Domestic Abuse Therapists in Oakland, CA
Alisa Zachery - Inner Essence Therapy & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCATP, CAMS-II
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You’re capable & driven – & you’ve been holding it together for a long time, but lately the stress, anxiety, or overwhelming pressure to perform has become too heavy to manage on your own. Whether you’re an older teen navigating new pressures, or an adult professional navigating high-pressure expectations while managing the evolving demands of work, family, & personal growth, you may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, or emotional dysregulation that interfere with functioning. Confidentiality, discretion, & stigma-free care, is priority for clients working in sensitive professions or highly visible roles.
You’re capable & driven – & you’ve been holding it together for a long time, but lately the stress, anxiety, or overwhelming pressure to perform has become too heavy to manage on your own. Whether you’re an older teen navigating new pressures, or an adult professional navigating high-pressure expectations while managing the evolving demands of work, family, & personal growth, you may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, or emotional dysregulation that interfere with functioning. Confidentiality, discretion, & stigma-free care, is priority for clients working in sensitive professions or highly visible roles.
Since graduating I have worked extensively in community mental health settings with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders and severe and persistent mental illnesses, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
In my private practice, my clients present with a wide array of clinical concerns, including life transitions, identity issues, and mental disorders. I understand the role that one's identity plays into one's life experience. Whatever your identity may be, I will treat you with dignity and respect.
Since graduating I have worked extensively in community mental health settings with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders and severe and persistent mental illnesses, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
In my private practice, my clients present with a wide array of clinical concerns, including life transitions, identity issues, and mental disorders. I understand the role that one's identity plays into one's life experience. Whatever your identity may be, I will treat you with dignity and respect.
My specialties include: general life adjustments, crisis intervention, grief and loss, substance abuse, trauma, mild to chronic medical conditions and illnesses, interpersonal violence ( Domestic Violence, Abuse and Sexual Assault), community violence, re-entry and adoption/foster care issues.
Having the following specialized certifications have equipped me to work with you, the client, to manage these and other very sensitive life issues: Expressive Art Practitioner Certification (national), Sexual Assault Advocate Certification, Domestic Violence Counselor Certification, Batterers' Intervention Program Facilitator Certification and the Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) Facilitator Certification.
My specialties include: general life adjustments, crisis intervention, grief and loss, substance abuse, trauma, mild to chronic medical conditions and illnesses, interpersonal violence ( Domestic Violence, Abuse and Sexual Assault), community violence, re-entry and adoption/foster care issues.
Having the following specialized certifications have equipped me to work with you, the client, to manage these and other very sensitive life issues: Expressive Art Practitioner Certification (national), Sexual Assault Advocate Certification, Domestic Violence Counselor Certification, Batterers' Intervention Program Facilitator Certification and the Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP) Facilitator Certification.
Accepting New Clients - Are you finding it difficult to navigate stress and anxiety? Are you coping with struggles on your own and looking for additional support? You may be encountering worry, sleeplessness, panic attacks, or general lack of direction. Perhaps your life doesn’t feel authentically consistent with your values. It may be difficult to connect with others or engage in activities you once enjoyed. You may feel stuck. Expect a warm, authentic, and mindful approach when working with me.
Accepting New Clients - Are you finding it difficult to navigate stress and anxiety? Are you coping with struggles on your own and looking for additional support? You may be encountering worry, sleeplessness, panic attacks, or general lack of direction. Perhaps your life doesn’t feel authentically consistent with your values. It may be difficult to connect with others or engage in activities you once enjoyed. You may feel stuck. Expect a warm, authentic, and mindful approach when working with me.
My style in therapy is strength-based with a non-judgmental approach, focusing on improving mental health issues and enhancing the quality of life. I will do my best to provide you with an emotionally safe environment where you can share how your mental health is impacting your life and assist you in developing skills to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
My style in therapy is strength-based with a non-judgmental approach, focusing on improving mental health issues and enhancing the quality of life. I will do my best to provide you with an emotionally safe environment where you can share how your mental health is impacting your life and assist you in developing skills to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Have you noticed that other people seem to move through the world with ease: forming friendships, dating, finding direction; while for you, it all feels confusing and very effortful. You try to put yourself out there, but something doesn’t land, and you’re left wondering what you’re missing. Whether you’ve been labeled as a late bloomer, failure to launch, or "spectrum-y", we understand that underneath these labels is a sensitive soul yearning to find their way in the world. At Brave Space Therapy, our approach blends emotional growth with practical skill-building - helping our clients move from stuckness to decisive action.
Have you noticed that other people seem to move through the world with ease: forming friendships, dating, finding direction; while for you, it all feels confusing and very effortful. You try to put yourself out there, but something doesn’t land, and you’re left wondering what you’re missing. Whether you’ve been labeled as a late bloomer, failure to launch, or "spectrum-y", we understand that underneath these labels is a sensitive soul yearning to find their way in the world. At Brave Space Therapy, our approach blends emotional growth with practical skill-building - helping our clients move from stuckness to decisive action.
Are you going through internal struggle due to trauma? Do you feel anxious and depressed about the future? Do you struggle with family issues and relationship issues? I’m willing to meet you where you are, help you process unwanted thoughts and emotions, and help develop an action plan to effectively cultivate your healing and growth. I’m here to help you explore unresolved feelings (anxiety, depression, anger, helplessness, grief, etc.) and develop skills to effectively cope with them. Thus, you can feel relieved and fulfilled in your relationship with yourself and others.
Are you going through internal struggle due to trauma? Do you feel anxious and depressed about the future? Do you struggle with family issues and relationship issues? I’m willing to meet you where you are, help you process unwanted thoughts and emotions, and help develop an action plan to effectively cultivate your healing and growth. I’m here to help you explore unresolved feelings (anxiety, depression, anger, helplessness, grief, etc.) and develop skills to effectively cope with them. Thus, you can feel relieved and fulfilled in your relationship with yourself and others.
Struggling with the impacts of trauma, abuse or grief?
As a therapist it is not my job to fix you; you are not broken. I am here to be with you as you welcome back all parts of yourself with self-compassion. I create a non-judgmental, empathetic container where you are witnessed in all of your complexity. My work is integrative, relational, strengths-based and trauma-informed.
Struggling with the impacts of trauma, abuse or grief?
As a therapist it is not my job to fix you; you are not broken. I am here to be with you as you welcome back all parts of yourself with self-compassion. I create a non-judgmental, empathetic container where you are witnessed in all of your complexity. My work is integrative, relational, strengths-based and trauma-informed.
Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves. I am also trained in processing the impacts of interpersonal, domestic, and sexual violence- matters which I approach with a sensitive lens bringing in education and empowerment tools.
Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.
I specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA); using art, music, role-play, and creativity to assist clients in deepening their understanding of themselves. I am also trained in processing the impacts of interpersonal, domestic, and sexual violence- matters which I approach with a sensitive lens bringing in education and empowerment tools.
I believe that therapy is a sacred space in which the client-therapist relationship can be reparative. I offer tools around self-regulation, body scan meditations, and other techniques to soothe the nervous system. If you are dealing with PTSD or past traumas I provide a safe place for you to unpack your feelings and memories, while learning to soothe and empower yourself. Two important factors in healing trauma are learning self-soothing while uncovering a narrative (of what happened) that makes sense to you.
I believe that therapy is a sacred space in which the client-therapist relationship can be reparative. I offer tools around self-regulation, body scan meditations, and other techniques to soothe the nervous system. If you are dealing with PTSD or past traumas I provide a safe place for you to unpack your feelings and memories, while learning to soothe and empower yourself. Two important factors in healing trauma are learning self-soothing while uncovering a narrative (of what happened) that makes sense to you.
My goal is to serve clients who are ready to explore their inner world, even if they feel unsure of where to start. They may be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship challenges, or navigating major life transitions. What they all share is a desire for change—whether that means building healthier coping skills, improving communication, or simply feeling more connected to themselves. I enjoy working with clients who are open to reflection and growth, and who value having a safe, supportive space to process their experiences.
My goal is to serve clients who are ready to explore their inner world, even if they feel unsure of where to start. They may be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship challenges, or navigating major life transitions. What they all share is a desire for change—whether that means building healthier coping skills, improving communication, or simply feeling more connected to themselves. I enjoy working with clients who are open to reflection and growth, and who value having a safe, supportive space to process their experiences.
My work is deeply informed by somatic work, cultural sensitivity, and the lived experiences of first-generation, immigrant, and Indigenous communities. In our work together, therapy is both reflective and experiential. Clients can expect a space that honors their full identity, history, and resilience, while challenging what no longer serves them. I often invite exploration around the question: How has your culture helped you, and how has your culture harmed you? This inquiry allows us to hold pride and grief at the same time, creating room for clarity, self-compassion, and meaningful change.
My work is deeply informed by somatic work, cultural sensitivity, and the lived experiences of first-generation, immigrant, and Indigenous communities. In our work together, therapy is both reflective and experiential. Clients can expect a space that honors their full identity, history, and resilience, while challenging what no longer serves them. I often invite exploration around the question: How has your culture helped you, and how has your culture harmed you? This inquiry allows us to hold pride and grief at the same time, creating room for clarity, self-compassion, and meaningful change.
In 2015, I left my job at Google to pursue a career that better catered to my lifelong passion for human interaction and relationships. My background in tech tailors my practice to those working in Silicon Valley, but my clients yield from all walks of life. I specialize in working with couples, adult individuals, those who have experienced trauma, those struggling with questions about their career and work life, mothers, women, pregnancy, and postpartum clients. To learn more about me, please visit victoriaalberini.com.
In 2015, I left my job at Google to pursue a career that better catered to my lifelong passion for human interaction and relationships. My background in tech tailors my practice to those working in Silicon Valley, but my clients yield from all walks of life. I specialize in working with couples, adult individuals, those who have experienced trauma, those struggling with questions about their career and work life, mothers, women, pregnancy, and postpartum clients. To learn more about me, please visit victoriaalberini.com.
Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences then often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.
Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences then often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.
Bienvenidos: Si usted es como yo probablemente tiene ideas y dudas acerca de pedir ayuda psycologica. Culturalmente pensamos que recurrir a este tipo de ayuda significa que somos debiles o "insanos", pero la ayuda que se nos ofrece es poca o impractica. Ademas, no podemos solucionar todos nuestros problemas solos. Algunas de nuestras cualidades culturales radican en el soporte que nuestra comunidad, familia, y amigos nos ofrecen; es tiempo de que este principio aplique en la ayuda psycologica, y esto es en lo que yo me especializo.
Bienvenidos: Si usted es como yo probablemente tiene ideas y dudas acerca de pedir ayuda psycologica. Culturalmente pensamos que recurrir a este tipo de ayuda significa que somos debiles o "insanos", pero la ayuda que se nos ofrece es poca o impractica. Ademas, no podemos solucionar todos nuestros problemas solos. Algunas de nuestras cualidades culturales radican en el soporte que nuestra comunidad, familia, y amigos nos ofrecen; es tiempo de que este principio aplique en la ayuda psycologica, y esto es en lo que yo me especializo.
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
Many of my clients are queer, and/or neurodivergent, and/or have experienced trauma through abuse and loss.
As an east coast native, my approach is direct, while also warm and kind. I like to compare my approach to picking up a rock to see what’s underneath. In other words, I work with my clients to bring to light the parts of themselves that have been hidden or suppressed, so that they can grow to experience, and accept their whole Self.
Many of my clients are queer, and/or neurodivergent, and/or have experienced trauma through abuse and loss.
As an east coast native, my approach is direct, while also warm and kind. I like to compare my approach to picking up a rock to see what’s underneath. In other words, I work with my clients to bring to light the parts of themselves that have been hidden or suppressed, so that they can grow to experience, and accept their whole Self.
You're using drugs/alcohol too much, and you can't stop. You are lost, miserable and scared, and you want to be found. I offer a compassionate, supportive and direct approach to help you meet your needs and achieve your goals. You're ready to explore your underlying, and probably ancient, beliefs that you hold about yourself and that fuel chronic negative thoughts and behaviors. We will work together to rediscover your authentic self, that person who was somehow left behind and is waiting for you to come back. I provide an eclectic approach. You receive a personal assessment, then focused treatment that best fits you.
You're using drugs/alcohol too much, and you can't stop. You are lost, miserable and scared, and you want to be found. I offer a compassionate, supportive and direct approach to help you meet your needs and achieve your goals. You're ready to explore your underlying, and probably ancient, beliefs that you hold about yourself and that fuel chronic negative thoughts and behaviors. We will work together to rediscover your authentic self, that person who was somehow left behind and is waiting for you to come back. I provide an eclectic approach. You receive a personal assessment, then focused treatment that best fits you.
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
I’m a therapist supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and marginalized communities across California (virtual) and in Oakland (in person). My practice is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in anti-oppressive, decolonized values.
Whether you’re seeking therapy to explore your identity, heal from trauma, manage stress or anxiety, or process life transitions and experiences of injustice, I am here to support you. I work with individuals of all ages, couples, & families—especially those navigating complex cultural, relational, and systemic dynamics.
I’m a therapist supporting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and marginalized communities across California (virtual) and in Oakland (in person). My practice is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in anti-oppressive, decolonized values.
Whether you’re seeking therapy to explore your identity, heal from trauma, manage stress or anxiety, or process life transitions and experiences of injustice, I am here to support you. I work with individuals of all ages, couples, & families—especially those navigating complex cultural, relational, and systemic dynamics.
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Domestic Abuse Therapists
What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?
Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognize that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.
When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?
Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.
What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?
Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.
How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?
It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.