Teen Therapists in Oakland, CA

I am a licensed psychotherapist specializing in child and teen counseling. Families come to my practice feeling lost, worried and some at the recommendation of a school counselor, lawyer, friend or pediatrician. Many parents have read multiple books and tried various interventions at home or at school without success. This can feel frustrating and upsetting, although it is a motivating starting place. What these families all have in common is concern for a child who is struggling in some way and in need of a child counselor. I offer child counseling, family counseling, family mediation, reunification, and parent support.

Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your teen , but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new coping skills for dealing with difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.

Therapy should not and cannot be "one size fits all." It should be rooted in a consistent, deep effort to understand who you are and what you need, in relation to the resources you have near you. Therapy should also be practical and offer some fairly immediate results, even though bigger change takes time. It's ultimately about collaboration, and the formation of a helpful relationship. Although I have 25 years of clinical experience to bring to our work, it is more important that you feel we have a good match as we enter this work together. I trust that after we talk, you'll know whether it seems like the right match.

Often when an individual or couple is seeking out a therapist they're in the midst of a significant transition or challenge that can feel overwhelming. Paradoxically, I believe this is often the time in which the greatest change is possible. By exploring issues through a multi-layered approach, we will identify the deeper truths and lessons these challenges are presenting. By lending tools and feedback, I assist my clients in having a different relationship with their challenges; thus moving away from constriction into conscious growth and empowerment.

I am a licensed psychologist with specialized training and experience in child, adolescent and family therapy. I work with people of all ages and life stages dealing with the high-pressures of life that can affect relationships or leave you feeling stuck or unhappy. I love the collaborative work of therapy and will work hard to help you identify changes that can be made to positively impact your relationships, career and self. Together, we can puzzle things out together, break down your goals into manageable steps and build a more fulfilling life. Sometimes, you need someone to help you get started and guide you to stay on course.

I work primarily with relationships; your relationship to yourself, to others, to your future, and to your past. With over 30 years in practice, I use a collaborative style with my clients. Self esteem, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, infertility, life transitions, adult children of alcoholics, and recovery from addictions and trauma are areas of my expertise. I specialize in helping couples improve communication and intimacy while creating more secure relationships. I see adults and adolescents and supervise psychologists in training. I often see people who are stuck in negative patterns and are struggling to change.

Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.

When it's time to seek therapy for yourself, your child/ teen or family, it can be intimidating, but definitely worth it. Perhaps, you're interested in working through personal roadblocks, overwhelming feelings or important relationships. The loss of a loved one, a trauma, or ongoing stress has occurred and your current support isn't enough. As you take steps toward healing, growth and well-being, I walk with you along the path to wholeness. In a warm and thoughtful environment, we work collaboratively to reach your goals, understand yourself and others better, and find a more fulfilling life.

Whether your issues are individual (related to mood, identity, self-growth, etc.) or relational (romantic, family, friendships, work, etc.), I believe that change is possible and strive to offer a supportive, caring, and affirming space for you to explore, heal, thrive, and grow. Together, we'll work in ways that are in-depth and practical, move through challenges, and tap into the strengths that are already within you. It’s important to me that I offer an environment that is free of judgment and oppression, and in which you are fully seen.

Are you experiencing a loss, going through a life transition, feeling the impact of everyday stress, or just needing a space for someone to hold your feelings? Or are you an adolescent or young adult who needs the support of another caring adult, or a parent/caregiver who wants this type of support for your teen ? Do you want to be able to share (unedited) your experience with someone who will help you navigate through it?

I'm here to support teenage youth, parents/families, and adults in meeting their emotional, psychological and practical challenges. If you're a teen struggling with school problems, family difficulties or hoping to improve your mood, confidence and relationships, I can assist you in breaking down obstacles and achieving your goals. If you're a parent trying to manage and communicate with your "coming of age" depressed or rebellious adolescent , I provide counsel and safe opportunities to explore the conflicts and confusion that block resolutions.

Seeking support requires plenty of courage, strength, and determination. Taking the first steps toward change can feel both invigorating and nerve-racking at the same time. I aim to create a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space for you to share your life experiences. One of our most fundamental human needs is to form connections, and I strive to utilize our therapeutic relationship as a guide for growth and healing. As a partner in your personal journey, I hope to empower you to gain the valuable insight and practical skills essential for overcoming obstacles, achieving your goals, and living a well-balanced, self-fulfilled life.

Sometimes life feels overwhelming! Are you going through a loss or life transition?Are you a parent trying to support your child/ teen as they face their own challenges? Are you trying to make sense of life experiences and how they have impacted you? Are you wanting to figure out what it is you need to feel more fulfilled and create change? Sometimes we need a safe space that empowers and encourages us to explore what works and doesn’t work as we navigate daily life. Friends and family aren’t always able to provide this- but finding someone we feel comfortable opening up to can also seem overwhelming.

My therapy style is warm, interactive and engaged. I use an integrative approach to treatment, combining a number of modalities which include Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Mindfulness, Play & Expressive Art Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. My intention is to support curiosity, connection and lasting change with our work together.

My experience includes 15 years of helping clients heal themselves and their relationships.The essence of my counseling approach is each person has access to health and well being regardless of what is currently being experienced. I help clients regain that innate health through deep listening and non-judgmental feedback. I work deeply with current thoughts, beliefs and feelings about one's self to uncover deep seated self-judgment that blocks happiness. Anxiety, depression and unhappiness transform into greater peace and understanding. In turn, self awareness is enhanced which leads to greater understanding, compassion and empathy for self and others.