Therapists in Oakland, CA

Do you want to find some balance and peace of mind? I can help you through this challenging time in your life. Whether you are an individual needing a safe place to manage unmanageable feelings or a couple seeking to change difficult relationship patterns, I have the skills to help you through this. Together we will work to create more harmony in your life through acceptance of what's out of your control and commitment to change the things you can. I work with individuals, couples and adolescents.

I believe life is a journey over mountains and through valleys. At any point along the way a large or small obstacle may seem to obstruct the path and potentially end one's journey. Learning techniques to go over or around obstacles can thus become a valued life skill. Helping people learn the skills to navigate through life's good and not so good times is what therapy is for.

I provide services for children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing challenges with anxiety and depression. I specialize in working with youth and their families who experience Tourette Syndrome, Selective Mutism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). I utilize a strengths-based and whole person approach to help young people find their inner strength and bravery to face even the hardest situations. If you or your child are feeling anxious, overwhelmed or are struggling to find a place in the world I would like to collaborate with you to live a life that feels bright and vibrant.

Sometimes, we get stuck in patterns that might have been helpful at some point in our lives but are not so helpful to us now. These patterns show up in the ways we respond in our relationships, in work/school, to challenges, and to ourselves. We’ll approach therapy as collaborators to build up your skills and strengths to get you unstuck. In our work together, we'll gently explore the past, so we can create an action plan for a different future. We'll recontextualize what no longer serves you and make space for your curious, creative self to emerge.

I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.

“The best things in life are on the other side of fear.” You or your teen struggle with anxiety, OCD, or trauma. You spend hours worrying and feeling anxious. You feel tense and you're in a ton of pain. You’ve tried all kinds of ways to get rid of the problem - relaxation, meditation, etc. - and nothing has worked. You’re confused, frustrated, and nearly hopeless. You don’t understand why this is happening, how to make it go away, or even what to do next.

My approach is grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral and Attachment Theories. I also incorporate the practices of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I aspire to meet clients where they are, and help each individual to work on his or her expressed goals. I enjoy taking this journey with clients to navigate some of their most difficult and challenging moments in life, to help prevent troubled kids or young adults from more serious trouble, and to help all clients who seek my support turn their life's biggest challenges into opportunities for growth and lasting change.

The challenges of growing up in today's rapidly changing society are enormous. Children and adolescents need to be equipped with skills for survival and growth that were never before imagined. Some of the more common issues I help my young clients with include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, perfectionism, self confidence, challenging peer relationships, social anxiety and difficult family dynamics. I also work with parents offering them guidance and support.

Welcome! I am a therapist and actor aiming to help you discover your most authentic self and deepest desires. I specialize in bringing the transformational power of theatre and improvisation into the therapeutic space, allowing you to safely explore deep pain and access profound joy. I aim to uplift and heal by employing joy, warmth, comedy, creative arts therapy, and an eclectic array of therapeutic modalities (CBT, mindfulness, ACT, REBT, psychodrama, psychoanalysis, Motivational Interviewing, etc.). I am incredibly patient, strengths-based, and adapt my modalities to the specific needs of each client's unique experience.

Reaching out for help is hard. The stress of life can be overwhelming and sometimes worries, sadness, and feelings of burnout can get the best of us. We can feel stuck when efforts to improve relationships or change old habits have stalled. Whatever brings you here, we are glad you found us and, most importantly, we can help! We know that a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important factor for change and growth. . We meet you where you are with unconditional positive regard, with the firm belief that everyone needs to feel connected, safe, and heard.

I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.

I am a licensed child psychologist with extensive experience in providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families. My specialization lies in helping clients navigate through various challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, peer and family stress, learning, behavioral and attention difficulties, life transitions, trauma, separation, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, I offer guidance to parents, helping them understand their children's challenges and strengths more deeply, enhance family communication and connection, and learn effective parenting and coping skills.

Currently, no waitlist. Scheduling Wed-Thurs. "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it" (Helen Keller). My work aims to reduce suffering through evidence-based techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. I have extensive experience treating trauma survivors and with the refugee, asylum-seeker, and immigrant communities. My practice has focused on people of color; clients with serious mental illness; and individuals with justice system-involvement, neurodivergence (esp. autism), and HIV.

In session, I will provide you with a safe and supportive environment focused on your healing. I incorporate different techniques and approaches, based on your needs as well as my assessment of what can be of true help to you. I believe it is important that I hold the space for you to incorporate your own healing practices if that is what you desire.

I provide services for 3 types of issues: 1) OCD, OCD-Spectrum Disorders (e.g., Tics, hair pulling, skin picking, and hoarding), and anxiety disorders; 2) Autism of all support levels; and 3) OCD, OCD-Spectrum Disorders, and anxiety co-occuring with Autism. My work is with children, teens, and adults and I provide services in office, home, and community settings ranging from once weekly to daily sessions. I take a family-based approach when treating children and teens by giving parent and caregiver training.

As a non-pathologizing humanistic-existential Gestalt therapist, I will meet you exactly where you are. I recognize that you are the expert of your own experience and that you already possess the skills that will aid you in healing your pain. As your empathic witness, advocate, and guide, I will help you increase your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and sense of agency. Essentially, I will help you re-examine your life and re-experience yourself and others, in different as well as new meaningful and healing ways. My approach is mindful, intuitive, and tenderhearted.

Marisa T. Mazza, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist. She enjoys helping people learn new ways of interacting with thoughts and feelings so they can live meaningful lives. Her approach allows individuals to face their fears in a gradual and gentle way.

“There’s nothing more healing than choosing to love.” You want connection and closeness yet you struggle to find it. You feel frustrated that your relationships aren’t fulfilling or aren't right for you. You're reflective and thoughtful, and yet you're having difficulty showing up how you want to in your life, partnership, or family. Perhaps you're struggling with isolation, anxiety, depression, or overwhelm. These are real challenges. Together we can co-create a gentle yet courageous space to explore who you are, what you need, and how to try new things that move you toward what you value most in life and in your relationships.

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) psychologist with experience working with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma, family problems, and relationship issues. I approach treatment in a direct, dynamic, culturally sensitive, and client focused way. I am particularly interested in issues of diversity, couples, families, work stress, and helping you overcome patterns and obstacles that hinder your personal transformation.