Strength-Based Therapists in Orinda, CA
Jonathan Packman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I work from a strength-based approach to counseling, including narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness and CBT.
You're looking for an ally to join you on your quest for meaning and purpose, to define and work towards specific goals, on the way to navigating through or around those obstacles. I'll create a safe space for you to uncover what is getting in the way of growth or healing. I specialize in work with adolescents and young adults to sharpen the skills that are necessary to move through the stages of development on the path towards academic, career, athletic, creative and personal achievement.
I work from a strength-based approach to counseling, including narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness and CBT.
You're looking for an ally to join you on your quest for meaning and purpose, to define and work towards specific goals, on the way to navigating through or around those obstacles. I'll create a safe space for you to uncover what is getting in the way of growth or healing. I specialize in work with adolescents and young adults to sharpen the skills that are necessary to move through the stages of development on the path towards academic, career, athletic, creative and personal achievement.
Jessica Lim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563 (Online Only)
I work with adults, teens, and children experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, parenting issues, school or work challenges, and life transitions. Clients are often interested in taking a pause, reassessing their current situation, and collaborating to try new approaches, improve coping skills and resilience. My goal is to help clients move forward in their daily lives with greater ease, a sense of purpose and peace, and curiosity to care and connect to themselves and others authentically.
I work with adults, teens, and children experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, parenting issues, school or work challenges, and life transitions. Clients are often interested in taking a pause, reassessing their current situation, and collaborating to try new approaches, improve coping skills and resilience. My goal is to help clients move forward in their daily lives with greater ease, a sense of purpose and peace, and curiosity to care and connect to themselves and others authentically.
Paul Carter - Anxiety, ADHD
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I use an eclectic, strength-based approach and find myself to be of most help when I can make space for safety, lightness, and trust in therapy.
My teenage clients report that I have greatly helped in reducing depression and anxiety by providing a non-judgmental space where they can explore communication challenges, self-esteem issues and work on difficulties that create a challenge in their day-to-day life. I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework, which can help teens reframe negativity, develop long-term coping skills, and be more fully present in their lives. Clients can recognize that their thoughts and emotions do not have to get in the way of taking action toward meeting their goals and making meaningful connections.
I use an eclectic, strength-based approach and find myself to be of most help when I can make space for safety, lightness, and trust in therapy.
My teenage clients report that I have greatly helped in reducing depression and anxiety by providing a non-judgmental space where they can explore communication challenges, self-esteem issues and work on difficulties that create a challenge in their day-to-day life. I work from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework, which can help teens reframe negativity, develop long-term coping skills, and be more fully present in their lives. Clients can recognize that their thoughts and emotions do not have to get in the way of taking action toward meeting their goals and making meaningful connections.
Much of my training has been in contemporary psychodynamic theory, object-relations and strength-based models.
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.
Much of my training has been in contemporary psychodynamic theory, object-relations and strength-based models.
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.
We are not afraid to offer direct opinions and guidance, as we have excellent training in strength-based relationships.
We are a small practice specializing in resolving depression, anxiety, insomnia, and relationship issues. We practice research-based therapy using the science of good relationships and other evidence-based models. Cognitive behavioral therapy is our specialty and has excellent outcomes.
We are not afraid to offer direct opinions and guidance, as we have excellent training in strength-based relationships.
We are a small practice specializing in resolving depression, anxiety, insomnia, and relationship issues. We practice research-based therapy using the science of good relationships and other evidence-based models. Cognitive behavioral therapy is our specialty and has excellent outcomes.
Your child is struggling with anxious or sad feelings. Irritability, defiance and outsized anger are prevalent in many of your interactions. Children often "hold it together," at school and then fall apart at home. As a parent, you feel triggered and at the same time hopeless when your attempts to understand or comfort fail. Feeling seen, understood and validated are imperatives for healthy development and self esteem. Parents struggling with patience and reactivity to challenging behaviors will find difficulty providing consistent communication and empathy. You seek for your child positive coping skills so that they flourish.
Your child is struggling with anxious or sad feelings. Irritability, defiance and outsized anger are prevalent in many of your interactions. Children often "hold it together," at school and then fall apart at home. As a parent, you feel triggered and at the same time hopeless when your attempts to understand or comfort fail. Feeling seen, understood and validated are imperatives for healthy development and self esteem. Parents struggling with patience and reactivity to challenging behaviors will find difficulty providing consistent communication and empathy. You seek for your child positive coping skills so that they flourish.
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.
Inner peace. Family harmony. Satisfying relationships. It’s what we all want, but obstacles get in our way. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 30 years experience helping people overcome these obstacles. Together, we will uncover the strengths and resilience you already have and discover new ways of thinking, communicating and interacting with the world that lead to a sense of balance and life satisfaction. I work with adults and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, social problems, family conflict and life transitions.
Inner peace. Family harmony. Satisfying relationships. It’s what we all want, but obstacles get in our way. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 30 years experience helping people overcome these obstacles. Together, we will uncover the strengths and resilience you already have and discover new ways of thinking, communicating and interacting with the world that lead to a sense of balance and life satisfaction. I work with adults and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, social problems, family conflict and life transitions.
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'm a firm believer that people have the capacity to change and I believe in the amazing power of the human mind, having witnessed positive results with my clients many times. If you continuously struggle to control your emotions, feeling stuck and discouraged, this technique is for you. If you're tired of trying self-help methods, attending on-going therapy sessions that have run out-of-steam or just not knowing where to start anymore, start here. Emotional suffering need not be a life-long sentence. In fact, you will discover with our work together, that life can indeed get better!
I'm a firm believer that people have the capacity to change and I believe in the amazing power of the human mind, having witnessed positive results with my clients many times. If you continuously struggle to control your emotions, feeling stuck and discouraged, this technique is for you. If you're tired of trying self-help methods, attending on-going therapy sessions that have run out-of-steam or just not knowing where to start anymore, start here. Emotional suffering need not be a life-long sentence. In fact, you will discover with our work together, that life can indeed get better!
Valerie Rosenfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Finding a therapist can be a challenge. It can be hard to get a gut feeling from a website. Please watch a brief video on my website to get a sense of me! I specialize in working with people who feel stuck or believe that they have "tried everything." I provide psychotherapy, EMDR, AEDP, IFS, Somatic Therapy, and Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP). I am Certified in EMDR and an Approved EMDR Consultant. In my office, you will find non-judgement and deep safety to heal
Finding a therapist can be a challenge. It can be hard to get a gut feeling from a website. Please watch a brief video on my website to get a sense of me! I specialize in working with people who feel stuck or believe that they have "tried everything." I provide psychotherapy, EMDR, AEDP, IFS, Somatic Therapy, and Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP). I am Certified in EMDR and an Approved EMDR Consultant. In my office, you will find non-judgement and deep safety to heal
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As a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orinda, I am passionate about supporting individuals, children, teens, and families through life’s challenges. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore their feelings, develop healthier relationships, and achieve personal growth. I have a special affinity for working with women, particularly mothers and perinatal individuals, as they navigate the unique joys and struggles of motherhood. Whether you’re dealing with the challenges of parenting, facing family conflicts, or seeking support through significant life transitions, I am here to help you.
As a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist based in Orinda, I am passionate about supporting individuals, children, teens, and families through life’s challenges. I believe in creating a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore their feelings, develop healthier relationships, and achieve personal growth. I have a special affinity for working with women, particularly mothers and perinatal individuals, as they navigate the unique joys and struggles of motherhood. Whether you’re dealing with the challenges of parenting, facing family conflicts, or seeking support through significant life transitions, I am here to help you.
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.
I work primarily with high preforming athletes, artists, and creative types looking to find balance and live a richer more meaningful life. If painful or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, memories or sensations are getting in the way of you moving toward what matters I will work with you to develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself and find peace of mind. I work with people struggling with anxiety, men's issues, relationship and work stress, unresolved trauma/grief, and life transitions. I help clients get in touch with their core values, develop mindfulness, so they can slow down and choose meaningful action.
I work primarily with high preforming athletes, artists, and creative types looking to find balance and live a richer more meaningful life. If painful or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, memories or sensations are getting in the way of you moving toward what matters I will work with you to develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself and find peace of mind. I work with people struggling with anxiety, men's issues, relationship and work stress, unresolved trauma/grief, and life transitions. I help clients get in touch with their core values, develop mindfulness, so they can slow down and choose meaningful action.
When your child, teenager, or family is struggling or even suffering, finding a therapist who is authentic, engaged, and a direct communicator is vital. As a clinician who is experienced addressing mood, anxiety, and behavioral disorders in both individual and group therapy settings, I strive to offer deep listening and effective strategies that lead to significant changes and greater well-being.
When your child, teenager, or family is struggling or even suffering, finding a therapist who is authentic, engaged, and a direct communicator is vital. As a clinician who is experienced addressing mood, anxiety, and behavioral disorders in both individual and group therapy settings, I strive to offer deep listening and effective strategies that lead to significant changes and greater well-being.
Kathy Macchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, #101014
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I offer strategies and tools for College age students and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harming behavior, and trauma. My highest aim as your therapist is to co-create a lasting and genuine healing relationship, one where you feel supported to express yourself authentically and make the changes necessary in your life to live, love and work wholeheartedly. My warm, genuine and practical approach allows us to move through difficult times and gain clarity about yourself and your relationships . All are welcome in my office and I see clients from 18 on up.
I offer strategies and tools for College age students and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harming behavior, and trauma. My highest aim as your therapist is to co-create a lasting and genuine healing relationship, one where you feel supported to express yourself authentically and make the changes necessary in your life to live, love and work wholeheartedly. My warm, genuine and practical approach allows us to move through difficult times and gain clarity about yourself and your relationships . All are welcome in my office and I see clients from 18 on up.
I would be privileged to stand by you on your journey with a serious medical condition and/or mental health challenges. It takes courage and vulnerability to seek out therapy and having a supportive person can be life changing. You may be faced with cancer, a chronic condition, a terminal illness, grief, anxiety and depression. I believe one's physical health can play a role in their mental health and vice versa. I'm here to listen to your symptoms, help you weigh treatment options, review considerations with medications, discuss doctor visits and teach you skills to improve your state of mind.
I would be privileged to stand by you on your journey with a serious medical condition and/or mental health challenges. It takes courage and vulnerability to seek out therapy and having a supportive person can be life changing. You may be faced with cancer, a chronic condition, a terminal illness, grief, anxiety and depression. I believe one's physical health can play a role in their mental health and vice versa. I'm here to listen to your symptoms, help you weigh treatment options, review considerations with medications, discuss doctor visits and teach you skills to improve your state of mind.
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.
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.
Robin Criner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief? Perhaps you are trying to cope with an acute or chronic illness. Are you a caregiver taking care of an ill loved one looking for support? Robin is passionate about helping adults move through difficult life transitions, especially grief and changes related to medical conditions. In addition to her specialty focus in behavioral health, Robin also treats mood and anxiety disorders in adults. She works with her clients to identify their goals and values, then together, they collaborate to achieve the client's goals to live a life of fulfillment.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief? Perhaps you are trying to cope with an acute or chronic illness. Are you a caregiver taking care of an ill loved one looking for support? Robin is passionate about helping adults move through difficult life transitions, especially grief and changes related to medical conditions. In addition to her specialty focus in behavioral health, Robin also treats mood and anxiety disorders in adults. She works with her clients to identify their goals and values, then together, they collaborate to achieve the client's goals to live a life of fulfillment.
Dr. Karlene Alves
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In my practice of helping others strive for mental wellness, I believe in taking a holistic approach. I specialize in working with children, teens and adults with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also work with parents in ways to effectively support their children and manage their own mental well-being throughout the parenting journey. In addition I have previously served hundreds of parents and their children in speciality areas such as teen anxiety, teen DBT, and pre-adolescence emotional regulation skill building. I also have specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
In my practice of helping others strive for mental wellness, I believe in taking a holistic approach. I specialize in working with children, teens and adults with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I also work with parents in ways to effectively support their children and manage their own mental well-being throughout the parenting journey. In addition I have previously served hundreds of parents and their children in speciality areas such as teen anxiety, teen DBT, and pre-adolescence emotional regulation skill building. I also have specialized training in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
See more therapy options for Orinda
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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.