Therapists in Oakland, CA

Have you landed here feeling lost, overwhelmed, and alone? Maybe you are navigating relationships, life transitions, grief/loss, struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma? I am here to help. It was through my own personal experience of crisis in my 20's, aided by my observant nature and insatiable curiosity about the human condition, the lead me to pursue the path of a psychotherapist.

Therapy is an opportunity to come home to yourself and expand your capacity for connection and vitality. My role is to be by your side as you examine parts of yourself that are difficult to face alone. I shine a warm light on experiences, emotions, and beliefs that have yet to be processed, and seek to expand upon sources of strength, expression, connection, and beauty. Whatever the areas of growth you bring to the therapeutic space, my priority is to hold an empathic, non-judgmental, inclusive space in which you feel safe and deeply seen.

Do you feel stuck, like you are getting in your own way? Feelings hopeless and isolated? Life presents all kinds of challenges which we often try to manage on our own and creates frustrations. This frustration creates barriers that can leave you feeling distant from others and even a stranger to yourself. What is worse is often we don’t even know why we are struggling. I am dedicated to helping you with the difficult and painful experiences by facilitating understanding of yourself and the issues that cause pain.

As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I base my approach from the relational work of Psychodynamic Therapy and integrate forms of Attachment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness Practices, Parts Work, Addiction and Trauma work - all based in Social Justice. I fully believe that every individual has the power and strength they need to actualize the changes they want, and can shift the old and new narratives of established stories and patterns of their daily lives.

Are you struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or other distressing emotions? How about your relationship? Do you desire release from unsuccessful patterns of behavior? Do you want to experience more peace and well-being? I effectively and compassionately help you navigate life-altering crisis and heal from traumatic experiences. With over 30 years of counseling experience, I have worked in: Suicide Prevention, Physical/Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, and PTSD. I have both a strong clinical and faith-based educational background and believe in taking a holistic approach to counseling.

When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.

There are elements to all of us that are hidden and unknown until we encounter right timing. It is important to uncover these secret parts of self, yearning to be discovered, with the right support. A few things you should know about what it's like to work with me: My style is warm, witty, compassionate + forthcoming. I value transparency, kindness, justice + joy. I'm directive when called for + I like to challenge my clients to go deep. I draw from my own experience of trauma + healing.

My name is Darrin Erb, MSC/LMFT-S, but I go by Darrin. I am a therapist, a college professor, an executive director, a SPED/Educational Specialist certified in ASD, and a pastor, but my greatest titles are that of husband and father. In the world of therapy, there are therapists like doctors and those who are more like surgeons. I am a therapeutic surgeon, meaning that we will go straight toward the dysfunction and replace it with something that works for you.

You're welcome to learn about my Consultation and Evaluation practice. In brief, I have a developmental life span relationship-based biopsychosocial approach to viewing most difficulties in life. I use a thorough assessment, observation, and testing approach because you or your child is unique and needs specific issues addressed precisely. Let's work together to find solutions that allow you or your child to develop and change in healthy ways.

I work with individuals who want to overcome persistent behaviors, thoughts and emotions that inhibit their ability to live a life they love so that they have meaningful relationships, deeply fulfilling work and self-confidence. My approach is based on the belief that in order to benefit from therapy the therapeutic relationship must be grounded in direct communication, collaboration and compassion. You need someone to be real who will both challenge and care for you. My patients often reflect they are relieved to finally work with someone who engages in conversation and shares responsibility for the progress of each session.

CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.

WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.

I can make a difference in your child's success in special education, IEPs, learning differences, navigating for parents whose children may need extra help in school, or having a negative effect on a young child who has lost their self-esteem and has a failure mentality and turns it into a child believing and feeling like they can succeed and has pride with knowing they can achieve success. Academic help is every child's right through a federal law that is already in place. Many parents do not know how to access these programs. These techniques or resources are tailored specifically for your child.

You are stressed. You can cope with a lot but you might also find yourself avoiding, numbing, distracting, or shutting down. You might be facing a crisis of identity. You might be overwhelmed with work or kids, or you might be at a trouble spot in your relationship. You might have faced trauma or abuse, that cloud your everyday behavior. You might be struggling to live your choices free of needless suffering. You might be in the middle of navigating a complicated transition. You need some help to talk through your feelings about these experiences.

My background is in Health Psychology and I bring a Mind-Body perspective to my work. With any change comes growing pains, which is why I specialize in working with professionals navigating important life transitions including career decisions, romantic relationships, friendships, and adjustment to parenthood. Often individuals present questions on how they can feel more fulfilled or satisfied in life. Or how to grow in confidence, or become more grounded in oneself. Many look to find better ways to find meaning and fulfillment in our Modern, Technology-Focused culture.

Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.

Do you find yourself at a crossroads or yearning for more? You may be at a breaking point or you may want to make some changes and you don't know where to start. I will ensure a safe and warm environment for exploration. We will move at a pace comfortable for you. Taking the leap of faith into therapy takes courage. We will engage in a process of empowerment to help you feel more centered & grounded in yourself. I work with individuals, couples, children, & families. I am here to listen, empathize & deepen your self-understanding . We will take a look at your inner longings and the parts of your life which may not be serving you.

I am Karina Valdez, LMFT. I understand life can be overwhelming and stressful. I am here to help guide you to be the best version of yourself where you can learn how to cope with the stressors and adversities that life throws at you on a short- and long-term basis. Therapy is a way for you to have a confidential, non-judgmental, safe space to explore what troubles you most in life. My primary focus in my practice is helping people heal from traumatic adversities that have occurred in their life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I bring over 25 years of experience in mental health, ranging from addiction to trauma. I believe in a strength-based approach in providing clients support because everyone has skills, talents, and abilities to tap into to assist them in overcoming life's challenges. I am a firm believer in a nonjudgmental approach to therapy so you, the client, feel safe, accepted, and empowered. I use a broad array of therapy techniques such as trauma-informed care, strength-based, systems solution-focused or brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, grief therapy, and much more.