Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Oakland, CA
Kimberly Burwash
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
My passion for working in the field of mental health is driven by the joy I find in helping people learn and grow. In my practice, I frequently employ techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy to provide comprehensive support. I have a deep appreciation for working with diverse communities, including neurodivergent individuals, people from the LGBTQ community, and adolescents.
My passion for working in the field of mental health is driven by the joy I find in helping people learn and grow. In my practice, I frequently employ techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy to provide comprehensive support. I have a deep appreciation for working with diverse communities, including neurodivergent individuals, people from the LGBTQ community, and adolescents.
Taylor Keller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
My skillset utilizes Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and a Strength-Based approach.
My style is an honest approach to a client-centered model that allows for the client to guide the direction with my support. Together we can navigate through some of today’s hurdles and stress such as depression/anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication issues, loss/grief/bereavement, and family conflict. With the mutual understanding that we may not be able to change certain aspects of our life, I am here to help you process, adjust expectations, cope, improve communication skills, set boundaries, and strengthen your resilience.
My skillset utilizes Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and a Strength-Based approach.
My style is an honest approach to a client-centered model that allows for the client to guide the direction with my support. Together we can navigate through some of today’s hurdles and stress such as depression/anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication issues, loss/grief/bereavement, and family conflict. With the mutual understanding that we may not be able to change certain aspects of our life, I am here to help you process, adjust expectations, cope, improve communication skills, set boundaries, and strengthen your resilience.
I am trained in a number of treatment modalities and frameworks, including Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Parts Work, Seeking Safety, Stages of Change, Motivational Interviewing, and have begun training in Internal Family Systems.
I work with queer, trans, and gender expansive individuals, as well as those who are involved in activism and social change and who struggle to balance integrity and values alignment with surviving and thriving in this messy world. I am also BDSM and kink-affirming and work with clients exploring ethical non-monogamy and alternative spirituality.
I am trained in a number of treatment modalities and frameworks, including Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Parts Work, Seeking Safety, Stages of Change, Motivational Interviewing, and have begun training in Internal Family Systems.
I work with queer, trans, and gender expansive individuals, as well as those who are involved in activism and social change and who struggle to balance integrity and values alignment with surviving and thriving in this messy world. I am also BDSM and kink-affirming and work with clients exploring ethical non-monogamy and alternative spirituality.
With over 20 years experience, I have been trained and certified in using EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Interactive Guided Imagery for helping those with trauma, depression and anxiety.
What's happening in your life today? How can I help you feel better about yourself and your future? Sometimes painful life experiences get in the way of taking charge of our lives. For some, depression, anxiety or trauma can make you feel stuck. Others want to figure out why their interpersonal relationships are conflicted and stressful or that they still haven't met the person they want to be with. Therapy is such a useful experience to get things out of your head and into the room, where we work together to figure out what's in the way of happiness, while creating a plan for going forward.
With over 20 years experience, I have been trained and certified in using EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Interactive Guided Imagery for helping those with trauma, depression and anxiety.
What's happening in your life today? How can I help you feel better about yourself and your future? Sometimes painful life experiences get in the way of taking charge of our lives. For some, depression, anxiety or trauma can make you feel stuck. Others want to figure out why their interpersonal relationships are conflicted and stressful or that they still haven't met the person they want to be with. Therapy is such a useful experience to get things out of your head and into the room, where we work together to figure out what's in the way of happiness, while creating a plan for going forward.
Olivia Donnini
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94604 (Online Only)
I frequently pull from motivational interviewing, solutions-focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and somatic attachment therapy.
Do you feel like there’s something you want to shift in your life but you’re not quite sure what? Maybe know exactly what you want to shift but you’re not sure how to go about it? Or perhaps you have both of those questions easily answered but you don’t want to go it alone? Folks commonly seek me out because of an increased sense of overwhelm and stress, feelings of hopelessness, relationship changes, a newfound or returned sense of hopelessness, and more. I'll help you help tap into what you already know, identify patterns you want to shift, and develop a greater self-trust to enact change in relationships and the world!
I frequently pull from motivational interviewing, solutions-focused therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and somatic attachment therapy.
Do you feel like there’s something you want to shift in your life but you’re not quite sure what? Maybe know exactly what you want to shift but you’re not sure how to go about it? Or perhaps you have both of those questions easily answered but you don’t want to go it alone? Folks commonly seek me out because of an increased sense of overwhelm and stress, feelings of hopelessness, relationship changes, a newfound or returned sense of hopelessness, and more. I'll help you help tap into what you already know, identify patterns you want to shift, and develop a greater self-trust to enact change in relationships and the world!
I draw most from Motivational Interviewing, EFT, and Narrative Therapy.
My approach is collaborative and active. I balance making therapy challenging at times, yet playful enough so that you will want to come back. My clients say this therapy-on-the-move is easier than a traditional sit-on-a-couch scenario in which the confinement of the room can get in the way of the work. I think for some people — especially teens & young adults — the idea of sitting in a room with a therapist is antithetical to being in a space that is good for sharing tough stuff. All that said, the outdoor work is *part* of the practice, roughly 30% of our time may consist of online sessions.
I draw most from Motivational Interviewing, EFT, and Narrative Therapy.
My approach is collaborative and active. I balance making therapy challenging at times, yet playful enough so that you will want to come back. My clients say this therapy-on-the-move is easier than a traditional sit-on-a-couch scenario in which the confinement of the room can get in the way of the work. I think for some people — especially teens & young adults — the idea of sitting in a room with a therapist is antithetical to being in a space that is good for sharing tough stuff. All that said, the outdoor work is *part* of the practice, roughly 30% of our time may consist of online sessions.
Robert Miller's Addictions Protocol and Pain/Terror Release Therapy, harm reduction through motivational interviewing, imagery, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral interventions and positive psychology practices.
My approach is to understand you deeply and individualize our work by finding what is most effective for you. All people are unique and their life circumstances are particular to who they are. Through collaboration, we figure out what is what is most beneficial for your wellbeing and also what is realistic for your lifestyle. I look forward to meeting you and exploring what you wish to change through an initial free half hour phone consultation. My two offices, downtown San Francisco and on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, are accessible by public transportation.
Robert Miller's Addictions Protocol and Pain/Terror Release Therapy, harm reduction through motivational interviewing, imagery, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral interventions and positive psychology practices.
My approach is to understand you deeply and individualize our work by finding what is most effective for you. All people are unique and their life circumstances are particular to who they are. Through collaboration, we figure out what is what is most beneficial for your wellbeing and also what is realistic for your lifestyle. I look forward to meeting you and exploring what you wish to change through an initial free half hour phone consultation. My two offices, downtown San Francisco and on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, are accessible by public transportation.
Emma Tennison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94620 (Online Only)
My clinical approach includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifying and challenging unhelpful habits in our thinking), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and other mindfulness-based tools, and Motivational Interviewing (providing a compassionate space for people to explore and identify their own motivation for behavior change).
Seeking support can feel vulnerable – especially when the culture around us glorifies “self-made” success stories and aspires to a seemingly effortless, perfectly curated social media existence. The reality of course is that life is messy, and that we all benefit from support. We are impacted by world events, our environments, relationships, the histories of our people (our families, ancestors, communities), and our own unique collection of lived experiences. As a therapist I view my role as that of an ally, confidant, collaborator - and very occasionally a guide.
My clinical approach includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (identifying and challenging unhelpful habits in our thinking), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and other mindfulness-based tools, and Motivational Interviewing (providing a compassionate space for people to explore and identify their own motivation for behavior change).
Seeking support can feel vulnerable – especially when the culture around us glorifies “self-made” success stories and aspires to a seemingly effortless, perfectly curated social media existence. The reality of course is that life is messy, and that we all benefit from support. We are impacted by world events, our environments, relationships, the histories of our people (our families, ancestors, communities), and our own unique collection of lived experiences. As a therapist I view my role as that of an ally, confidant, collaborator - and very occasionally a guide.
Other theories include relational, existential, archetypal, narrative, Jungian, Gestalt, attachment-based, and transpersonal as well as ACT and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a therapist who believes that healing is done within the context of relationship. This includes an individual’s relationship to their body, their environment, and interpersonally. I seek to help empower my clients in order for them to gain confidence in their own capacity to be successful. I hope to offer individuals an opportunity to enrich and find deep meaning in their lives
Other theories include relational, existential, archetypal, narrative, Jungian, Gestalt, attachment-based, and transpersonal as well as ACT and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a therapist who believes that healing is done within the context of relationship. This includes an individual’s relationship to their body, their environment, and interpersonally. I seek to help empower my clients in order for them to gain confidence in their own capacity to be successful. I hope to offer individuals an opportunity to enrich and find deep meaning in their lives
I combine an emphatic supportive approach with evidenced-based therapeutic interventions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), and Harm Reduction.
Thank you for visiting my page. My therapeutic style provides a warm, nonjudgmental, environment that meets clients where they are at. As we work together clients are able to examine their goals, problem solve, increase positive coping skills and improve their lives. I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse. I have a great deal of experience with clients who have lived through loss and/or trauma.
I combine an emphatic supportive approach with evidenced-based therapeutic interventions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), and Harm Reduction.
Thank you for visiting my page. My therapeutic style provides a warm, nonjudgmental, environment that meets clients where they are at. As we work together clients are able to examine their goals, problem solve, increase positive coping skills and improve their lives. I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse. I have a great deal of experience with clients who have lived through loss and/or trauma.
I am passionate about helping people be the best versions of themselves. I utilize DBT, CBT, unconditional positive regard, and motivational interviewing to help my clients reach their treatment goals. I have worked with all different types of communities, but I am the most passionate about helping families and individuals navigate difficult challenges and reach their life goals. My professional journey has taken many different turns.
I am passionate about helping people be the best versions of themselves. I utilize DBT, CBT, unconditional positive regard, and motivational interviewing to help my clients reach their treatment goals. I have worked with all different types of communities, but I am the most passionate about helping families and individuals navigate difficult challenges and reach their life goals. My professional journey has taken many different turns.
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I use motivational interviewing to help you find the internal motivation to change.
Are you looking to escape the influence of negative childhood experiences? Are there problems standing in your way, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, or trauma? Are you struggling with a loved one who has an addiction? Do you want to be more fully yourself, to experience a greater sense of wholeness and freedom? We can find answers to these questions and work towards a greater sense of meaning in your life. I can help you to understand your dreams as a source of guidance. I am highly trained and bring over 30 years of experience to helping people from late teens to older adults with a wide variety of problems.
I use motivational interviewing to help you find the internal motivation to change.
Are you looking to escape the influence of negative childhood experiences? Are there problems standing in your way, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, or trauma? Are you struggling with a loved one who has an addiction? Do you want to be more fully yourself, to experience a greater sense of wholeness and freedom? We can find answers to these questions and work towards a greater sense of meaning in your life. I can help you to understand your dreams as a source of guidance. I am highly trained and bring over 30 years of experience to helping people from late teens to older adults with a wide variety of problems.
Azad Galustian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
I have been working in the field of mental health for over 14 years and have extensive experience working with children, adolescent, adult and families in various settings and environments. I use a strengths-based approach and attempt to work with my clients on the topics and issues they want to and are ready to explore. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), Trauma focused CBT, and motivational interviewing.
I have been working in the field of mental health for over 14 years and have extensive experience working with children, adolescent, adult and families in various settings and environments. I use a strengths-based approach and attempt to work with my clients on the topics and issues they want to and are ready to explore. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), Trauma focused CBT, and motivational interviewing.
Carla Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I have an enthusiasm for helping people create the change they would like to see in their everyday reality. I use various therapy modalities such as CBT, solution focused, humanistic, person centered, strengths based, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, supportive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. I enjoy working with a variety of populations, including, the LGBTQIA+ community, those with chronic health conditions, those suffering from depression and anxiety, other therapists and helping professionals, and young professional women. My interest in mental health came from my early experiences in my family of origin.
I have an enthusiasm for helping people create the change they would like to see in their everyday reality. I use various therapy modalities such as CBT, solution focused, humanistic, person centered, strengths based, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, supportive therapy, and interpersonal therapy. I enjoy working with a variety of populations, including, the LGBTQIA+ community, those with chronic health conditions, those suffering from depression and anxiety, other therapists and helping professionals, and young professional women. My interest in mental health came from my early experiences in my family of origin.
I use an integrative, strengths-based approach primarily informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy and attachment theory, Acceptance Commitment Therapy -- a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a focus on values-driven action, neuroscience and somatic skills, and motivational interviewing.
If you are coping with anxiety, sadness, relationship conflict, stress, or parenting challenges I help you manage difficult feelings and reduce your suffering.
If you and your partner can't talk without arguing, have lost trust, or lost the spark and want to connect we'll identify what's keeping you from being close and develop the secure connection you want.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant or needing help from outside parties to create your family we'll work through any difficult feelings and explore your options for family building so you can make decisions that build your family and fit your values.
I use an integrative, strengths-based approach primarily informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy and attachment theory, Acceptance Commitment Therapy -- a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a focus on values-driven action, neuroscience and somatic skills, and motivational interviewing.
If you are coping with anxiety, sadness, relationship conflict, stress, or parenting challenges I help you manage difficult feelings and reduce your suffering.
If you and your partner can't talk without arguing, have lost trust, or lost the spark and want to connect we'll identify what's keeping you from being close and develop the secure connection you want.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant or needing help from outside parties to create your family we'll work through any difficult feelings and explore your options for family building so you can make decisions that build your family and fit your values.
Valerie Sydnor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94607 (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach includes but is not limited to mindfulness practice, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral strategies.
Do you feel like you are being hit with one wave after another, and you cannot catch your breath? Our sense of well being can be compromised by any number of issues from large to small. Stop. Take a minute. And Just Breathe…
My therapeutic approach includes but is not limited to mindfulness practice, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral strategies.
Do you feel like you are being hit with one wave after another, and you cannot catch your breath? Our sense of well being can be compromised by any number of issues from large to small. Stop. Take a minute. And Just Breathe…
Michael Cole
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
My approach is a joining of Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamically informed approaches (e.
Hi, I'm Michael. I accept Insurance! I work with adults seeking to address concerns related to relationships, functional depression, getting back into the dating scene (i.e., online dating), and commitment issues. I offer a safe and supportive space for exploring these complex issues. My goal is to support you in having a clearer understanding of the barriers you face while navigating life's challenges. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, grief, depression, or relationship issues, I am here to help you create a more fulfilling life. I invite you to reach out.
My approach is a joining of Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamically informed approaches (e.
Hi, I'm Michael. I accept Insurance! I work with adults seeking to address concerns related to relationships, functional depression, getting back into the dating scene (i.e., online dating), and commitment issues. I offer a safe and supportive space for exploring these complex issues. My goal is to support you in having a clearer understanding of the barriers you face while navigating life's challenges. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, grief, depression, or relationship issues, I am here to help you create a more fulfilling life. I invite you to reach out.
Michelle Cataldo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
Through these experiences, I’ve developed a broad set of change strategies, and draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, Psychodynamic work, and Motivational Interviewing.
Sometimes it is difficult to know how to move through the waves of life’s challenges. Anxiety, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, perfectionism, and relationship concerns can all disconnect us from staying present to ourselves and grounded in the knowledge that we are not alone. Being open to support is a brave and powerful starting place. Whatever your life experience or transition, I look forward to being your ally as we work to deepen your self-knowledge, self-trust, and self-compassion.
Through these experiences, I’ve developed a broad set of change strategies, and draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, Psychodynamic work, and Motivational Interviewing.
Sometimes it is difficult to know how to move through the waves of life’s challenges. Anxiety, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, perfectionism, and relationship concerns can all disconnect us from staying present to ourselves and grounded in the knowledge that we are not alone. Being open to support is a brave and powerful starting place. Whatever your life experience or transition, I look forward to being your ally as we work to deepen your self-knowledge, self-trust, and self-compassion.
Camille Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
I use an eclectic style that I have formed over many years of working with adults and children experiencing health traumas and family transitions through foster care, etc. I often start with crisis intervention and prioritize starting where the client is. I provide feedback and suggestions and motivational interviewing. I also have experience working with harm reduction models for substance abuse intervention. I often use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients with self-esteem, shame, and PTSD symptoms.
I use an eclectic style that I have formed over many years of working with adults and children experiencing health traumas and family transitions through foster care, etc. I often start with crisis intervention and prioritize starting where the client is. I provide feedback and suggestions and motivational interviewing. I also have experience working with harm reduction models for substance abuse intervention. I often use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients with self-esteem, shame, and PTSD symptoms.
My approach utilizes CBT, solution focused counseling, and motivational interviewing to name a few.
As a therapist, I would like to create a safe place to discuss and process your feelings. The most important thing for me is building trust and rapport so that the therapeutic process can commence. I am here to provide guidance and tailor my counseling interventions to address your specific needs. I identify as a therapist of color specializing in working with communities of color.
My approach utilizes CBT, solution focused counseling, and motivational interviewing to name a few.
As a therapist, I would like to create a safe place to discuss and process your feelings. The most important thing for me is building trust and rapport so that the therapeutic process can commence. I am here to provide guidance and tailor my counseling interventions to address your specific needs. I identify as a therapist of color specializing in working with communities of color.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Motivational Interviewing Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
Motivational Interviewing Therapists
How does motivational interviewing work?
Motivational interviewing aims to uncover a person’s internal motivation to change their life. Toward this end, the therapist listens, empathizes, and collaborates with the client based on their perspective; the therapist doesn’t adhere to a predetermined plan for change or impose their viewpoint on the client. Discovering an individual’s most important reasons for change, and guiding them to achieve those changes, can empower people to shift from ambivalence to action.
Is motivational interviewing evidence-based?
Yes, research shows that motivational interviewing can help treat alcohol and substance use — and in different ways such as reducing drinking, reducing resistance, and increasing the likelihood of staying in treatment. Motivational interviewing has also been shown to help people lose weight, adhere to medication regimens, improve diet for those with Type II diabetes, and improve healthy behaviors in children.
How long does motivational interviewing last?
Motivational interviewing is a short-term therapy that can last just one or two sessions. In some cases, motivational interviewing may be used in conjunction with longer-term therapies, but for most people, motivational interviewing is a brief intervention that aims to help patients understand their personal, specific, and internal reasons for changing their life.
What differentiates motivational interviewing from person-centered therapy?
In person-centered therapy, the individual is in the driver’s seat of the treatment process, creating space for them to trust their instincts and arrive at their own solutions. The two approaches are similar because motivational interviewing is also client-centered; however, person-centered therapy is more open-ended while motivational interviewing is somewhat more structured; the goal is to change, and the therapist helps the client specifically discover their internal motivations to modify their behavior.