Therapists in Oakland, CA

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.

It's a courageous step to seek help. Things aren't working and perhaps you are looking for a new way, new strategies and perspective. You need relief from this angst. The surprise here is that your pain, frustration or relationship conflict can also be an asset. I am not suggesting minimizing your emotional suffering nor the importance of us finding immediate relief. My experience is that in facing your difficulties we can move towards enduring change. How does change happen in therapy? In my work with clients we identify some of the stories you have been telling yourself.

I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.

Everyone deserves to understand where their behaviors come from and how these behaviors impact our relationships to ourselves, others and our kids. I provide care to individuals, couples, parents and teens experiencing stress, conflict, loneliness or overwhelm in life. I love helping people make the changes they need to live more authentic, connected and fulfilled lives.

Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.

I approach the process of therapy with the deepest respect for the inherent wholeness and dignity of every individual I have the privilege to work with. I will support you in addressing the challenges of chronic stress and the painful effects of trauma while holding the conviction that your capacity for connection, peace, and well-being is your birthright. And I will accompany you as you begin to find your way back to a truer, more vital and clear sense of who you are and what matters to you.

You want to feel confident and centered when big feelings come up, but you struggle with what to do and how not to take it out on yourself and your relationships. You may be feeling overwhelmed, fed up, exhausted, self critical, untethered due to conflict, or afraid of disappointing people you care about. You’re ready to learn how to settle the storm of emotions and enjoy deep relationships without patterns from your past getting in the way. You’re ready to stop feeling like you have to shrink down and shut down and instead feel secure and comfortable in who you are and how you connect to the people you love.