist, who deeply appreciates connection to the earth and the healing power of nature.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice.
My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
I am a feminist therapist, an Eco-therapist, who deeply appreciates connection to the earth and the healing power of nature.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice.
My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
![Photo of Cathy A Thompson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e934a3b-ca2e-49cc-994e-9477ff1b4928/1/320x400.jpeg)
I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice.
I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem.
I identify as a queer, Biracial (Black/White), Feminist Multicultural Psychologist and I am passionate about diversity, equity, and social justice.
I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem.
![Photo of Alissa Benporat, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc99e851-980e-4369-8156-ebb56cfeac41/2/320x400.png)
Alissa Benporat
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I'm influenced by eco psychology, feminist psychology, psychodynamic psychology, humanistic psychology, and somatic psychology.
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
I'm influenced by eco psychology, feminist psychology, psychodynamic psychology, humanistic psychology, and somatic psychology.
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
![Photo of Dr. Jean-Arellia Tolentino, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/886e70c2-4bf4-44bf-94b7-fb5d3addb2d3/1/320x400.png)
My clients tend to be badass and kind... and might not know it! They are, or aspiring to be: generational cycle breakers, healing attachment wounds, or seeking alignment with one's values. Are you curious about building insight or ways to self/collectively care? Perhaps we're a fit if you're seeking a therapist who believes and works from a feminist liberation approach, has experience working towards building healthy familial dynamics, and integrates a whole-person & holistic approach to care.
My clients tend to be badass and kind... and might not know it! They are, or aspiring to be: generational cycle breakers, healing attachment wounds, or seeking alignment with one's values. Are you curious about building insight or ways to self/collectively care? Perhaps we're a fit if you're seeking a therapist who believes and works from a feminist liberation approach, has experience working towards building healthy familial dynamics, and integrates a whole-person & holistic approach to care.
![Photo of Shanna Sea Dew, LMFT, 500-RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d19b8b6-7a58-4177-b8a5-f2e17ca94f75/1/320x400.png)
Shanna Sea Dew
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, 500-RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I am a trauma-sensitive 500- hour yoga teacher and intersectional feminist.
As a complex trauma therapist, I specialize in a variety of modalities including: brainspotting, accelerated resolution therapy (ART), somatic experiencing, mindfulness meditation, and expressive arts. I work with teens and adults who have experienced childhood trauma.
I am a trauma-sensitive 500- hour yoga teacher and intersectional feminist.
As a complex trauma therapist, I specialize in a variety of modalities including: brainspotting, accelerated resolution therapy (ART), somatic experiencing, mindfulness meditation, and expressive arts. I work with teens and adults who have experienced childhood trauma.
![Photo of Dr. Skyellen Kulanu, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5266ade6-e37b-4c10-861f-fcc553e262aa/3/320x400.jpeg)
I provide compassionate and collaborative psychotherapy with a focus on adults. I enjoy working with individuals and couples. I am trained in a range of treatment modalities and flexible in the approach I take with clients. Some treatment approaches I draw from are; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). I work through a feminist and social justice lens and approach therapy with curiosity and a healthy dose of humor. My goal in providing psychotherapy is to facilitate you in living a meaningful life in alignment with your values.
I provide compassionate and collaborative psychotherapy with a focus on adults. I enjoy working with individuals and couples. I am trained in a range of treatment modalities and flexible in the approach I take with clients. Some treatment approaches I draw from are; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). I work through a feminist and social justice lens and approach therapy with curiosity and a healthy dose of humor. My goal in providing psychotherapy is to facilitate you in living a meaningful life in alignment with your values.
![Photo of Amanda Piasecki, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45768421-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Piasecki
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
My approach is influenced by depth psychology, feminist, relational, collectivist, transformative justice, and somatic perspectives and practices.
Through therapy, we can author and re-author life stories and personal mythologies in order to bring self-supporting realities into existence. I work collaboratively with clients, cultivating existing strengths and internal resources in order to foster relationships and life experiences that contribute to clients' recovery and wellbeing. When invited, and with respect, I’m honored to explore what makes clients who they are, and to support who they want to become.
My approach is influenced by depth psychology, feminist, relational, collectivist, transformative justice, and somatic perspectives and practices.
Through therapy, we can author and re-author life stories and personal mythologies in order to bring self-supporting realities into existence. I work collaboratively with clients, cultivating existing strengths and internal resources in order to foster relationships and life experiences that contribute to clients' recovery and wellbeing. When invited, and with respect, I’m honored to explore what makes clients who they are, and to support who they want to become.
![Photo of Micah Rea, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5513bec1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Micah Rea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
It is grounded in trauma-informed, social justice, intersectional trans-feminist, harm reduction, psychodynamic relational, and Health at Every Size frameworks.
I have been working with LGBTQ+ communities and their families in mental health settings for the last 8 years. I'm passionate about providing a space for all people to be celebrated for their full authentic selves. I honor and respect the strategies clients have learned that support them in coping and surviving. Together, we can work towards becoming more aware and understanding of how these coping strategies and patterns best serve us, recognize what may no longer serve us, and find new ways of coping. I support clients with any needs or goals that they bring to therapy.
It is grounded in trauma-informed, social justice, intersectional trans-feminist, harm reduction, psychodynamic relational, and Health at Every Size frameworks.
I have been working with LGBTQ+ communities and their families in mental health settings for the last 8 years. I'm passionate about providing a space for all people to be celebrated for their full authentic selves. I honor and respect the strategies clients have learned that support them in coping and surviving. Together, we can work towards becoming more aware and understanding of how these coping strategies and patterns best serve us, recognize what may no longer serve us, and find new ways of coping. I support clients with any needs or goals that they bring to therapy.
![Photo of Nanyonjo Mukungu, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/012d519c-580c-4df4-8a5c-8011bc742c07/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nanyonjo Mukungu
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
My framework as a psychotherapist is inspired by black feminist sci-fi writer, Octavia E. Butler who saw the possibility of many more worlds than just our own. I believe that transformative internal healing is critical to envisioning and building these worlds without the presence of imperialism, white supremacy, capitalism and cishet-patriarchy. The tools I use to support the exploration of individual, interpersonal and intergenerational trauma are shaped by abolition that rejects punitive and scarcity mindsets and disability justice which strives to value every body.
My framework as a psychotherapist is inspired by black feminist sci-fi writer, Octavia E. Butler who saw the possibility of many more worlds than just our own. I believe that transformative internal healing is critical to envisioning and building these worlds without the presence of imperialism, white supremacy, capitalism and cishet-patriarchy. The tools I use to support the exploration of individual, interpersonal and intergenerational trauma are shaped by abolition that rejects punitive and scarcity mindsets and disability justice which strives to value every body.
![Photo of Ashley Coover, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad71c8c8-aabe-416c-aaaf-4b14d2b740bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize models that include a strong social justice lens coupled with a feminist psychodynamic background along with an emphasis on understanding and working with complex trauma.
My clients are passionate, sensitive, often highly creative people searching for a place where their full self can be witnessed, celebrated, and supported. Sometimes this includes mourning for what was not possible or the intensity of previous experiences they were put through and what that has cost them. My clients tend to struggle with a variety of complex issues. They often come from families with a legacy of unprocessed intergenerational trauma, which can take many forms. Ultimately, clients who seek me are looking for a place to try out new ways of being in the world. Ways that will better support their deepest values.
I utilize models that include a strong social justice lens coupled with a feminist psychodynamic background along with an emphasis on understanding and working with complex trauma.
My clients are passionate, sensitive, often highly creative people searching for a place where their full self can be witnessed, celebrated, and supported. Sometimes this includes mourning for what was not possible or the intensity of previous experiences they were put through and what that has cost them. My clients tend to struggle with a variety of complex issues. They often come from families with a legacy of unprocessed intergenerational trauma, which can take many forms. Ultimately, clients who seek me are looking for a place to try out new ways of being in the world. Ways that will better support their deepest values.
![Photo of Lili Nakita Kroutilina, MFT, MA, LMP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ab4a367-4ec4-4a74-93c8-ad4f3fd7ed7b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lili Nakita Kroutilina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA, LMP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606 (Online Only)
I personally identify as queer, white, liberal, feminist, immigrant, and activist.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence? Confused about how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform your life to be what you want. I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, and my background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, and fitness. I have a gentle yet directive, relational style.
I personally identify as queer, white, liberal, feminist, immigrant, and activist.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence? Confused about how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform your life to be what you want. I have a trauma-informed, integrative style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, expressive arts, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, spirituality, and my background in holistic health, nutrition, massage, and fitness. I have a gentle yet directive, relational style.
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![Photo of Dr. Renata Way, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17bb3500-2d96-412f-b85c-f3f8b25211e0/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
![Photo of Cathy Swift Nagel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07f69855-53f8-4f97-88a3-06b3c3c3fb78/2/320x400.png)
Cathy Swift Nagel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I take an "ecclectic" approach and use techniques from various modalities, including CBT, Person-Centered, Narrative, Feminist, and Brief Psychotherapies, to name a few.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2001, I am deeply committed to supporting the well-being of each client, providing culturally competent services and helping clients improve their quality of life. I see older and disabled adults, often dealing with chronic illness or a new diagnosis. I have an extensive history working in medical settings and am also available to assist caregivers with navigating the health care system. I believe that positive change is possible at any age and at any juncture in a person's life. I believe you can have a more fulfilling life, and that I can help you.
I take an "ecclectic" approach and use techniques from various modalities, including CBT, Person-Centered, Narrative, Feminist, and Brief Psychotherapies, to name a few.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2001, I am deeply committed to supporting the well-being of each client, providing culturally competent services and helping clients improve their quality of life. I see older and disabled adults, often dealing with chronic illness or a new diagnosis. I have an extensive history working in medical settings and am also available to assist caregivers with navigating the health care system. I believe that positive change is possible at any age and at any juncture in a person's life. I believe you can have a more fulfilling life, and that I can help you.
![Photo of Eric J Young, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/baccf97d-15e9-4774-bcfe-f2a2f14501d2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work from a relational, feminist, anti-racist framework.
It is easy to feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed, when dealing with the many challenges that life throws at you. Often there is not a quick and easy solution when dealing with life's more complex challenges, however having a supportive ally throughout the twists and turns can make all the difference. I am committed to supporting people who have experienced oppression, trauma, or other difficult experiences. Figuring out how to live one's life with a sense of meaning, satisfaction, and authenticity can be difficult, and I am here to support you on that journey.
I work from a relational, feminist, anti-racist framework.
It is easy to feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed, when dealing with the many challenges that life throws at you. Often there is not a quick and easy solution when dealing with life's more complex challenges, however having a supportive ally throughout the twists and turns can make all the difference. I am committed to supporting people who have experienced oppression, trauma, or other difficult experiences. Figuring out how to live one's life with a sense of meaning, satisfaction, and authenticity can be difficult, and I am here to support you on that journey.
![Photo of Lili Shidlovski, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c74b307-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lili Shidlovski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
My clinical background includes relational psychodynamic and family systems theory, as well as a feminist and social justice perspective.
We are now in a communal health crisis together. It exacerbates feelings of anxiety and depression that we may have, and can make us spin as we try to adjust to Pandemic reality. Many of my clients are parents, people with career questions, immigrants, social justice workers. Many are either coping with a current situational issue that is confusing, overwhelming, or painful, or with a longer term pattern that they would like to change. I work in an engaged manner, hoping to build trust and a collaborative relationship that will allow you to look at old patterns and create new emotional and behavioral options, especially now.
My clinical background includes relational psychodynamic and family systems theory, as well as a feminist and social justice perspective.
We are now in a communal health crisis together. It exacerbates feelings of anxiety and depression that we may have, and can make us spin as we try to adjust to Pandemic reality. Many of my clients are parents, people with career questions, immigrants, social justice workers. Many are either coping with a current situational issue that is confusing, overwhelming, or painful, or with a longer term pattern that they would like to change. I work in an engaged manner, hoping to build trust and a collaborative relationship that will allow you to look at old patterns and create new emotional and behavioral options, especially now.
![Photo of Daniel Batalla, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba259dbc-5ac8-4f91-aca4-c7d50016e769/1/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel Batalla
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
I also utilize elements of psychodynamic psychology, attachment theory, feminist and queer theory in my work.
Hello, I am a born-and-raised Angeleno of Mexican descent. I am a non-binary, queer-affirmative, trans-affirmative, sex-positive therapist who earned a master's degree in clinical psychology (with an LGBTQIA+ specialization) from Antioch University, Los Angeles. My pronouns are they/them.
I also utilize elements of psychodynamic psychology, attachment theory, feminist and queer theory in my work.
Hello, I am a born-and-raised Angeleno of Mexican descent. I am a non-binary, queer-affirmative, trans-affirmative, sex-positive therapist who earned a master's degree in clinical psychology (with an LGBTQIA+ specialization) from Antioch University, Los Angeles. My pronouns are they/them.
![Photo of Inaê Cintra Mattiazzi, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee36f8fc-9e03-4dd8-8459-b161d09b55ae/3/320x400.png)
Inaê Cintra Mattiazzi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
In order to create a sense of trust and safety, I like to disclose some of my identities: queer, feminist, white, latina, and cisgender woman.
Whatever you're struggling with, it can be really helpful to have someone by your side to figure it out. Together we can bring awareness to your patterns, emotional experience, and relational issues in order to give you more agency and empowerment. That is what therapy is to me- I believe you are the expert in your own life, and I am there to support you. My ideal client is anyone who is motivated to explore their inner world and connect to their sense of self through depth work and creative means.
In order to create a sense of trust and safety, I like to disclose some of my identities: queer, feminist, white, latina, and cisgender woman.
Whatever you're struggling with, it can be really helpful to have someone by your side to figure it out. Together we can bring awareness to your patterns, emotional experience, and relational issues in order to give you more agency and empowerment. That is what therapy is to me- I believe you are the expert in your own life, and I am there to support you. My ideal client is anyone who is motivated to explore their inner world and connect to their sense of self through depth work and creative means.
![Photo of Marissa Cotter, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40683e94-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am committed to anti-racist, relational, feminist, pro-LGBT, anti-oppression, sex-positive frameworks.
I provide relational somatic therapy for adults, kids & teens. Therapy with me is integrative, including woven layers of modalities designed with your specific needs in mind. Our work is a collaboration with your mind, body, and soul. Non-judgement. Warmth. Active conversations and appropriate humor. Integrative therapy works successfully to treat mental health issues, emotional distress, and trauma triggers, and is great for kids/teens through art-therapy, body-awareness, and non-directive play. Psychotherapy, to me, is personal, political, & social. It takes courage, strength, and hope to live into who you really are.
I am committed to anti-racist, relational, feminist, pro-LGBT, anti-oppression, sex-positive frameworks.
I provide relational somatic therapy for adults, kids & teens. Therapy with me is integrative, including woven layers of modalities designed with your specific needs in mind. Our work is a collaboration with your mind, body, and soul. Non-judgement. Warmth. Active conversations and appropriate humor. Integrative therapy works successfully to treat mental health issues, emotional distress, and trauma triggers, and is great for kids/teens through art-therapy, body-awareness, and non-directive play. Psychotherapy, to me, is personal, political, & social. It takes courage, strength, and hope to live into who you really are.
![Photo of Victoria Julita Spiers, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fceded5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Julita Spiers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Waitlist for new clients
I am impassioned by intersectional feminist, queer, multicultural, liberation and transformative justice theory and principles.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
I am impassioned by intersectional feminist, queer, multicultural, liberation and transformative justice theory and principles.
As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.
![Photo of undefined - Be Curious Therapy, Jean Pappalardo, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60eb83bd-dc0f-4485-b5cd-cb44768fca65/2/320x400.jpeg)
Be Curious Therapy, Jean Pappalardo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603 (Online Only)
I work through an intersectional, feminist, and social justice lens.
I work with clients in CA and FL. I provide individual (not couples) therapy to curious people who are ready to get to work! I specialize in working with Black, POC, & LGBTQIA+ individuals and Fat/bigger-bodied people of all genders.
I work through an intersectional, feminist, and social justice lens.
I work with clients in CA and FL. I provide individual (not couples) therapy to curious people who are ready to get to work! I specialize in working with Black, POC, & LGBTQIA+ individuals and Fat/bigger-bodied people of all genders.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Feminist Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
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Feminist Therapists
How does feminist therapy work?
Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.
What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?
Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.
How long does feminist therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.
Does feminist therapy work?
As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.