Therapists in Oakland, CA

I believe in the value of building a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to tap into your internal strength, self-expertise, and self-expression to promote growth and support healing. I work from a Person-Centered foundation utilizing approaches and interventions such as Narrative Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and others to meet the needs of each individual client.

Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic.

My work is guided by the tenet, Life is Relationship. If we can trust our stories to a therapist, that therapeutic relationship can transform us. Self-acceptance, and calm return. I listen compassionately to others to understand what is inhibiting their motivation and self-confidence. I consider lifestyle practices, relationships, use of substances; healthy and unhealthy habits, and one's sense of belonging. My clients and I together identify what helps them change. Some practices and tools I use to guide my work are: talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness and stress management practices derived from Yogic philosophy and practices.

What is it you're trying to shift or change? What do you want more or less of? I start wherever you're at. It's a simple as that, while striving to do that in a profound way. My aim is to help you help yourself. The combined practices of psychotherapy & life coaching have allowed me to dive deeper with people to help them become their best selves. When I'm not doing therapy, I'm making music, hiking, surfing, or reading something thought-provoking. I may even recommend books, movies, etc. to help you dive even deeper and get the most out of our time together. Are you ready to work through your past and move forward in your life?

I graduated from California Institute of Integral Studies with a Masters in Counseling Psychology, and have done extensive training in Person-Centered Expressive Arts. My clinical background includes focus on community based mental health, family and child therapy, grief and loss, and complex trauma. I currently work in private practice and also as a supervisor at a community based mental health agency.

Psychotherapy is unique & takes courage. It's fulfilling-yet challenging. Using empathy, collaboration, intuition, open mindedness & humor, we will identify automatic ways of thinking, & behaving- that show up as internal conflict, self sabotage, low self esteem, depression, relationship struggles & anxiety. I have a wide array of experience, working with diverse populations, including POC, people diagnosed with personality disorders, those experiencing psychosis, queer identified folks, folks with learning differences, & students with achievement struggles and imposter syndrome. My practice is trauma informed.

Welcome! As a licensed therapist I am continually inspired by witnessing clients make sense of difficult life experiences, past or present. Maybe this is a starting point for you and you are new to therapy, or recommitting to therapy after a break. Perhaps mental health issues (like depression or anxiety) were not discussed in the family or community in which you grew up, or you have had difficulty reaching out for help for other reasons. Sometimes what holds people back from seeking help is self judgment (‘I should be able to handle this’), or fear that things won’t improve. You are certainly not alone, and help is available.

Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.

Thank you for being here! Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn other ways of relating to life stressors, anxiety, depression or addiction? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have nearly a decade of experience supporting adults and specialize in the treatment of substance use and addiction. I am also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher

I have been a therapist for 30 years. I provided psychotherapeutic services to adolescents, couples and families in a variety of clinical settings.For the past 18 years I was the lead clinician in an Intensive Day Treatment High School Program for adolescents in Special Education. Prior to that, I worked in a Women's Substance Abuse Agency.I am now in private practice and look forward to an opportunity to work with Adolescents, Adults, Couples and families where I can utilize my clinical expertise and work experience to help individuals achieve their goals.