EMDR Therapists in Alameda, CA

Hello and thank you for considering working with me! I am a social-justice minded, trauma-informed therapist with over 8 years working alongside individuals of diverse cultural identities. I am passionate about working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ and gender expansive communities. I also have extensive experience working with individuals affected by trauma or PTSD, anxiety, depression, and issues related to adjustment or identity.

I am a warm, collaborative therapist who enjoys working with children, adults and families. My hope is to build an alliance with each person that will facilitate personal growth and increased satisfaction in relationships. With both children and adults I employ an eclectic mixture of: Attachment Theory, EMDR , FLASH, positive psychology, CBT, solution oriented, social stories, play therapy, and lots of listening. When things seem difficult I can help brainstorm practical strategies for getting through hard times. I have a strong belief that we all know what is best for ourselves, sometimes it's just hard to envision.

My approach emphasizes respect, transparency, authenticity, and collaboration. I believe that most problems exert their influence on people by blinding them to their own strengths, resources and potential solutions. Problems can saturate people's lives in complex and expansive ways. As a curious outsider with training and experience, I work with clients to debunk dysfunctional assumptions, and to challenge problem-inspired patterns. It's an honor to witness and support clients, as they practice living more consistently with their articulated values and goals, progressing towards more preferred ways of being.

The Codependency Clinic is specifically designed for codependency recovery. We treat Adults Facing Codependency, C-PTSD, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families, Adult Children of Narcissists and couples. All of our therapists are trained in EMDR , Somatic Experiencing and The Pia Mellody Model. Our couples' therapists are level 3 Gottman trained practitioners. Our treatment plan is structured and individually specific. We offer individual, group and intensive recovery retreats. Check out our website www.thecodependencyclinic.com.

As the daughter of a narcissist I am uniquely qualified to guide you through your own process of recovery. I specialize in Adult Children of Narcissists, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Codependency, Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families with an emphasis on early childhood survival and its effect on adult relationships, and couples. My style is interactive, engaged and non-judgmental. I offer individual sessions, weekly support groups and small group intensives (see website). Clinical training includes: Somatic Experiencing, EMDR , EFT &Pia Mellody's trauma treatment model, PACT & Gottman (for couples). Phone and Zoom available.

The decision to begin therapy is a courageous step–one that can be life-changing. Whether you are feeling anxious, sad, stressed, angry, confused or stuck, therapy can offer a safe space for you to explore your inner world and gain new insights and skills. I have helped clients across the lifespan manage difficult emotions, heal traumas, gain self-confidence, learn new skills for navigating romantic and social relationships, find relief from long-term mental health issues, uncover creativity and life purpose, and reconnect with their partners in new ways. Therapy is a collaboration and I am here to help you on your journey.

Who Should Help the Very Special You? Interview several therapists either in person or by phone. Ask them how they've helped other people. Ask them how they will approach your specific needs. A Little Bit About Me! My life's work is dedicated to guiding individuals towards personal transformation and fulfillment of their ultimate potential. The most important thing is today. Are you unhappy today and hoping tomorrow will be better? Only you can make the changes today that will make you happy tomorrow - don't wait.

I have over 25 years experience working with a variety of clients who seek support and help making changes. Perhaps PTSD, depression or anxiety are roadblocks in your life. Perhaps you are self medicating with substances to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Or perhaps you are struggling with codependent behaviors that stop you from growing. I listen and offer support. I have a variety of techniques available to use including EMDR , EFT, CBT, and more, that can facilitate the changes you seek.

For therapy to be effective, it is important that you feel safe to express your most vulnerable thoughts and feelings as well as be committed to putting in the work. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can feel seen and heard. From that place, and employing the most effective evidence-based therapies along with integrative and holistic modalities, we work together to uncover and shift negative subconscious beliefs and blocks to create lasting change. I love helping my clients live more fulfilled and meaningful lives in alignment with their values and purpose.

I strongly believe in an individual's ability to change and improve the quality of his or her life. I view my role as a catalyst for transformation, and work to create a safe collaborative environment of mutual trust, where any issue can be discussed and explored in depth: www.drsophiesoltani.com

I will interrupt you a lot, that is what meditation does. It interrupts our stories about ourselves and the world around us. I will also listen to you, deeply. That is another way meditation helps, we learn to listen to ourselves deeply. The word akrasia means 'out of control' and is used to describe the way we continue to do things that we know is not in our best interest, or don't do things that we know are in our best interest. Most people feel relief just to know there is word for it. The cause of akrasia is said to be a lack of information and meditation gives us access to the information we need to change.

I believe that our experiences in life are reflected in our behaviors, shape our thoughts, are held in our bodies, and trigger our emotions often outside of our consciousness. Increasing awareness at all levels allows us to have access to more choices in our lives. I see the goal of psychotherapy is to help people find a place in them where it feels safe, loving, and truthful, accessing their authentic selves. To facilitate this process, I explore with clients their thoughts and belief systems, behaviors, feelings, and physical sensations, helping to connect and integrate the mind, body and spirit.

Clients I work with tend to struggle with their partnerships and families, experience issues around intimacy & vulnerability, have experienced trauma that interferes with their relationships, have taken on shame, blame, or distorted thinking from their families, and/or feel constantly overwhelmed, stressed, disembodied, tense & angry in their relationships. I am committed to helping the full spectrum of family systems, both *individually* & as a *whole*, to gain more peace within their homes, to feel safe within their personal bodies & their whole family body again, and to heal the effects of intergenerational trauma on them.

Navigating life's challenges is never easy, but reaching out for help is a brave first step to living a more genuine and fulfilling life. I have expertise in working with individuals struggling with childhood trauma and trauma-related symptoms such as grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational conflict. I believe every client is unique and deserves to be listened to and understood in an empathetic way. I am passionate about creating a safe, kind, collaborative and judgment-free space where clients can attain new insights, experience new feelings, and find a renewed sense of physical and mental well-being.

Do you have trouble with anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues due to trauma? Past experiences can create imprints onto your brain that activate your fight/flight responses whenever your emotions feel dysregulated, but life without the constant feeling of being on edge is possible. Those traumatic memories don’t have to permanently influence who you are meant to be. Through therapy, you will gain control of your feelings/thoughts and your response to everyday life hurdles. Healing from trauma can create healthier beliefs about yourself and your relationships along with sustainable changes.