Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Richmond, CA

Photo of Noemi Almaraz, PPSC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Noemi Almaraz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PPSC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94805
In addition to these methods, I also utilize motivational interviewing to meet you where you are as we increase your capacity to handle your life's responsibilities and challenges.
If you are struggling with anxiety, conflict in your relationships or depression, I can support you & offer a path forward to a better you. As a bilingual LCSW, my work focuses on targeting negative thoughts, identifying your thinking style, & exploring your communication habits. In a safe, non judgmental environment, we will work together utilizing cognitive behavioral tools to learn the necessary coping skills to building a better you. I believe in a strengths based approach as we collaborate together on your therapeutic journey.
In addition to these methods, I also utilize motivational interviewing to meet you where you are as we increase your capacity to handle your life's responsibilities and challenges.
If you are struggling with anxiety, conflict in your relationships or depression, I can support you & offer a path forward to a better you. As a bilingual LCSW, my work focuses on targeting negative thoughts, identifying your thinking style, & exploring your communication habits. In a safe, non judgmental environment, we will work together utilizing cognitive behavioral tools to learn the necessary coping skills to building a better you. I believe in a strengths based approach as we collaborate together on your therapeutic journey.
(341) 895-7387 View (341) 895-7387
Photo of Elina Filippova, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elina Filippova
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94805
Elina Filippova, the Founder of The Path to Self, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She works with seniors, adults, teenagers and couples who feel stuck in their life -- be it physically , emotionally, or professionally -- and who are committed to the path of self-discovery. Elina worked as a mental health professional for Department of Veterans affairs and has knowledge of complex trauma such as PTSD. She is trained in Voice Dialogue, Motivational Interviewing, and certified in Mind-Body Medicine. Her therapy approach covers present problems, patterns of behavior, and exploration of how the past influences our present life.
Elina Filippova, the Founder of The Path to Self, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She works with seniors, adults, teenagers and couples who feel stuck in their life -- be it physically , emotionally, or professionally -- and who are committed to the path of self-discovery. Elina worked as a mental health professional for Department of Veterans affairs and has knowledge of complex trauma such as PTSD. She is trained in Voice Dialogue, Motivational Interviewing, and certified in Mind-Body Medicine. Her therapy approach covers present problems, patterns of behavior, and exploration of how the past influences our present life.
(510) 871-8043 View (510) 871-8043
Photo of Ying Zheng, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ying Zheng
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hello, I am Ying Zheng, a California state-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in this field for a decade, worked in multiple sites such as high school, cross-cultural community center, hospital and church. I would like to see counseling as my passion and life pursuit. I respect everyone’s right to make a decision about faith, but I do approach therapy using Christian perspective and values. In addition, I would borrow techniques from CBT, Motivational Interviewing, client-centered, and psychodynamic.
Hello, I am Ying Zheng, a California state-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in this field for a decade, worked in multiple sites such as high school, cross-cultural community center, hospital and church. I would like to see counseling as my passion and life pursuit. I respect everyone’s right to make a decision about faith, but I do approach therapy using Christian perspective and values. In addition, I would borrow techniques from CBT, Motivational Interviewing, client-centered, and psychodynamic.
(323) 709-7851 View (323) 709-7851
Photo of Karen Gudino-Gutierrez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen Gudino-Gutierrez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801
Hello! My name is Karen Gudino-Gutierrez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California providing services via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, and stress. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adolescents and young adults who are facing challenges with life transitions, social stress, and other stressors that come along with growing up.
Hello! My name is Karen Gudino-Gutierrez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California providing services via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, and stress. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adolescents and young adults who are facing challenges with life transitions, social stress, and other stressors that come along with growing up.
(650) 900-9867 View (650) 900-9867
Photo of Esmeralda Huizar, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Esmeralda Huizar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94806
Hi there, I'm Esmeralda! I've been practicing for the last three years. I graduated from California State University San Bernardino with a Master's in Social Work. Lately, I've frequently been working with dual-diagnosis clients and enjoying the work. My approach is client-centered and solution-focused. Motivational Interviewing is helpful when starting a therapeutic relationship to ensure the client's motive to seek treatment is understood.
Hi there, I'm Esmeralda! I've been practicing for the last three years. I graduated from California State University San Bernardino with a Master's in Social Work. Lately, I've frequently been working with dual-diagnosis clients and enjoying the work. My approach is client-centered and solution-focused. Motivational Interviewing is helpful when starting a therapeutic relationship to ensure the client's motive to seek treatment is understood.
(858) 533-2513 View (858) 533-2513
Photo of Nakia Linzie-Shavers, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nakia Linzie-Shavers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.” —Vivian Greene. There is one thing for certain, life will at times leave you feeling breathless and confused. How are you navigating through the issues of life that feel overwhelming? Do you feel like you are just surviving? Is just getting out of bed a struggle? You are making so much progress even reading this! Processing these life events can be the difference between striving and thriving. Let me help!
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.” —Vivian Greene. There is one thing for certain, life will at times leave you feeling breathless and confused. How are you navigating through the issues of life that feel overwhelming? Do you feel like you are just surviving? Is just getting out of bed a struggle? You are making so much progress even reading this! Processing these life events can be the difference between striving and thriving. Let me help!
(510) 250-3581 View (510) 250-3581
Photo of Lucinda Guarino, LPCC
Lucinda Guarino
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hi, there, I'm Lucinda! My name is Lucinda Guarino, and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with women and men ages 14 and over and specialize in anxiety, life transitions, and emotional challenges. I use Humanistic/Existential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients progress and start feeling better. I'm also happy to work with clients who desire to meet with someone from a faith-based, Christian perspective.
Hi, there, I'm Lucinda! My name is Lucinda Guarino, and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with women and men ages 14 and over and specialize in anxiety, life transitions, and emotional challenges. I use Humanistic/Existential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients progress and start feeling better. I'm also happy to work with clients who desire to meet with someone from a faith-based, Christian perspective.
(510) 466-1028 View (510) 466-1028
Photo of Natalia Luna, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Natalia Luna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hello, my name is Natalia Luna, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW858979). My approach to treatment is client-centered and collaborative. I try to break complex things down into palatable and digestible material and work with you on your personal goals, reach and express new potential. One of the most profound things that I have learned while being a therapist, is that we are a lot more similar than we believe. We all struggle in different capacities, and we can learn, grow, and help one another. I believe therapy is about treating individuals on an energetic level.
Hello, my name is Natalia Luna, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW858979). My approach to treatment is client-centered and collaborative. I try to break complex things down into palatable and digestible material and work with you on your personal goals, reach and express new potential. One of the most profound things that I have learned while being a therapist, is that we are a lot more similar than we believe. We all struggle in different capacities, and we can learn, grow, and help one another. I believe therapy is about treating individuals on an energetic level.
(510) 319-2945 View (510) 319-2945
Photo of Aaron Rohrer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aaron Rohrer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94804  (Online Only)
Tired of therapists making assumptions about you? Judging you for your substance use or other life choices? You are in the right place! These sessions are for you - and need to cater to your unique circumstances, history, and the journey you have taken thus far. I specialize in supporting people who are seeking to address their relationship with substances, progressing with personal or professional goals, improving relationships with their family or friends, managing life transitions, and recovering from depression, anxiety, or burn out.
Tired of therapists making assumptions about you? Judging you for your substance use or other life choices? You are in the right place! These sessions are for you - and need to cater to your unique circumstances, history, and the journey you have taken thus far. I specialize in supporting people who are seeking to address their relationship with substances, progressing with personal or professional goals, improving relationships with their family or friends, managing life transitions, and recovering from depression, anxiety, or burn out.
(510) 369-2678 View (510) 369-2678
Photo of Raquel Castellanos Miller - Raquel Castellanos Miller, MSW, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Raquel Castellanos Miller, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801  (Online Only)
Utilizing a trauma informed approach, I work to build a safe therapeutic relationship with you, in order to address the underlying question of "What happened to you?," rather than "What's wrong with you?" Understanding that depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges stem from complex and myriad issues, including systemic social issues related to racism and oppression, family of origin issues, and the impact of trauma and adverse life experiences. My goal is to assist you to utilize life's adversities to discover and cultivate your inner strength and resilience, in service of your lifelong journey of growth and healing.
Utilizing a trauma informed approach, I work to build a safe therapeutic relationship with you, in order to address the underlying question of "What happened to you?," rather than "What's wrong with you?" Understanding that depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges stem from complex and myriad issues, including systemic social issues related to racism and oppression, family of origin issues, and the impact of trauma and adverse life experiences. My goal is to assist you to utilize life's adversities to discover and cultivate your inner strength and resilience, in service of your lifelong journey of growth and healing.
(510) 257-9311 View (510) 257-9311
Photo of Sara Rodenburg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Rodenburg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801  (Online Only)
Hello! I'm so glad you are here. As your therapist, I offer compassionate ear, gentle guidance, tools and skills you can use to help enhance your life, strengthen your inner power, brighten your light and live the life you have always envisioned. Whether you are grieving, struggling with addiction or substance use, feeling depressed, anxious, having a hard time coping with life's challenges, or going through changes, big or small, in your life, I can help. My clients tell me they feel heard and supported. I will walk with you through whatever you are going through, and help you forward with your journey.
Hello! I'm so glad you are here. As your therapist, I offer compassionate ear, gentle guidance, tools and skills you can use to help enhance your life, strengthen your inner power, brighten your light and live the life you have always envisioned. Whether you are grieving, struggling with addiction or substance use, feeling depressed, anxious, having a hard time coping with life's challenges, or going through changes, big or small, in your life, I can help. My clients tell me they feel heard and supported. I will walk with you through whatever you are going through, and help you forward with your journey.
(510) 272-7483 View (510) 272-7483
Photo of Aysha Chemparathy - Bridge Hope Therapy, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bridge Hope Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94806
Accepting New Clients. We all have different reasons for seeking assistance at various points in our lives. Perhaps you're looking for guidance or a new perspective. Maybe you're in a bad situation and don't know what to do. Whatever has brought you to this point of seeking support, please know that reaching out and asking for help takes tremendous courage. Finding new ways to deal with one's situation can be both illuminating and empowering.
Accepting New Clients. We all have different reasons for seeking assistance at various points in our lives. Perhaps you're looking for guidance or a new perspective. Maybe you're in a bad situation and don't know what to do. Whatever has brought you to this point of seeking support, please know that reaching out and asking for help takes tremendous courage. Finding new ways to deal with one's situation can be both illuminating and empowering.
(510) 892-5675 View (510) 892-5675
Photo of Debra S. Butler, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra S. Butler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94806
I am a clinician whose passion is working with individuals, couples and groups from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I work from a whole-person and inclusive perspective, welcoming clients with their own personal circumstances. At times, anyone may feel overwhelmed, stressed, stumble and just feel unsure of what to do. This is a great time to talk with a clinician who is interested in your concerns, your well-being and desired outcome. The initial meeting is intended to be informative and decisive. With commitment and partnership during the therapy process, getting to a productive and restored place is expected .
I am a clinician whose passion is working with individuals, couples and groups from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I work from a whole-person and inclusive perspective, welcoming clients with their own personal circumstances. At times, anyone may feel overwhelmed, stressed, stumble and just feel unsure of what to do. This is a great time to talk with a clinician who is interested in your concerns, your well-being and desired outcome. The initial meeting is intended to be informative and decisive. With commitment and partnership during the therapy process, getting to a productive and restored place is expected .
(510) 369-0503 View (510) 369-0503
Photo of Bonnie Hegna, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bonnie Hegna
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Hi, my name is Bonnie Hegna Licensed Marriage Family Therapist 143978. My approach to therapy is an eclectic approach short term. My focus of practice has been grief and loss, self-inflicted violent behavior, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Marriage Counseling, Behavioral issues, Divorce, Child Abuse, and Foster Youth as well as Victims of Crime. I am most comfortable working with children 5 to 10 and adults. I work well with behavioral issues, grief and loss, self-inflicted violent behavior, victims of crime, child abuse, divorce, ADHD, school issues, job issues, conflicts, and life changes.
Hi, my name is Bonnie Hegna Licensed Marriage Family Therapist 143978. My approach to therapy is an eclectic approach short term. My focus of practice has been grief and loss, self-inflicted violent behavior, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Marriage Counseling, Behavioral issues, Divorce, Child Abuse, and Foster Youth as well as Victims of Crime. I am most comfortable working with children 5 to 10 and adults. I work well with behavioral issues, grief and loss, self-inflicted violent behavior, victims of crime, child abuse, divorce, ADHD, school issues, job issues, conflicts, and life changes.
(510) 422-0092 View (510) 422-0092
Photo of Shawn Sinclair, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shawn Sinclair
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Dedicating much of my clinical work to helping adolescents, young adults, adults, and families, I have experience providing individual therapy for all ages and groups, including pre-marital work. I assist clients coping with stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, marital and relationship issues, loss, eating disorders, oppositional behavior, life-skills work, adoptions/foster care, parenting issues, sexual identification struggles, and any life changes. I am passionate about helping my clients turn difficult experiences into opportunities for growth. I understand that stressful situations can be overwhelming.
Dedicating much of my clinical work to helping adolescents, young adults, adults, and families, I have experience providing individual therapy for all ages and groups, including pre-marital work. I assist clients coping with stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, marital and relationship issues, loss, eating disorders, oppositional behavior, life-skills work, adoptions/foster care, parenting issues, sexual identification struggles, and any life changes. I am passionate about helping my clients turn difficult experiences into opportunities for growth. I understand that stressful situations can be overwhelming.
(510) 621-6641 View (510) 621-6641
Photo of Amanda Noroña-Zhou, PhD, Psychologist
Amanda Noroña-Zhou
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94803  (Online Only)
I like to think of myself as a mental health mentor. I am a psychologist with expertise in child development, women’s health, and parenting. I have been practicing for over a decade. I’m also a science nerd: I've spent many years dedicated to studying how mental health develops and how to promote mental wellness. Lastly, I am a person who has reflected on and gained wisdom from my own experiences with anxiety, stress, and challenging life experiences. Through this blend of professional insight and personal understanding, I see myself as a mentor bringing curiosity, collaboration, and expertise to the spaces I hold for my clients.
I like to think of myself as a mental health mentor. I am a psychologist with expertise in child development, women’s health, and parenting. I have been practicing for over a decade. I’m also a science nerd: I've spent many years dedicated to studying how mental health develops and how to promote mental wellness. Lastly, I am a person who has reflected on and gained wisdom from my own experiences with anxiety, stress, and challenging life experiences. Through this blend of professional insight and personal understanding, I see myself as a mentor bringing curiosity, collaboration, and expertise to the spaces I hold for my clients.
(510) 513-8722 View (510) 513-8722
Photo of Kanika Shelly - Jamaa Healing Collective Wellness Services, MA, LMFT, CIMHP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jamaa Healing Collective Wellness Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CIMHP
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94801
Attention to all those seeking connection within a nurturing family community. Your journey begins here. Uncover the transformative power of forming or renewing bonds with your family, be it biological or chosen. I am dedicated to offering psychotherapy and healing services tailored for families and couples, including blended families, those navigating conflicts, and co-parenting challenges, as well as groups (specifically Transitional Age Youth aged 19-24). My mission is to guide individuals in cultivating wholesome, healthy, and functioning relationships with themselves and those around them.
Attention to all those seeking connection within a nurturing family community. Your journey begins here. Uncover the transformative power of forming or renewing bonds with your family, be it biological or chosen. I am dedicated to offering psychotherapy and healing services tailored for families and couples, including blended families, those navigating conflicts, and co-parenting challenges, as well as groups (specifically Transitional Age Youth aged 19-24). My mission is to guide individuals in cultivating wholesome, healthy, and functioning relationships with themselves and those around them.
(510) 726-8860 View (510) 726-8860
Photo of Sarah Quesnell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Quesnell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94801  (Online Only)
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”- Joseph Campbell. Welcome! Servicios en español. Services en français. I’m passionate about helping people achieve transformation and well-being during challenging times in life. Over the years, many of my clients have shared with me that they’ve benefited from my ability to deeply listen, and to hold space for them during their most difficult moments. I’m so honored by this feedback. It serves as my inspiration to continue to assist in facilitating change and relief for my clients.
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”- Joseph Campbell. Welcome! Servicios en español. Services en français. I’m passionate about helping people achieve transformation and well-being during challenging times in life. Over the years, many of my clients have shared with me that they’ve benefited from my ability to deeply listen, and to hold space for them during their most difficult moments. I’m so honored by this feedback. It serves as my inspiration to continue to assist in facilitating change and relief for my clients.
(415) 358-0534 View (415) 358-0534
Photo of Annabelle Potvin, ASW
Annabelle Potvin
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, CA 94801
Working together as a team, we can help you reclaim a life with more clarity about your stuck places, deeper security in your relationships, stronger connection to your authentic needs, and more space for pleasure and vibrancy. I support clients in breaking generational cycles, moving through big life transitions, grieving death and loss of many kinds, healing trauma, and managing anxiety. I also specialize in supporting people during pregnancy, postpartum, and/or parenthood.
Working together as a team, we can help you reclaim a life with more clarity about your stuck places, deeper security in your relationships, stronger connection to your authentic needs, and more space for pleasure and vibrancy. I support clients in breaking generational cycles, moving through big life transitions, grieving death and loss of many kinds, healing trauma, and managing anxiety. I also specialize in supporting people during pregnancy, postpartum, and/or parenthood.
(510) 962-6575 View (510) 962-6575
Photo of Krystal Fortner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Krystal Fortner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94804
Embarking on a journey of healing requires courage, and I commend you for taking the first step. Your presence here is a testament to your readiness for change. Together, we will create a tailored roadmap to guide you towards reclaiming your life, rebuilding relationships, and fostering a profound connection with yourself. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
Embarking on a journey of healing requires courage, and I commend you for taking the first step. Your presence here is a testament to your readiness for change. Together, we will create a tailored roadmap to guide you towards reclaiming your life, rebuilding relationships, and fostering a profound connection with yourself. Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
(510) 983-8338 View (510) 983-8338
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Motivational Interviewing Therapists

How does motivational interviewing work?

Motivational interviewing aims to uncover a person’s internal motivation to change their life. Toward this end, the therapist listens, empathizes, and collaborates with the client based on their perspective; the therapist doesn’t adhere to a predetermined plan for change or impose their viewpoint on the client. Discovering an individual’s most important reasons for change, and guiding them to achieve those changes, can empower people to shift from ambivalence to action.

Is motivational interviewing evidence-based?

Yes, research shows that motivational interviewing can help treat alcohol and substance use — and in different ways such as reducing drinking, reducing resistance, and increasing the likelihood of staying in treatment. Motivational interviewing has also been shown to help people lose weight, adhere to medication regimens, improve diet for those with Type II diabetes, and improve healthy behaviors in children.

How long does motivational interviewing last?

Motivational interviewing is a short-term therapy that can last just one or two sessions. In some cases, motivational interviewing may be used in conjunction with longer-term therapies, but for most people, motivational interviewing is a brief intervention that aims to help patients understand their personal, specific, and internal reasons for changing their life.

What differentiates motivational interviewing from person-centered therapy?

In person-centered therapy, the individual is in the driver’s seat of the treatment process, creating space for them to trust their instincts and arrive at their own solutions. The two approaches are similar because motivational interviewing is also client-centered; however, person-centered therapy is more open-ended while motivational interviewing is somewhat more structured; the goal is to change, and the therapist helps the client specifically discover their internal motivations to modify their behavior.