Couples Therapists in Oakland, CA
Now accepting new clients — limited late afternoon Wednesday availability only. You can function in many rooms, adapt to many worlds, and still feel unseen inside all of them.
With your family and friends, you honor their expectations of how you will show up—the quiet one, the odd one, the brainy one. For many first generation women, imposter syndrome doesn’t just come from internal self-doubt. It’s inherited. It’s cultural. It’s systemic.
You worked hard to “make it”—but deep down, part of you still feels like you arrived somewhere your nervous system was never taught to fully belong.
Now accepting new clients — limited late afternoon Wednesday availability only. You can function in many rooms, adapt to many worlds, and still feel unseen inside all of them.
With your family and friends, you honor their expectations of how you will show up—the quiet one, the odd one, the brainy one. For many first generation women, imposter syndrome doesn’t just come from internal self-doubt. It’s inherited. It’s cultural. It’s systemic.
You worked hard to “make it”—but deep down, part of you still feels like you arrived somewhere your nervous system was never taught to fully belong.
You’re someone who’s done the best you can with the tools you had, yet old wounds still shape today’s reactions, stress in your body that won’t let up, anxiety continues, low self-esteem keeps you small, or relationship issues that feel painfully familiar.
We will incorporate the depth of psychodynamic therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and the practical mindset tools of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Sessions are culturally responsive and affirming of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities, and are tailored to your goals.
You’re someone who’s done the best you can with the tools you had, yet old wounds still shape today’s reactions, stress in your body that won’t let up, anxiety continues, low self-esteem keeps you small, or relationship issues that feel painfully familiar.
We will incorporate the depth of psychodynamic therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and the practical mindset tools of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Sessions are culturally responsive and affirming of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities, and are tailored to your goals.
Hi, I’m Alli, a trauma-informed relational therapist, specialized in working with couples, co-parents, and individuals.
My training includes Relational Life Therapy (RLT), EFT and the Gottman Method, mind/body therapies like IFS, and mindful self-compassion. With a highly attuned and thoughtful approach, I guide you in tapping into your inner strengths, healing past wounds, practicing new ways of relating, and feeling better in your relationships.
Hi, I’m Alli, a trauma-informed relational therapist, specialized in working with couples, co-parents, and individuals.
My training includes Relational Life Therapy (RLT), EFT and the Gottman Method, mind/body therapies like IFS, and mindful self-compassion. With a highly attuned and thoughtful approach, I guide you in tapping into your inner strengths, healing past wounds, practicing new ways of relating, and feeling better in your relationships.
Generally, what brings clients to my office are concerns related to work, relationships, and life.
I provide bilingual (Spanish-English) psychotherapy from a psychodynamic perspective. I specialize in a variety of issues including: depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, trauma, childhood issues, and relationship difficulties.
Generally, what brings clients to my office are concerns related to work, relationships, and life.
I provide bilingual (Spanish-English) psychotherapy from a psychodynamic perspective. I specialize in a variety of issues including: depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, trauma, childhood issues, and relationship difficulties.
They partner with over 120 insurance plans and keep costs simple and transparent.
Hi there, I'm Nancy! For over 25 years, I've worked with the Superior Court of California in Alameda County, where I've had the privilege of recommending counseling, facilitating mediation, supporting families affected by domestic violence, and helping children navigate the challenges of separation. I've worked extensively with individuals struggling with addiction and helped guide them to recovery. In group therapy, I have supported artists to encourage them to work with passion and courage and to exhibit their artwork. Working with children is one of my pleasures. PsyD. LMFT.
They partner with over 120 insurance plans and keep costs simple and transparent.
Hi there, I'm Nancy! For over 25 years, I've worked with the Superior Court of California in Alameda County, where I've had the privilege of recommending counseling, facilitating mediation, supporting families affected by domestic violence, and helping children navigate the challenges of separation. I've worked extensively with individuals struggling with addiction and helped guide them to recovery. In group therapy, I have supported artists to encourage them to work with passion and courage and to exhibit their artwork. Working with children is one of my pleasures. PsyD. LMFT.
Do you continue to repeat the same patterns of being in unhealthy relationships, engaging in harmful behaviors that are not serving you in a good way, and continuously trying to find a way to numb the pain?
I utilize various evidence-based practices including DBT, CBT, solution-focused, polyvagel theory, EMDR, and IFS to help clients gain awareness of what is happening in their inner world and learn ways to let go of the past. I can help you gain insight that challenges negative core beliefs and work towards breaking negative cycles of trauma.
Do you continue to repeat the same patterns of being in unhealthy relationships, engaging in harmful behaviors that are not serving you in a good way, and continuously trying to find a way to numb the pain?
I utilize various evidence-based practices including DBT, CBT, solution-focused, polyvagel theory, EMDR, and IFS to help clients gain awareness of what is happening in their inner world and learn ways to let go of the past. I can help you gain insight that challenges negative core beliefs and work towards breaking negative cycles of trauma.
I form engaged, safe, trusting relationships with clients creating an environment where healing can take place.
I believe that our experiences in life are reflected in our behaviors, shape our thoughts, are held in our bodies, and trigger our emotions often outside of our consciousness. Increasing awareness at all levels allows us to have access to more choices in our lives. I see the goal of psychotherapy is to help people find a place in them where it feels safe, loving, and truthful, accessing their authentic selves. To facilitate this process, I explore with clients their thoughts and belief systems, behaviors, feelings, and physical sensations, helping to connect and integrate the mind, body and spirit.
I form engaged, safe, trusting relationships with clients creating an environment where healing can take place.
I believe that our experiences in life are reflected in our behaviors, shape our thoughts, are held in our bodies, and trigger our emotions often outside of our consciousness. Increasing awareness at all levels allows us to have access to more choices in our lives. I see the goal of psychotherapy is to help people find a place in them where it feels safe, loving, and truthful, accessing their authentic selves. To facilitate this process, I explore with clients their thoughts and belief systems, behaviors, feelings, and physical sensations, helping to connect and integrate the mind, body and spirit.
In much the same way that we are shaped by our early relationships, environment, and experiences, healing too happens in relationship.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (B-C) and a Candidate Psychoanalyst at SF Center for PsychanaIysis. I am trained to alleviate individuals' psychiatric symptoms with treatments including psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Sometimes medications are helpful to provide symptom relief and support the healing work of psychotherapy.
In much the same way that we are shaped by our early relationships, environment, and experiences, healing too happens in relationship.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (B-C) and a Candidate Psychoanalyst at SF Center for PsychanaIysis. I am trained to alleviate individuals' psychiatric symptoms with treatments including psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Sometimes medications are helpful to provide symptom relief and support the healing work of psychotherapy.
Shavika Singha- Teens, Adults &
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I work with teens, adults & couples- people who are caring & self-aware, feel deeply, but often wonder and think of themselves as “too much
My style is warm, relational, & real, with room for humor & joy. We’ll unpack survival patterns formed by families, cultures, & systems using a mix of mind, body, & soul based frameworks to get to the root. For couples, we work on communication, trust, & intimacy. No topic is off limits. I walk between therapist & coach, meshing where insight meets action.
I work with teens, adults & couples- people who are caring & self-aware, feel deeply, but often wonder and think of themselves as “too much
My style is warm, relational, & real, with room for humor & joy. We’ll unpack survival patterns formed by families, cultures, & systems using a mix of mind, body, & soul based frameworks to get to the root. For couples, we work on communication, trust, & intimacy. No topic is off limits. I walk between therapist & coach, meshing where insight meets action.
I practice with a strong belief in the healing power of meaningful relationships.
Hi and welcome! My name is Dr. Juliana Ybarra and I am a multiethnic (Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and Italian) queer psychologist. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field working with adults, teens, and families. I've held positions as a program director, clinical supervisor, trainer, and psychologist at various non-profits around the Bay Area.
I practice with a strong belief in the healing power of meaningful relationships.
Hi and welcome! My name is Dr. Juliana Ybarra and I am a multiethnic (Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and Italian) queer psychologist. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field working with adults, teens, and families. I've held positions as a program director, clinical supervisor, trainer, and psychologist at various non-profits around the Bay Area.
People often come to therapy because they feel stuck in their lives, are experiencing anxiety or depression and are struggling with personal and professional relationships.
I specialize in issues related to trauma, loss, and personal identity. I work with people facing life transitions that have ruptured their sense of self and relationship to the world. I also work with couples wishing to increase connection while balancing the conflicting demands of their personal and professional lives.
People often come to therapy because they feel stuck in their lives, are experiencing anxiety or depression and are struggling with personal and professional relationships.
I specialize in issues related to trauma, loss, and personal identity. I work with people facing life transitions that have ruptured their sense of self and relationship to the world. I also work with couples wishing to increase connection while balancing the conflicting demands of their personal and professional lives.
You’re fumbling, feeling clunky, ashamed, lost in transition, and searching for answers. You’ve been told you’re too much, too scattered, and too picky, when in reality, you may very well know what you want and it seems others just can’t meet you there. Together we will explore and unfold acceptance and awareness around ALL of your parts, especially the most intense ones. What you’re searching for is out there, let’s take these next steps on your journey.
You’re fumbling, feeling clunky, ashamed, lost in transition, and searching for answers. You’ve been told you’re too much, too scattered, and too picky, when in reality, you may very well know what you want and it seems others just can’t meet you there. Together we will explore and unfold acceptance and awareness around ALL of your parts, especially the most intense ones. What you’re searching for is out there, let’s take these next steps on your journey.
I support teens, adults, women, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm.
Sessions with me feel warm, grounded, honest, and supportive. I believe healing happens when people feel emotionally safe enough to be themselves without pressure or shame. You do not have to carry everything alone. We work together in a space built on trust, compassion, and real connection.
I support teens, adults, women, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm.
Sessions with me feel warm, grounded, honest, and supportive. I believe healing happens when people feel emotionally safe enough to be themselves without pressure or shame. You do not have to carry everything alone. We work together in a space built on trust, compassion, and real connection.
Between relationships, career, family, and the rest of the world, our lives and struggles are intertwined, making it sometimes hard to understand where one challenge starts or ends.
Drawing from evidence-based frameworks such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy in tandem with mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies, a compassionate space is created to address the whole-client and the expansiveness of their internal and external experience. Together we examine ‘the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves.’
Between relationships, career, family, and the rest of the world, our lives and struggles are intertwined, making it sometimes hard to understand where one challenge starts or ends.
Drawing from evidence-based frameworks such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy in tandem with mindfulness and cognitive behavioral strategies, a compassionate space is created to address the whole-client and the expansiveness of their internal and external experience. Together we examine ‘the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves.’
I believe that loving, nurturing relationships are the best part of life—but building and maintaining them can be challenging.
I specialize in gender and sexual identity, including guiding clients through social or medical transitions. My practice also focuses on alternative relationships, sexuality, major life changes such as going to college and navigating early adulthood, social anxiety, trauma/PTSD, and supporting couples and relationship dynamics
I believe that loving, nurturing relationships are the best part of life—but building and maintaining them can be challenging.
I specialize in gender and sexual identity, including guiding clients through social or medical transitions. My practice also focuses on alternative relationships, sexuality, major life changes such as going to college and navigating early adulthood, social anxiety, trauma/PTSD, and supporting couples and relationship dynamics
I have been in practice for over 30 years, working with adults, adolescents and couples.
For nearly 20 years I have been utilizing EMDR as a powerful tool in the treatment of trauma, anxiety and to assist with performance enhancement. I am a Certified Consultant in EMDR and work several times a year as a facilitator at trainings, assisting other clinicians in learning the method.
I have been in practice for over 30 years, working with adults, adolescents and couples.
For nearly 20 years I have been utilizing EMDR as a powerful tool in the treatment of trauma, anxiety and to assist with performance enhancement. I am a Certified Consultant in EMDR and work several times a year as a facilitator at trainings, assisting other clinicians in learning the method.
Relationships take work, but sometimes we don't know what work needs to be done, or how to do it in a way that strengthens the connections between us.
I have a particular passion for working with couples to help them address conflicts such as communication, sexuality (LGBTQ), sexual trauma, anxiety, past relationship trauma, lack of intimacy, coping skills, relationship transitions, polyamory, infidelity, depression, and emotional regulation.
Relationships take work, but sometimes we don't know what work needs to be done, or how to do it in a way that strengthens the connections between us.
I have a particular passion for working with couples to help them address conflicts such as communication, sexuality (LGBTQ), sexual trauma, anxiety, past relationship trauma, lack of intimacy, coping skills, relationship transitions, polyamory, infidelity, depression, and emotional regulation.
You can resolve old wounds, become better at relationships, communicate more clearly, be more fully in your body, have a sense of life purpose, and feel more connected to yourself.
It's possible to have a fulfilling, meaningful and joyful life. I create a safe space for you to explore how your life experiences shaped your view of yourself and others. As a result of childhood abuse or neglect, intergenerational transmission of trauma and ongoing injustice, we can develop negative beliefs about our worth and what the world will provide for us. These often unconscious thoughts and behaviors helped you survive and even thrive but may not work well now. As humans, we go through many times of growth where we shed what doesn't fit, so we can become even an better version of ourselves.
You can resolve old wounds, become better at relationships, communicate more clearly, be more fully in your body, have a sense of life purpose, and feel more connected to yourself.
It's possible to have a fulfilling, meaningful and joyful life. I create a safe space for you to explore how your life experiences shaped your view of yourself and others. As a result of childhood abuse or neglect, intergenerational transmission of trauma and ongoing injustice, we can develop negative beliefs about our worth and what the world will provide for us. These often unconscious thoughts and behaviors helped you survive and even thrive but may not work well now. As humans, we go through many times of growth where we shed what doesn't fit, so we can become even an better version of ourselves.
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief, and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief, and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
" Couples: Do you and your partner(s) keep having the same arguments?
My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in deep respect for your unique story, inner wisdom, and cultural background. Drawing from parts work, somatic practices, an attachment lens, and trauma-informed care, I work collaboratively to slow down and adapt to what you need in the present moment.
" Couples: Do you and your partner(s) keep having the same arguments?
My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in deep respect for your unique story, inner wisdom, and cultural background. Drawing from parts work, somatic practices, an attachment lens, and trauma-informed care, I work collaboratively to slow down and adapt to what you need in the present moment.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Couples Therapy Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Leandro
- San Lorenzo
FAQ - About Couples Therapy
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.