Psychoanalytic Therapists in Berkeley, CA
I practice psychoanalytic therapy, which focuses on the unconscious mind, therapeutic relationship, & uncensored exploration.
Welcome! My practice is particularly suited for individuals looking for an LGBTQ+ knowledgeable and affirming therapist. While these identities may not always be what brings you into therapy, working with someone who can hold them as important lenses that deepen an understanding of the self and how one navigates the world can be an especially fulfilling experience. Additionally, I have a special interest in working with people around all stages of queer family building, from pre-conception to postpartum and beyond. In my couples work, I often support relationships undergoing challenging transitions.
I practice psychoanalytic therapy, which focuses on the unconscious mind, therapeutic relationship, & uncensored exploration.
Welcome! My practice is particularly suited for individuals looking for an LGBTQ+ knowledgeable and affirming therapist. While these identities may not always be what brings you into therapy, working with someone who can hold them as important lenses that deepen an understanding of the self and how one navigates the world can be an especially fulfilling experience. Additionally, I have a special interest in working with people around all stages of queer family building, from pre-conception to postpartum and beyond. In my couples work, I often support relationships undergoing challenging transitions.
My ideal client is a man—cis or trans—or someone wrestling with masculinity after trauma, injustice, or survival. Often a veteran, activist, or survivor navigating moral injury, spiritual crisis, or substance use, he’s not looking to be fixed. He wants to be met with presence, not pathology. He’s seeking right relationship—with himself, Spirit, his community, and the world. He carries grief, rage, and wisdom earned through pain. He’s ready to reclaim agency, reconnect to purpose, and live with integrity. He wants to feel like he belongs—not just in the world, but in his own skin.
My ideal client is a man—cis or trans—or someone wrestling with masculinity after trauma, injustice, or survival. Often a veteran, activist, or survivor navigating moral injury, spiritual crisis, or substance use, he’s not looking to be fixed. He wants to be met with presence, not pathology. He’s seeking right relationship—with himself, Spirit, his community, and the world. He carries grief, rage, and wisdom earned through pain. He’s ready to reclaim agency, reconnect to purpose, and live with integrity. He wants to feel like he belongs—not just in the world, but in his own skin.
You may have decided that you need a focused time and a safe place to sort through important issues in your life. How do you know when a therapist is right for you? I believe in trusting your instincts. I invite you to bring your full range of feelings about starting therapy to an exploratory first session to see if we would be a good match. I work with individuals and couples of all orientations and backgrounds.
You may have decided that you need a focused time and a safe place to sort through important issues in your life. How do you know when a therapist is right for you? I believe in trusting your instincts. I invite you to bring your full range of feelings about starting therapy to an exploratory first session to see if we would be a good match. I work with individuals and couples of all orientations and backgrounds.
from UC Berkeley and have undergone several years of advanced psychoanalytic training at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis and the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.
People come to see me when they are stuck. You've achieved success, but you repeat patterns in your thinking, behavior, and relationships. You lack meaning and purpose. You struggle to live in the present. Your pain may show up as anxiety, depression, relationship and career difficulties, issues with sexuality, or in your body. Psychoanalysis is a talking cure that addresses the root causes of unhappiness. Through this process, you'll gain a new understanding of what brought you to where you are. It will open a path to your desire and a new knowledge of what you want in life. This practice offers a way forward that is more alive.
from UC Berkeley and have undergone several years of advanced psychoanalytic training at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis and the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.
People come to see me when they are stuck. You've achieved success, but you repeat patterns in your thinking, behavior, and relationships. You lack meaning and purpose. You struggle to live in the present. Your pain may show up as anxiety, depression, relationship and career difficulties, issues with sexuality, or in your body. Psychoanalysis is a talking cure that addresses the root causes of unhappiness. Through this process, you'll gain a new understanding of what brought you to where you are. It will open a path to your desire and a new knowledge of what you want in life. This practice offers a way forward that is more alive.
A licensed clinical psychologist, I provide psychodynamic psychotherapy to individuals and couples throughout California. I offer compassion, patience, and safety as we endeavor to better understand what has brought you to therapy, and how to move through to something new. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in principles of empowerment.
A licensed clinical psychologist, I provide psychodynamic psychotherapy to individuals and couples throughout California. I offer compassion, patience, and safety as we endeavor to better understand what has brought you to therapy, and how to move through to something new. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in principles of empowerment.
Dissatisfied with your relationship to a partner, boss, or yourself? Do things feel out of control? Finding a good fit with a therapist can play a vital role in getting more of what you want in life. I see myself as someone who guides and facilitates a committed, compassionate and confidential space where we can clarify what is most important to you, and discover the blocks that get in the way of having the life that you want. In my practice I help individuals and couples find their own way to lasting changes.
Dissatisfied with your relationship to a partner, boss, or yourself? Do things feel out of control? Finding a good fit with a therapist can play a vital role in getting more of what you want in life. I see myself as someone who guides and facilitates a committed, compassionate and confidential space where we can clarify what is most important to you, and discover the blocks that get in the way of having the life that you want. In my practice I help individuals and couples find their own way to lasting changes.
Do you feel an ache or a heaviness that you can't quite name? Are you feeling strangely disoriented or unmoored? Do you feel isolated or disconnected from others? Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Do you feel like a peeled grape in a sand storm? Maybe you don't have a language for what you're feeling. Or maybe you're not feeling much of anything at all. Life may be life-ing too hard right now. Maybe people won't stop being so damn people-y. You may be crossing some new threshold you never anticipated. Whatever is happening in your inner and outer worlds right now, life is making an invitation to you. Will you accept it?
Do you feel an ache or a heaviness that you can't quite name? Are you feeling strangely disoriented or unmoored? Do you feel isolated or disconnected from others? Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Do you feel like a peeled grape in a sand storm? Maybe you don't have a language for what you're feeling. Or maybe you're not feeling much of anything at all. Life may be life-ing too hard right now. Maybe people won't stop being so damn people-y. You may be crossing some new threshold you never anticipated. Whatever is happening in your inner and outer worlds right now, life is making an invitation to you. Will you accept it?
I specialize in working with people who have no or low contact with a family member.
Family estrangement is a deeply painful and often misunderstood experience. Whether the distance was your decision or someone else’s, the emotional impact can be profound—grief without a funeral and anger without resolution.
You may feel isolated, guilty, relieved, or all of the above. You also likely struggling with doubt about your choices, navigating pressure from others to “make amends,” or trying to make peace with a family story that doesn’t have a tidy ending.
I specialize in working with people who have no or low contact with a family member.
Family estrangement is a deeply painful and often misunderstood experience. Whether the distance was your decision or someone else’s, the emotional impact can be profound—grief without a funeral and anger without resolution.
You may feel isolated, guilty, relieved, or all of the above. You also likely struggling with doubt about your choices, navigating pressure from others to “make amends,” or trying to make peace with a family story that doesn’t have a tidy ending.
I provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy to children and adults. I have experience in treating numerous psychological disorders and supporting patients through difficult times, grieving, pandemic related stress, conflictual relationships, and troubling emotions. Along with the general areas of psychology, I specialize in the treatment of trauma. I have worked as a trauma researcher for ten years at the Palo Alto VA and Palo Alto University, publishing a book chapter on personality disorders and paper in the Journal of Threat Assessment and Management. I also provide assessment and expert witness services.
I provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy to children and adults. I have experience in treating numerous psychological disorders and supporting patients through difficult times, grieving, pandemic related stress, conflictual relationships, and troubling emotions. Along with the general areas of psychology, I specialize in the treatment of trauma. I have worked as a trauma researcher for ten years at the Palo Alto VA and Palo Alto University, publishing a book chapter on personality disorders and paper in the Journal of Threat Assessment and Management. I also provide assessment and expert witness services.
The call to begin therapy usually begins with a difficulty of some kind: various forms of emotional suffering, persistent challenges in relationships, encounters with the effects of trauma, an elusive sense of "stuckness" or existential uneasiness, and other crises mild or severe. These "symptoms" call us to bring caring and curious attention to where it is needed — below the surface of whatever it is that troubles us.
Depth psychotherapy is means of making contact with what ordinarily lies beyond our conscious awareness. Very often, our suffering calls us to a deeper life and leads to unexpected places.
The call to begin therapy usually begins with a difficulty of some kind: various forms of emotional suffering, persistent challenges in relationships, encounters with the effects of trauma, an elusive sense of "stuckness" or existential uneasiness, and other crises mild or severe. These "symptoms" call us to bring caring and curious attention to where it is needed — below the surface of whatever it is that troubles us.
Depth psychotherapy is means of making contact with what ordinarily lies beyond our conscious awareness. Very often, our suffering calls us to a deeper life and leads to unexpected places.
Whether you're experiencing the same relationship conflicts over and over, are feeling ambivalent about having a child or need work on your parenting skills, or you're navigating anxiety, depression, infertility, separation, divorce, or co-parenting, I'm here for you. I know how powerful and transformative therapy can be, not just as a licensed marriage and family therapist, but as somebody who's also been a client. Like many of the people I work with, I've had to learn how to better understand myself, tune into my inner voice-to listen more deeply to my intuition, and to trust it. And I can help you do the same.
Whether you're experiencing the same relationship conflicts over and over, are feeling ambivalent about having a child or need work on your parenting skills, or you're navigating anxiety, depression, infertility, separation, divorce, or co-parenting, I'm here for you. I know how powerful and transformative therapy can be, not just as a licensed marriage and family therapist, but as somebody who's also been a client. Like many of the people I work with, I've had to learn how to better understand myself, tune into my inner voice-to listen more deeply to my intuition, and to trust it. And I can help you do the same.
Maybe you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or difficulty in relationships. Maybe you're navigating a life transition, grief, or sexual challenges. Maybe it's hard to connect to yourself or maybe you have a lot of insight into where your patterns stem from - and yet somehow, they keep repeating. Together, we can explore what is happening for you in new ways which can bring insight, understanding, and real relief. This process can support you in accessing more authenticity and self-trust, and allow for more intimacy and connection in your relationships with yourself and others.
Maybe you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or difficulty in relationships. Maybe you're navigating a life transition, grief, or sexual challenges. Maybe it's hard to connect to yourself or maybe you have a lot of insight into where your patterns stem from - and yet somehow, they keep repeating. Together, we can explore what is happening for you in new ways which can bring insight, understanding, and real relief. This process can support you in accessing more authenticity and self-trust, and allow for more intimacy and connection in your relationships with yourself and others.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of experience supporting clients across residential, outpatient, and community-based mental health settings. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults, providing support through substance use treatment, trauma recovery, and medication-assisted care. My ideal client is open to embracing a path of self-discovery, healing, and growth, one step at a time. I believe in setting boundaries, reducing self-judgment, and helping clients reconnect with their strengths.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years of experience supporting clients across residential, outpatient, and community-based mental health settings. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults, providing support through substance use treatment, trauma recovery, and medication-assisted care. My ideal client is open to embracing a path of self-discovery, healing, and growth, one step at a time. I believe in setting boundaries, reducing self-judgment, and helping clients reconnect with their strengths.
My specialities include working with transitional-age youth and adults. I am particularly interested in working with those adjusting to major life transitions such as leaving home, attending college or graduate school, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, infertility, pregnancy loss, empty nest and retirement. I also have experience working with law students navigating law school, preparing for the bar exam and adjusting to their new careers.
My specialities include working with transitional-age youth and adults. I am particularly interested in working with those adjusting to major life transitions such as leaving home, attending college or graduate school, building careers, beginning or ending relationships, parenthood, infertility, pregnancy loss, empty nest and retirement. I also have experience working with law students navigating law school, preparing for the bar exam and adjusting to their new careers.
I work with couples and individuals that feel ready to examine their inner world and outer relationships, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Clients who wish to explore issues around sense of self, relationships, identity, sexuality, spirituality, or existential questions often resonate with my style. I offer couples and individuals a warm environment that is supportive, collaborative, and direct - offering tools & insights. I am continually expanding my offerings and have additional certifications in the research-based Gottman Method for Couples and a Certified Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
I work with couples and individuals that feel ready to examine their inner world and outer relationships, often feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Clients who wish to explore issues around sense of self, relationships, identity, sexuality, spirituality, or existential questions often resonate with my style. I offer couples and individuals a warm environment that is supportive, collaborative, and direct - offering tools & insights. I am continually expanding my offerings and have additional certifications in the research-based Gottman Method for Couples and a Certified Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
I provide depth-oriented psychotherapy for people from all walks of life who are struggling with a loss of meaning, confusion about one's place in the world and spiritual stagnation. This could manifest in hopelessness about one's career, a life crisis, various depressions and anxieties, loneliness and isolation, or feeling stuck in a relationship, too frozen to make a change.
I provide depth-oriented psychotherapy for people from all walks of life who are struggling with a loss of meaning, confusion about one's place in the world and spiritual stagnation. This could manifest in hopelessness about one's career, a life crisis, various depressions and anxieties, loneliness and isolation, or feeling stuck in a relationship, too frozen to make a change.
Do any of these statements sound like you?
"Most of the time, I don’t know how I feel",
"I live between cultures and don’t feel a sense of ‘home’",
"I keep repeating the same mistakes in my relationship",
"Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my emotions and I don’t know why",
"Life feels heavy and exhausting" ,
"I feel directionless in life"...If so, I am here to help. Hello I am Yagmur, I help people detangle their inner world, surface unconscious patterns that are hurting them and discover higher self esteem and agency! I’m a warm and interactive therapist who guides people to connect to their inner wisdom, strength and power.
Do any of these statements sound like you?
"Most of the time, I don’t know how I feel",
"I live between cultures and don’t feel a sense of ‘home’",
"I keep repeating the same mistakes in my relationship",
"Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my emotions and I don’t know why",
"Life feels heavy and exhausting" ,
"I feel directionless in life"...If so, I am here to help. Hello I am Yagmur, I help people detangle their inner world, surface unconscious patterns that are hurting them and discover higher self esteem and agency! I’m a warm and interactive therapist who guides people to connect to their inner wisdom, strength and power.
Neil Doherty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Waitlist for new clients
Having had the privilege of working as a therapist in the bay area for the past 23 years, I have witnessed the detrimental effects of chronic stress that too many families experience today. The effects of poverty, racism, crime & violence, have many feeling overwhelmed. Let me provide you with the support & the tools needed to heal and get your lives back on track. These are stressful times; remember you don't need to do this alone, support is here for you.
Having had the privilege of working as a therapist in the bay area for the past 23 years, I have witnessed the detrimental effects of chronic stress that too many families experience today. The effects of poverty, racism, crime & violence, have many feeling overwhelmed. Let me provide you with the support & the tools needed to heal and get your lives back on track. These are stressful times; remember you don't need to do this alone, support is here for you.
If you are looking to dig in deep, we could be a good fit. If you are not sure what is making you feel empty or stressed, we could try together to get to the bottom of that. Shame and fear are often underneath many things that distress us. You may also be very clear what’s upsetting you and we can talk about that, too. This frequently is about personal or work relationships that we find challenging, whether it is about power imbalances or in not knowing how to communicate our needs or set boundaries. I am keenly aware of the dehumanizing forces in society and am interested in working with people who feel affected by these realities.
If you are looking to dig in deep, we could be a good fit. If you are not sure what is making you feel empty or stressed, we could try together to get to the bottom of that. Shame and fear are often underneath many things that distress us. You may also be very clear what’s upsetting you and we can talk about that, too. This frequently is about personal or work relationships that we find challenging, whether it is about power imbalances or in not knowing how to communicate our needs or set boundaries. I am keenly aware of the dehumanizing forces in society and am interested in working with people who feel affected by these realities.
My work is grounded in contemporary and relational psychoanalytic theory, with particular attention paid to multicultural context.
I am a Community Member at The SF Center for Psychoanalysis. I was on the faculty of the Women's Therapy Center in Berkeley, CA 2011-2020.
My work is grounded in contemporary and relational psychoanalytic theory, with particular attention paid to multicultural context.
I am a Community Member at The SF Center for Psychoanalysis. I was on the faculty of the Women's Therapy Center in Berkeley, CA 2011-2020.
