Couples Counseling Therapists in Berkeley, CA

When you're not getting along with your loved one(s), everything is harder. Whether you're in conflict with your spouse , partner (s), child(ren), parent(s), sibling(s), friend(s), or coworker(s), relationship distress is consuming and painful. If you're struggling in your relationship (s), it can take a toll on your physical + mental health, your work performance, your parenting, and your overall wellbeing. If you've gotten to this point, it's essential to devote focused and compassionate attention to YOU: what you're needing and how to get your needs met, so you can enjoy your life again.

I know what it's like to feel lost on what to do when your inner critic gets cruel after those challenges come up. My own experiences have encouraged me to focus my professional work on helping people like yourself experience self-compassion, reconnect with your inner strength and build successful relationships during life transitions. I’m MariPaz, a bicultural and bilingual therapist living in California for the past 10 years. I specialize in working with people living abroad or far away from their village that are struggling with depression, anxiety, parenting issues and adjustment difficulties during life transitions.

My intent is to help you deal with problems you're facing and lead a more fulfilling life. I have a strong track record of helping people overcome difficulty, struggle and confusion in their lives. I'll work to help you discover a new way of experiencing yourself in the world. I use an integrative mind/body approach to psychotherapy in facilitating change toward contentment and vitality. I work with couples and individuals around issues of intimacy, self-worth, life transition, purpose and spiritual inquiry. My style is collaborative, engaged and supportive.

During times of struggle, you have an absolute right to support from an attentive, warm, trustworthy witness - someone who believes in your strength and brilliance when you can no longer see it, and who stands by your side as you emerge as the architect of your own healing. My work and my passion is to be that witness. I entered into the field of mental health to uplift the experiences of those who often struggle to find responsive and attuned care. As a queer, biracial, Latinx therapist and advocate, I am wholly dedicated to opening a space with you through which you can experience repair, discovery, growth and transformation.

I'm glad you are here. This is a big deal. Whether you seek therapy individually or as part of a couple, the way you relate to yourself, your world, and your people are pivotal to understanding your mental health. I'm committed to supporting couples and individuals at all levels of development who seek a supportive environment in their pursuit of growth and healing. Together, we will explore your present and past to discover your strengths, while making space for the pain and distress you are carrying. Together, we will understand your partner and relationships in a new way and rediscover your capacity to find solutions on your own

In this time of Covid I am providing therapy by phone, FaceTime or Zoom. We are all dealing with the unique emotional and physical impact of this time You may be feeling overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, worry, loss, despair, anger, fear, or confusion. These feelings may be personal or within your relationships. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgemental place where we can work together to understand the meaning of your experience and how to realize your goals for a happier life and for loving relationships. We can address emotional problems, communication, parenting, illness, grief, addiction, and intimacy issues.

East Bay Intimacy & Sex Therapy Center was created with the goal of making the practice of sex & intimacy therapy more relationship -focused & accessible, without the stigma & confusion that often accompanies misperceptions about couples & sex therapy. We offer attachment-based sex therapy & couples counseling . We believe that healthy relationships are at the core of how change & healing occur. Having a healthy sexual relationship to one's self or partner (s) is vital to overall wellbeing. We strive to support & promote lifelong change that will allow you to form sustainable, loving & equitable relationships, & an overall sense of health wellbeing.

You're considering therapy. It is often a complicated and difficult decision but sometimes we just know that it's time to try something new. I believe taking the courageous step to begin therapy helps individuals and families address challenges that keep us from our full potential. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression, relationship issues or isolation, financial preoccupations, or a desire for a new career, you know it is time to work to make things better. I am a psychologist providing flexible, relational therapy to help you to address a range of issues. My style is warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth.

In our work together, we will create a safe place. I will be your witness, bringing psychological understanding and compassion. I've been doing psychotherapy for over 30 years, and have seen the healing power that comes as you take a fresh look at your life circumstances and inner experience. I've seen people of all ages -- from high school through retirement, and everywhere in between. About half my work has been with couples . I often see lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples and individuals.

I am a non-judgmental, active therapist, specializing in substance use/addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain and illness, relationships, and work stress. Prior to private practice, I was the Clinical Director at a San Francisco non-profit serving veterans. I enjoy working with adults, older adults, older teens (16+) and couples . Whether you want to get support around new changes in your life that are causing you pain and worry, or work through problems that have been with you for years, my goal is to help you feel relief, feel empowered, and work through the things that are out of your control.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 12 years of counseling and community mental health experience. I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology and a Masters in Forensic psychology from Holy Names University. I combine my clinical counseling expertise with personal knowledge to offer clients a unique perspective for problem solving. Rather than focus on deficits, I prefer to focus on the client's resources, strength, and talents.

I work with individual adults of all ages as well as with couples : I like to listen to you, metaphorically speaking, with two ears: what you say and how you say it. I like to understand your internal make-up and the dynamics of your interpersonal relationships. I also want to understand with you how it all fits together. Perhaps, through collaborative curiosity, I can help you alter habits from back then that don't serve you in the here and now of your life at this time. I believe that relationships to yourself and others are critically important.

Did you grow up with Asian strict parents who couldn't be okay with honoring your opinion and feelings? Do you find yourself avoiding conflict or hiding your “No’s” with a smile? I help high-achievers from culturally diverse backgrounds develop stronger self-acceptance and create a strategy to manage their negative inner talk. Life of wondering if you are good enough can cause dread and feelings of being in a rut. When you work with me, you address your fears and insecurities at your own pacing and pick up techniques to support your overwhelm. I offer a warm sense of humor, listen in a non-judgmental and caring manner.

I tend to believe that people don’t seek out therapy due to “problems,” since what are labeled as problems are often prior solutions. During times of emotional significance, the mind creates beliefs about the world, others, and the self that act as maps of reality (called schemas). Simultaneously created are adaptive solutions to survive and navigate those times and protect the self. These become embedded in implicit memory, which guides instinctive actions and may be used without awareness. This may eventually cause distress because they’re used to navigate current situations and relationships based on previously-created schemas.

I use a somatic approach to help clients mindfully attune to their mental, physical and emotional needs. My practice focuses on therapy for couples and on ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) for individuals. With couples , I address issues of codependency, boundaries, and lack of emotional or physical intimacy. I also support couples who are going through fertility treatments, pregnancy, or new parenthood. In my KAT work, I support clients who are recovering from trauma, are grieving, or are exploring deeper layers of their spirituality.

To live in America in 2022 is to experience some sort of emotional stress and overwhelm. In the age of information, we are exposed to trauma on a daily basis. The messaging that the world gives us is "do more" and "work harder". We rarely are encouraged to prioritize ourselves, create and enforce healthy boundaries and make time for the things in our lives that bring us peace. If you've been "grinding" and you are now looking up and asking yourself "what is this all for if I'm not enjoying my life", then you are in the right place. I can support you in doing the work it takes to achieve your peace!

I have extensive experience as a therapist working with individuals, couples & families. I communicate genuine care & respect, empathy & non-judgment which creates an environment of safety & understanding, while a belief in goal-oriented therapy promotes generative shifts & sustainable changes. My clinical orientation is informed by psychodynamic, narrative & family systems theories, as well as my committment to racial, restorative + transformative justice. I have long worked with those impacted by violence and believe that wellness is integral to creating community safety.