Therapists in Oakland, CA
Psychotherapist and Attorney
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
My Reality Attunement Therapy for attorneys and non-attorneys incorporates Buddhist psychology and other modalities and is helpful to anyone interested in cultivating more grounded presence and inner peace.
We are all seeking reliable refuge. Most of us have internalized the notion that refuge is to be found in external phenomena – other people, places and things. While these external phenomena can be pleasing, reality demonstrates that these phenomena are inherently impermanent and unsatisfactory. Most of us have internalized likes and dislikes in ways that have crystallized in a belief in the existence of a "self" - the defense and protection of which has come to dictate much of our decision-making through adulthood.
My Reality Attunement Therapy for attorneys and non-attorneys incorporates Buddhist psychology and other modalities and is helpful to anyone interested in cultivating more grounded presence and inner peace.
We are all seeking reliable refuge. Most of us have internalized the notion that refuge is to be found in external phenomena – other people, places and things. While these external phenomena can be pleasing, reality demonstrates that these phenomena are inherently impermanent and unsatisfactory. Most of us have internalized likes and dislikes in ways that have crystallized in a belief in the existence of a "self" - the defense and protection of which has come to dictate much of our decision-making through adulthood.
I'll teach you how to access + trust your intuition, innate creativity + embodied wisdom using the teachings of modern psychology and Buddhist philosophy.
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.
I'll teach you how to access + trust your intuition, innate creativity + embodied wisdom using the teachings of modern psychology and Buddhist philosophy.
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 therapy practice has been greatly influenced by my long time study of meditation and Buddhist philosophy.
I welcome those into my practice who are struggling with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I am trauma-informed, with twenty years of experience working with adults, children and families. I have worked with adults and teens who have come to seek treatment for various types of developmental traumas such as childhood physical and sexual abuse, neglect, as well as single incident trauma. I welcome anyone who is looking to create a safe working alliance through which to explore issues with boundaries and self care, whereby I can assist you in the cultivation of a compassionate inner awareness.
My therapy practice has been greatly influenced by my long time study of meditation and Buddhist philosophy.
I welcome those into my practice who are struggling with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I am trauma-informed, with twenty years of experience working with adults, children and families. I have worked with adults and teens who have come to seek treatment for various types of developmental traumas such as childhood physical and sexual abuse, neglect, as well as single incident trauma. I welcome anyone who is looking to create a safe working alliance through which to explore issues with boundaries and self care, whereby I can assist you in the cultivation of a compassionate inner awareness.
L Rebecca Connell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
INDIVIDUALS (couples below): Energy Psychology is a group of self-calming practices involving breathing and touching one’s own face and body. Scientific studies and clinical experience are confirming that Energy Psychology can help with anxiety, relationships, and trauma. You will learn practices to calm down during a conflict, sleep better, or let go of things that bother you. These practices help you by enhancing nervous system regulation, changing the way your brain stores upsetting memories, and bringing in more happiness and focus. You'll learn practices to use at home, in moments of stress or to start your day on a good note
INDIVIDUALS (couples below): Energy Psychology is a group of self-calming practices involving breathing and touching one’s own face and body. Scientific studies and clinical experience are confirming that Energy Psychology can help with anxiety, relationships, and trauma. You will learn practices to calm down during a conflict, sleep better, or let go of things that bother you. These practices help you by enhancing nervous system regulation, changing the way your brain stores upsetting memories, and bringing in more happiness and focus. You'll learn practices to use at home, in moments of stress or to start your day on a good note
You may feel lost, but you are not alone. We all experience suffering as a part of the human condition, yet sometimes our symptoms of stress, despair, worry, or self-criticism stand in the way of living the life that we want. If you find yourself troubled by a particular life problem or psychological condition, or generally lacking a sense of vitality and purpose, working with a clinician can help you reconnect with yourself and your strengths. Therapy often helps us to make useful connections between our actions, our thinking, our emotional reality, and patterns in relationships that we have developed over years.
You may feel lost, but you are not alone. We all experience suffering as a part of the human condition, yet sometimes our symptoms of stress, despair, worry, or self-criticism stand in the way of living the life that we want. If you find yourself troubled by a particular life problem or psychological condition, or generally lacking a sense of vitality and purpose, working with a clinician can help you reconnect with yourself and your strengths. Therapy often helps us to make useful connections between our actions, our thinking, our emotional reality, and patterns in relationships that we have developed over years.
Jess Wynn-Grant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, M Ed
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94605
I specialize in whole-bodied therapy to heal anxiety and trauma for children, teens, and adults. I offer attachment-based, trauma-healing, body-oriented approaches (EMDR, Havening & Somatics), play therapy, integrative talk therapy, & nature-oriented outdoor therapy. I also provide therapy for hopeful, awaiting, and new parents who are navigating the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey. I provide therapy online across CA and outdoors if you are local to the East Bay. In-home therapy is also available for children and families.
I specialize in whole-bodied therapy to heal anxiety and trauma for children, teens, and adults. I offer attachment-based, trauma-healing, body-oriented approaches (EMDR, Havening & Somatics), play therapy, integrative talk therapy, & nature-oriented outdoor therapy. I also provide therapy for hopeful, awaiting, and new parents who are navigating the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey. I provide therapy online across CA and outdoors if you are local to the East Bay. In-home therapy is also available for children and families.
Karen Lau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
Clients come to me due to anxiety, grief and trauma related concerns while facing stressors and life transitions. Life is difficult when you have mental health struggles due to problems related to health, family, marriage, dating, and/or work. It affects self confidence. You may be also be navigating the impact of immigration, cultural background, and inter-generational challenges that are confusing your identity development and your worldview. As an Asian therapist, I not only have familiarity but I am culturally affirming for APIDA individuals.
Clients come to me due to anxiety, grief and trauma related concerns while facing stressors and life transitions. Life is difficult when you have mental health struggles due to problems related to health, family, marriage, dating, and/or work. It affects self confidence. You may be also be navigating the impact of immigration, cultural background, and inter-generational challenges that are confusing your identity development and your worldview. As an Asian therapist, I not only have familiarity but I am culturally affirming for APIDA individuals.
I work with Individuals and Couples developing better skills for communication, coping with stress and life transitions, and relationship building skills. I offer deeply attentive and compassionate Therapy that doesn't shy away from hard conversations and is culturally responsive. I am active in your sessions, asking thoughtful questions, observing strengths and progress, and checking in. I use an eclectic mix of Attachment Theory, Somatic Therapies, Gottman, and RLT. I help people reconnect with their inner knowing to become their best selves. I work well with Couples, LGBTQ Clients, and Teens.
I work with Individuals and Couples developing better skills for communication, coping with stress and life transitions, and relationship building skills. I offer deeply attentive and compassionate Therapy that doesn't shy away from hard conversations and is culturally responsive. I am active in your sessions, asking thoughtful questions, observing strengths and progress, and checking in. I use an eclectic mix of Attachment Theory, Somatic Therapies, Gottman, and RLT. I help people reconnect with their inner knowing to become their best selves. I work well with Couples, LGBTQ Clients, and Teens.
I am not your run of the mill therapist. Oh sure, I listen well and am very compassionate and calm. But I just don't sit there and ask you how you feel. I do care about your feelings but I am more curious about your experience and how we can increase your awareness so that you can make helpful and inspired choices. As you can imagine I help people deal with any issue you can possibly think of- from depression to life transitions to the loss of a loved one or trauma.
I am not your run of the mill therapist. Oh sure, I listen well and am very compassionate and calm. But I just don't sit there and ask you how you feel. I do care about your feelings but I am more curious about your experience and how we can increase your awareness so that you can make helpful and inspired choices. As you can imagine I help people deal with any issue you can possibly think of- from depression to life transitions to the loss of a loved one or trauma.
Shawna B. Adkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
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
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
Are you looking for a consistent touchstone in your week or every other week that offers support in what you're navigating in your life? If you are looking to build your toolbox and develop your sense of empowerment to navigate this world, then we can work on that together. I work with clients seeking a combination of talk therapy and mindfulness practices to develop their intuition and a compassionate relationship with their inner world, and who are seeking to build more peace in their nervous systems, relationships, and environments. If you’d like to take a step, contact me today for a consultation.
Are you looking for a consistent touchstone in your week or every other week that offers support in what you're navigating in your life? If you are looking to build your toolbox and develop your sense of empowerment to navigate this world, then we can work on that together. I work with clients seeking a combination of talk therapy and mindfulness practices to develop their intuition and a compassionate relationship with their inner world, and who are seeking to build more peace in their nervous systems, relationships, and environments. If you’d like to take a step, contact me today for a consultation.
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Psychotherapist and Attorney
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Melissa Murphy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
Whether you or your child struggle with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, grief, life transitions, addiction or other conditions, I would be honored to accompany you or your loved ones on your healing journey. Our work will focus on creating the safety and acceptance that allows for change. Because our lives are shaped by the culture in which we live, we can also consider the social forces that may have shaped you, including racial, gender, and class biases.
Melanie Ferrari
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I'm authentic and direct, and I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art. My style is anchored in cognitive science, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, somatic psychology, and archetypes. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology.
I'm authentic and direct, and I value science equally with the domain of intuition and art. My style is anchored in cognitive science, attachment theory, mindfulness, social justice, parts work, somatic psychology, and archetypes. I'm queer and LGBTQIA+ aligned, and I consider myself an especially huge nerd with evolutionary psychology.
Eve Peters
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA, JD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
With a Stanford B.A./ UC Berkeley J.D., a prior career as a dating startup founder/CEO, a journey healing from a painful autoimmune disease, and most recently having become a new mother, I bring rigor, depth, and rare professional experience to the therapy room. To optimize for the best client results, I combine the use of psychodynamic therapy, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) skills, EFT for couples, mind-body (somatic) work, meditation, breathwork, and yoga. My practice is informed by modern, evidence-based methods of therapy as well as spiritual wisdom from Zen Buddhism, Judaism, and the teachings of the yoga masters.
With a Stanford B.A./ UC Berkeley J.D., a prior career as a dating startup founder/CEO, a journey healing from a painful autoimmune disease, and most recently having become a new mother, I bring rigor, depth, and rare professional experience to the therapy room. To optimize for the best client results, I combine the use of psychodynamic therapy, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) skills, EFT for couples, mind-body (somatic) work, meditation, breathwork, and yoga. My practice is informed by modern, evidence-based methods of therapy as well as spiritual wisdom from Zen Buddhism, Judaism, and the teachings of the yoga masters.
Therapy for all of You. We all need to learn to manage our emotions and navigate the ups and downs including depression, and anxiety, among others. This is true whether you need help with your sense of self, and your self-esteem as an adult woman, navigating life at home and work. We offer a holistic therapy approach for women like you through expert somatic therapy and support in navigating specific parenting challenges through family therapy, child therapy, and parent therapy in Oakland and Los Gatos, or online therapy anywhere in California.
Therapy for all of You. We all need to learn to manage our emotions and navigate the ups and downs including depression, and anxiety, among others. This is true whether you need help with your sense of self, and your self-esteem as an adult woman, navigating life at home and work. We offer a holistic therapy approach for women like you through expert somatic therapy and support in navigating specific parenting challenges through family therapy, child therapy, and parent therapy in Oakland and Los Gatos, or online therapy anywhere in California.
Whatever your current struggle, loss, transition or self-limiting behaviors are, I am committed to helping you access your own wisdom and healing potential. I am interactive, supportive, engaged and solution-based, tailoring interventions to your personal needs. Goals can include helping you: Find personal freedom, hope, and self-compassion that are the calling beneath fear/anxiety; Become happier and stronger as you navigate through loss and change related to career, relationships, aging, etc; Find balance in your life and what really brings you passion and joy; Relinquish problematic behaviors and beliefs and find a more workable and heartfelt connection to yourself and others.
Whatever your current struggle, loss, transition or self-limiting behaviors are, I am committed to helping you access your own wisdom and healing potential. I am interactive, supportive, engaged and solution-based, tailoring interventions to your personal needs. Goals can include helping you: Find personal freedom, hope, and self-compassion that are the calling beneath fear/anxiety; Become happier and stronger as you navigate through loss and change related to career, relationships, aging, etc; Find balance in your life and what really brings you passion and joy; Relinquish problematic behaviors and beliefs and find a more workable and heartfelt connection to yourself and others.
The combination of strong anxiety and strong intellect poses special challenges for those caught in the crosshairs. I help individuals with active, analytical minds to work through anxiety-related problems such as panic, worry, avoidance, and compulsive thoughts or habits. The intersection of eating disorders and anxiety is a special focus of my practice. My approach is warm, practical, and evidence-based, grounded in both mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
The combination of strong anxiety and strong intellect poses special challenges for those caught in the crosshairs. I help individuals with active, analytical minds to work through anxiety-related problems such as panic, worry, avoidance, and compulsive thoughts or habits. The intersection of eating disorders and anxiety is a special focus of my practice. My approach is warm, practical, and evidence-based, grounded in both mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
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.
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.
Rachael Cresci
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DBH, LCSW, M-RAS
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603 (Online Only)
I'm here to support you through the twists and turns of life. Together, we'll explore your needs and challenges to help increase your sense of empowered, resilience, and wellness. I'll work closely with you to build trust and find solutions that fit your unique situation. Whether it's managing anxiety, navigating depression, or tackling any other mental health concern, I'm dedicated to helping you achieve holistic well-being. How can I support you on your journey to mental wellness? What specific challenges are you facing right now?
I'm here to support you through the twists and turns of life. Together, we'll explore your needs and challenges to help increase your sense of empowered, resilience, and wellness. I'll work closely with you to build trust and find solutions that fit your unique situation. Whether it's managing anxiety, navigating depression, or tackling any other mental health concern, I'm dedicated to helping you achieve holistic well-being. How can I support you on your journey to mental wellness? What specific challenges are you facing right now?
Are you feeling stuck despite years of talk therapy, or struggling with chronic pain or stress-related health issues? Do anxiety, overwhelm, or persistent feelings of low self-esteem make it hard for you to feel balanced and at peace? In today's world, it's common to feel disconnected from a sense of calm and well-being—especially if you come from a historically marginalized community.
Are you feeling stuck despite years of talk therapy, or struggling with chronic pain or stress-related health issues? Do anxiety, overwhelm, or persistent feelings of low self-esteem make it hard for you to feel balanced and at peace? In today's world, it's common to feel disconnected from a sense of calm and well-being—especially if you come from a historically marginalized community.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Buddhist Therapists
Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.