Marriage Counseling Therapists in Oakland, CA

Welcome to my queer- and gender-affirming therapy practice. Beginning the process of therapy and reaching out for support can often feel vulnerable and even scary, so I celebrate you taking this first step. I prioritize getting to know you and your specific needs very intentionally, and my objective is to witness and support you in the unique way you deserve. My approach is relational and collaborative in nature, and I strive to develop a relationship with my clients that will help to empower inner strength, expand capacity for self-compassion, and support in healing wounds that are impacting overall health and quality of life.

Unpleasant, earlier life experiences often cause mental & emotional scars. Overcoming emotional pain or the effects of generational attachment trauma can feel daunting. I focus on the challenges that Black people & other POC face when approaching relationships, as well as challenges experienced in the workplace. Because the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives, both at home & at work. In my work with relationships, I use my understanding of any past experiences of each partner that may be negatively impacting the relationship, as well as any repeated interactional patterns that cause pain to one another.

No matter what difficulty you face, together we can find our way through. Most of us change only when what we've been doing completely stops working! In that way, our most challenging times also have the potential to change us in mysteriously positive ways. Let's travel together to find your best life!

I have been a therapist for over 25 years.  I work with individual, however, I specialize with couples and families. Issues are a part of life, however, they don’t have to run our life. Being proactive rather than reactive is an important aspect in empowering ourselves to look at things that feel so scary.  Our fears can magnify the reality of a situation to where we feel like we are about to climb Mt. Everest rather than going up a hill.

My approach to counseling begins with careful listening to understand your unique situation and personal goals. I will listen without judging you or rushing to a quick fix that might not be applicable for your specific situation. Many of my clients enter counseling feeling alone or overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or stress. They may feel stuck in painful relationships that aren't working, or stuck with intense feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, dread, or inner pain. My treatment approach is gentle, educational, and experiential.

Clients often come to me when they’re having trouble balancing multiple identities or areas of their lives. You might feel overwhelmed, overworked, or confused about why you don't feel better. Maybe you’re struggling to manage relationships, feeling like you can't relax, or not being accepted as queer, trans, or non-monogamous by family or community. You might feel stuck in your head, and aren’t sure which way to turn to feel better. I have a passion for working with people who like using their big brains to solve big problems, live in liminal spaces, and who might be struggling to connect with others in the ways that they'd like.

Psychotherapy is one of many ways to improve the quality of your life and your relationships with others. While emotional wounds from the past are often the source of challenging symptoms, our sessions focus on the present as well as the past. I place great value on a solid therapeutic relationship and through this relationship, insights will surface and positive changes can occur. My style is collaborative, interactive, and supportive. I work with an open caring heart and humbly bring my authentic self to our sessions. I welcome individuals and couples of all ages and from all walks of life.

It takes a great deal of courage to begin therapy, and thus I strive to create a space in which individuals feel truly seen, heard, and deeply understood. I believe that people are intrinsically resilient, and I will work with you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself so that you can make meaningful changes in your life. Together, we will work toward navigating difficult transitions, improving the quality of your relationships, and developing more effective coping skills. My style is warm and collaborative, and I always tailor treatment to individual needs.

The aim of therapy is to feel more at ease with oneself and more at home in the world. To be able to enjoy life without overwhelming anxiety, confusion or depression. As a therapist with over thirty years of experience, my aim is to foster a trusting relationship where you can confide your concerns, and through our dialogue overcome those difficulties that may feel overwhelming. I see individuals, adolescents, couples and families. My practice includes seeing clients who are experiencing serious disruptions in their lives.

Everyone is doing the best that we can. It's not always easy to see this. Life is challenging at best. It drains hope from our lives at its worst. When we are able to hold ourselves in the best light, life and the world take on greater meaning and purpose. I work to help clients accept they are doing their level best, while facilitating them to develop more self-compassion. Accepting ourselves without judgement allows us to the see the gifts that we are, and use our challenges as points of growth.

I believe that we all have more potential than we know, and no matter where we might currently find ourselves or where we have been in the past, we each have the capacity for psychological and emotional growth. I have a special interest and passion providing therapy to couples, and individuals struggling with transition, and experiencing feelings of disconnection, isolation, and grief. In my more than 20 years of working in mental health, most of my work has been centered around supporting people in healing attachment wounds, trauma (complex, historical, intergenerational), and all symptoms that manifest as a result.

We all have the innate tendency to heal in the presence of a skillful and trusted other. Emotional pain can be intense and overwhelming. At times, it can feel like our relationships are filled with little else. We might try to push it aside or distract ourselves only to find it still there, just as frightening. But there are paths through the hurt to feeling well and connected.

2024 Specializing in couples and adult child and family work. If you are suffering in your relationship, or if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, therapy can provide immediate relief so that you can move beyond simply getting by. Being truly heard and offered evidence based tools to make change are available to you in therapy. Busy working professionals, new parents, the newly retired, of all genders and orientations are welcome in my practice. I can offer you a safe place to be witnessed, rest, restore and heal. Contact me for a free 20 minute session today.

Hey there, I am Radiant! Are you struggling in relationship? Are you facing a new transition in life that feels difficult or overwhelming? Despite your efforts, do you find yourself questioning, "why is this happening to me"? There are times in life when we could all use a little support. Whether you are new to therapy, or returning to develop new coping skills, I would be honored to partner with you on your journey to healing and wellness.

Relationships are complicated! I've helped many couples who have been interested in becoming happier and more effective in their relationship. It's not unusual to reach bumps in the road as you progress in your lives together. When we are in session, I'll talk with each of you to find out about you as individuals including your history and emotional strengths as well as challenges. As well, I'll learn what is working and what is not working for both of you in your relationship.

Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma? Do you experience difficulties managing family and relationship issues? I believe that healing happens when we pay attention to all the parts that make us whole—our mind, body, and soul. The subconscious mind controls most of our reality and choices, so building awareness and active presence can improve the quality of daily living and assist in not only surviving but thriving through life. As an intuitive & holistic therapist, I will assist you in strengthening your inner psyche and developing new tools to manage negative feelings and thoughts.

Someone once said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In today's world, many people struggle with managing disappointing interpersonal relationships. Others struggle to cope with anger, depression, anxiety, and trauma.

A good therapist helps us get to know ourselves fully. Better understanding our motivations, thoughts and feelings reveals more fulfilling, effective choices. Exploring what is getting in our way of having deeply satisfying relationships is essential to living a full life. I often address issues of: understanding a partner's motivations, life purpose & transition, transparent vulnerable & authentic communication, finding/creating fulfilling relationship, confidence & leadership, men in relationship, trauma, and integrating presence in daily living.

As someone navigating the world between cultures, ethnicities, and labels, you have been given the gift of insight, adaptability, and attunement. You can see what others don't, and are highly sensitive to what goes unspoken or unacknowledged. The gift of being adaptable in any environment can be a major strength, and it also presents a challenge.  ​When we are highly skilled at anticipating, understanding, and accommodating the feelings and needs of others, it is easy to lose sight of what is most important for our own physical, mental, and emotional well being.