Strength-Based Therapists in Oakland, CA
Wendy Rolon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
I am a strength-based parts therapist, with a creative and somatic approach toward healing.
From birth to death, we experience periods of happiness, sadness, anger, anxiety, overwhelm and grief. The challenging periods can feel intense; I believe they can also offer us an opportunity for transformation and growth. I bring open-hearted curiosity to our work together. My goal is to help you gain self-understanding and self-compassion, giving you the skills to better navigate challenges, and to enjoy a more expansive life. I have an affinity for those who are experiencing any type of grief, caregivers and also for neurodivergent people. Let's work together and get you the support you need.
I am a strength-based parts therapist, with a creative and somatic approach toward healing.
From birth to death, we experience periods of happiness, sadness, anger, anxiety, overwhelm and grief. The challenging periods can feel intense; I believe they can also offer us an opportunity for transformation and growth. I bring open-hearted curiosity to our work together. My goal is to help you gain self-understanding and self-compassion, giving you the skills to better navigate challenges, and to enjoy a more expansive life. I have an affinity for those who are experiencing any type of grief, caregivers and also for neurodivergent people. Let's work together and get you the support you need.
I incorporate psychodynamic, relational, and strength-based techniques to help facilitate change and bring about relief.
In my practice, I see children, adolescents and adults who are seeking help for a variety of reasons. Common areas of need include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and relationship difficulties. With children, these concerns may express themselves through externalizing behaviors at school and/or at home. I offer an open, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic relationship. My approach is adapted carefully to individual needs and is inclusive in regard to gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, class, and religious/spiritual orientation. I work with many LGBTQ+ individuals in my practice.
I incorporate psychodynamic, relational, and strength-based techniques to help facilitate change and bring about relief.
In my practice, I see children, adolescents and adults who are seeking help for a variety of reasons. Common areas of need include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and relationship difficulties. With children, these concerns may express themselves through externalizing behaviors at school and/or at home. I offer an open, non-judgmental, and safe therapeutic relationship. My approach is adapted carefully to individual needs and is inclusive in regard to gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, class, and religious/spiritual orientation. I work with many LGBTQ+ individuals in my practice.
Paul J. Wensley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Life has its ups and downs, ins and outs, mountains, plateaus, and valleys, and sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Is it a loss, feeling anxious, depressed, unaccepted, overwhelmed or fragile. Are some of these things holding you back? Together we can learn coping skills, healthy ways of living, and how to move forward in your life. I use a compassionate, non- judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person, body, mind, and spirit.
Life has its ups and downs, ins and outs, mountains, plateaus, and valleys, and sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Is it a loss, feeling anxious, depressed, unaccepted, overwhelmed or fragile. Are some of these things holding you back? Together we can learn coping skills, healthy ways of living, and how to move forward in your life. I use a compassionate, non- judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person, body, mind, and spirit.
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.
Isela Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
My style in therapy is strength based with a non-judgmental approach. I will do my best in providing you with an emotionally safe environment where you can share how your mental health is impacting your life and assist you in improving the quality of your life by teaching you skills to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
My style in therapy is strength based with a non-judgmental approach. I will do my best in providing you with an emotionally safe environment where you can share how your mental health is impacting your life and assist you in improving the quality of your life by teaching you skills to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Dr. Kassie Phillips-Alexander
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, EdD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I offer support through a strength-based and solution focused approach in helping you identify your strengths and create strategies to be your best version of you.
Hey! Looks like you are looking for some support and I am here to help. I am a clinician who has spent over 7 years working in several different settings including schools/universities, child welfare and county mental health. I believe it is important to meet individuals where they are at to gain insight and perspective on how to best gain control of ones life.
I offer support through a strength-based and solution focused approach in helping you identify your strengths and create strategies to be your best version of you.
Hey! Looks like you are looking for some support and I am here to help. I am a clinician who has spent over 7 years working in several different settings including schools/universities, child welfare and county mental health. I believe it is important to meet individuals where they are at to gain insight and perspective on how to best gain control of ones life.
As a psychologist deeply committed to social justice and strength-based psychotherapy, I aim to support clients in navigating the complexities of trauma, attachment, and interpersonal relationships. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or issues related to race and cultural identity. You need a therapeutic environment where trust, respect, and safety are paramount, and you may benefit from a strength-based approach that highlights your resilience. I work to empower and affirm Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino (Latine/x), Indigenous and Native American, and other People of Color, as well as LGBTQIA+ individuals.
As a psychologist deeply committed to social justice and strength-based psychotherapy, I aim to support clients in navigating the complexities of trauma, attachment, and interpersonal relationships. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or issues related to race and cultural identity. You need a therapeutic environment where trust, respect, and safety are paramount, and you may benefit from a strength-based approach that highlights your resilience. I work to empower and affirm Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino (Latine/x), Indigenous and Native American, and other People of Color, as well as LGBTQIA+ individuals.
My approach is strength-based, interactive and goal-oriented.
Deciding to start therapy is a sign of strength. I believe all people have a natural inclination toward growth and wholeness and sometimes things get in the way. Exploring these obstacles with compassion and courage can help you cultivate the most important relationship of your life -- your relationship with yourself. Whether your challenge is depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationships, addictions or career challenges, all you need to get started is the desire to change.
My approach is strength-based, interactive and goal-oriented.
Deciding to start therapy is a sign of strength. I believe all people have a natural inclination toward growth and wholeness and sometimes things get in the way. Exploring these obstacles with compassion and courage can help you cultivate the most important relationship of your life -- your relationship with yourself. Whether your challenge is depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationships, addictions or career challenges, all you need to get started is the desire to change.
I specialize in critical therapeutic services for adults. I provide strength-based, collaborative & non-diagnostic psychotherapy which focuses on cultivating resilience & insight. The cornerstone of my practice was built on exploring embedded issues of loss & shame that impact identity and are exacerbated by race, class, gender, learning differences & socio/cultural conditions. I work with people of all ages, backgrounds, orientations & ethnicities. My practice was refined through my work serving persons harmed through the provisions of systems: educational, criminal justice, foster-care and/or military systems.
I specialize in critical therapeutic services for adults. I provide strength-based, collaborative & non-diagnostic psychotherapy which focuses on cultivating resilience & insight. The cornerstone of my practice was built on exploring embedded issues of loss & shame that impact identity and are exacerbated by race, class, gender, learning differences & socio/cultural conditions. I work with people of all ages, backgrounds, orientations & ethnicities. My practice was refined through my work serving persons harmed through the provisions of systems: educational, criminal justice, foster-care and/or military systems.
Sequoia Prindle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use a variety of somatic, relational, and strength-based modalities and incorporate aspects of parts work/IFS and brainspotting (an offshoot of EMDR) for trauma processing in my practice.
Are you tired of having to educate people about your non-mainstream feeling and labels? It's exhausting to live in a world that asks us to mask our true identities, needs, and the most unique and beautiful parts of ourselves. We all deserve a safe space where we can explore the masks that we wear and the selves beneath them. I have lived experience with neurodivergence, dissociation, polyamory, and am queer and nonbinary, so I understand how valuable it is to have a therapist who understands intersectional experiences and can provide a space for non-judgmental authenticity in healing.
I use a variety of somatic, relational, and strength-based modalities and incorporate aspects of parts work/IFS and brainspotting (an offshoot of EMDR) for trauma processing in my practice.
Are you tired of having to educate people about your non-mainstream feeling and labels? It's exhausting to live in a world that asks us to mask our true identities, needs, and the most unique and beautiful parts of ourselves. We all deserve a safe space where we can explore the masks that we wear and the selves beneath them. I have lived experience with neurodivergence, dissociation, polyamory, and am queer and nonbinary, so I understand how valuable it is to have a therapist who understands intersectional experiences and can provide a space for non-judgmental authenticity in healing.
I have In person and online openings! I stay up to date on the most cutting edge therapies to achieve RAPID and long lasting effects. As a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, I focus on neuroscience - YOUR brain can HEAL from trauma, grief, and anxiety. Release the shame and inner critic that is no longer serving you. I help empaths and highly sensitive people who are struggling with overwhelm. Performers and artists have benefited from Expansion Brainspotting to overcome creative blocks! I’m trained in play therapy and drama therapy and work well with children and adolescents.
I have In person and online openings! I stay up to date on the most cutting edge therapies to achieve RAPID and long lasting effects. As a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, I focus on neuroscience - YOUR brain can HEAL from trauma, grief, and anxiety. Release the shame and inner critic that is no longer serving you. I help empaths and highly sensitive people who are struggling with overwhelm. Performers and artists have benefited from Expansion Brainspotting to overcome creative blocks! I’m trained in play therapy and drama therapy and work well with children and adolescents.
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Kaitlin Kimmel
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, CRC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I work from a strength-based and trauma-informed perspective and primarily use humanistic, existential, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and biopsychosocial frameworks.
With warmth, curiosity and practicality, I will partner with you in our sessions to discover what healing and change look like for you. Whether you'd like to learn how to better manage anxiety, move through a big transition with more ease, recover from a traumatic event, need help navigating the loss or death of a loved one, or want more support with adjusting to a new or ongoing disability or medical condition, you don't have to do this alone. Together, we can figure out the stuck places, help you identify your goals, and equip you with the tools to chart your path forward.
I work from a strength-based and trauma-informed perspective and primarily use humanistic, existential, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and biopsychosocial frameworks.
With warmth, curiosity and practicality, I will partner with you in our sessions to discover what healing and change look like for you. Whether you'd like to learn how to better manage anxiety, move through a big transition with more ease, recover from a traumatic event, need help navigating the loss or death of a loved one, or want more support with adjusting to a new or ongoing disability or medical condition, you don't have to do this alone. Together, we can figure out the stuck places, help you identify your goals, and equip you with the tools to chart your path forward.
Dr. Jacqueline Benson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
As a clinical psychologist I provide strength-based psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults.
I’m excited to meet you! Therapy is a relationship. I believe in empowering my clients and helping them to take a collaborative role in their mental health care. Listening and getting to know you is crucial. I work with Black clients, LGBTQIA+ clients as well as clients from diverse backgrounds and use my training and understanding of human development to inform my therapeutic work and help my clients identify and understand their challenges so they can set meaningful goals. I work from an integrative perspective that incorporates diverse evidence based practices.
As a clinical psychologist I provide strength-based psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults.
I’m excited to meet you! Therapy is a relationship. I believe in empowering my clients and helping them to take a collaborative role in their mental health care. Listening and getting to know you is crucial. I work with Black clients, LGBTQIA+ clients as well as clients from diverse backgrounds and use my training and understanding of human development to inform my therapeutic work and help my clients identify and understand their challenges so they can set meaningful goals. I work from an integrative perspective that incorporates diverse evidence based practices.
Since obtaining my license, I have worked full time at a Community Health Clinic where I provide therapy to black and brown people in Oakland with diagnosis of mostly PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. My therapy style involves using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for clients to gain insight into how their thoughts influence their emotions and behavior. I also used a strength-based approach to help clients gain insight into what their strengths are and what is going well in their lives.
Since obtaining my license, I have worked full time at a Community Health Clinic where I provide therapy to black and brown people in Oakland with diagnosis of mostly PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. My therapy style involves using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for clients to gain insight into how their thoughts influence their emotions and behavior. I also used a strength-based approach to help clients gain insight into what their strengths are and what is going well in their lives.
Erika Zarco
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , LMFT , LIMHP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
I help clients gain clarity on their dreams and what they perceive to be the obstacles. I am a relational therapist, who enjoys supporting clients who are feeling stuck, sad, traumatized, who are struggling, and feeling overwhelmed. Are you looking for a therapist that incorporates themes of social justice with strength-based, energy-based, and evidence-based practices?
I help clients gain clarity on their dreams and what they perceive to be the obstacles. I am a relational therapist, who enjoys supporting clients who are feeling stuck, sad, traumatized, who are struggling, and feeling overwhelmed. Are you looking for a therapist that incorporates themes of social justice with strength-based, energy-based, and evidence-based practices?
Lynnea Molina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94605 (Online Only)
If you're seeking an opportunity for growth, deep and supported reflection and or undoing unwanted cycles, I invite you to embark on a wellness journey with me. In my practice I specialize in supporting Individuals, Couples and Teens facing life transitions, and the roadblocks associated with anxiety, depression and relationship challenges. We will use mindfulness, attachment strategies, cognitive and other relational centered interventions. As a mixed-race practitioner, I aim to guide you towards becoming your best self while honoring your heritage, diversity and unique needs within the therapy space.
If you're seeking an opportunity for growth, deep and supported reflection and or undoing unwanted cycles, I invite you to embark on a wellness journey with me. In my practice I specialize in supporting Individuals, Couples and Teens facing life transitions, and the roadblocks associated with anxiety, depression and relationship challenges. We will use mindfulness, attachment strategies, cognitive and other relational centered interventions. As a mixed-race practitioner, I aim to guide you towards becoming your best self while honoring your heritage, diversity and unique needs within the therapy space.
Tracy Chocholousek
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
I believe that the human spirit is oriented toward growth and expansion. My intention when working together is to serve as a collaborator, ally and accountability partner toward your highest good. To hold space for your whole self, to focus on resilience, and encourage you on your path toward living your best life. My work focuses on custom-crafting simple, evidence-based practices that can make a difference in your daily life - creative practices that will help decrease stress and anxiety, address trauma big and small, and foster better communication and relationships. These practices could range from guided visualization to CBT.
I believe that the human spirit is oriented toward growth and expansion. My intention when working together is to serve as a collaborator, ally and accountability partner toward your highest good. To hold space for your whole self, to focus on resilience, and encourage you on your path toward living your best life. My work focuses on custom-crafting simple, evidence-based practices that can make a difference in your daily life - creative practices that will help decrease stress and anxiety, address trauma big and small, and foster better communication and relationships. These practices could range from guided visualization to CBT.
Welcome! Congratulations on taking the initial step towards healing. I'm Dr. Angelica Muñoz, a Bilingual Latinx Psychologist. I specialize in guiding individuals through various challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, queer and sexual identity exploration, cultural identity, and navigating perinatal and postpartum mental health.
Welcome! Congratulations on taking the initial step towards healing. I'm Dr. Angelica Muñoz, a Bilingual Latinx Psychologist. I specialize in guiding individuals through various challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, queer and sexual identity exploration, cultural identity, and navigating perinatal and postpartum mental health.
Cheryl Feldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Strength-Based Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
Strength-Based Therapists
How does strength-based therapy work?
During strength-based therapy sessions, the therapist will ask about an individual’s experiences of stress, pain, or trauma with the goal of orienting the client to view themselves as a survivor rather than a victim, and focusing on their strengths rather than on their weaknesses. In framing a client’s personal narrative along these lines, the therapist and client work together to identify existing skills that can be harnessed.
Is strength-based therapy evidence-based?
Strength-based therapy is an evidence-based treatment that has been studied extensively and shown to be effective across domains. The treatment has been found to be particularly effective in helping individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Strength-based therapy has been used by therapists to help clients for more than 60 years.
How long does strength-based therapy last?
There’s no precise timeline for strength-based therapy. The duration of treatment depends on the individual’s specific needs and goals and the severity of their concerns. Some individuals may find they achieve their therapeutic goals quickly, while others might benefit from ongoing support and guidance in order to continue progressing.
How effective is strength-based therapy?
Clinical research and decades of practice have shown strength-based therapy to be an effective treatment to improve mental health and well-being for many conditions. The treatment can engender a sense of connection and collaboration between the therapist and the individual, fostering a positive therapeutic relationship. For individuals with narcissistic tendencies, strength-based therapy may be less effective, as the focus on the individual’s strengths may undermine the work needed to honestly assess the challenges the individual faces.