Imago Therapists in Oakland, CA
For couples who are experiencing crisis, communication issues, or want to deepen their connection, I use Imago Relationship Therapy, among other techniques, to facilitate the process.
You realize what you're doing no longer works for you. You are ready to learn new coping skills and techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Life transitions have led you to this point, and you are seeking therapy to assist you in healing and moving forward into the life you want to live. You long to thrive! I believe that each person carries the resources within themselves to create the life they envision. You will learn to access your inner resources to navigate life experiences and deepen your connection to Self.
For couples who are experiencing crisis, communication issues, or want to deepen their connection, I use Imago Relationship Therapy, among other techniques, to facilitate the process.
You realize what you're doing no longer works for you. You are ready to learn new coping skills and techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Life transitions have led you to this point, and you are seeking therapy to assist you in healing and moving forward into the life you want to live. You long to thrive! I believe that each person carries the resources within themselves to create the life they envision. You will learn to access your inner resources to navigate life experiences and deepen your connection to Self.
Meredith Janson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Do you ever wonder, “Maybe I picked the wrong partner?” Or worry that arguments are a red flag? Perhaps your relationship feels like too much work, and you imagine others have it easy. These are just stories we tell ourselves. Truth is, all struggles—entrenched conflict, areas of incompatibility, life transitions, limping along in your sex life—can bring you closer. The only essential ingredient is an openness to change. That’s where I come in, to coach you in building new ways of relating to each other, starting in the first session. As a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, I specialize in relationship issues.
Do you ever wonder, “Maybe I picked the wrong partner?” Or worry that arguments are a red flag? Perhaps your relationship feels like too much work, and you imagine others have it easy. These are just stories we tell ourselves. Truth is, all struggles—entrenched conflict, areas of incompatibility, life transitions, limping along in your sex life—can bring you closer. The only essential ingredient is an openness to change. That’s where I come in, to coach you in building new ways of relating to each other, starting in the first session. As a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, I specialize in relationship issues.
Angela M. Anderson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Not accepting new clients
Feeling alone and overwhelmed? Do you want to make a change and don't know where to start? Are old wounds holding you back? Do you struggle with old habits and behaviors that keep you stuck? I can help you find what you need. I help clients find their voice and find their own unique path through an open and honest partnership. Clients gain self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the skills they need to continue to heal and grow in connection with others.
Feeling alone and overwhelmed? Do you want to make a change and don't know where to start? Are old wounds holding you back? Do you struggle with old habits and behaviors that keep you stuck? I can help you find what you need. I help clients find their voice and find their own unique path through an open and honest partnership. Clients gain self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the skills they need to continue to heal and grow in connection with others.
Relationship struggles can be so painful. Maybe you've lost your connection or feel lonely in the relationship. Is there fighting or shutting down? Are you confused about how to get your needs met or how to feel heard? We'll work together to improve your communication skills. I can also help unpack "personal baggage" from the past to see its impact on the present. We may also work on undoing repetitive negative cycles of relating. We can tackle issues such as escalating arguments, walls of silence, infidelity, shame and anger. I offer interactive, nonjudgmental guidance, as well as insight, empathy and sense of humor.
Relationship struggles can be so painful. Maybe you've lost your connection or feel lonely in the relationship. Is there fighting or shutting down? Are you confused about how to get your needs met or how to feel heard? We'll work together to improve your communication skills. I can also help unpack "personal baggage" from the past to see its impact on the present. We may also work on undoing repetitive negative cycles of relating. We can tackle issues such as escalating arguments, walls of silence, infidelity, shame and anger. I offer interactive, nonjudgmental guidance, as well as insight, empathy and sense of humor.
Dr. Katie Mai Findley
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, BCBA, LMFT, CGT, CST
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Dr. Findley is a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist and AASECT certified Sex Therapist. A UC Berkeley graduate with training and education from Stanford University, Yale University, Harvard University, the Gottman Institute, and Modern Sex Therapy Institute, Dr. Findley uses the knowledge and tools she gained to help others make meaningful change in their lives. She utilizes the latest, most effective treatment.
Dr. Findley is a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist and AASECT certified Sex Therapist. A UC Berkeley graduate with training and education from Stanford University, Yale University, Harvard University, the Gottman Institute, and Modern Sex Therapy Institute, Dr. Findley uses the knowledge and tools she gained to help others make meaningful change in their lives. She utilizes the latest, most effective treatment.
Lucy Fine
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RN, CPC, CEFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Are you asking, How can I find love? or, What is missing in my relationships? Are you stuck in complaining and blaming, or avoiding and withholding? Are you noticing your relationship struggles make you feel lonelier rather than more open to each other? I provide an environment of safety where you may explore how you are stuck and how your persistent conflicts spoil your potential for intimacy. Tracking the repetitive patterns of communication, and the stories which confirm your most negative beliefs, I will strengthen your awareness to the influences that affect whether you keep repeating old patterns or open to real change.
Are you asking, How can I find love? or, What is missing in my relationships? Are you stuck in complaining and blaming, or avoiding and withholding? Are you noticing your relationship struggles make you feel lonelier rather than more open to each other? I provide an environment of safety where you may explore how you are stuck and how your persistent conflicts spoil your potential for intimacy. Tracking the repetitive patterns of communication, and the stories which confirm your most negative beliefs, I will strengthen your awareness to the influences that affect whether you keep repeating old patterns or open to real change.
I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.
I specialize in trauma (EMDR certified), grief and loss, career, disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with all types of issues and mental health disorders. My approach is process oriented and goal directed while providing psycho-education and resources. I will help you access your inner strength and build tools to cope, grow, and heal.
Christine Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I emphasize the relationship repair process through therapy sessions designed to provide immediate structure and tools. These sessions aim to facilitate authentic communication skills and rebuild trust and connection. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I emphasize the relationship repair process through therapy sessions designed to provide immediate structure and tools. These sessions aim to facilitate authentic communication skills and rebuild trust and connection. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Most people looking for a relationship therapist wish they could make changes, but don't know how. What they have tried has not worked. Everyone has irresolvable issues. Never do we have the exact same desire for money in the bank, sexual frequency, social activities, neatness, or parenting ideas (etc.) This is built-in conflict. This built-in conflict carries with it the seeds for growth and connection that would not happen in any other way. Living in distress is so awful and so curable. What I do is start with creating safety, so it is safe for you to talk to your partner and be heard, from there needed conversations can occur.
Most people looking for a relationship therapist wish they could make changes, but don't know how. What they have tried has not worked. Everyone has irresolvable issues. Never do we have the exact same desire for money in the bank, sexual frequency, social activities, neatness, or parenting ideas (etc.) This is built-in conflict. This built-in conflict carries with it the seeds for growth and connection that would not happen in any other way. Living in distress is so awful and so curable. What I do is start with creating safety, so it is safe for you to talk to your partner and be heard, from there needed conversations can occur.
I believe in the healing power of bearing witness to and participating in my clients' self-exploration. Whether we are exploring feelings, systems of oppression and their effects on us, patterns in relationships, or family of origin issues, the strength and compassion of an empathic partner in this journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a relief in symptoms. I bring empathy and mindful curiosity to our work together.
I believe in the healing power of bearing witness to and participating in my clients' self-exploration. Whether we are exploring feelings, systems of oppression and their effects on us, patterns in relationships, or family of origin issues, the strength and compassion of an empathic partner in this journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a relief in symptoms. I bring empathy and mindful curiosity to our work together.
Mary McFarland, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Are you unhappy in your life? Unhappy with your relationships? Are you looking for an experienced therapist who will listen to what YOU WANT and need? I am a kind compassionate seasoned professional who will help you understand yourself better. I have an engaging and collaborative style. I help clients struggling with life transitions, relationships and depression/anxiety.
Are you unhappy in your life? Unhappy with your relationships? Are you looking for an experienced therapist who will listen to what YOU WANT and need? I am a kind compassionate seasoned professional who will help you understand yourself better. I have an engaging and collaborative style. I help clients struggling with life transitions, relationships and depression/anxiety.
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Courtney Quattrini
Angela Allan
Jeanette Ayala-Rios
Karen Wolfe
Lindsey G Stern
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Transitions in our lives need to be marked and held to be integrated. The journey through can be dark and confusing, and how we adapt, grow, and who we look to for support, will illuminate our paths. I have had a focus on those contemporary rites of passage within my own experience, coming into adulthood, birth and parenthood, through relationships, my own identity, and facing our last goodbyes to loved ones. My work as a birth doula drew even more emphasis on the importance of our experiences around pregnancy and childbirth, and how celebrating the changing of our seasons was crucial to our sense of self.
Transitions in our lives need to be marked and held to be integrated. The journey through can be dark and confusing, and how we adapt, grow, and who we look to for support, will illuminate our paths. I have had a focus on those contemporary rites of passage within my own experience, coming into adulthood, birth and parenthood, through relationships, my own identity, and facing our last goodbyes to loved ones. My work as a birth doula drew even more emphasis on the importance of our experiences around pregnancy and childbirth, and how celebrating the changing of our seasons was crucial to our sense of self.
At the center of the human experience lie the stories we tell about ourselves and those we tell about others. Stories have the power to move us in remarkable ways. They teach us about life and love and show us how joy and pain coexist. They remind us of the resiliency we possess to overcome suffering. They can help us keep our faith, or they can evoke fear. Stories may leave our minds but overstay their welcome in our bodies. Sometimes, detaching from the stories that no longer serve us feels impossible, as they often keep us somehow safe.
At the center of the human experience lie the stories we tell about ourselves and those we tell about others. Stories have the power to move us in remarkable ways. They teach us about life and love and show us how joy and pain coexist. They remind us of the resiliency we possess to overcome suffering. They can help us keep our faith, or they can evoke fear. Stories may leave our minds but overstay their welcome in our bodies. Sometimes, detaching from the stories that no longer serve us feels impossible, as they often keep us somehow safe.
I specialize in working with parents, couples, and young adults who have trouble with negative self-talk, despair, perfectionism or anxiety. These symptoms may be caused by painful early childhood experiences, difficult perinatal experiences, systemic oppression, or simply high sensitivity to painful realities such as climate change. If you have struggled with the impacts of trauma, with shame, insomnia, or with the challenges of early parenthood, I am here to support you. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
I specialize in working with parents, couples, and young adults who have trouble with negative self-talk, despair, perfectionism or anxiety. These symptoms may be caused by painful early childhood experiences, difficult perinatal experiences, systemic oppression, or simply high sensitivity to painful realities such as climate change. If you have struggled with the impacts of trauma, with shame, insomnia, or with the challenges of early parenthood, I am here to support you. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
Lucia Grauman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Awarded Oakland Magazine's "Best Therapist" 2018 & 2020, my specialties include: relationship issues (such as conflict resolution, dating, pre-marital counseling, divorce, blended families, infidelity); grief & loss; addiction, recovery & codependence; anxiety & depression. My approach is both warm and direct-- my clients experience me as accepting and empathic, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow and change. I am an integrative therapist, meaning I integrate more than one way/theory/model to view and treat psychological and/or relational concerns. See my website for education, experience and credentials.
Awarded Oakland Magazine's "Best Therapist" 2018 & 2020, my specialties include: relationship issues (such as conflict resolution, dating, pre-marital counseling, divorce, blended families, infidelity); grief & loss; addiction, recovery & codependence; anxiety & depression. My approach is both warm and direct-- my clients experience me as accepting and empathic, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow and change. I am an integrative therapist, meaning I integrate more than one way/theory/model to view and treat psychological and/or relational concerns. See my website for education, experience and credentials.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
Paulo Rebello
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Not accepting new clients
As your therapist, using mindfulness and a caring presence, I will accompany you on the road to personal growth, supporting you in understanding how you can become appreciative of your behaviors: they helped you come this far! We will explore how you can see your life through different, enriching perspectives to include multiple ways of being in relationship and acting in the world in a more satisfying way for you. It's about empowering you with the ability to choose what you want to live. It is about giving you choices.
As your therapist, using mindfulness and a caring presence, I will accompany you on the road to personal growth, supporting you in understanding how you can become appreciative of your behaviors: they helped you come this far! We will explore how you can see your life through different, enriching perspectives to include multiple ways of being in relationship and acting in the world in a more satisfying way for you. It's about empowering you with the ability to choose what you want to live. It is about giving you choices.
Jeanette Ayala-Rios
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Hi there! I’m a bilingual Spanish-English speaking therapist specializing in neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am currently seeing clients via Telehealth. I enjoy working with clients on issues related to life and work balance, anxiety and depression disorders, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, trauma, and emotionally dysregulation. I specialize in providing compassionate and effective treatment for individuals struggling with PTSD symptoms. I have experienced success in family sessions by guiding the repair between a child-parent relationship. I wholeheartedly believe that repairing
Hi there! I’m a bilingual Spanish-English speaking therapist specializing in neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am currently seeing clients via Telehealth. I enjoy working with clients on issues related to life and work balance, anxiety and depression disorders, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, trauma, and emotionally dysregulation. I specialize in providing compassionate and effective treatment for individuals struggling with PTSD symptoms. I have experienced success in family sessions by guiding the repair between a child-parent relationship. I wholeheartedly believe that repairing
Hi! My name is Alecia and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 14897! My areas of focus within practice are primarily trauma and anxiety, while also treating other diagnoses. I believe we can find emotional regulation and security even amidst uncertainty and lack of control. I am a therapist who will walk alongside you on this journey of healing. My main goal is to collaboratively work with you through your current life stressors, providing you with tools for your tool kit to live a life you enjoy. I believe in a holistic approach, shifting my therapeutic interventions to meet the needs of each individual client.
Hi! My name is Alecia and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 14897! My areas of focus within practice are primarily trauma and anxiety, while also treating other diagnoses. I believe we can find emotional regulation and security even amidst uncertainty and lack of control. I am a therapist who will walk alongside you on this journey of healing. My main goal is to collaboratively work with you through your current life stressors, providing you with tools for your tool kit to live a life you enjoy. I believe in a holistic approach, shifting my therapeutic interventions to meet the needs of each individual client.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Imago Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Berkeley
- Burlingame
- Corte Madera
- Daly City
- Lafayette
- Mill Valley
- Orinda
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- San Ramon
- Sausalito
- Walnut Creek
Imago Therapists
How does Imago therapy work?
Imago relationship therapy is a form of couples counseling meant to help partners address conflict, communication problems, and related issues. Imago sessions typically involve couples sitting facing each other and participating in guided conversations. Therapy will also involve exercises such as re-imagining one’s partner as a wounded child; re-romanticizing a relationship through appreciation, surprises, and even gift-giving and restructuring frustrations by transforming complaints into requests. The ultimate goal is to re-envision the relationship as a source of safety and happiness.
What is the Imago method?
A core technique of Imago therapy is the Imago dialogue, in which partners learn to avoid hurtful statements and establish ways to interact based on each having equal space and power. In the dialogue, partners take turns as the “sender,” who shares their thoughts, and the “receiver.” The receiver is asked to “mirror,” or paraphrase, what their partner has said, without response or rebuttal, and then validate their statements, acknowledging understanding even if they do not personally agree with it. Finally, the receiver displays empathy by stating what they imagine the other is feeling, and showing appreciation for it.
How long does Imago therapy take?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for Imago therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core techniques of Imago coaching, some couples quickly make progress, but most should expect sessions to extend for months, encompassing at least 12 to 20 sessions, along with extensive “homework” from their therapist.
Does Imago therapy work?
There is limited empirical evidence to support the benefits of Imago therapy, but some smaller studies suggest that it does help couples, at least in the short-term. A 2017 study found that marital satisfaction increased significantly after couples completed 12 sessions of Imago therapy, and remained higher for some time after that, but did not always result in “complete recovery.” Other studies found greater empathy and fewer feelings of relationship burnout in couples after therapy. Some research suggests that Imago therapy can aid individuals as well as couples; people with ADHD in particular may benefit from the development of communication, self-control, and listening skills that form the basis of the technique.