Anxiety Therapists in California

Hi there, my name is Edgar Garcia. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore and process your thoughts, feelings and challenges. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, family or relationship conflicts, therapy is a tool to help achieve clarity and guide us in the journey ahead.

I have more than 10 years of experience working in multiple clinical settings with transitional-age youth, adults, and geriatric clients. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences licenses me as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I strive to create a safe space for you to share your story and be heard and validated in a non-judgmental atmosphere. In working together, it is my hope that we will identify stressors and areas you're struggling with and come up with a plan that ultimately allows you the ability to live a meaningful and productive life—a life filled with insight, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose.

I'm so happy you're here! I help adults and teens find their way back to a meaningful and joyful life. The unmanageability of feeling like your life is out of control can be overwhelming. Stress, depression and anxiety are beginning to impact your relationships, work, school, and self-esteem. If you have been attempting to manage these symptoms on your own but struggle to do so, I'm here to help.

Do you want to be happier and feel less anxiety and have more clarity. We all get challenged by accepting where we are with our problems. It's hard to be mindful about facing our issues. I can help you embrace that part that you are running from & if you can practice tools--you can start living the Way of Positive Psychology and you will heal & start to feel better. You really can do this. You really can heal. I haven't always felt as Anchored & Happy as I am now--for 25 years-I studied practiced & would be honored to teach you.

I am accepting new patients (January 2023). Is life overwhelming and you feel alone with your problems? Do you feel hopeless to achieve the relationship you always wanted? If you want to change, I can help. Maybe you get caught up in fear and anxiety you don't understand what is causing it. Have you been shocked to see yourself acting like your parents in ways you never wanted? Or, do you strive to understand yourself deeply and make sense of your life? Maybe you have that burning desire to find a kind of wholeness in yourself?

If you are in the grips of anxiety, troubled relationships, grief, or other issues that threaten to overwhelm your ability to function or be happy in your life, I look forward to working with you in a safe and non-judgmental way. I use a collaborative approach and actively seek your feedback to provide you with therapy that matches your needs and respects your goals.

Do you feel worried, anxious, sad, or depressed? Do you feel this way most of the time? Do your symptoms interfere with your ability to fully participate in work, school, your relationships, or life in general? Almost everyone struggles, to some degree, with emotional difficulties at some point in their life. It's part of being human! But when you feel this way, most of the time, it interferes with leading a happy, full, and balanced life. My goal is always to meet people where they are, to offer support in a judgment-free way, and to do my best to help them reach a full, happy, and satisfying life as they define it for themselves.

I provide therapy for those experiencing a wide range of life challenges including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, trauma recovery, grief and loss, life transitions and relationship concerns. With my background in Technology and corporate work (over a decade) I am very conversant and knowledgeable of that world. I have extensive experience and expertise in working with Anxiety, relationship issues and highly sensitive people.

When emotions or behavior interfere with our relationships or functioning, then it is time to get help. You're looking at this page and are therefore taking one of the hardest steps -- reaching out. I respect the struggle and pain that has brought you here, and I offer my many years of experience and compassion to work together to create the healthy, balanced life you are looking for.

Maria specializes in providing support to individuals experiencing stress, anxiety (including panic attacks), childhood trauma, PTSD, and depression. Her approach involves working with their reptilian brain to alleviate the fight, flight, or freeze response and help them imagine and create a healthier life. She also helps them learn from their past experiences, enabling them to strengthen themselves. Maria's expertise extends to couples and families from diverse backgrounds, including those who are multicultural, multiracial, and multi-generational.

Each of us may begin psychotherapy for different reasons; an immediate crisis or traumatic experience, painful symptoms of depression, anxiety, loneliness, addictive behaviors, or grief. Exploring early life experiences and resolving trauma while addressing the here and now can help you be more engaged with others, make progress towards what you want in life, and experience more ease. Many individuals seek more existential but no less important questions of meaning, identity, sexuality, spirituality, philosophy, gender issues, psychology, politics, and power. All of these are excellent reasons for engaging in depth psychotherapy.

My approach is to understand you deeply and individualize our work by finding what is most effective for you. All people are unique and their life circumstances are particular to who they are. Through collaboration, we figure out what is what is most beneficial for your wellbeing and also what is realistic for your lifestyle. I look forward to meeting you and exploring what you wish to change through an initial free half hour phone consultation. My two offices, downtown San Francisco and on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, are accessible by public transportation.

My specialties are in the areas of child and adult transitions, parenting, relationship challenges and clinical issues such as anxiety, depression, mood and anger. Additionally, I have experience with families dealing with child abuse and family custody challenges. My intensive clinical training and therapeutic skills help many people navigate through life's inherent up and downs, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Coping Skills Development with a Solution-Focused approach. I like to focus on what I can do to help, keep the communication high and empower people to get motivated and active in their life solutions.

“Stress is not the enemy in our lives. Paradoxically, it is the key to growth”. Stress is inevitable. However, if we can learn how to deal with our feelings and stress, we may convert negative situations into opportunities to become better and stronger. As a therapist, I use EMDR and other therapy modalities (DBT, CBT, solution-focused, etc) to help my clients manage the stress caused by relationship issues, trauma, disordered eating/body image, anxiety, life transitions, behavioral problems, career/school stress, anger, identity, communication, and more.

Maybe you feel alone and unable to connect with others. Maybe you find yourself struggling with feelings of overwhelming fear and anxiety. Maybe you are experiencing thoughts and emotions that are difficult to share with friends or family. Often, the initial reason people come into therapy becomes the medium through which deeper spiritual, emotional, or existential deadlocks make themselves known.

Do you struggle managing your emotions, dissatisfaction with your life, shame & guilt, anxiety or exhaustion? Are you overcome by difficult experiences from the past or loss? I am passionate about empowering teens and adults with emotional distress, self doubt, relationship issues or repeat patterns, who feel stressed, stuck & overwhelmed. I specialize in trauma and also help with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, self-esteem, relationship issues, body image, mindfulness, inner child work, boundaries & sexuality. I will help you untangle the painful & frustrating areas of your life to make room for a life of joy and ease.

I believe therapy works best when it is a partnership between the therapist and client. I would love to partner with you to support the change or increased happiness you might be seeking. You do not have to struggle alone, I am happy to work with individuals, including adults and teens. During our work together, I hope to provide you with a safe, comfortable space to work towards your goals. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and warm.

I am an LCSW with experience working with individuals, couples, and families from various cultural and socioeconomic groups. I have experience working with individuals with grief, loss, trauma, substance abuse, previous incarceration, chronic medical issues, and family relational issues. I also have knowledge and experience working with individuals to manage chronic mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. With empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience I am available to help guide you through this journey of healing and managing your current situation.

Relationship issues with spouses, partners, family members, friends, and co-workers are often upsetting, creating painful feelings which affect all aspects of our lives. For many years I have worked with individuals and couples to understand, accept and resolve relationship difficulties. Often my work involves dealing with anxiety, panic, and depression when relationship conflict and fascstress become intense. Emotionally Focused Therapy helps create secure attachment relationships which are important to everyone. My goal as a psychologist is helping individuals and couples work toward building this sense of security in their lives