Family Therapy in Alameda, CA

I am an experienced children's psychotherapist, with a private practice in Alameda and have provided therapeutic services for children, teens and families for 20+ years. I have been able to help families deal with a variety of issues including trauma, loss, family -conflict, children/teens with learning disabilities and a variety of behavioral issues, as well as familial substance use issues, post-divorce issues, severe anxiety and depression.

At East Bay Center for Anxiety Relief, we work with adults, children, teens, couples, and families. We also facilitate periodic groups focused on communication skills, social skills, anxiety, depression, and working women. We strive for mindful, efficient, and effective therapy. Our clinicians are trained in research-based models such as TEAM-CBT and Gottman couples/ family models. We work a bit differently than more traditional practices. We don’t cram an hour of therapy into 50 minutes. Instead, we provide full 60-, 75-, or 90-minute sessions.

When it comes to getting help for yourself or your family , finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is an important first step. I create a supportive and authentic environment where we can focus on your individual goals so you can move forward with your life. I take a practical and eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating family systems theory, evidenced based practices, and mindfulness practices into sessions, and work to help you feel better as quickly as possible.

I believe that individual power and potential is boundless, and yet I deeply understand how vulnerable we are to life's pain. The complex emotions involved in loss, family /marital conflict and unpredictable change often require us to find fresh perspective, rebuild internal resources and enhance our self-compassion. I am an active, emotionally engaged therapist with a broad and comprehensive knowledge base that is a touchstone for understanding your individual needs.

I work with children ranging in age from kindergarten through middle school, as well as parents and caregivers. I can help children who are facing challenges around anxiety, life transitions, losses, self-esteem, and relationships with peers and/or family members. I know that children are most effectively treated when their parents are engaged in the treatment process. The degree to which parents are included depends on each child’s needs. I am also happy to provide parent consultation as the primary intervention if a parent is interested in trying that approach instead of individual child therapy.

I work with adults, teens, couples, and families who are struggling in their own lives or in their relationships (with children, partners, themselves) in an empathic, non-judgmental, directive and engaged manner. I can help you identify where you are stuck and give you the opportunity to practice trying things a different way in order to feel better. I am experienced in working with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, family /relationship conflict and life transitions. I obtain regular feedback from my clients to ensure we stay focused on client-defined treatment goals.

You may be an individual or couple seeking a (Spanish/English) bilingual therapist to understand and explore your unique communication issues that come from cross-cultural coupledom. You may be a new parent with prenatal and postpartum issues such as fear, stress, depression, anxiety around birth, new roles, and family adjustment who needs help and support as you navigate your new family configuration. Individuals or families struggling with chronic illness issues and caretaking are under stress and may feel depression and anxiety around the Diagnosis trauma or may be experiencing anticipatory grief.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with many years of experience working with adults, young children and their families. I am a bilingual native Spanish speaking and bicultural therapist. I offer my services to clients around the Bay Area, and the state of California, currently conducting telehealth sessions due tp Covid-19. I offer consultation and supervision in dyadic therapy to therapists working with Spanish speaking population.

You are struggling and you feel alone. I can help. Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? Do you often feel judged or alone? Are you interested in looking within, learning more about yourself and creating the life you deserve? If so, I am here to help. I support clients struggling with depression and anxiety, learning about and coping with the highly sensitive trait, as well as grief and difficult life transitions. I specialize in older teens, college students, young adulthood/emerging professionals. and women around issues of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and family life.

At East Bay Center for Anxiety Relief, we work with adults, children, teens, couples, and families. We also facilitate periodic groups focused on communication skills, social skills, anxiety, depression, and working women. We strive for mindful, efficient, and effective therapy. Our clinicians are trained in research-based models such as TEAM-CBT and Gottman couples/ family models. We work a bit differently than more traditional practices. We don’t cram an hour of therapy into 50 minutes. Instead, we provide full 60-, 75-, or 90-minute sessions.

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.

I earned my B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. at UCLA. After completing my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UCLA (one of the most highly rated Clinical Psychology programs in the nation), I completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harbor UCLA Medical Center focusing on Child and Adolescent clinical populations. I have been working with children, adolescents, and their families for more than twenty-five years. I have clinical familiarity with the treatment of a general clinical population as well as more specialized populations like ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, and Depression.

With over 35 years of experience as an individual and family therapist in many types of settings, I view therapy as a co-created, compassionate and courageous journey into the discovery of the self. I work with individuals and couples, and particularly enjoy helping people find their true passion, gifts and sense of self. I also work with individuals who are in life transition, struggling with depression, anxiety, work stress, spiritual crisis, relationship issues, parenting issues, or any issue that is interfering with living life fully.

My clinical approach to working with teen and adult clients is to provide a safe as well as non-judgemental place to process difficult emotions and situations that may be hindering a healthy and balanced life. I work from a client centered and relationship based model allowing for optimal growth to shift the patterns that are causing you to feel stuck. This enables change, positivity, and renewed energy in your life. Some common reasons people seek therapy are; difficulties with peer relationships, depression, life transitions, stress, substance use, self esteem and body image, parenting, academic performance, and family conflict.

I look forward to addressing your individual needs. I specialize in treating adolescent issues of all types with a specific focus on depression and mood disorders. I also offer services for people suffering from addiction, in all its forms. I work with adolescence, adults and couples, and of course with the entire family when indicated. I am considered a technical eclectic, which means I use whatever theoretical approach I feel will work best for your situation. We will also draw from film, literature, culture and spirituality in our sessions so that we can make use of your unique personal interests.

Sessions are available, now, on-line, and phone. I provide a safe haven for you to explore stress, relationship issues, and past traumas that are getting in the way of you experiencing a fulfilling life. My unique and gentle techniques enable you to challenge patterns and behaviors that are limiting joy, satisfaction, and the ability to be calm.. We work at your pace, developing strategies, which will empower you to reach your goals. Together we create a safe environment, where you feel free to shift and change on all levels of being: psychological, emotional, spiritual, physical, and energetic.