Cancer Therapists in El Cerrito, CA
Thank you for reading my bio. My focus in our work will be on meeting you where you are at and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can collaborate and explore what can be helpful in addressing your needs, wants, and barriers to getting them met. My hope in our work together is that you'll come away with a renewed sense of self and identity that not only addresses the hardships and challenges you have endured, but also empowers you to affirm your sense of agency and make your mark on the world.
Thank you for reading my bio. My focus in our work will be on meeting you where you are at and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can collaborate and explore what can be helpful in addressing your needs, wants, and barriers to getting them met. My hope in our work together is that you'll come away with a renewed sense of self and identity that not only addresses the hardships and challenges you have endured, but also empowers you to affirm your sense of agency and make your mark on the world.
I am a psychotherapist in private practice in the East Bay since 1996. I offer a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where individuals, couples or families can find self acceptance, safety, access insight and intuition, and cultivate an attitude of kindness toward the self and others. Recovery from trauma, working on communication and relationships, overcoming addiction, spiritual self-development and healing, and coping with depression/stress from major life transitions are common themes. I have taught and supervised therapists in training at various local agencies. I also have a background in holistic and shamanic healing.
I am a psychotherapist in private practice in the East Bay since 1996. I offer a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where individuals, couples or families can find self acceptance, safety, access insight and intuition, and cultivate an attitude of kindness toward the self and others. Recovery from trauma, working on communication and relationships, overcoming addiction, spiritual self-development and healing, and coping with depression/stress from major life transitions are common themes. I have taught and supervised therapists in training at various local agencies. I also have a background in holistic and shamanic healing.
I understand how challenging life can be sometimes, and how helpful it can be to have someone to talk to and work with on managing some of those challenges. I use a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to therapy, using individualized techniques tailored to meet your specific situation and needs. I work with teens, couples, adults and elders. I provide Couples therapy and individual therapy. I'm an artist and occasionally use art as an expressive avenue during therapy.
I understand how challenging life can be sometimes, and how helpful it can be to have someone to talk to and work with on managing some of those challenges. I use a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to therapy, using individualized techniques tailored to meet your specific situation and needs. I work with teens, couples, adults and elders. I provide Couples therapy and individual therapy. I'm an artist and occasionally use art as an expressive avenue during therapy.
When life feels chaotic and overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to start or how to find a steadier way forward. Many people come to therapy feeling stretched thin—managing anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship challenges while trying to keep the rest of life running. They want relief, but also a clearer understanding of what’s contributing to their stress. Most of all, they want to feel more centered, more confident, and more connected to who they are. My role is to help you find that place, offer new perspectives, and teach more adaptive coping strategies.
When life feels chaotic and overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to start or how to find a steadier way forward. Many people come to therapy feeling stretched thin—managing anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship challenges while trying to keep the rest of life running. They want relief, but also a clearer understanding of what’s contributing to their stress. Most of all, they want to feel more centered, more confident, and more connected to who they are. My role is to help you find that place, offer new perspectives, and teach more adaptive coping strategies.
Exhausted by the "weight of belonging" and the constant pressure to perform? Through Somatic Psychotherapy, we move beyond traditional talk therapy to resolve the relational wounds held in your body. I help you bridge the gap between who the world expects you to be and who you truly are—moving from chronic internal pressure to a state of grounded, psychospiritual alignment.
Exhausted by the "weight of belonging" and the constant pressure to perform? Through Somatic Psychotherapy, we move beyond traditional talk therapy to resolve the relational wounds held in your body. I help you bridge the gap between who the world expects you to be and who you truly are—moving from chronic internal pressure to a state of grounded, psychospiritual alignment.
You may be an artist. You may be an academic. You may be an activist. I have been all three of these, and I speak their languages: of creativity, intellectual enlivenment, and social justice. And right now, in this time of upheaval and unrest, you may be hurting--feeling lost, adrift, burned out, under- or over-stimulated, or simply sad. I am here to connect with you. To listen compassionately. To make space for you to better hear yourself, and to encourage linkages, mentalizations, and trauma metabolizations that will allow you to better listen to the rhythms of your body and use your own mind. I offer you my mind in this pursuit.
You may be an artist. You may be an academic. You may be an activist. I have been all three of these, and I speak their languages: of creativity, intellectual enlivenment, and social justice. And right now, in this time of upheaval and unrest, you may be hurting--feeling lost, adrift, burned out, under- or over-stimulated, or simply sad. I am here to connect with you. To listen compassionately. To make space for you to better hear yourself, and to encourage linkages, mentalizations, and trauma metabolizations that will allow you to better listen to the rhythms of your body and use your own mind. I offer you my mind in this pursuit.
While I address many personal and situational challenges, my approach is especially effective for ADHD, procrastination, work-related lack of clarity, relationship dissatisfaction and existential anxiety. Rooted in positive psychology and meditation, my work includes 1. virtual sessions focused on creative self-observation, and 2. Somatic manual work for bodily relaxation and awareness when appropriate. I work with people who want to learn what it means to be one with their experience. I sometimes pick up where other psychotherapists may have left off: I aim to teach you FlOW states amid your everyday life.
While I address many personal and situational challenges, my approach is especially effective for ADHD, procrastination, work-related lack of clarity, relationship dissatisfaction and existential anxiety. Rooted in positive psychology and meditation, my work includes 1. virtual sessions focused on creative self-observation, and 2. Somatic manual work for bodily relaxation and awareness when appropriate. I work with people who want to learn what it means to be one with their experience. I sometimes pick up where other psychotherapists may have left off: I aim to teach you FlOW states amid your everyday life.
You may be suffering from inexplicable sadness or anxiety, or problems focusing. You might feel blocked in achieving your creative or work goals and want to figure out what is getting in your way. You might be having health problems and need help sorting out how what is truly out of your control or what might be stress related. I have specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy which allows me to listen with special attention to unconscious processes. I am also a graduate of the Psychoanalytic Couples Psychotherapy Group and help many couples navigate difficult patches in their relationships.
You may be suffering from inexplicable sadness or anxiety, or problems focusing. You might feel blocked in achieving your creative or work goals and want to figure out what is getting in your way. You might be having health problems and need help sorting out how what is truly out of your control or what might be stress related. I have specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy which allows me to listen with special attention to unconscious processes. I am also a graduate of the Psychoanalytic Couples Psychotherapy Group and help many couples navigate difficult patches in their relationships.
Psychotherapy is an effective way to make sense of the complexity in life’s journey. I am committed to working in a trusting, creative, dynamic, and caring process that helps you achieve your goals.
As a Californian, I have always deeply valued our varied and wonderful communities. I approach therapy by working together in a collaborative process tailored to meet your needs. The result can be profound understanding about how you make sense of yourself and others in your life, and how to change the ways you impact your world.
My aim is to soften harsh self-judgment, allowing for fuller understanding and meaningful growth.
Psychotherapy is an effective way to make sense of the complexity in life’s journey. I am committed to working in a trusting, creative, dynamic, and caring process that helps you achieve your goals.
As a Californian, I have always deeply valued our varied and wonderful communities. I approach therapy by working together in a collaborative process tailored to meet your needs. The result can be profound understanding about how you make sense of yourself and others in your life, and how to change the ways you impact your world.
My aim is to soften harsh self-judgment, allowing for fuller understanding and meaningful growth.
Sometimes life feels too challenging and we need support to help sift through what is slowing us down from achieving a full, meaningful life. I will offer you a respectful, safe, collaborative environment in which to explore and move through difficult emotions, behaviors and reactions. You are the expert of your own life and my role is to guide you towards remembering and recognizing your innate capacity and offer tools and resources to support your process. My experience of 25 years in working across the lifespan with teens, adults, elders, couples and families informs the care I offer.
Sometimes life feels too challenging and we need support to help sift through what is slowing us down from achieving a full, meaningful life. I will offer you a respectful, safe, collaborative environment in which to explore and move through difficult emotions, behaviors and reactions. You are the expert of your own life and my role is to guide you towards remembering and recognizing your innate capacity and offer tools and resources to support your process. My experience of 25 years in working across the lifespan with teens, adults, elders, couples and families informs the care I offer.
In my view, it is never too late to look within oneself and create the change that fits who you are, not who you think you should be or who you have been in the past. It is my goal to create safety by providing a compassionate and open space to explore together what your particular needs are and how I can best be of help to you in meeting those needs. Clients frequently come in with life transition or relationship issues, they might be experiencing a troubling set of symptoms or notice patterns that keep getting in their way. I deeply respect the courage it takes to take that first step toward change.
In my view, it is never too late to look within oneself and create the change that fits who you are, not who you think you should be or who you have been in the past. It is my goal to create safety by providing a compassionate and open space to explore together what your particular needs are and how I can best be of help to you in meeting those needs. Clients frequently come in with life transition or relationship issues, they might be experiencing a troubling set of symptoms or notice patterns that keep getting in their way. I deeply respect the courage it takes to take that first step toward change.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
While you may have been struggling for a long time, you are ready to examine the life you’re living, get curious about patterns you used to take for granted, and pause in moments of discomfort to wonder what it means to be you. You want therapy that weaves together talking, pausing in mindfulness and connecting with sensations. You may question the systems around you, and wonder about different patterns you might be holding. You may have a reverence for the mysterious, esoteric and dreamlike, while also working to stay grounded in the here and now.
While you may have been struggling for a long time, you are ready to examine the life you’re living, get curious about patterns you used to take for granted, and pause in moments of discomfort to wonder what it means to be you. You want therapy that weaves together talking, pausing in mindfulness and connecting with sensations. You may question the systems around you, and wonder about different patterns you might be holding. You may have a reverence for the mysterious, esoteric and dreamlike, while also working to stay grounded in the here and now.
My name is Kitasha (Kia) Martin. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA-LCS 22861. I utilize supportive techniques to meet clients where they are and walk with them on the journey to healing. I support clients in addressing challenges with anger, depression, life transitions, adjustment to stressors, and conflicts within family of origin. My target population is aged 18+. I have expertise in working with clients identifying as LGBTQ.
My name is Kitasha (Kia) Martin. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA-LCS 22861. I utilize supportive techniques to meet clients where they are and walk with them on the journey to healing. I support clients in addressing challenges with anger, depression, life transitions, adjustment to stressors, and conflicts within family of origin. My target population is aged 18+. I have expertise in working with clients identifying as LGBTQ.
Ruby (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 101630) who brings a decade of experience supporting youth, young adults, caregivers, families, and individuals navigate loss and attachment ruptures, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, family conflict, life stressors, and the life cycle. Ruby approaches her sessions with warmth, humility, and a strengths-based lens, valuing collaboration, authenticity, and creativity.
Ruby (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 101630) who brings a decade of experience supporting youth, young adults, caregivers, families, and individuals navigate loss and attachment ruptures, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, family conflict, life stressors, and the life cycle. Ruby approaches her sessions with warmth, humility, and a strengths-based lens, valuing collaboration, authenticity, and creativity.
My name is Tricia Righetti. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Luis Obispo County, California, working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults specializing in substance use, trauma, anxiety, and depression using a strength-based approach. Currently, I am working with adults. Typically I see individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and substance use issues. I have a deep understanding of childhood trauma as it relates to mental health/substance use.
My name is Tricia Righetti. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Luis Obispo County, California, working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults specializing in substance use, trauma, anxiety, and depression using a strength-based approach. Currently, I am working with adults. Typically I see individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and substance use issues. I have a deep understanding of childhood trauma as it relates to mental health/substance use.
"Are you worrying that you are stuck in old patterns of thinking and behaving regarding yourself and others that make you unhappy, depressed, anxious, or irritable? Are you trying to connect and communicate with a partner, friends, or co-workers, but find youself misunderstood, angry, or lonely? Are you longing to be happier yet unable to figure out how to change? I have helped hundreds of people with similar concerns to experience more joy and success in their lives. Together we can examine your concerns from new perspectives and overcome the obstacles preventing you from achieving your innermost goals.
"Are you worrying that you are stuck in old patterns of thinking and behaving regarding yourself and others that make you unhappy, depressed, anxious, or irritable? Are you trying to connect and communicate with a partner, friends, or co-workers, but find youself misunderstood, angry, or lonely? Are you longing to be happier yet unable to figure out how to change? I have helped hundreds of people with similar concerns to experience more joy and success in their lives. Together we can examine your concerns from new perspectives and overcome the obstacles preventing you from achieving your innermost goals.
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Are you feeling overwhelmed by cancer, chronic illness, or the weight of caring for someone you love?
In our work together, we focus on helping you feel more grounded, supported, and emotionally steady during uncertain times. We will build coping skills for anxiety, caregiver burnout, grief, and chronic illness stress, while helping you reconnect with your strength, confidence, and sense of meaning.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by cancer, chronic illness, or the weight of caring for someone you love?
In our work together, we focus on helping you feel more grounded, supported, and emotionally steady during uncertain times. We will build coping skills for anxiety, caregiver burnout, grief, and chronic illness stress, while helping you reconnect with your strength, confidence, and sense of meaning.
I have ample experience working with anxiety, life adjustments, cancer, and grief/loss.
I look at the whole person when approaching care. Drawing on trauma-informed principles and evidence-based techniques, I am always mindful of the impact of your past on present day struggles. Doing so allows us to resolve underlying issues that impact your well being. Your mental health is a collective experience and together we will approach it as such.
I have ample experience working with anxiety, life adjustments, cancer, and grief/loss.
I look at the whole person when approaching care. Drawing on trauma-informed principles and evidence-based techniques, I am always mindful of the impact of your past on present day struggles. Doing so allows us to resolve underlying issues that impact your well being. Your mental health is a collective experience and together we will approach it as such.
I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer.
I have extensive training in ACT for anxiety and depression. Using ACT and other techniques, I guide clients in how to live a meaningful life, build self-awareness, and cope with stressful situations. I honed these skills during my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Medical Center, where I specialized in working with cancer patients.
I also have a passion for helping individuals cope with cancer.
I have extensive training in ACT for anxiety and depression. Using ACT and other techniques, I guide clients in how to live a meaningful life, build self-awareness, and cope with stressful situations. I honed these skills during my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Medical Center, where I specialized in working with cancer patients.
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How does cancer affect mental health?
A cancer diagnosis is a major life event that can significantly influence the mental health of any individual. Being diagnosed with cancer often introduces a sense of uncertainty about the future, which can cause clients to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and significant distress. Many cancer patients may also worry about the toll that their diagnosis may have on their family, their physical health, their job, and their financial situation. The compounding of such stressors can also decrease mental health in clients and may lead to additional symptoms that can influence mental health, such as sleeping difficulties or social withdrawal.
What is the best psychological therapy for cancer patients?
The best type of psychological therapy for cancer patients is highly dependent on the needs of the individual. The therapy type that a client benefits from may also depend on what stage of the cancer journey they are in. Recently diagnosed cancer patients, for instance, may benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help clients develop skills to manage the emotional distress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Alternatively, cancer patients further along in their journey may benefit from therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or other forms of mindfulness therapy to help manage symptoms or physical pain associated with treatment. Clients may also consider group therapy, which offers cancer patients an opportunity to receive support from other individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Are there any risks or drawbacks in going to therapy while dealing with cancer?
Although attending therapy while dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be helpful, one major concern for cancer patients can be the financial cost of seeking therapy. Many therapists are out-of-network, meaning they do not accept insurance, and thus clients are expected to pay the entirety of the session fee. Since many cancer patients may be out of work as a result of their diagnosis or cancer treatment regimen, the costs of therapy sessions can be substantial. Luckily, many cancer centers and local clinics may offer free or substantially reduced-cost counseling services to cancer patients and their families. In addition, cancer patients may be eligible for grants or other forms of funding from local agencies and nonprofits to seek therapy for their cancer diagnosis. Such opportunities can be very helpful for cancer patients, as they allow clients to obtain the benefits of therapy without the financial strain.
How long does cancer therapy typically last?
The length of cancer therapy depends on the needs of each client. In some cases, cancer patients may only require therapeutic support during the period following their initial diagnosis—to help manage the uncertainty and shock of a cancer diagnosis. In other cases, clients may choose to receive therapy throughout their treatment, and even following, their cancer journey. Pursuing therapy for a longer period of time can help clients develop a deeper relationship with their therapist and provide opportunity to process the challenges presented by cancer treatment, such as physical pain, and challenges associated with cancer survivorship, such as ongoing identity concerns, physical limitations, or relationship challenges.