Psychoanalytic Therapists in Orinda, CA
I am trained in a variety of techniques, but lean more toward psychodynamic or psychoanalytic.
Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.
I am trained in a variety of techniques, but lean more toward psychodynamic or psychoanalytic.
Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.
Therapy can offer you the chance to increase your sense of personal satisfaction, improve your relationships and resolve specific concerns. Whether you are struggling with a recent challenge, or dealing with long term difficulty, I'd be glad to speak with you. I offer a collaborative, compassionate, depth-oriented therapeutic style in a confidential private practice setting. I meet with and welcome individuals of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds who may identify with a full spectrum of gender roles and sexual identities. Please contact me for more information, or to schedule an appointment.
Therapy can offer you the chance to increase your sense of personal satisfaction, improve your relationships and resolve specific concerns. Whether you are struggling with a recent challenge, or dealing with long term difficulty, I'd be glad to speak with you. I offer a collaborative, compassionate, depth-oriented therapeutic style in a confidential private practice setting. I meet with and welcome individuals of all ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds who may identify with a full spectrum of gender roles and sexual identities. Please contact me for more information, or to schedule an appointment.
Couples therapy is my special focus and therapy with a coach approach is my style. Couples often come to therapy saying they can't communicate, but lack of communication is only the symptom of a deeper conflict. As couples brings their needs to a relationship, sometimes those needs conflict in very profound ways. Once they become a burden for the couple, and each starts blaming the other, communication problems crop up. To discover unfulfilled expectations of our own and to understand those of our partners is the work done in couples therapy. That exploration will help rebuild a love that is rooted in reality.
Couples therapy is my special focus and therapy with a coach approach is my style. Couples often come to therapy saying they can't communicate, but lack of communication is only the symptom of a deeper conflict. As couples brings their needs to a relationship, sometimes those needs conflict in very profound ways. Once they become a burden for the couple, and each starts blaming the other, communication problems crop up. To discover unfulfilled expectations of our own and to understand those of our partners is the work done in couples therapy. That exploration will help rebuild a love that is rooted in reality.
I provide attachment-based Emotion Focused Therapy to couples and individuals. I commonly work with couples/individuals for over a year, sometimes much longer if the situation requires it. When working with couples, I commonly do a combination of couples meetings and individual meetings.
I provide attachment-based Emotion Focused Therapy to couples and individuals. I commonly work with couples/individuals for over a year, sometimes much longer if the situation requires it. When working with couples, I commonly do a combination of couples meetings and individual meetings.
Mary Ann Kassier, LCSW, CGP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
It is my belief that everyone navigates his or her way through their family of origin and early environment by developing strategies and coping techniques, essentially doing the best one can in the circumstances. Later, these ways of handling relationships and stressors can become limiting. Members of couples and families can also develop entrenched ways of relating that become partially based on assumptions. Frustration, anxiety, disappointment and resentment can result. Psychotherapy enables you to understand the evolution of these patterns and develop more choices in how you respond and relate to others.
It is my belief that everyone navigates his or her way through their family of origin and early environment by developing strategies and coping techniques, essentially doing the best one can in the circumstances. Later, these ways of handling relationships and stressors can become limiting. Members of couples and families can also develop entrenched ways of relating that become partially based on assumptions. Frustration, anxiety, disappointment and resentment can result. Psychotherapy enables you to understand the evolution of these patterns and develop more choices in how you respond and relate to others.
Successful psychotherapy is a partnership based on trust. People do change, becoming more truly themselves when they find the right, trained therapist and are able to talk freely. I listen to you with respect and you develop greater self awareness. This enables you to communicate more clearly, to reflect on difficult issues, and to let go of outmoded behaviors that do not further your deeper needs.
Successful psychotherapy is a partnership based on trust. People do change, becoming more truly themselves when they find the right, trained therapist and are able to talk freely. I listen to you with respect and you develop greater self awareness. This enables you to communicate more clearly, to reflect on difficult issues, and to let go of outmoded behaviors that do not further your deeper needs.
J Aaron Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563 (Online Only)
My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care
My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care
My specialties include working with adolescents, transitional-age youth and adults. I am particularly interested in working with those adjusting to major life transitions such as leaving home, attending college, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, infertility, pregnancy loss, empty-nest and retirement.
My specialties include working with adolescents, transitional-age youth and adults. I am particularly interested in working with those adjusting to major life transitions such as leaving home, attending college, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, infertility, pregnancy loss, empty-nest and retirement.
Life can be hard. Things that may feel easy at one time, feel impossible at another. Sometimes, there are issues that feel like they'll never go away. I work to create an environment where we can think together about what is troubling you and get to the root of the issues, so lasting change can be possible.
Life can be hard. Things that may feel easy at one time, feel impossible at another. Sometimes, there are issues that feel like they'll never go away. I work to create an environment where we can think together about what is troubling you and get to the root of the issues, so lasting change can be possible.
Dr. Embrey has practiced psychotherapy in Europe for 15 years and in California since 1990, emphasizing the possibilities of making life better. He has been educated in England and Sweden as well as his doctorate in California.
Many choices in life are difficult. Trying to understand our choices, what motivates them and seeing clearly the patterns of our life is the start of choosing a new direction for ourselves or our relationships.
I understand how to produce change. I work with individuals and couples mostly, with the utmost care, respect and consideration of situations we find ourselves in.
Dr. Embrey has practiced psychotherapy in Europe for 15 years and in California since 1990, emphasizing the possibilities of making life better. He has been educated in England and Sweden as well as his doctorate in California.
Many choices in life are difficult. Trying to understand our choices, what motivates them and seeing clearly the patterns of our life is the start of choosing a new direction for ourselves or our relationships.
I understand how to produce change. I work with individuals and couples mostly, with the utmost care, respect and consideration of situations we find ourselves in.
Therapy can help you overcome difficulties, live creatively, and feel more alive. Many people become stuck in ways of thinking and living that no longer serve them. Through a caring therapeutic relationship, you can develop the courage to live in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Over the past 25 years, I have helped people with a wide variety of issues work through significant challenges, freeing them to make better choices. In addition to my clinical work, I teach and supervise at various training programs throughout the Bay Area, and was the Director of Counseling at California College of the Arts for 15 years.
Therapy can help you overcome difficulties, live creatively, and feel more alive. Many people become stuck in ways of thinking and living that no longer serve them. Through a caring therapeutic relationship, you can develop the courage to live in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Over the past 25 years, I have helped people with a wide variety of issues work through significant challenges, freeing them to make better choices. In addition to my clinical work, I teach and supervise at various training programs throughout the Bay Area, and was the Director of Counseling at California College of the Arts for 15 years.
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J Aaron Foster
Katy Cook
Bruce Sorenson
Roni Khol
I work with individuals and couples to help reduce struggles and find ways to live more fulfilling, gratifying lives. Our relationship is the context in which we work to find where you're stuck, what's getting in your way, and ways to do things differently. My specialty areas include grief and loss, adoption, ADHD, race/class issues, work/life balance, LGBTQ issues, and divorce. I help people manage anxiety and mood problems. I help couples with concerns related to parenting, managing conflict, and addressing needs and expectations. I see communication as the grease that keeps relationships running smoothly, and I help facilitate good communication.
I work with individuals and couples to help reduce struggles and find ways to live more fulfilling, gratifying lives. Our relationship is the context in which we work to find where you're stuck, what's getting in your way, and ways to do things differently. My specialty areas include grief and loss, adoption, ADHD, race/class issues, work/life balance, LGBTQ issues, and divorce. I help people manage anxiety and mood problems. I help couples with concerns related to parenting, managing conflict, and addressing needs and expectations. I see communication as the grease that keeps relationships running smoothly, and I help facilitate good communication.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Most people I've seen in my many years of practice seek psychotherapy in response to personal loss, trauma, relationship difficulties in love or work, or self defeating thought or behavior patterns that have become unmanageable. As we begin to meet on a regular basis, the anxiety, depression or crisis that propelled them into my office starts to calm. Broader questions like “Why do I keep waiting to live my life in the way I always imagined it to be?” and “Why have my personal or professional accomplishments not provided the fulfillment I hoped for?” then begin to emerge.
Most people I've seen in my many years of practice seek psychotherapy in response to personal loss, trauma, relationship difficulties in love or work, or self defeating thought or behavior patterns that have become unmanageable. As we begin to meet on a regular basis, the anxiety, depression or crisis that propelled them into my office starts to calm. Broader questions like “Why do I keep waiting to live my life in the way I always imagined it to be?” and “Why have my personal or professional accomplishments not provided the fulfillment I hoped for?” then begin to emerge.
If you are seeking deep personal change or going through a life transition, it may feel difficult to make choices. If you are experiencing conflict or suffering and know that something needs to change, psychotherapy will provide a structure where you can identify patterns that have previously led to unhappiness or frustration. I will help you develop new ways of understanding yourself and relating to others in your life. I am a warm, experienced and compassionate psychotherapist that will help guide you through this process of change so that you can be your most authentic self and live your life with increased comfort and meaning.
If you are seeking deep personal change or going through a life transition, it may feel difficult to make choices. If you are experiencing conflict or suffering and know that something needs to change, psychotherapy will provide a structure where you can identify patterns that have previously led to unhappiness or frustration. I will help you develop new ways of understanding yourself and relating to others in your life. I am a warm, experienced and compassionate psychotherapist that will help guide you through this process of change so that you can be your most authentic self and live your life with increased comfort and meaning.
Dr. Katy Cook
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PhD, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Families and loved ones can be some of most of our challenging relationships. Whether you’re struggling with a parent, partner, friend, sibling, or child, navigating relationships can be tricky at the best of times, and emotionally neglectful and traumatic in the worst. This can be incredibly painful, cause anxiety, lead to resentment, struggles with assertiveness or boundaries, conflict avoidance, or to knock on effects in other relationships – including how you feel about yourself.
Families and loved ones can be some of most of our challenging relationships. Whether you’re struggling with a parent, partner, friend, sibling, or child, navigating relationships can be tricky at the best of times, and emotionally neglectful and traumatic in the worst. This can be incredibly painful, cause anxiety, lead to resentment, struggles with assertiveness or boundaries, conflict avoidance, or to knock on effects in other relationships – including how you feel about yourself.
For nine years I have had hands-on experience working with individuals, children, couples and families, and have helped my clients deal with the various challenges life brought them. Diversity and inclusion are core beliefs of mine. I feel that every person has value that can be enriched and strengthened.
For nine years I have had hands-on experience working with individuals, children, couples and families, and have helped my clients deal with the various challenges life brought them. Diversity and inclusion are core beliefs of mine. I feel that every person has value that can be enriched and strengthened.
Everyone has challenges and battles to fight. A pain-free life is not always possible. Even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s difficulties. Whether you struggle with depression, grief, anxiety, or other issues, you should know there is hope for better tomorrows.
Everyone has challenges and battles to fight. A pain-free life is not always possible. Even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s difficulties. Whether you struggle with depression, grief, anxiety, or other issues, you should know there is hope for better tomorrows.
My specialty area is in helping people heal from chronic depression and complex trauma. Many of my clients come from backgrounds that predispose them to these problems - such as having a parent with a substance use problem, being the oldest sibling in a high-need family, or coming from an immigrant household. These environments teach you to grow up quickly and you learn to prioritize the needs of others over your own. Later in life, the self-sufficiency that was a strength in childhood can become a barrier to fulfilling adult relationships. No one taught you skills like saying no, setting boundaries, and reaching out for support.
My specialty area is in helping people heal from chronic depression and complex trauma. Many of my clients come from backgrounds that predispose them to these problems - such as having a parent with a substance use problem, being the oldest sibling in a high-need family, or coming from an immigrant household. These environments teach you to grow up quickly and you learn to prioritize the needs of others over your own. Later in life, the self-sufficiency that was a strength in childhood can become a barrier to fulfilling adult relationships. No one taught you skills like saying no, setting boundaries, and reaching out for support.
Hello. If you are exploring the Psychology today website you are likely searching for answers, help, or change for yourself, a family member, or loved one through a difficult experience. If you are taking this step for the first time, in need of additional psychological services, or looking to change providers I commend you for taking this step forward. My hope and goal for each client/family I work with is to help you achieve a “Eureka!” moment and make meaningful and change propelling personal discoveries – whether through the psychotherapy services that I offer or the psychological testing/evaluation services that I offer.
Hello. If you are exploring the Psychology today website you are likely searching for answers, help, or change for yourself, a family member, or loved one through a difficult experience. If you are taking this step for the first time, in need of additional psychological services, or looking to change providers I commend you for taking this step forward. My hope and goal for each client/family I work with is to help you achieve a “Eureka!” moment and make meaningful and change propelling personal discoveries – whether through the psychotherapy services that I offer or the psychological testing/evaluation services that I offer.
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Psychoanalytic Therapists
Does psychoanalytic therapy work?
Psychoanalytic therapy derives from the work of Sigmund Freud. In this type of therapy, discovering buried thoughts and emotions from the unconscious will help a person work through their difficulties and negative behaviors. Research shows that psychoanalytic therapy can be highly effective, with patients reporting improvement in mood, quality of life, and overall well-being.
How long are people typically in psychoanalytic therapy?
Traditional psychoanalysis is in-depth and is conducted in five sessions every week. Today, modern psychoanalytic therapy is less intense and normally incorporates as few as one or two sessions a week. In some cases, positive change can occur quickly. However, if the condition, difficulty, or behavior is deep-seated, improvement may require many months or years of therapy.
Is psychoanalytic therapy suitable for young people?
Children and adolescents can benefit from this type of therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Psychoanalytic therapy uses specific techniques such as dream analysis, symbolism, and free association or word association; all of which can be useful tools for less-communicative young people. Through this therapy, a patient will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.
Can psychoanalytic therapy be done online?
Modern-day psychoanalytic therapy is very different from traditional psychoanalysis. While an individual can sit face-to-face with the psychoanalyst for multiple sessions a week, they do not have to. Today, psychoanalytic therapy can be effectively conducted online or by phone. The key is that the individual confronts what is repressed and avoided, and this can be done whether in person or over online video.