Strength-Based Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of María Romero Jackson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
María Romero Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I believe in a strength-based perspective and also the mind/body connection.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. My approach is to be warm and deeply interested in both your struggles and your strengths. I work with clients who wish to understand and shift their anxiety, depression, self-criticism, and relationship difficulties. I particularly enjoy working with clients who carry marginalized identities including women, queer, trans, and POC clients. Central to my approach is the belief that cultural and environmental factors deeply play a role in our development.
I believe in a strength-based perspective and also the mind/body connection.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. My approach is to be warm and deeply interested in both your struggles and your strengths. I work with clients who wish to understand and shift their anxiety, depression, self-criticism, and relationship difficulties. I particularly enjoy working with clients who carry marginalized identities including women, queer, trans, and POC clients. Central to my approach is the belief that cultural and environmental factors deeply play a role in our development.
(510) 746-8218 View (510) 746-8218
Photo of Francisca Lizana, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Francisca Lizana
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Not accepting new clients
My practice sees adults and kids for a variety of reasons. I see adults who want a safe place to express, download and explore what is presently challenging, whether a life transition, change, relocation/acculturation, hardships, anxiety, depression or simply not feeling happy. Similarly, I see children who are experiencing family changes or transitions, behavioral challenges, who would benefit from learning social-emotional skills towards better self-regulation, as well as support in overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety.
My practice sees adults and kids for a variety of reasons. I see adults who want a safe place to express, download and explore what is presently challenging, whether a life transition, change, relocation/acculturation, hardships, anxiety, depression or simply not feeling happy. Similarly, I see children who are experiencing family changes or transitions, behavioral challenges, who would benefit from learning social-emotional skills towards better self-regulation, as well as support in overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety.
(925) 255-7936 View (925) 255-7936
Photo of Shannon Rucker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannon Rucker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
By integrating strength-based, strategic, psychodynamic, and mind-body techniques, all within a time period determined at the beginning of treatment, you can move toward your goal of creating lasting change.
As a Licensed Therapist with over twenty years of experience, it’s my continued goal to help my clients navigate beyond depression, trauma, fear, and anxiety. By committing to their healing, my clients learn to stop being stuck in patterns that impair their ability to have the life, relationships, and professional aspirations they desire.
By integrating strength-based, strategic, psychodynamic, and mind-body techniques, all within a time period determined at the beginning of treatment, you can move toward your goal of creating lasting change.
As a Licensed Therapist with over twenty years of experience, it’s my continued goal to help my clients navigate beyond depression, trauma, fear, and anxiety. By committing to their healing, my clients learn to stop being stuck in patterns that impair their ability to have the life, relationships, and professional aspirations they desire.
(415) 598-2357 View (415) 598-2357
Photo of Taylor Keller, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(510) 480-3369 View (510) 480-3369
Photo of Tracy Chocholousek, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
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.
(510) 561-2085 View (510) 561-2085
Photo of Lynnea Molina, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(510) 662-0302 View (510) 662-0302
Photo of Brian McCloud, MEd, APCC
Brian McCloud
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, APCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Brian. My roots trace back to southeastern Turtle Island, West Africa, and Europe. Thank you for considering me as a partner in your healing process. With lived experience in liminal spaces, I often work with people in transition related to their relationships, identities, careers, or values. My practice is significantly grounded in the therapeutic relationship, recognizing and nurturing your inner capacity for healing and well-being. My approach is strength-based, rooted in trauma theory, and acknowledges the interrelatedness of all aspects of self, family systems, and cultural influences
Hello, my name is Brian. My roots trace back to southeastern Turtle Island, West Africa, and Europe. Thank you for considering me as a partner in your healing process. With lived experience in liminal spaces, I often work with people in transition related to their relationships, identities, careers, or values. My practice is significantly grounded in the therapeutic relationship, recognizing and nurturing your inner capacity for healing and well-being. My approach is strength-based, rooted in trauma theory, and acknowledges the interrelatedness of all aspects of self, family systems, and cultural influences
(415) 877-8134 View (415) 877-8134
Photo of Zena Caputo, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Zena Caputo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I offer individual psychotherapy for adults that draws on a variety of effective approaches to support your healing and growth, including mindfulness, trauma-informed and strength-based techniques such as EMDR, examining family dynamics and relationships, and helping you understand the role of neurobiology in your resilience and challenges.
The care and support that allows each person to grow and thrive is unique. Whether you're hoping to reduce the impact of life’s stressors, heal from traumatic experiences, improve your sense of self-worth, or explore your relationship with drugs and alcohol, our work together will recognize your individuality and be driven by your goals. I focus on building a relationship in which you feel you are treated with respect, understanding, and compassion, where you can experience a sense of safety in sharing about sensitive parts of your life. I also support folks struggling with anxiety and grief related to climate change.
I offer individual psychotherapy for adults that draws on a variety of effective approaches to support your healing and growth, including mindfulness, trauma-informed and strength-based techniques such as EMDR, examining family dynamics and relationships, and helping you understand the role of neurobiology in your resilience and challenges.
The care and support that allows each person to grow and thrive is unique. Whether you're hoping to reduce the impact of life’s stressors, heal from traumatic experiences, improve your sense of self-worth, or explore your relationship with drugs and alcohol, our work together will recognize your individuality and be driven by your goals. I focus on building a relationship in which you feel you are treated with respect, understanding, and compassion, where you can experience a sense of safety in sharing about sensitive parts of your life. I also support folks struggling with anxiety and grief related to climate change.
(415) 529-6226 View (415) 529-6226
Photo of Omolade Rosalyn Roddy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Omolade Rosalyn Roddy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608
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.
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Photo of Laila Villaume, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laila Villaume
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I have a strong passion for helping individuals feel empowered and strive to live their best lives by finding meaning and purpose within themselves. Let’s face it, life can be difficult, but those difficult experiences do not have to define you as a person. By creating a safe and healing space my goal is to tap into your own personal power and natural strengths to focus on what is most important to you and your wellness.
I have a strong passion for helping individuals feel empowered and strive to live their best lives by finding meaning and purpose within themselves. Let’s face it, life can be difficult, but those difficult experiences do not have to define you as a person. By creating a safe and healing space my goal is to tap into your own personal power and natural strengths to focus on what is most important to you and your wellness.
(510) 306-1974 View (510) 306-1974
Photo of Mary Anderson, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mary Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Thank you for viewing my profile. In my practice I work with older adolescents, emerging adults, and adults. My therapeutic style is solution focused, collaborative and strength based- utilizing various therapeutic styles including attachment therapy, feminist, and CBT. I use the strengths of my clients to focus on solutions while investigating what's at the core of the problem, the pain, and the discomfort.
Thank you for viewing my profile. In my practice I work with older adolescents, emerging adults, and adults. My therapeutic style is solution focused, collaborative and strength based- utilizing various therapeutic styles including attachment therapy, feminist, and CBT. I use the strengths of my clients to focus on solutions while investigating what's at the core of the problem, the pain, and the discomfort.
(415) 873-9644 View (415) 873-9644
Photo of Elisa Chaves, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elisa Chaves
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about supporting children, adults and families to improve their communication, emotional connections and self-esteem. My approach is warm, interactive and strength-based. I have experience working with children and adults going through divorce, traumatic experiences, conflicts, challenges with self-regulation, as well as parenting difficulties and behavioral problems. I support my clients through life transitions, the process of acculturation and belonging, anxiety, depression or seeking any type of emotional healing from current or past experiences.
I am passionate about supporting children, adults and families to improve their communication, emotional connections and self-esteem. My approach is warm, interactive and strength-based. I have experience working with children and adults going through divorce, traumatic experiences, conflicts, challenges with self-regulation, as well as parenting difficulties and behavioral problems. I support my clients through life transitions, the process of acculturation and belonging, anxiety, depression or seeking any type of emotional healing from current or past experiences.
(510) 757-9413 View (510) 757-9413
Photo of Assaf Jaffe, PsyD, Psychologist
Assaf Jaffe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602  (Online Only)
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.
(628) 225-4590 View (628) 225-4590
Photo of Megan Gredesky, LMFT, RDT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan Gredesky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RDT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Grief Recovery Support Group beginning June 2024! 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.
Grief Recovery Support Group beginning June 2024! 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.
(510) 694-0644 View (510) 694-0644
Photo of Cheryl Feldman, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cheryl Feldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
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.
(510) 256-7864 View (510) 256-7864
Photo of Erika Zarco, MA , LMFT , LIMHP, Marriage & Family Therapist
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?
(415) 909-5091 View (415) 909-5091
Photo of Eva Klein, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eva Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
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.
(510) 640-8279 View (510) 640-8279
Photo of Gretchen Reid, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gretchen Reid
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
My work is Client-Centered and Strength-Based.
With great courage and a sense of curiosity, you’ve already taken the hardest step towards feeling better—reaching out for help. Maybe you’ve been feeling "stuck" or overwhelmed? Perhaps you and your significant other find it difficult to communicate each other's feelings and needs. Or maybe you're trying to make sense of a life experience and don’t know where to start. I would like to reassure you, you don’t have to endure the pain or confusion alone. We, as humans, have all experienced moment(s) in life where we feel disconnected from our true selves and even our loved ones. Sometimes we just need some support along the way.
My work is Client-Centered and Strength-Based.
With great courage and a sense of curiosity, you’ve already taken the hardest step towards feeling better—reaching out for help. Maybe you’ve been feeling "stuck" or overwhelmed? Perhaps you and your significant other find it difficult to communicate each other's feelings and needs. Or maybe you're trying to make sense of a life experience and don’t know where to start. I would like to reassure you, you don’t have to endure the pain or confusion alone. We, as humans, have all experienced moment(s) in life where we feel disconnected from our true selves and even our loved ones. Sometimes we just need some support along the way.
(510) 616-9574 View (510) 616-9574
Photo of Angelica Muñoz, PsyD, Psychological Associate
Angelica Muñoz
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
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.
(510) 804-3341 View (510) 804-3341
Photo of Paul J. Wensley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(415) 358-5306 View (415) 358-5306
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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.