Therapists in 94704

Meaningful change requires us to ask new questions ... so that new meanings can be made. One of the hardest things is to change what doesn't work, while not knowing how to make it all different. For the past 24 years, I have worked with folks who are trying hard to build a life in spite of childhood abuse and neglect, or who just don't understand why life isn't working out the way they hoped.

You may be experiencing acute emotional pain due to an unexpected change in your life, or you may feel that the suffering has been there for a long time and coping on your own is no longer enough. You may find yourself feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or lonely, repeating the same patterns without being able to find your way out. You may be wishing for deeper relationships, a more satisfying and creative job, or relief from inner turmoil. If you continue to feel insecure, anxious, or depressed, no matter what you try, therapy can help.

My ideology is inspired by the juxtaposition of American narratives, originating from the Deep South and Urban Midwest. Growing up in a Pro-Black, Christian Baptist home I learned how gender, sexuality, and white supremacy can greatly affect our culture, happiness and well-being. Early exposure to the mental healthcare system taught me that oppression can be as multi-layered and intersectional as the oppressed, and diagnosis will continue to be an act of oppression if it ignores cultural context, societal phobias, and systemic oppression. For a great number, our mental health is a representation of how we survive our social climate.

Sometimes we experience difficulties that we can't seem to solve on our own. It may be a life transition that creates unexpected challenges, such as graduating, changing jobs, becoming a parent, or losing a loved one. It may be a relationship problem or a difficult situation at work. Or it may be more of an internal struggle, in which we find ourselves feeling anxious, lonely, or stuck. Sometimes we just have a vague sense that something isn't right, that we're not as happy or as fulfilled as we could be.

The combination of strong anxiety and strong intellect poses special challenges for those caught in the crosshairs. I help individuals with active, analytical minds to work through anxiety-related problems such as panic, worry, avoidance, and compulsive thoughts or habits. My approach is warm, practical, and evidence-based, grounded in both mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Have you ever asked yourself these questions - Who am I? Who are my people? Do I belong? Why do I keep repeating the same patterns in relationships? Why do I have trouble standing up or speaking up for myself? Why can't I give to myself the way I give to others? Perhaps you seem fine on the outside, but struggle silently on the inside. I can help you explore these questions and find a deeper sense of connectedness to yourself and others. I can help you connect more with your body, emotions and experience, instead of living mostly in your head. I can help you feel more like a human being, instead of a “human doing."

Dr. Akshay Naresh is a clinical psychologist and has worked with patients across the lifespan in various contexts including community mental health clinics, hospitals, and educational facilities (secondary, community colleges, & universities). He has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, body image issues, eating disorders, relationship issues, gender and sexual identity, and multi-cultural issues. He uses an integrative approach to create a space for meaningful life changes by helping patients develop self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-awareness.

Are you worried, unhappy, frustrated, unmotivated, failing to live up to your potential? Are you experiencing a transition that leads you to question your beliefs or direction? Are you struggling with the adjustments and losses associated with COVID? For over 20 years I have collaborated with clients to identify, understand and address the barriers to more fulfilling relationships, work, academics, play, creativity and life. My focus is on an in-depth and compassionate understanding of each individual's unique strengths and difficulties, the factors that influence each person beyond their awareness and an individualized approach.

Through therapy with your child, I will work in building resiliency, learning new coping skills, emotional regulation, and providing a safe space to process memories and current life experiences and traumas. Unlike adults who tend more to communicate verbally or from a logical perspective, children use creativity and imaginative play to express their inner thoughts and feelings, it is often the main way children relate and learn about themselves and their world. Through play therapy, I respond to your child with care, attunement, and skillfulness in helping them understand difficult emotions and make sense of confusing experiences.

Thank you for visiting me. I know preparing yourself to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and someone you can trust is not easy. It takes a lot of courage. If you’ve gotten to this point of being ready to speak with someone new, you’re doing a great job. I consider the therapeutic relationship as one of the most important factors for healing. I prioritize making my clients feel at ease and understood. My main goals in our work together will be to always have hope that everything is healable and to always treat you and your journey with the upmost respect and compassion.

I work with couples and individuals struggling with a variety of relationship and communication issues. I have successfully treated clients with depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem. Clients that are looking for more aliveness in themselves and their relationships will be served well by what I offer.

At some point in our lives, many of us may feel lost, uncertain, or unhappy. During these tough times, therapy can be incredibly helpful in assisting us to move forward and find contentment in our lives. My aim is to provide you with supportive and collaborative guidance along with a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be your authentic self. I approach therapy with warmth, openness, and empathy, and my hope is to make you feel heard and understood. Additionally, as an adjunct faculty member at the Wright Institute, I stay up-to-date with the latest research and clinical knowledge and supervise clinicians in training.

For over 12 years I have supported motivated adults & teens in resolving depression, anxiety & chronic pain, and healing relational dynamics linked to trauma with somatic mindfulness, EMDR, Brainspotting, and parts work. As a first generation multicultural therapist, providing culturally attuned therapy that welcomes all parts of your diverse identity is at the crux of my practice. (BIPOC, LGBTQi ally) Holding the role of an informed guide I will support you in unearthing your truth & unwinding old conditioned patterns and pain. My role will dance between being intentionally structured and holding sacred space as needed.

My practice is informed by social justice and my experience growing up as a first generation Filipino-American in the Bay Area.

I am bilingual in Spanish, and offer therapy for individual adults, couples, families, teens, and children 6 and older. My specialties include trauma, interpersonal violence (IPV), and loss, especially for human beings who have experienced displacement and/migration. I offer services for expecting and new mothers to aid in the transitions and attachment issues that arise. Also I am interested in bridging periods in human development. I embrace a culturally humble stance, and am LBGT welcoming.

We all have the right to feel happy in love, life and work. Sometimes we don't understand why we are not at peace and therapy can help us gain that perspective. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps us look deeply into who we are and allows us to understand the root causes of our feelings. When we learn why we feel and act the way we do, it is easier to make lasting change. Using a warm, flexible collaborative approach, we will work together to help you become more knowledgeable about yourself and make the long term changes you desire.

CURRENT OPENINGS Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes an integrative and collaborative approach to create a strong alliance with each individual. I provide a holding space that fosters healing through self-awareness and building insight. My style is respectful, compassionate, and direct. I have extensive experience with goal-oriented approaches, as well as a deep understanding for how social and cultural contexts impact our lives. In addition, my work is influenced by psychoanalytic theory and attachment theory, and is informed by an awareness of trauma, including complex and inter-generational trauma.

When life gets rough, it's important to know there are safe and supportive spaces you can turn to for support. Whether you're seeking real relief from anxiety or depression, needing help establishing better boundaries, questioning your identity, sexuality, or personal relationships or just having trouble managing the day-to-day, we can help. At Life by Design Therapy we believe change is possible for you. We offer holistic and somatic therapy to support you in navigating life's challenges without having to dismiss, avoid, or disconnect from what you truly want. It's time to live life on your own terms and Create A Life You Love!

Do you sometimes feel like you just need to get over that next hill, but then there is always another hill? Life is a winding trail, with each turn bringing new challenges. Inner conflicts create uncertainty. Yet, you're not alone. Together, we'll navigate the twists of relationships and decisions, forging a path to self-discovery and empowerment. Let's embark on this adventure together.