Secular and Non-Religious Therapists in Alameda, CA
Hi, I’m Mariah! I strive to approach every therapeutic relationship with authenticity, curiosity and compassion. I believe that you have all that's needed inside of you to create a path of healing, and I am honored by the opportunity to walk beside you, exactly as you are. I promise to offer unconditional presence, honesty and care as we work together to face life’s challenges. I’m a “roll up your sleeves and get in there” kinda therapist and am excited to partner with you rather than in front of you. I work from an anti-oppression lens, often noting the socio-cultural impacts on our lives.
Hi, I’m Mariah! I strive to approach every therapeutic relationship with authenticity, curiosity and compassion. I believe that you have all that's needed inside of you to create a path of healing, and I am honored by the opportunity to walk beside you, exactly as you are. I promise to offer unconditional presence, honesty and care as we work together to face life’s challenges. I’m a “roll up your sleeves and get in there” kinda therapist and am excited to partner with you rather than in front of you. I work from an anti-oppression lens, often noting the socio-cultural impacts on our lives.
I work with adults — especially older adults, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ+ clients, and caregivers — who come for anxiety, depression, chronic illness, life-stage transitions, and aging concerns. Using CBT and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I provide practical, culturally attuned strategies, clear goals, and compassionate support. Together we reduce symptoms, strengthen coping, and improve daily functioning — with warmth, honesty, and a dash of humor
I work with adults — especially older adults, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ+ clients, and caregivers — who come for anxiety, depression, chronic illness, life-stage transitions, and aging concerns. Using CBT and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I provide practical, culturally attuned strategies, clear goals, and compassionate support. Together we reduce symptoms, strengthen coping, and improve daily functioning — with warmth, honesty, and a dash of humor
Fearful, hopeless, or uncomfortable with yourself or your relationships? Pain is unavoidable, but I can help you carry that burden as we work towards solutions together. I am Dr. Bonnie Blackman, PhD, MA in Psychology, and a licensed therapist. For over 30 years, I work with both children and adults. My aim is to create a non-judgmental, supportive space as we navigate your concerns and fears to find safe, secure, and comfortable solutions.
Fearful, hopeless, or uncomfortable with yourself or your relationships? Pain is unavoidable, but I can help you carry that burden as we work towards solutions together. I am Dr. Bonnie Blackman, PhD, MA in Psychology, and a licensed therapist. For over 30 years, I work with both children and adults. My aim is to create a non-judgmental, supportive space as we navigate your concerns and fears to find safe, secure, and comfortable solutions.
If you are a thoughtful, capable person who is feeling stuck or burnt out, then you and I could be a good match.
My areas of focus include:
1. EMDR to support people who have experienced trauma
2. IFS (Internal Family Systems) to help people adapt to big life changes and transitions
3. Assertiveness and boundaries work with clients who are burnt out and exhausted
4. Couples work using The Gottman Method to help couples connect and communicate better so they can work better as a team.
My work aims to help my clients get to a place of peace, calm, confidence and feeling more in control of their destiny.
If you are a thoughtful, capable person who is feeling stuck or burnt out, then you and I could be a good match.
My areas of focus include:
1. EMDR to support people who have experienced trauma
2. IFS (Internal Family Systems) to help people adapt to big life changes and transitions
3. Assertiveness and boundaries work with clients who are burnt out and exhausted
4. Couples work using The Gottman Method to help couples connect and communicate better so they can work better as a team.
My work aims to help my clients get to a place of peace, calm, confidence and feeling more in control of their destiny.
Making the decision to work on uncertain or painful feelings, thoughts and life events is hard. Many of us wait until we're in a lot of pain before deciding to get help. I will make the process of therapy transparent so you know what to expect if you choose to work with me. After a thorough intake, we will prioritize your concerns and I will explain your treatment options and ensure that we are collaborating on your goals. I am a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in diverse settings including Kaiser outpatient clinics and non-profits focusing on geropsychology, health psychology and refugee mental health.
Making the decision to work on uncertain or painful feelings, thoughts and life events is hard. Many of us wait until we're in a lot of pain before deciding to get help. I will make the process of therapy transparent so you know what to expect if you choose to work with me. After a thorough intake, we will prioritize your concerns and I will explain your treatment options and ensure that we are collaborating on your goals. I am a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in diverse settings including Kaiser outpatient clinics and non-profits focusing on geropsychology, health psychology and refugee mental health.
Have you gone through a challenging time and found yourself still returning to it in your mind, though the challenge has passed? Perhaps it is not your mind, but your body, that holds onto the stress. Body stress can show up as trouble sleeping, unexplained tension or strain, difficulty relaxing, difficulty mobilizing energy for things we need to do, or feeling the need to always be moving or working on something. Our bodies are amazingly creative in the ways they try to mitigate stress. Sometimes when that process is unconscious though, those stress relieving strategies can work against us.
Have you gone through a challenging time and found yourself still returning to it in your mind, though the challenge has passed? Perhaps it is not your mind, but your body, that holds onto the stress. Body stress can show up as trouble sleeping, unexplained tension or strain, difficulty relaxing, difficulty mobilizing energy for things we need to do, or feeling the need to always be moving or working on something. Our bodies are amazingly creative in the ways they try to mitigate stress. Sometimes when that process is unconscious though, those stress relieving strategies can work against us.
My name is Amisha, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and families find joy and meaning in their lives. I utilize evidence-based modalities that bring about change by providing tools clients can use to become their own therapist. My stance is deeply empathic and curious, leaning into what happened to you rather than what is wrong with you. We will meet for 90 minutes the first time, moving to true 60-mins & 75-mins sessions thereafter. Emotional pain hurts just as deeply as physical pain. Your pain matters. You matter.
My name is Amisha, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and families find joy and meaning in their lives. I utilize evidence-based modalities that bring about change by providing tools clients can use to become their own therapist. My stance is deeply empathic and curious, leaning into what happened to you rather than what is wrong with you. We will meet for 90 minutes the first time, moving to true 60-mins & 75-mins sessions thereafter. Emotional pain hurts just as deeply as physical pain. Your pain matters. You matter.
My goal is to help people make ho-hum sex good, and good sex great! I love working with couples looking to rekindle their fire or make it burn brighter, and also with individuals looking to deepen their understanding of their own sexuality and in turn become an even better lover and partner. Dating, foreplay, and exploration of fantasies are just a few exciting areas of my work. I have experience in helping clients develop confidence and skill in diverse types of sexual expression (for example, dominance and submission). love helping couples learn how to lovingly share their needs and desires.
My goal is to help people make ho-hum sex good, and good sex great! I love working with couples looking to rekindle their fire or make it burn brighter, and also with individuals looking to deepen their understanding of their own sexuality and in turn become an even better lover and partner. Dating, foreplay, and exploration of fantasies are just a few exciting areas of my work. I have experience in helping clients develop confidence and skill in diverse types of sexual expression (for example, dominance and submission). love helping couples learn how to lovingly share their needs and desires.
You are walking through this world, with that inherent inner wisdom that tells you that you are ready, that it is time to unburden yourself from that trauma, that negative childhood experience, that grief from losing someone or something so valuable to you, or that ongoing depression and/or anxiety. With the right support, you believe that you can find balance and peace of mind and heart. If you want to find contentment, maybe working with a therapist can help you get on the right path. Licensed for 25 years and trained in a variety of methodologies. I can use that variety to create a personalized treatment plan for you.
You are walking through this world, with that inherent inner wisdom that tells you that you are ready, that it is time to unburden yourself from that trauma, that negative childhood experience, that grief from losing someone or something so valuable to you, or that ongoing depression and/or anxiety. With the right support, you believe that you can find balance and peace of mind and heart. If you want to find contentment, maybe working with a therapist can help you get on the right path. Licensed for 25 years and trained in a variety of methodologies. I can use that variety to create a personalized treatment plan for you.
You can explain your patterns and attachment style, but your body continues to react from painful past experiences. You've tried to protect yourself with perfectionism, people pleasing, masking, and are now burnt out from trying. You want healthy, connected relationships to yourself and others, but stress, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, or attachment wounds are in the way.
For many BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and highly sensitive adults, trauma is cumulative and continual. You deserve compassionate, affirming support that holds space for ongoing experiences with racial stress, minority stress, and generational survival patterns.
You can explain your patterns and attachment style, but your body continues to react from painful past experiences. You've tried to protect yourself with perfectionism, people pleasing, masking, and are now burnt out from trying. You want healthy, connected relationships to yourself and others, but stress, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, or attachment wounds are in the way.
For many BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and highly sensitive adults, trauma is cumulative and continual. You deserve compassionate, affirming support that holds space for ongoing experiences with racial stress, minority stress, and generational survival patterns.
Do your daily stressors, inner critique, and unhealed trauma leave you feeling defeated and unseen? Does this get in the way of your healing process, or affect your current relationships? Life is not meant to be tackled alone, especially in today's world, which is full of overwhelming stressors and increasing disconnectedness; both disconnection from ourselves, and others. In providing a non-judgmental, affirming space for you, we can explore your story, struggles, and strengths together, at a pace that feels safe for you. Are you also constantly having to navigate multiple marginalized identities?
Do your daily stressors, inner critique, and unhealed trauma leave you feeling defeated and unseen? Does this get in the way of your healing process, or affect your current relationships? Life is not meant to be tackled alone, especially in today's world, which is full of overwhelming stressors and increasing disconnectedness; both disconnection from ourselves, and others. In providing a non-judgmental, affirming space for you, we can explore your story, struggles, and strengths together, at a pace that feels safe for you. Are you also constantly having to navigate multiple marginalized identities?
My name is David Borof, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the State of California. Providing therapy and being able to serve others is my passion. I consider providing therapy as my art, although I stay on top of the latest research and evidence-based practices. I look forward to working with you! Research shows that what is most effective in therapy is a therapeutic alliance and good rapport. My main focus is to establish a safe space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with empathy and by supporting the client's self-determination.
My name is David Borof, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with the State of California. Providing therapy and being able to serve others is my passion. I consider providing therapy as my art, although I stay on top of the latest research and evidence-based practices. I look forward to working with you! Research shows that what is most effective in therapy is a therapeutic alliance and good rapport. My main focus is to establish a safe space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with empathy and by supporting the client's self-determination.
Are you looking to heal from trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, experiences with abuse and family violence? Or years of navigating systemic oppression? Are you motivated to develop into your most joyful and resilient self? Let me help you metabolize pain into triumph. I’ve been helping individuals, families and groups transcend trauma, abuse and grief for over 10 years in California and Hawai’i. I have a liberatory and integrative approach that is authentic, collaborative, warm, creative and joyful.
Are you looking to heal from trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, experiences with abuse and family violence? Or years of navigating systemic oppression? Are you motivated to develop into your most joyful and resilient self? Let me help you metabolize pain into triumph. I’ve been helping individuals, families and groups transcend trauma, abuse and grief for over 10 years in California and Hawai’i. I have a liberatory and integrative approach that is authentic, collaborative, warm, creative and joyful.
I hope to facilitate a space that helps you grow your connection to yourself, to your values, and to the people and communities who matter most to you. I find there are lots of things that try to get in the way of these connections. I believe it is my role to keep our conversations focused on what's truly important to you and the steps you have taken, and want to continue to take, to get closer to it. Sometimes, that might look like documenting our conversations through writing or drawing. Always, we will check in to make sure that we're moving towards where you want to be going.
I hope to facilitate a space that helps you grow your connection to yourself, to your values, and to the people and communities who matter most to you. I find there are lots of things that try to get in the way of these connections. I believe it is my role to keep our conversations focused on what's truly important to you and the steps you have taken, and want to continue to take, to get closer to it. Sometimes, that might look like documenting our conversations through writing or drawing. Always, we will check in to make sure that we're moving towards where you want to be going.
Everything is impermanent. My ideal client takes many different forms and they are all individualized. My client is suffering and it is my role to reduce anxiety, depression and addiction so that it is no longer unbearable. I provide both short term (goal oriented), and long term (Existential and Psychodynamic) therapy. Life is about transitions; each ending of a transition marks the beginning of a new challenge and I will walk alongside you as we navigate change. My goal is to help you adjust and to provide strategies for eliminating harmful behaviors. This journey will promote peace within you and with the others in your life.
Everything is impermanent. My ideal client takes many different forms and they are all individualized. My client is suffering and it is my role to reduce anxiety, depression and addiction so that it is no longer unbearable. I provide both short term (goal oriented), and long term (Existential and Psychodynamic) therapy. Life is about transitions; each ending of a transition marks the beginning of a new challenge and I will walk alongside you as we navigate change. My goal is to help you adjust and to provide strategies for eliminating harmful behaviors. This journey will promote peace within you and with the others in your life.
When anxiety ramps up or depression pulls you down, getting through the day can feel like a lot. You might be overthinking everything and your mind won’t stop racing, or you might be heavy, slow, and struggling to feel anything at all. It just seems like you’re struggling more than others, and you’re tired of feeling this way. You’re ready to feel more grounded, build your confidence, and find clarity and purpose. Relief is possible, you just need some help getting there. I specialize in working teens and adults struggling with anxiety and depression.
When anxiety ramps up or depression pulls you down, getting through the day can feel like a lot. You might be overthinking everything and your mind won’t stop racing, or you might be heavy, slow, and struggling to feel anything at all. It just seems like you’re struggling more than others, and you’re tired of feeling this way. You’re ready to feel more grounded, build your confidence, and find clarity and purpose. Relief is possible, you just need some help getting there. I specialize in working teens and adults struggling with anxiety and depression.
Have you experienced awful or traumatic experiences in your life? Did these experiences leave you feeling dazed and confused about who you are and how to navigate life? Does your brain and body feel overly tired? Do you worry about just about everything? Have difficulty with decisions and follow through? Perhaps you’re engaging with alcohol, drugs, food, and other things in unhelpful ways to try to numb emotional pain. Negative life experiences leave negative imprints on your brain and body. Heal your brain and body to change your life to being more functional and stable.
Have you experienced awful or traumatic experiences in your life? Did these experiences leave you feeling dazed and confused about who you are and how to navigate life? Does your brain and body feel overly tired? Do you worry about just about everything? Have difficulty with decisions and follow through? Perhaps you’re engaging with alcohol, drugs, food, and other things in unhelpful ways to try to numb emotional pain. Negative life experiences leave negative imprints on your brain and body. Heal your brain and body to change your life to being more functional and stable.
My focus is in helping individual adults and couples to heal from the direct and indirect effects of trauma and build healthy lives and relationships. Trauma shows up in many ways, some obvious and some not realized to be trauma by the person or people going through it. It can have many effects, including fear, anxiety, depression, numbness, chronic pain, negative thoughts, anger, feeling out of control, feeling like it's your fault, not feeling normal, feeling a sense of needing to keep busy, panic, self-harm, relationship difficulties, family difficulties, shutting down, isolating, or being uncomfortable being alone.
My focus is in helping individual adults and couples to heal from the direct and indirect effects of trauma and build healthy lives and relationships. Trauma shows up in many ways, some obvious and some not realized to be trauma by the person or people going through it. It can have many effects, including fear, anxiety, depression, numbness, chronic pain, negative thoughts, anger, feeling out of control, feeling like it's your fault, not feeling normal, feeling a sense of needing to keep busy, panic, self-harm, relationship difficulties, family difficulties, shutting down, isolating, or being uncomfortable being alone.
My name is Devin Nigh and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Oakland, California and supporting California clients via telehealth sessions. I specialize in working with adolescents, children, and young adults and use a humanistic therapy approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools to help clients and families make positive changes in their lives. I help young adults and youth facing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Trauma, and Substance Abuse
My name is Devin Nigh and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Oakland, California and supporting California clients via telehealth sessions. I specialize in working with adolescents, children, and young adults and use a humanistic therapy approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools to help clients and families make positive changes in their lives. I help young adults and youth facing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Trauma, and Substance Abuse
Are you (or your child) feeling overwhelmed by the many crises of our time? I specialize in whole-bodied therapy to address symptoms related to anxiety, grief, and trauma for adults, youth, and families. Many of the people I work with identify as "sensitive" and have been called "overly sensitive" by an insensitive world. As a therapist, I do not aim to support people in simply "feeling better" or getting rid of their emotions of grief, anxiety, or sadness. Instead, I aim to support the uncovering, expression, and channeling of these sacred emotions as fuel to repair the wounds of both our individual lives and of the world.
Are you (or your child) feeling overwhelmed by the many crises of our time? I specialize in whole-bodied therapy to address symptoms related to anxiety, grief, and trauma for adults, youth, and families. Many of the people I work with identify as "sensitive" and have been called "overly sensitive" by an insensitive world. As a therapist, I do not aim to support people in simply "feeling better" or getting rid of their emotions of grief, anxiety, or sadness. Instead, I aim to support the uncovering, expression, and channeling of these sacred emotions as fuel to repair the wounds of both our individual lives and of the world.
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Nearby Secular and Non-Religious Therapists Searches for Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- Emeryville
- Hayward
- Moraga
- Oakland
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
- South San Francisco
Secular and Non-Religious Therapists
What is a secular and non religious approach in therapy?
Secular or non-religious therapy is a theoretical orientation used by many therapists and describes a therapeutic approach that does not rely on any specific religious or faith-based beliefs in the therapeutic process. Secular counselors will often approach therapy with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients, instead of relying on religious practices, such as prayer or belief in God.
Is secular therapy primarily for non-religious people?
Both religious and non-religious individuals can benefit from secular therapy. People exploring their religious or spiritual beliefs may find it especially useful to work with a secular therapist who is unbiased toward any specific religion. While religious individuals might value the connection and familiarity of seeing a counselor who shares their beliefs, secular counseling can offer them the chance to develop coping skills independent of their religious practice, which can be beneficial in various aspects of their lives.
Can a secular approach to therapy help with religious trauma?
One major reason clients may seek a secular therapist is to process previous religious experiences, including religious trauma. Secular therapists can help clients manage symptoms of the trauma through practices such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They can also encourage clients through talk therapy or psychodynamic approaches to explore the roots of their religious trauma. Since secular therapists do not have any predetermined religious beliefs, they can be particularly helpful for clients looking to explore their own religious beliefs following a history of religious trauma.
What does non religious marriage and premarital counseling involve?
Marriage and premarital counseling typically involves a couple meeting with a therapist to discuss topics such as planning for marriage, navigating a new marriage, addressing relationship challenges, and developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. Non-religious therapists assist couples in achieving these goals without adhering to specific religious beliefs or frameworks, often emphasizing inclusivity and non-judgment, especially for "nontraditional" couples. However, seeking couples therapy from a non-religious counselor does not mean religious topics are off-limits. In fact, non-religious couples from different religious backgrounds may benefit from a secular therapist who remains neutral toward the beliefs of each partner.