Therapists in Oakland, CA

We are all born whole, in lovingkind perfection. But life produces obstacles that sidetrack our becoming ourselves. Obstacles take any forms: trauma in the body, inauthentic identities, existential fears, beliefs indoctrinated but in conflict with one's essential values, or anxiety that something is wrong with oneself. The result can be alienation, grief, substance use issues, depression, anxiety, difficulty connecting, or incapacity to speak or create from the heart. Reconnecting with ones body, the natural world, and with an unconditional community are the foundations re-emerging into the Self you've always been.

I believe that no matter how difficult of a time you're having, I can help you find your balance and power. I know that rage; shame, confusion and helplessness can make you feel stuck, lost and hopeless. I also know that there is a way out. In my therapy office you will feel safe and supported to unravel your feelings and thoughts, identify patterns, themes, get clear on what brought you to the place you are currently in and make intelligent new choices.

I have a particular expertise in working with clients who have diverse cultural backgrounds (e.g. ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.) I also have a deep association working with artistic/creative type individuals and can address particular issues that arise being an artist confined to a conventional/mainstream worldview.

I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.

I have 20+ years experience assisting clients to overcome issues related to Anxiety, Mid-Life Crisis, Burnout, Anger, Depression, Addictive/Compulsive Behavior. My clients say they appreciate my "genuine, therapuetic connection", my "warm, grounded, interactive therapy sessions"; my "solid multi-cultural competency". I am not the kind of therapist that sits and nods. I actively work with you to explore what is hapening and identify the best possible solutions. Finding the right therapist is tricky. This is why I am happy to talk with you on the phone before we decide to work together.

Everyone has challenges and battles to fight. A pain-free life is not always possible. Even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s difficulties. Whether you struggle with depression, grief, anxiety, or other issues, you should know there is hope for better tomorrows.

With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.

in my private practice I see individuals, couples, and families. I work with you to find what is most important for you; what is your best practice. Together we can heal the past and allow you to move forward. My years of life experience and gentle yet direct manner will help you get back on track and get the most from your life and relationships.

I have a therapeutic style that is honest, empathetic, compassionate, and straightforward. Using clinically proven treatment methods via Teletherapy, I work holistically, leveraging a combination of treatments to address mental health concerns such as complex trauma, re-parenting, grief, addiction, PTSD, confidence, work/life balance, abuse, and sexual issues. I am also clinically interested in the study and offering of psychotherapy to those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. My expertise as a Nutritional Psychologist allows me to look at your needs holistically. www.drjeffreylawton.com

I graduated from a M.S. mental health counseling program at Eastern Washington University in 1995, got certified and ran a private practice in Seattle from 1995 through 2003. I worked in an outpatient community clinic, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, at retreat centers, and at a college counseling center until starting work on a PhD in Religious Studies and Psychology. I worked, studied, and lived in Europe, East Asia, and Africa before teaching 10 years at San Jose State University, so I am comfortable and confident working with very different sorts of people and I want everyone and anyone to feel welcome and at ease in my care.

Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves that no longer serve us to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter.

I love collaborating with my clients in creating and sustaining the changes they wish to make and surprising them with how quickly and deeply these changes can take place. I have extensive experience with chronic illness, chronic pain, physical and emotional trauma, spirituality, parenting issues, grief and dying, and men's sexuality.

My training would be defined as "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" but I engage in general therapy. This means that I will work with my clients to meet them where they are and use tools, interventions and approaches that respect their person and strives to align with who they are. I am here for the client and make it a point to engage on a humanistic level. I am not a therapist who sits in a chair and asks "how does that make you feel?" I am a therapist who wants to actively help you identify your goal(s) and come up with a plan for you to reach them. I will not waste your time and I am invested as much as you are.

Does it seem like your relationship is out of balance? All you and your partner do, it seems like, is fight? Where there was a feeling of peace and harmony, now just feels like a heavy fog of uncertainty. Is there an issue of infidelity and trust has eroded. At one point you and your partner could communicate, but now you struggle to get your message across. Come in and let's talk.

Where you have goals for your future, I want to help you achieve them. If you do not have goals, I hope to help you find some. I see it as my job to help you develop good and optimistic goals for yourself. I also want to help you with the problems and challenges that are in your way to a successful future. My aim is to assist you and encourage you, and hopefully to inspire you in your thoughts about your future. Part of my job is to help you find ways to see your strengths and defeat your self-doubt. Where you lack hope, I hope to help you gradually replace self-doubt and uncertainty with hope.