Find Therapists & Counselors in Oakland
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Today is March 29, 2025
We have 0 Verified and 64 Unverified Mental Health Professionals In Oakland, CA
Oakland, CA
Accepting New Clients
AUTHENTICITY, ALIVENESS, and CONNECTION are vital ingredients to living a healthy and meaningful life. Unfortunately these qualities do not always receive the proper attention needed to thrive. As a result, we develop coping strategies that often lead us to not getting what we want in life, leaving us feeling stuck, anxious, depressed, and hopeless. Therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore the unconscious patterns that keep us stuck. Therapy can help you make meaningful change to live the life you wish and to create the relationships you long for. I help individuals, couples, adolescents and families create necessary and meaningful changes in their lives, relationships, or with family members. Whether you are feeling stuck in your own life, or with your intimate partner/marriage, or navigating challenging dynamics with your family, I can support you to engage authentic and meaningful change. Each session is customized to support whatever needs arise in each session. I practice integrating a number of evidence based practices with attunement and empathy. I understand everyone has a plethora of different contexts--race, gender, sexuality, class, etc, that shape who we are and how we experience ourself and the world. I hold this with respect.
Accepting New Clients
It's a courageous step to seek help. Things aren't working and perhaps you are looking for a new way, new strategies and perspective. You need relief from this angst. The surprise here is that your pain, frustration or relationship conflict can also be an asset. I am not suggesting minimizing your emotional suffering nor the importance of us finding immediate relief. My experience is that in facing your difficulties we can move towards enduring change. How does change happen in therapy? In my work with clients we identify some of the stories you have been telling yourself. Many stories and thoughts are limiting, repetitive and have questionable truth. Some examples may be that we are inept, things will never change, if only we had a different partner, or that we are forever imprisoned by fears and addictions. We share this narrative and examine it without judgment. In fleshing out the ritualized stories we learn of their origins. While insight is important, we've got to use it to craft different actions and ways of thinking. Over time we develop a different relationship with ourselves and the people in our life.
Accepting New Clients
I use somatic therapy and IFS (Internal Family Systems) to help clients mindfully attune to their mental, physical and emotional needs. I am trained in the flash technique (EMDR) for trauma processing and I offer ketamine-assisted therapy. I also specialize in working with people who have experienced religious trauma, who are dealing with life transitions, and/or who are neurodivergent. If you have struggled with the impacts of trauma or with feeling "too sensitive," I am here to support you. If you've had a challenging psychedelic experience that you'd like to process, I also offer psychedelic integration therapy. View 5 Photos In all my client work, I draw from research in neuroscience and mindfulness. I help clients develop nervous system awareness, so that they learn to recognize and regulate their moods and physiology. I direct clients to 'zoom in' to specific body sensations, and also ‘zoom out’ to locate individual experience within a structurally oppressive society. I work with clients of all backgrounds and my work is informed by the understanding that patriarchy, ableism, homophobia, racism, and the demands of capitalism all impact mental health. I bring empathy, understanding, and humor to support each individual. I am accepting new clients and offer a free consultation to learn about you and answer any questions.
Accepting New Clients
I have been working in the field of mental health for over 14 years and have extensive experience working with children, adolescent, adult and families in various settings and environments. I use a strengths-based approach and attempt to work with my clients on the topics and issues they want to and are ready to explore. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), Trauma focused CBT, and motivational interviewing. View 6 Photos I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Accepting New Clients
Telling your story, and making space for the feelings, in front of another person is courageous and can be healing. The human experience is an exhausting one. Acknowledging its impact on your functioning, and where that comes from, can help you access the meaning and beauty life has to offer. My aim is to help you alleviate your pain by fostering a non-judgmental, safe space. With curiosity, we’ll explore your story to become more aware of your feelings and patterns of relating to yourself and to others toward deeper fulfillment. Psychotherapy provides a space for us to acquire insight and clarity, create new priorities, and gain the courage to change. I am committed to walk alongside you to find restoration in areas of your life that are distressed. Being an experienced educator of almost 20 years has really helped me gain insight into couples, families, teens, adults and the human experience as a whole.
Accepting New Clients
I am a Black therapist with about 10 years of experience working with a wide breadth of clients from various cultural backgrounds and diversities. I primarily work from a Cognitive Behavioral background looking at how your thoughts can influence your feelings and behaviors and developing coping skills to manage thoughts and better regulate feelings. My main goal in therapy is to meet the client where they are at and provide treatment and support based on the goals and needs of the client. I am very energetic, positive, and down to earth while also being mindful to match my client’s energy and personality. View 6 Photos My specialties include working with the severely mentally ill, children and adolescents, adults of all ages with a focus on anxiety, depression, grief work, college counseling, couples, families, and eating disorders. I primarily work from a Cognitive Behavioral background to help develop coping skills to manage thoughts and better regulate feelings. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Accepting New Clients
Are you feeling sad, anxious, or lonely and you’re too ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone about it? Do you pretend everything is alright as to not draw negative attention or cause problems in your relationships, yet inside you’re feeling despair? Do you feel confused and frustrated during conflicts, and you end up taking care of everyone else’s needs? Are you terrified to make decisions that go against familial or cultural norms? Do negative thoughts take over? Together, you and I will figure out what’s really going on with your discontent so that you don’t have to feel like a fraud or a helpless person. It’s going to be okay. We’ll work collaboratively to explore the roots of your anxiety, depression and loneliness. We’ll start with what’s going on in the moment and how to get control over your body and negative thoughts and manage emotional distress. My goal for you is to have at least five different tools and techniques that you can always carry with you to create relief. You don’t need to feel ashamed of your feelings anymore. You and I will gently bump up against the feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness so that you don’t get swallowed up by them. I can handle anything that you tell me while being respectful of your cultural values and personal beliefs. Contact me so that we can create a better life for you.
Accepting New Clients
You deserve to feel deeply connected to yourself, your partner(s), and the world around you. I’m here to help. Talking about sex with your partner - or anyone - might feel like a daunting task. Having sex might feel difficult, impossible, or like too much effort - or lead to conflict with your partner. You might be questioning your sexual desires or wondering if you and your partner are still compatible. I help clients overcome their sexual and relational difficulties to feel confident in and outside the bedroom. Together, we will collaborate on how to help you reach your goals, through therapy sessions and home assignments. View 4 Photos As a Sex Therapist, I offer "regular" therapy with additional expertise and training in sex and sexuality. I meet with clients - individually and in partnerships - in person in Oakland and San Francisco, or via Zoom. I provide a warm, trauma-informed, non-judgmental space for you to be fully authentic, and am Kink, Poly, and Queer-affirming. It can be so difficult to navigate sexual and relational issues alone, and that's why I am passionate about helping others navigate these topics. I believe that we heal in community and in relationships, and one of the most healing connections can be with your therapist. If you are ready to feel better about sex, send me an email and we can schedule a call!
Accepting New Clients
Are anxiety and stress keeping you from living your life to your fullest potential? Are you feeling stress weighing on you internally or causing you to feel exhausted and hopeless? Together we will explore ways to grow, further develop self-acceptance and unearth traumatic experiences and daily stressors that are hindering you from achieving this potential. I will be available to provide an unbiased listening ear and warm spirit as you reimagine the life you want for yourself. In this safe and accepting environment, we will develop an action plan to better manage your unique symptoms and your life. I specialize in anxiety and depression due to challenges related to relationship difficulties, life transition, existential crises, and/or identity issues. I enjoy working with teenagers providing behavioral therapy to address behavioral and educational concerns. I provide both individual and couples therapy. I utilize a client-centered approach to fully understand my client’s perspective, values, and beliefs. We will collaboratively work together to achieve your individual and relational goals. Let’s begin your healing journey. Please book your free 20-minute consultation.
Accepting New Clients
Most people looking for a relationship therapist wish they could make changes, but don't know how. What they have tried has not worked. Everyone has irresolvable issues. Never do we have the exact same desire for money in the bank, sexual frequency, social activities, neatness, or parenting ideas (etc.) This is built-in conflict. This built-in conflict carries with it the seeds for growth and connection that would not happen in any other way. Living in distress is so awful and so curable. What I do is start with creating safety, so it is safe for you to talk to your partner and be heard, from there needed conversations can occur. We all want to be seen and heard. It is hard to see our partner when they refuse to see us. This is the basis for the power struggle that every client knows about. The frustrations that come from this power struggle offer growth and insight that cannot be obtained in any other way. It really can be easier, you can understand and apply what it takes to be connected again, or for the first time. I know how to show you this, I know how to bring you to understanding what to do next. I have helped many couples with these issues: I can help you.
Accepting New Clients
In our work together, my intention is to help you break away from the maladaptive thought patterns, emotions, actions, and external circumstances that keep you stuck in an unwanted experience. My goal is to help you create progress towards the life you do want for yourself. I’ll want to understand the changes you’d like to see in yourself. With this in mind, I’ll want to identify the behaviors you’d like to demonstrate, the lasting emotions you’d like to feel, and the outcomes you’d like to see present themselves in your life. With that information, we'll set the overall goals for therapy. Now providing Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. I couple evidenced-based treatments, wellness perspectives, Eastern theories, a conscious awareness approach - geared towards creating intrinsic & extrinsic progress. Your progress may include improved relationships, increased motivation, stronger sense of self-value, greater career & academic success, a reduction of painful emotions or unwanted behaviors. I specialize in working with adults who experience depression, anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias), OCD, insomnia, chronic pain, relationship challenges, heartbreak, phase-of-life stressors, procrastination behaviors & LGBTQ/Race related challenges. I also provide Ketamine Assisted Therapy. Email only/Message me.
Accepting New Clients
Not feeling like yourself lately? Struggling with managing life’s day-to-day challenges? You are not alone! Millions of people, from all walks of life, struggle with managing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, stress, insomnia, and many other common mental health issues. Acknowledging that you need professional help is the first step towards getting your life back. Working together, I can help you identify the root of the problem, develop a client-centered treatment plan, and start implementing evidence-based practices to meet your individualized treatment goals. View 6 Photos I’ll be providing unconditional and nonjudgmental support our entire journey together as you slowly recover what’s rightfully yours – your life. Treatment will be at your pace, based on your comfort level, and focused on reducing symptoms to improve quality of life. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Accepting New Clients
I have over 20 years of clinical experience, and I have come to trust that the process of a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship can help us feel empowered, and confident in our own healthy sense of self. We may be stuck in the debilitating self-criticism of depression, or paralyzed with anxiety. We may feel lonely, angry, bored, insecure, victimized, or worthless. A trusting therapeutic relationship offers witness, safety, clarity, connection, and validation as we come to know and accept our own vulnerabilities, develop our own language of self, and face the challenges in our lives. I can help you tap into your own rich sources of energy and creativity, and support you in making positive changes in your life. I work with individuals and couples. In couples work we focus on supporting a system where healthy adults, and potentially their children, thrive in a environment where everyone's needs and feelings are respected. I work collaboratively because I want to notice and support your agency and empowerment. I work with anger, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, as well work issues, including the transition to retirement. I would be happy to talk with you about the possibility of working together.
Accepting New Clients
People usually come to therapy because they want to feel better. Anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, substance abuse/addiction, losing a loved one, work difficulties (to name a few) and life in general, can be very challenging and overwhelming at times. It is important to seek medical assistance for physical problems when we are not well; therefore, it is also just as important to seek emotional/mental assistance when needed. People who are willing to work on their issues by discovering, uncovering, and discarding what is not serving them emotionally and/or mentally, will be able to function better in their lives. View 6 Photos I believe in always "keeping it real" with my clients. My ultimate goal is to help them begin a holistic journey of emotional, mental, and spiritual soundness. Each client is different and therapy isn't "one size fits all." I always strive to create an environment of safety, non-judgement, and healing! Seeking therapy takes a lot of courage! I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Accepting New Clients
Change is possible and I believe that all individuals deserve the opportunity to create positive changes that will impact them throughout their lives. My role in the therapeutic process is to help clients explore patterns of thoughts and behaviors that are negatively impacting their lives and provide them skills to gain more control and build healthy and meaningful relationships. I strive to provide a creative and collaborative environment by which clients can reach their goals in a relatively short time. I have several years of clinical experience in working with individuals and families who are dealing with a variety of mental health issues including, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. I use a cognitive behavior therapy approach to help clients learn skills they can use the rest of their lives. I provide online therapy which has shown to be as effective as in person therapy. It can provide ease and convenience for more consistent therapy. Most insurances now cover telehealth the same as an office visit. You just need to verify telehealth is covered under your plan.
Accepting New Clients
I specialize in somatic psychotherapy, a body/mind approach that helps you change core beliefs and attitudes that are causing you suffering. My approach is relational and uses mindfulness to bring awareness to the parts of yourself you don't ordinarily notice. In our sessions, we slow down and pay attention the story your body is telling as well as the mind. The work is highly experiential, creative and transformative! I work with individuals and couples looking to develop more authentic and meaningful relationships. I also have extensive experience working with addictions, anxiety and trauma. My work is collaborative and I practice the Hakomi Method, a unique and creative therapeutic approach to working with the body/mind. I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology from JFK University with a focus on Somatic Psychotherapy and have spent the better part of my life working in the field of body-mind medicine. If you're interested in self exploration, I would be honored to work with you.
Accepting New Clients
Are you struggling with anxiety and trauma and turning towards unhealthy coping mechanisms in an attempt to manage your emotions? Now is a trying time for almost everyone, and if you have a trauma background what's coming up in the current environment may be reminiscent of the stress, isolation, and fear induced by early childhood experiences. You don't have to handle this alone, and with clinically tested techniques to regulate the mind and body, it's possible to shift from a place of disempowerment to strength. I specialize in helping people recover from sexual abuse and unhealthy relationships, helping them to once again trust their own instincts, and speak up for their true needs. We can work together to cultivate trauma recovery using techniques including polyvagal theory, mindfulness meditation, somatic psychology, and CBT. I believe in using a client-centered approach, following your pace and needs, and always trusting that the client is the expert of their own path towards healing. By centering your needs in the therapeutic relationship, in time we can create a non-judgemental and safe space for positive changes. Please book your free 20 minute consultation with me.
Accepting New Clients
My style can best be described as insight and action-oriented therapy. I believe that once an individual has an improved understanding of their inner workings (thoughts, emotions, behaviors) and patterns of behavior, then they can begin to adopt more healthy ways of living. View 6 Photos In sessions, I offer empathy, acceptance, guidance, and understanding, while encouraging clients to show up authentically so that they can work towards personal growth and positive change. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
Accepting New Clients
I completed my Masters of Social Work at Smith College School for Social Work. I received my post-masters training at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Adult Psychiatry, where I practiced individual adult and group psychotherapy for six years before transitioning into private practice. Working at Kaiser afforded me experience with a wide range of client concerns and gave me the opportunity to work with clients from a wide range of socioeconomic, cultural, and relationship backgrounds. Before pursuing my MSW, I practiced as a corporate transactional attorney at two Bay Area law firms after completing my JD at Harvard Law School. Prior to my legal career, I received a BA in psychology from Rice University. I chose to return to those roots and pursue a career in psychotherapy because I felt called to assist others with their emotional, psychological, and life challenges, rather than with their legal challenges! My approach to therapy is eclectic and practical. I tailor my work with each of my clients based on their needs, drawing from my unique background as well as my training in psychodynamic theory, mindfulness, CBT, DBT, exposure and response prevention protocols, and motivational interviewing. I also work with couples through an emotion-focused (EFT) lens.
Accepting New Clients
If you're looking for a therapist, there's a good chance you're having a hard time or want to make changes in your life. That's where I can help. I provide a supportive environment for you to work through the thoughts, emotions and beliefs that may not be serving you. We will develop a plan that fits your lifestyle and puts you on a path toward the fulfillment, ease and well-being you deserve. I will accept you as you are, and help you become who you want to be. I'm not an old-school therapist who sits in silence, nodding knowingly from time to time. You won't feel analyzed or judged. My style is engaged and collaborative: I listen and reflect, ask questions and introduce skills. I value your individuality and expertise. Your goals are the priority of our work together. My practice is informed by relational, behavioral and somatic therapies. I incorporate mindfulness and neurobiological principles. I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist and love working with couples to increase connection, intimacy and trust. I am also passionate about supporting clients through the emotions and life changes that accompany cancer diagnosis, treatment and healing.
Accepting New Clients
I work to build a warm, empathic relationship with my clients to create an environment where we can think together about the issues that bring you to therapy and how best to resolve them. I am informed by psychodynamic theory and utilize this rich tradition to explore unconscious defenses, maladaptive patterns and underlying schemas that can cause a person to repeat problematic behaviors despite their best efforts to change. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfullness practices to support clients with acquiring the tools they need to make those changes. I have worked with a wide diversity of clients including people experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, thought disorders, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, marriage and family issues, and difficult life changes. I also work with people more generally to identify and overcome blocks towards continued growth and self fulfillment. I believe effective therapy includes a wide lens to explore the personal, the relational, the social and the spiritual domains of life and feel honored to be a part of my client's growth toward increased potential and fulfillment in their lives.
Accepting New Clients
Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being. I draw from EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and DBT. I believe that past experiences and traumas dating back to childhood strongly influence the way we feel about ourselves and others. I will prompt you to explore your past and listen to repeating negative patterns. I also utilize somatic (body-centered) approaches to treating PTSD. I also believe that maladaptive or irrational thoughts strongly influence how we feel and behave. By exploring and challenging these thoughts, the goal would be for you to overcome symptoms of depression and anxiety and begin to lead a life in which you feel more connected to yourself, others and the world. Please schedule your free consultation.
Accepting New Clients
When individuals, couples, families or children make the difficult decision to come to therapy they are usually feeling stuck and often scared. Each of us has our own strength and wisdom which we don't see when we are troubled. My goal is for us to work together to rediscover those qualities. I use a cattail plant as a symbol of how I see therapy. Why? Cattails are found stuck in a marsh and often regarded as weeds. But when looked at carefully they are graceful and strong. Let me help you find your strength and grace. The power of a caring relationship, gently sprinkled with humor, is an essential ingredient my work. This is key in supervision and training as well as in psychotherapy. I use my personal life experience and professional expertise to deepen our connection and create safety, both needed elements for growth When treating families with children from 3 to 12, I may suggest Filial Therapy, a highly effective combination of play and family therapy. I am a registered play therapist-supervisor, a sandtray therapist and a trauma therapist. Additionally, I provide supervision, consultation and training for professionals.
Accepting New Clients
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions. With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care. Sessions are tailored to your unique needs and experiences, focusing on gradual behavior changes, coping strategies, emotional regulation, & processing unresolved feelings. I specialize in providing therapy for couples and families. My approach involves working together with you, your partner, or family members to understand how you communicate and help you overcome feelings of disconnection. My ultimate aim is to assist you in establishing healthy connections and boundaries within your relationships. Book a free consultation.
Accepting New Clients
I believe in healing ourselves and each other as the first step toward healing our planet. My intention as a therapist is to guide people toward empowerment and healing in order to live their fullest and most joyful lives possible. I believe that we all have this capacity within us, and therapy can help us to move through our past trauma, oppressive social conditioning, anxieties and other stresses to be our best selves. I specialize in working with people impacted by trauma and family stress and have done extensive work with youth and families. I believe in tailoring interventions to meet each person's specific needs and goals. My work is grounded in mindfulness and somatic awareness, with an emphasis on creating a safe and accepting therapeutic relationship. For those interested, I have specific experience and interest in exploring and guiding self-reflection and healing around personal and collective roles in oppressive systems, especially for those who have benefited from these systems.
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