Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Redwood Heights, Oakland, CA

Adjusting to life's changes and transitions can be overwhelming. You're not alone and, you've taken the first step toward healing. I have been a psychodynamic psychotherapist for over 25 years working with adults, parents and young children. I specialize in treating depression/anxiety, birth trauma, parenting, co-parenting, early childhood mental health, child development, grief, and loss. I utilize the models of Internal Family Systems, Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and for parenting, Filial Therapy, T Berry Brazelton's Touchpoints, Early Childhood Mental Health, Circle of Security, and Fussy Baby.

I enjoy working with children and adults to help them find grounded ways of being with and moving through the struggles they face. I believe that strong relationships, with the self, the body, and with others, are central to a healthy lifestyle. Painful life experiences, transitions, trauma, anxiety, and depression are opportunities for growth, and helping people move through these challenges is incredibly rewarding. I love working with people of diverse sociocultural backgrounds and exploring how culture shapes experience. A deep understanding of development allows me to connect with people of all ages and help them move through difficult stages.

If you could change one thing about your life, what would make you happier? Maybe it would be making your relationships with others more satisfying or reducing your anxiety or depression. In individual therapy I help create a safe space to step back and observe your own emotions, beliefs, and patterns of relating to others. My approach is supportive, understanding, non-judgmental but also practical, honest and helpful in finding new solutions and ways to work through difficulties and problems.

I specialize in treating Complex PTSD, Panic, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, gender and sexuality exploration, monogamous and poly relationships, and sexual difficulties. I help people explore and discover who they want to be, what kind of life they want to live, and what they can do to make it their reality. I enjoy helping clients discover who they are and how to find and engage with community.

In session, I will provide you with a safe and supportive environment focused on your healing. I incorporate different techniques and approaches, based on your needs as well as my assessment of what can be of true help to you. I believe it is important that I hold the space for you to incorporate your own healing practices if that is what you desire.

Orah Krug PhD. is recognized in her field as a master clinician, supervisor, teacher and author. She has been a licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years and an adjunct professor at Saybrook University for over 15 years. Through decades of client work, research and teaching Orah has developed a comprehensive process applicable for individuals or couples.

Home visits are available, if you live in Alameda. I provide a safe haven for you, your teen, child or family, 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.

I mostly work with gay/queer individuals and relationships (couples/polycules). Identity, transition, and shame come up regularly in my sessions, and I am comfortable discussing sex, from kink/BDSM to pleasure to communication. I focus on anxiety, including self-blame, perfectionism, and body concerns. With relationships (monogamous, open, and poly), we'll evaluate your current goals and needs before exploring new ways of connecting, with joy and self-compassion. Bring your whole self and we'll get curious together.

Many of my clients are disabled, queer, and trans. I love to support individuals and families in finding and shifting cycles that keep them stuck. This can look like a cycle of anxiety that keeps swirling and growing no matter how much you try to avoid or reassure it. Or like families that are caught in challenging cycles of communication, who are working to shift things but feel caught in old patterns. My clients are often impacted by multiple layers of social and internalized stigma. Specific issues my clients seek care for include OCD, ADHD, depression, trauma, bereavement, and identity development around disability and gender.

I am the therapist and coach for “the strong friend.” I serve high-achieving, high-performing professional women who are the go-to problem solver and listening ear for just about everyone–often at the sacrifice of their own emotional health and wellness. My heart is for women, especially Black women, to experience freedom and liberation from toxic narratives around value and worth. You get to be complex, emotional, angry, sad, and not okay. You deserve to be cared for, attuned to, seen, validated, take up space, and live a life that brings you pleasure and joy. You get to prioritize you and not live a life of pure self-sacrifice.