Therapists in Oakland, CA

I am passionate about providing trauma-informed and dynamic treatment to folx who may feel unwelcome in their communities due to both internal and external perceptions of their identity. My passion is working with queer folx of color to foster a healing and reparative experience to discover and be empowered in your authentic self. Whether you're looking for a space of your own, for you and your partner(s) or chosen family, our work together can allow for deeper understanding, openness and communication.

My work as a therapist is grounded in trauma-informed, feminist, and attachment based principles that highlight the importance of safe and trusting relationships. I am here to provide attuned feedback and guidance as you navigate sex and love, anxiety, grief and loss, the ongoing effects of childhood trauma, unlearning codependency and strengthening or softening boundaries. My goal is to help you develop tools for self-awareness, resiliency and intimacy building, and conflict resolution. I believe deeply in the power of healing work, and the great courage it takes to turn inward, to turn toward pain, and to face and love ourselves.

Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.

I work from a trauma-informed, relational, and client-centered lens. I integrate psychodynamic and attachment based theoretical approaches. I believe the relationship we build as client and therapist, as well as exploring your relationships outside of therapy, are important avenues for growth. You are the expert on your own life; I am here to listen to you and work collaboratively to empower your inherent strength and resilience. I use warmth, compassion, and humor to cultivate an affirming, non-judgemental, and trusting connection with my clients.

People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.

My work with every is client rooted in their natural strengths and tailored to their needs and experiences. You are the expert of your experience. I hold space to make meaning out of your thoughts, feeling and experiences. I believe that everyone possesses the tools to empower you in the next step of your healing journey. I simply help you to access those tools.

Welcome! My name is Ana and I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Couples & Sex Therapist, and psychedelic therapist licensed in CA, UT, and CO. I specialize in ketamine and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and issues unique to the creative field. My framework is relational, attachment-based and in-depth, characterized by warmth, compassion & collaboration. I will help you gather a deeper understanding of your thoughts and patterns, improve your self-worth, and live a life with purpose, meaning, and connection.

In my career I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, parents, couples and families, supporting them in their growth process. Therapy is sought out for a variety of reasons. For some of us, life circumstances have impacted us in such a way that effect how we interact with the world and those around us. Life is created by the situations we encounter, and the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our relationships. Therapy provides an intentional space to explore our relationships with others, ourselves, and the dance that takes place between the layers and intersections of these dynamics.

Has something in your life become too much to bear? If you’re feeling lonely, alienated, confused about your relationships, hurt, angry, or feeling unheard; if you’re finding the stress of parenting overwhelming, or feeling defeated by cycles of conflict, I'd like to help you. I work with individuals, couples and families wounded by their family systems, who have experienced trauma or abuse, have struggled with a narcissistic parent or partner, or have been negatively impacted by relationships with their in-laws. I passionately believe that with the right help, you can move from suffering and uncertainty to clarity and empowerment.

You're feeling overwhelmed by the racing thoughts in your mind. It's been difficult to trust yourself, set boundaries, and stick to them. That can be exhausting and probably has you feeling under-appreciated, resentful, and burnt out! Imagine what it might feel like to be more grounded and resourced in your body and mind. Imagine feeling more confident in your voice and speaking about your needs. I enjoy supporting women and queer folks to lead a more integrated and aligned life. If any of this resonates with you, we might be a good fit :)

I work with individuals to strengthen their sense of choice and meaning in their lives. I believe we can emerge more whole when we get curious about the parts of us that seem inglorious. I do not believe in oversimplifying the human condition into "good" or "bad" because there is more truth in the spectrum. I want therapy to be accessible, helpful and grounded in the reality that we live our day-to-day lives outside the therapy office. Good therapy extends beyond one hour a week; good therapy informs how we relate to, engage with and move through the real world.

You are hurting, or anxious, are considering psychotherapy and whether to trust me to facilitate your healing. My experience with adults, couples and children will support your inner journey and that of loved ones. We will create space for you to contemplate internal, external and relationship challenges. Through an attuned therapeutic relationship, I will help you address internal challenges - depression, anxiety and trauma. Empathically, I help you face external challenges - discrimination, immigration and life transitions. I also support you in navigating relationships, in which your internal worlds connect with those of others.

East Bay Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center was created with the goal of making the practice of sex & intimacy therapy more relationship-focused & accessible, without the stigma & confusion that often accompanies misperceptions about couples & sex therapy. We offer attachment-based sex therapy & couples counseling. We believe that healthy relationships are at the core of how change & healing occur. Having a healthy sexual relationship to one's self or partner(s) is vital to overall wellbeing. We strive to support & promote lifelong change that will allow you to form sustainable, loving & equitable relationships, & an overall sense of health wellbeing.

Clients seeking my services are looking for a safe and supportive space where they can bring their authentic whole “self” and explore and discuss issues centered on intersectional oppressions, identity exploration, trauma exploration, managing anxiety and stress, depression reduction, relational and attachment struggles, managing imposter syndrome, improving self-esteem, increasing communications skills and learning to identify and set healthy boundaries.

There are many reasons that people seek out the support of a therapist. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, alone, anxious, or disconnected from life, those around you, and yourself. You may be struggling with a particular issue, or find yourself in a chapter of life that has you longing for more. Perhaps you're at a point where life feels ok, and yet, there’s a sense that more connection, growth, expression and fulfillment may be possible for you. Whatever it is that has brought you here, welcome. I'm so glad you're here.

Holistically oriented, I believe we each have wisdom inside waiting to be tapped into, utilized and developed. I provide a supportive and nurturing space where you can discover your capacity to feel alive and whole. I help people develop and enhance their relational skills. I bring a sensitivity and knowledge to the effects of inter generational trauma, societal and cultural realities that may impact one's sense of self and connection to others. I help with self-esteem, co-dependency, surviving/thriving, sexuality, relationships & developing one's intuition. I help and support individuals and couples/relationships.

My passion and dedication to this work lies in that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Everyone at some point in their life has had some frictions or challenges and need support to get through those times. I work experientially and relationally. Welcoming clients to tell their stories, histories, and important aspects of life.

Do you feel anxious due to your work, family issues, low self-esteem, and relationship issues? I can especially help those with anxiety/panic attacks. I make it a priority to help clients with buried feelings who have trouble speaking on their emotions. Communicating emotionally is extremely important to promote well-rounded and mature adults. I will help you enhance your self-awareness around unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and build skills necessary to handle life more effectively and develop actionable steps to reach your goals.

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.