Therapists in Oakland, CA

Hi there, I'm Alexis, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience. I help individuals with anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, self esteem, relationship issues, adolescent/teen issues, and more. In my practice, I use motivational interviewing, a goal-directed technique that allows my client to explore and discover the possibility of changes within one’s self. I use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Narrative, Family systems, Existential, Psychodynamic, Acceptance, and Commitment therapy. By focusing on the positives, my clients can start to see the progress they are making.

I hold a deeply calm, present, and nurturing space for your brightest dreams and your darkest wounds. Whatever your concerns, you will feel sincerely heard, held, and guided in a safe and constructive way. You will be supported in discovering and reclaiming hidden or submerged parts of your fullest self, as well as the positive and promising reasons behind the challenges that you face. Together, we will creatively explore new and vital directions for you, internally and dynamically, into the world. My commitment is for your purpose to become more grounded, more meaningful, more genuinely alive.

Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.

My name is Gerardo Salinas. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist for more than 12 years. I have experience working with adults, youth, and families from varied life experiences. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds. I offer Talk, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Art Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help resolve conflict, improve communication, and work to resolve trauma with both children and adults. Another focus I have is on early attachment and developmental needs. I also offer parent coaching to help with challenging behaviors at school or in the home.

A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.

My name is Christine Denstaedt and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I appreciate the courage it takes to seek therapy. My foundational approach to therapy is based on how experiences create beliefs and beliefs influence our choice which can open our lives up for new possibilities. I am passionate about supporting people who are ready to discover how choice can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.

I look to create a safe space for my clients, whether it be children, adolescents, adults, families or couples to support progress towards mental health. I enjoy working with a diverse population of individuals and supporting them on their paths. I consider any I spend with clients an honor and privilege. It is not easy to share with others. I work to provide a validating experience for my clients while also remaining attuned to their emotions and needs. I provide Brainspotting, Experiential, CBT, Insight-Oriented and other somatic interventions.

My name is Jennifer Van Loy and I am a licensed clinical social worker with a background working with children, teens and adults. I have a non-judgmental, collaborative and strengths based perspective and will work alongside you to support your goals. I have a humanistic, secular (non-religious) approach that is informed by an understanding of how each person has unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. At times, each of us can feel overwhelmed by the demands on our time and energy or feel stuck in a role that no longer feels authentic.

Are you experiencing burnout in your relationships? Do you feel overwhelmed with life's challenges? Let me help you. My therapeutic approach helps you to be more aware of your fears, resentments, anger, anxiety, negative thoughts, and undesirable habits. On the next step, I will assist you to overcome all these challenges. On every level, this process improves your relationships with family, partner, co-workers, friends, and more importantly with your own sense of self. During the course of therapy, I commit myself in providing a confidential, empathic, and collaborative approach to build an effective relationship with you.

:: CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS :: I believe that it takes courage to meet with a therapist, and I am sensitive to the journeys that lead people to my office. I utilize a friendly, collaborative approach in developing relationships with my clients. I feel that the most important change agent in the treatment process is the relationship between client and therapist. I strive to help my clients feel comfortable and safe, and help empower them to build skills to help manage stressors and overcome obstacles. I use a strengths-based approach to help my clients move from where they are to where they want to be.

My professional experience involves providing bilingual psychotherapy to youth and adults impacted by complex trauma, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, gang-related trauma, immigration experiences, and acute mental disorders. I utilize an integrative method to assist clients in gaining insight into their defenses and assist them to make changes to improve their quality of life.

Welcome to Healthy Minds Counseling Center, where we are dedicated to providing top-notch mental health counseling and psychiatry services. Our team of highly qualified professionals is committed to creating a nurturing environment, a sanctuary where individuals from the community can embark on a transformative journey towards improved mental health, enhanced wellbeing, and an enriched quality of life. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including individual, couples, and family therapy. Additionally, we curate a diverse selection of groups and workshops throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and support.

Let's work together! I can offer education, a sounding board, and opportunities for insight as you reflect and work to improve your life and that of your loved ones. With practical tools and a compassionate heart, your journey can become more effective, more satisfying. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you step into the office, away from the busy pace of life, a place where you step further into yourself. Knowing yourself and having the tools to gain that knowledge can be pivotal to your well-being and that of your family's.

We all need tools to help us navigate the difficulties of life. I am lucky to be in a position to help people gain these tools. I love working with my clients; I am always learning from them. I have a down-to-earth, accessible and active approach to my work. I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques. I am sensitive to the interplay between social, economic, racial, emotional, and neurological factors. I continue to work in community and non-profit settings. In the Spring of 2016, I earned an Advanced Certificate from the Existential Humanistic Institute.