Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Pleasant Hill, CA

Photo of Sondos Nemati, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Sondos Nemati
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I’m dedicated to providing a warm and inclusive space for individuals of all backgrounds. With a lens of trauma-informed care, I offer support to navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding.
I’m dedicated to providing a warm and inclusive space for individuals of all backgrounds. With a lens of trauma-informed care, I offer support to navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding.
(925) 438-0496 View (925) 438-0496
Photo of Karen Chow, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen Chow
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to keep your family together, your relationships, job demands and daily responsibilities? Are your children struggling with peer relationships and/or school functioning? Reaching out to get support takes courage. This is an unimaginable time. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety and depression or feeling isolated, you deserve to take care of your mental health and emotional well being. Your adolescent or teen can benefit from getting support with a trusted ally who will listen and help improve functioning.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to keep your family together, your relationships, job demands and daily responsibilities? Are your children struggling with peer relationships and/or school functioning? Reaching out to get support takes courage. This is an unimaginable time. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety and depression or feeling isolated, you deserve to take care of your mental health and emotional well being. Your adolescent or teen can benefit from getting support with a trusted ally who will listen and help improve functioning.
(925) 306-1483 View (925) 306-1483
Photo of Kamaria Erin Wells, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kamaria Erin Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523  (Online Only)
How would you like to diversify your healing process? As I walk alongside you on your healing journey, I will offer a plethora of modalities to support and deepen your process. In addition to talk therapy, art, writing, somatic attunement, breathwork, and sound healing will be available. I work with all ages, providing a safe space to address racism, colorism, ablism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia. I can also support you with anxiety, grief, depression, feelings of overwhelm, CPTSD, PTSD, identity matters, life transitions, couples therapy, and family therapy.
How would you like to diversify your healing process? As I walk alongside you on your healing journey, I will offer a plethora of modalities to support and deepen your process. In addition to talk therapy, art, writing, somatic attunement, breathwork, and sound healing will be available. I work with all ages, providing a safe space to address racism, colorism, ablism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia. I can also support you with anxiety, grief, depression, feelings of overwhelm, CPTSD, PTSD, identity matters, life transitions, couples therapy, and family therapy.
(415) 849-4820 View (415) 849-4820
Photo of Beth Hawley, LMFT, PPSC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beth Hawley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPSC
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
My approach to therapy is holistic and addresses mind, body, and spirit as essential, interwoven aspects of who we are. Through my years of practice, I've learned to integrate various somatic and mindfulness modalities into sessions because they go beyond strictly talk therapy in helping calm the nervous system, reduce the effects of trauma and overwhelm, foster new perspectives, and create a healthier relationship with the body. The result is greater resilience, self-compassion, fulfillment, empowerment, and joy. EFT Tapping and Embodied Mindfulness are two modalities that I use & teach so that clients have tools to use at home.
My approach to therapy is holistic and addresses mind, body, and spirit as essential, interwoven aspects of who we are. Through my years of practice, I've learned to integrate various somatic and mindfulness modalities into sessions because they go beyond strictly talk therapy in helping calm the nervous system, reduce the effects of trauma and overwhelm, foster new perspectives, and create a healthier relationship with the body. The result is greater resilience, self-compassion, fulfillment, empowerment, and joy. EFT Tapping and Embodied Mindfulness are two modalities that I use & teach so that clients have tools to use at home.
(925) 433-7957 View (925) 433-7957
Photo of Rosario A. Carbajal, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rosario A. Carbajal
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Relationships can be frustrating and challenging among couples, family members, and friends. Disappointments can lead to anger, resentment, and stressful disconnections. I can help you resolve these issues through the use of treatment modalities, feedback, communications, and coping skills. Working with me, you can learn to communicate effectively, identify roles and behaviors, and understand one another.
Relationships can be frustrating and challenging among couples, family members, and friends. Disappointments can lead to anger, resentment, and stressful disconnections. I can help you resolve these issues through the use of treatment modalities, feedback, communications, and coping skills. Working with me, you can learn to communicate effectively, identify roles and behaviors, and understand one another.
(925) 393-0493 View (925) 393-0493
Photo of Jane Kwok-Yee Leung, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jane Kwok-Yee Leung
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523  (Online Only)
Helping clients live a more full life by understanding themselves is at the core of my practice. Trauma is the cause of a significant amount of mental health issues. Sometimes it can be a shock trauma like a car accident. Sometimes it can be a developmental trauma from difficult relationships from childhood. I have spent my professional career helping people with trauma understand how trauma affects their lives and develop tools and skills to manage that trauma. My passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience.
Helping clients live a more full life by understanding themselves is at the core of my practice. Trauma is the cause of a significant amount of mental health issues. Sometimes it can be a shock trauma like a car accident. Sometimes it can be a developmental trauma from difficult relationships from childhood. I have spent my professional career helping people with trauma understand how trauma affects their lives and develop tools and skills to manage that trauma. My passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience.
(925) 267-6304 View (925) 267-6304
Photo of Christine Wells Cooper, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Christine Wells Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I consider it an honor to walk with you as you navigate the challenges and obstacles that life has thrown your way. My passion is working with individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, feel stressed, are having relationship problems, or are experiencing depression. Working with adults, I am able to support you with life challenges in your relationship or work, coping with loss, aging, parenting, and any number of events that might be causing you to feel anxious, worried, or at a crossroads in life.
I consider it an honor to walk with you as you navigate the challenges and obstacles that life has thrown your way. My passion is working with individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, feel stressed, are having relationship problems, or are experiencing depression. Working with adults, I am able to support you with life challenges in your relationship or work, coping with loss, aging, parenting, and any number of events that might be causing you to feel anxious, worried, or at a crossroads in life.
(925) 239-5482 View (925) 239-5482
Photo of Jessica Katharine Smith - Redemption Songs Family Therapy: Jessica  Smith, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Redemption Songs Family Therapy: Jessica Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I believe everyone is unique, has strengths, and change is possible. At Redemption Songs I offer a tailor-made approach for individual and family clients. I start with understanding where you are at now, and how you got here. I help you by working collaboratively in developing goals, and I celebrate and help maintain accountability along the way. I offer an inclusive, authentic, safe space with in person/virtual appointments so you can begin your journey in being the person you know you are. Understanding your lived experiences is our passion. I guide you to understand we and everyone are constantly evolving, self-esteem.
I believe everyone is unique, has strengths, and change is possible. At Redemption Songs I offer a tailor-made approach for individual and family clients. I start with understanding where you are at now, and how you got here. I help you by working collaboratively in developing goals, and I celebrate and help maintain accountability along the way. I offer an inclusive, authentic, safe space with in person/virtual appointments so you can begin your journey in being the person you know you are. Understanding your lived experiences is our passion. I guide you to understand we and everyone are constantly evolving, self-esteem.
(925) 369-5991 View (925) 369-5991
Photo of Celeste Ryan, LCP, Psychologist
Celeste Ryan
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
My name is Celeste Ryan. I use a mixture of depth psychology (Jungian) and somatic experiencing. I am also attachment focused. I work both virtually and in person. I work mostly with individuals and couples. But also, with adolescents and children. I use a mixture of Jungian psychotherapy (awareness of the unconscious and its complexes through dreams, fantasies, and behaviors) in intersection with the body (felt sensations, emotions, how trauma gets held). Work with developing affect tolerance (nonreactivity).
My name is Celeste Ryan. I use a mixture of depth psychology (Jungian) and somatic experiencing. I am also attachment focused. I work both virtually and in person. I work mostly with individuals and couples. But also, with adolescents and children. I use a mixture of Jungian psychotherapy (awareness of the unconscious and its complexes through dreams, fantasies, and behaviors) in intersection with the body (felt sensations, emotions, how trauma gets held). Work with developing affect tolerance (nonreactivity).
(925) 397-1768 View (925) 397-1768
Photo of Melissa Ulrich-Strombeck, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Ulrich-Strombeck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523  (Online Only)
I practice with the belief that therapy can be a rich and vital exploration into understanding the deepest parts of ourselves: the parts we cherish as well as the parts we want to change. We all have unconscious patterns that can get in the way of living the life we want to lead. These patterns can manifest as anxiety, depression, phobias, physical illness or pain, addiction, even rage. These symptoms can affect relationships, work, self esteem, creativity, and sexuality. Change is possible when these patterns can be expressed and understood in an open, and accepting space. I specialize in providing that space.
I practice with the belief that therapy can be a rich and vital exploration into understanding the deepest parts of ourselves: the parts we cherish as well as the parts we want to change. We all have unconscious patterns that can get in the way of living the life we want to lead. These patterns can manifest as anxiety, depression, phobias, physical illness or pain, addiction, even rage. These symptoms can affect relationships, work, self esteem, creativity, and sexuality. Change is possible when these patterns can be expressed and understood in an open, and accepting space. I specialize in providing that space.
(925) 578-4433 View (925) 578-4433
Photo of David S. Wu, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David S. Wu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Something has you feeling off... You are a hardworking adult who gives it your all.  You want to feel good, connected, & supported.  But instead, it never feels good enough!  You are exhausted & overwhelmed day & night.  You find yourself constantly running on empty or on edge.  Simple tasks like scheduling and eating feel like chores. You can’t even enjoy a night out if it happens at all.  You get along with others, and so many people and communities rely on you. Yet, you feel like you don’t belong, or those you love don’t really see you. Let’s not even start with our society and world.
Something has you feeling off... You are a hardworking adult who gives it your all.  You want to feel good, connected, & supported.  But instead, it never feels good enough!  You are exhausted & overwhelmed day & night.  You find yourself constantly running on empty or on edge.  Simple tasks like scheduling and eating feel like chores. You can’t even enjoy a night out if it happens at all.  You get along with others, and so many people and communities rely on you. Yet, you feel like you don’t belong, or those you love don’t really see you. Let’s not even start with our society and world.
(510) 901-3093 View (510) 901-3093
Photo of Kavian Massoud Ravandoust, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kavian Massoud Ravandoust
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I believe that challenges, emotional pain and even struggling in the face of lifes' obstacles is the norm and not the exception, and that everyone would benefit from professional, individualized emotional support. If you are facing life transitions, such as starting a family, moving or immigration, or dealing with other challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger issues or conflict with others, I can help provide support and facilitate growth and adjustment to whatever life throws at you. I have experience working with adolescents and preteens as well as with adults and families.
I believe that challenges, emotional pain and even struggling in the face of lifes' obstacles is the norm and not the exception, and that everyone would benefit from professional, individualized emotional support. If you are facing life transitions, such as starting a family, moving or immigration, or dealing with other challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger issues or conflict with others, I can help provide support and facilitate growth and adjustment to whatever life throws at you. I have experience working with adolescents and preteens as well as with adults and families.
(925) 204-3948 View (925) 204-3948
Photo of Tessa Barrows, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tessa Barrows
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Are you feeling distracted or overwhelmed? Perhaps you are lacking motivation and seeking clarity to connect with your passions and purpose in life, or desire more fulfilling, harmonious relationships. Maybe you’re tired of people saying you’re “too much” or “not enough” leaving you feeling not good enough or unworthy. You are not alone. Releasing old fears, anxiety, shame, guilt, and negative thoughts doesn’t have to be a painful, difficult process (deep breath!). It can be incredibly freeing, creating space and connection to a part of yourself you never knew was there.
Are you feeling distracted or overwhelmed? Perhaps you are lacking motivation and seeking clarity to connect with your passions and purpose in life, or desire more fulfilling, harmonious relationships. Maybe you’re tired of people saying you’re “too much” or “not enough” leaving you feeling not good enough or unworthy. You are not alone. Releasing old fears, anxiety, shame, guilt, and negative thoughts doesn’t have to be a painful, difficult process (deep breath!). It can be incredibly freeing, creating space and connection to a part of yourself you never knew was there.
(925) 406-3731 View (925) 406-3731
Photo of Cathy Bennett, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cathy Bennett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I have been in private practice for over 30 years. My work is client-focused, compassionate, and impactful. I work with individuals, couples, adolescents, and children. I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. My sessions are fee-for-service only. I accept cash, personal checks, and credit card billing at the time of service. I will provide a financial statement, or complete an insurance claim form so that my clients can seek reimbursement from health care spending accounts, or their insurance policy directly.
I have been in private practice for over 30 years. My work is client-focused, compassionate, and impactful. I work with individuals, couples, adolescents, and children. I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. My sessions are fee-for-service only. I accept cash, personal checks, and credit card billing at the time of service. I will provide a financial statement, or complete an insurance claim form so that my clients can seek reimbursement from health care spending accounts, or their insurance policy directly.
(925) 798-9443 View (925) 798-9443
Photo of Nicole Loggins Desamparo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Loggins Desamparo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Feeling like talking with someone to get some relief and support? You have taken an important first step in finding a therapist that's right for you. I work with children, adolescents, parents, and adults who are experiencing issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and relationship struggles. I am here to help you face these challenges in a comfortable and nurturing way.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Feeling like talking with someone to get some relief and support? You have taken an important first step in finding a therapist that's right for you. I work with children, adolescents, parents, and adults who are experiencing issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and relationship struggles. I am here to help you face these challenges in a comfortable and nurturing way.
(925) 961-3852 View (925) 961-3852
Photo of Katherine Jewett, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katherine Jewett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
What if?. . . . What if you didn’t have to feel as though you had to hold all of those balls in the air by yourself? . . . .What if those stomach dropping, throat clenching, heart racing thoughts didn’t have to keep you up at night?. . . . What if you could figure out how to manage those difficult emotions rather than feel overwhelmed by them? What if your history didn’t have to equal your future story? I’ve got you covered! I'll help you to understand how your past got you to this place and how to use that information to connect the dots, figure things out, and design a new and better story going forward.
What if?. . . . What if you didn’t have to feel as though you had to hold all of those balls in the air by yourself? . . . .What if those stomach dropping, throat clenching, heart racing thoughts didn’t have to keep you up at night?. . . . What if you could figure out how to manage those difficult emotions rather than feel overwhelmed by them? What if your history didn’t have to equal your future story? I’ve got you covered! I'll help you to understand how your past got you to this place and how to use that information to connect the dots, figure things out, and design a new and better story going forward.
(925) 322-1681 View (925) 322-1681
Photo of Emily Linaman, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Linaman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Hello! My name is Emily Linaman and I want to help you work with your strengths, and identify behaviors and patterns that may hold you back from growing into the best version of yourself. Old habits die hard, especially when they are related to past trauma survival skills and other coping mechanisms that no longer serve you. As I earn your trust, I hope we can explore how certain behaviors and habits lead to numbing out, depression, dissociation, isolation, self-sabotage and self-harm. Together, we can explore defense mechanisms, the functions they serve, and try out new coping skills to release you from the past and set you free.
Hello! My name is Emily Linaman and I want to help you work with your strengths, and identify behaviors and patterns that may hold you back from growing into the best version of yourself. Old habits die hard, especially when they are related to past trauma survival skills and other coping mechanisms that no longer serve you. As I earn your trust, I hope we can explore how certain behaviors and habits lead to numbing out, depression, dissociation, isolation, self-sabotage and self-harm. Together, we can explore defense mechanisms, the functions they serve, and try out new coping skills to release you from the past and set you free.
(925) 310-6474 View (925) 310-6474
Photo of Kimberly Shaw, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Shaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523  (Online Only)
We all want to be happy, but sometimes happiness is elusive. I've spent over 20 years working with adolescents, adults, seniors and families to improve mental health, build resilience, enhance relationships and move through life transitions. Whether you're a teen or young adult trying to understand the world and your place in it, an adult moving through the challenges of life, an elder facing major life changes, or a family seeking better communication and understanding of one another, I have the tools and experience to help you through.
We all want to be happy, but sometimes happiness is elusive. I've spent over 20 years working with adolescents, adults, seniors and families to improve mental health, build resilience, enhance relationships and move through life transitions. Whether you're a teen or young adult trying to understand the world and your place in it, an adult moving through the challenges of life, an elder facing major life changes, or a family seeking better communication and understanding of one another, I have the tools and experience to help you through.
(925) 940-3968 View (925) 940-3968
Photo of Marian T Okamura, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marian T Okamura
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I have been in private practice for over 30 years. I have had extensive experience with ethnically diverse women, men, couples, Veterans and immigrants, from young to older adults. I work with issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationships, marriage, work, disability, aging, loss, bereavement, identity and cross cultural/bi-cultural conflict. I am interested in exploring these issues through a dynamic process of understanding your emotional life and thoughts; and, how it manifests in your behavior in the world. Available for clinical consultation or supervising licensing hours. By appointment: Office, phone or virtual.
I have been in private practice for over 30 years. I have had extensive experience with ethnically diverse women, men, couples, Veterans and immigrants, from young to older adults. I work with issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationships, marriage, work, disability, aging, loss, bereavement, identity and cross cultural/bi-cultural conflict. I am interested in exploring these issues through a dynamic process of understanding your emotional life and thoughts; and, how it manifests in your behavior in the world. Available for clinical consultation or supervising licensing hours. By appointment: Office, phone or virtual.
(925) 854-4468 View (925) 854-4468
Photo of Jennifer Brookman - Mindful Path Counseling, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mindful Path Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523  (Online Only)
In the best of conditions, orienting ourselves towards personal growth is challenging and requires focus, dedication, and support. During major life events, staying on this mindful path can become overwhelming and we may find ourselves unable to find our bearings. For over 12 years, I have helped clients navigate difficult life transitions, such as recovery from addiction, overcoming trauma, healing from grief, cultivating healthy relationships, and achieving developmental milestones.
In the best of conditions, orienting ourselves towards personal growth is challenging and requires focus, dedication, and support. During major life events, staying on this mindful path can become overwhelming and we may find ourselves unable to find our bearings. For over 12 years, I have helped clients navigate difficult life transitions, such as recovery from addiction, overcoming trauma, healing from grief, cultivating healthy relationships, and achieving developmental milestones.
(925) 268-7434 View (925) 268-7434
1

See more therapy options for Pleasant Hill

Culturally Sensitive Therapists

How does culturally sensitive therapy work?

A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.

How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?

Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?

While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.

Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?

Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.