Emotionally Focused Therapists in Oakland, CA
Javanne Golob-trauma, self love, & grief expert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
You try hard to be good. To be kind. To do the right thing. But you're drained. Your mind always thinks of all the horrible things that could happen. Being alive feels hard sometimes.
You want to feel pleasure. You want to feel calm. You want to feel that your life has purpose. You want to trust.
You have come to the right place. I can help you build a more loving, empowering narrative within. I can support you in creating harmony between your internal constitution and your external environment. Not through suppression, denial, or restriction. Through listening and getting to know all that is you. Through nourishment and truth.
You try hard to be good. To be kind. To do the right thing. But you're drained. Your mind always thinks of all the horrible things that could happen. Being alive feels hard sometimes.
You want to feel pleasure. You want to feel calm. You want to feel that your life has purpose. You want to trust.
You have come to the right place. I can help you build a more loving, empowering narrative within. I can support you in creating harmony between your internal constitution and your external environment. Not through suppression, denial, or restriction. Through listening and getting to know all that is you. Through nourishment and truth.
I enjoy supporting clients across a variety of challenges that arise at different stages of adulthood. I particularly enjoy working with older adults who face challenges related to aging, caregiving, family life, and questions of meaning and purpose.
I enjoy supporting clients across a variety of challenges that arise at different stages of adulthood. I particularly enjoy working with older adults who face challenges related to aging, caregiving, family life, and questions of meaning and purpose.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
I combine evidence-based tools like Emotionally Focused Therapy with deep relational work to help you heal old wounds, shift patterns, and reconnect with your most grounded, authentic self.
Maybe you’re tired of overthinking everything, stuck in cycles that don’t make sense, or burdened by emotions that show up uninvited: shame, anger, fear, grief. You may not know exactly why you feel this way. My clients are often reflective, emotionally intense, and ready to stop patching over the pain—and instead face what’s underneath with support and compassion.
I combine evidence-based tools like Emotionally Focused Therapy with deep relational work to help you heal old wounds, shift patterns, and reconnect with your most grounded, authentic self.
Maybe you’re tired of overthinking everything, stuck in cycles that don’t make sense, or burdened by emotions that show up uninvited: shame, anger, fear, grief. You may not know exactly why you feel this way. My clients are often reflective, emotionally intense, and ready to stop patching over the pain—and instead face what’s underneath with support and compassion.
You feel like you're working so hard to hold it all together, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted, you're in the right place. Maybe you overthink decisions, second-guess yourself, and worry about disappointing people. You're successful, but you also experience burnout, relationship stress, or a major life transition while wondering why you still don’t feel confident. You might be asking yourself where did I lose myself? Therapy can help you understand the patterns keeping you stuck so you can feel more clear, grounded, and at ease in your life and relationships.
You feel like you're working so hard to hold it all together, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted, you're in the right place. Maybe you overthink decisions, second-guess yourself, and worry about disappointing people. You're successful, but you also experience burnout, relationship stress, or a major life transition while wondering why you still don’t feel confident. You might be asking yourself where did I lose myself? Therapy can help you understand the patterns keeping you stuck so you can feel more clear, grounded, and at ease in your life and relationships.
If you're feeling exhausted by the same arguments, emotional distance, or disconnection in your relationship, you're not alone — and you don't have to stay stuck. It's time to break free from frustration and rediscover connection, understanding, and peace. No one wants to feel unhappy or unheard in their closest relationships — and that’s where I come in.
With support, guidance, and down-to-earth communication tools, I help individuals and couples work through conflict, strengthen emotional bonds, and grow into more present, supportive partners
If you're feeling exhausted by the same arguments, emotional distance, or disconnection in your relationship, you're not alone — and you don't have to stay stuck. It's time to break free from frustration and rediscover connection, understanding, and peace. No one wants to feel unhappy or unheard in their closest relationships — and that’s where I come in.
With support, guidance, and down-to-earth communication tools, I help individuals and couples work through conflict, strengthen emotional bonds, and grow into more present, supportive partners
If you desire growth, change, and an improved quality of life - it would be my honor and pleasure to support you in that process. Perhaps you'd like to feel less anxiety or shift your experience of depression. Maybe you feel frustration with the state of the world. It could be the case that you are a high performance athlete or artist working through a creative block. Whatever it happens to be - you want something different for yourself and I am here to collaborate with you to bring about the change you desire.
If you desire growth, change, and an improved quality of life - it would be my honor and pleasure to support you in that process. Perhaps you'd like to feel less anxiety or shift your experience of depression. Maybe you feel frustration with the state of the world. It could be the case that you are a high performance athlete or artist working through a creative block. Whatever it happens to be - you want something different for yourself and I am here to collaborate with you to bring about the change you desire.
Are you ready to stop feeling desperate, anxious, confused, stuck and unable to trust yourself to make decisions? Would you like to heal long-held trauma that's interfering with your life? If this sounds like you, help is available! Using an integrative approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS Therapy), Somatic-Attachment and Relational Psychotherapy, I will collaborate with you to gain confidence and skills to support your growth and healing. You'll learn the skills of emotional regulation as you diminish anxiety and panic. As your healing progresses, you'll experience the joy of being present and connected.
Are you ready to stop feeling desperate, anxious, confused, stuck and unable to trust yourself to make decisions? Would you like to heal long-held trauma that's interfering with your life? If this sounds like you, help is available! Using an integrative approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS Therapy), Somatic-Attachment and Relational Psychotherapy, I will collaborate with you to gain confidence and skills to support your growth and healing. You'll learn the skills of emotional regulation as you diminish anxiety and panic. As your healing progresses, you'll experience the joy of being present and connected.
My approach is integrative and draws from attachment theory, Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, and CBT.
My areas of focus include: premarital & marital stress, communication breakdowns, understanding attachment wounds, assessing for long term compatibility, helping high achievers and creatives heal the burnout loop, support with ADHD & neurodivergence, support with the impacts of complex trauma, anxiety, depression, creative blocks, and questions of purpose.
My approach is integrative and draws from attachment theory, Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, and CBT.
My areas of focus include: premarital & marital stress, communication breakdowns, understanding attachment wounds, assessing for long term compatibility, helping high achievers and creatives heal the burnout loop, support with ADHD & neurodivergence, support with the impacts of complex trauma, anxiety, depression, creative blocks, and questions of purpose.
My clients tend to be sensitive, creative, and curious—perhaps overwhelmed by the world’s noise or their own inner critic. They may be navigating grief, trauma, identity, or burnout, and are yearning for deeper connection to self, others, and life. They want to feel more grounded, authentic, and aligned.
My clients tend to be sensitive, creative, and curious—perhaps overwhelmed by the world’s noise or their own inner critic. They may be navigating grief, trauma, identity, or burnout, and are yearning for deeper connection to self, others, and life. They want to feel more grounded, authentic, and aligned.
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.
"In every person there lies buried deep in the heart a desire for a certain sort of life: a life that is free and unencumbered, a life that is full of beauty, joy and fulfillment" (A H Almaas). Are you experiencing relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or fear? Did you suffer a loss? Are you struggling to find meaning in your life, or are you still troubled by the effects of a difficult childhood? Psychotherapy can offer a path to healing where you can get back in touch with your true nature, and experience this as inherently healthy, whole, and a source of compassion and intuitive wisdom.
"In every person there lies buried deep in the heart a desire for a certain sort of life: a life that is free and unencumbered, a life that is full of beauty, joy and fulfillment" (A H Almaas). Are you experiencing relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or fear? Did you suffer a loss? Are you struggling to find meaning in your life, or are you still troubled by the effects of a difficult childhood? Psychotherapy can offer a path to healing where you can get back in touch with your true nature, and experience this as inherently healthy, whole, and a source of compassion and intuitive wisdom.
As a trauma therapist with a passion for the release of intergenerational trauma in family systems, I have an eclectic practice of somatic, mindfulness-based, strength-oriented, attachment-based and emotionally focused modalities; which include Hakomi, family constellation work and EMDR therapy.
Clients I work with tend to have experienced developmental trauma that interferes with their relationships to themselves, partners and family members; have taken on shame, blame, guilt or distorted thinking/gaslighting from their family systems often throughout generations; and therefore likely experience issues around trust, intimacy, vulnerability and self love. I am committed to helping my clients to gain more peace and safety within their personal bodies, their homes, their relations and their family systems so they can experience more choice, empowerment and joy in their lives.
As a trauma therapist with a passion for the release of intergenerational trauma in family systems, I have an eclectic practice of somatic, mindfulness-based, strength-oriented, attachment-based and emotionally focused modalities; which include Hakomi, family constellation work and EMDR therapy.
Clients I work with tend to have experienced developmental trauma that interferes with their relationships to themselves, partners and family members; have taken on shame, blame, guilt or distorted thinking/gaslighting from their family systems often throughout generations; and therefore likely experience issues around trust, intimacy, vulnerability and self love. I am committed to helping my clients to gain more peace and safety within their personal bodies, their homes, their relations and their family systems so they can experience more choice, empowerment and joy in their lives.
I am a certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, (CEFT) and I specialize in working with couples to address and remedy destructive communication, breaches in trust, infidelity issues, premarital counseling, and sexual incompatibility.
During this time I am making myself available to those that are suffering from anxiety and depression due to COVID-19 and shelter in place. I am extensively trained as a somatic therapist in working with trauma and will help you to find ways to manage anxiety and depression symptoms.
I am a certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, (CEFT) and I specialize in working with couples to address and remedy destructive communication, breaches in trust, infidelity issues, premarital counseling, and sexual incompatibility.
During this time I am making myself available to those that are suffering from anxiety and depression due to COVID-19 and shelter in place. I am extensively trained as a somatic therapist in working with trauma and will help you to find ways to manage anxiety and depression symptoms.
We welcome clients from all backgrounds who are navigating life’s challenges, seeking personal growth, or looking for support through periods of change. Clients come to us for concerns including anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, trauma, stress, and questions about identity or life direction. Our diverse team provides affirming, individualized care, helping each client feel seen, understood, and supported as they move toward meaningful change. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs.
We welcome clients from all backgrounds who are navigating life’s challenges, seeking personal growth, or looking for support through periods of change. Clients come to us for concerns including anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, trauma, stress, and questions about identity or life direction. Our diverse team provides affirming, individualized care, helping each client feel seen, understood, and supported as they move toward meaningful change. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs.
I am a Certified Hakomi and Sex Therapist, who offers EMDR & EFT for couples.
Sometimes there are circumstances in life that are overwhelming and are beyond our control. Other times, we are trapped by our own perceptions and projections of the world. My approach is to serve as a guide and help you unravel your perceptions, memories, and beliefs, as well as provide you with some skills to help you cope in your world. I work primarily with couples looking for deeper communication around sexual intimacy.
I am a Certified Hakomi and Sex Therapist, who offers EMDR & EFT for couples.
Sometimes there are circumstances in life that are overwhelming and are beyond our control. Other times, we are trapped by our own perceptions and projections of the world. My approach is to serve as a guide and help you unravel your perceptions, memories, and beliefs, as well as provide you with some skills to help you cope in your world. I work primarily with couples looking for deeper communication around sexual intimacy.
Unpleasant, earlier life experiences often cause mental & emotional scars. Overcoming emotional pain or the effects of generational attachment trauma can feel daunting. I focus on the challenges that Black people & other POC face when approaching relationships, as well as challenges experienced in the workplace. Because the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives, both at home & at work. In my work with relationships, I use my understanding of any past experiences of each partner that may be negatively impacting the relationship, as well as any repeated interactional patterns that cause pain to one another.
Unpleasant, earlier life experiences often cause mental & emotional scars. Overcoming emotional pain or the effects of generational attachment trauma can feel daunting. I focus on the challenges that Black people & other POC face when approaching relationships, as well as challenges experienced in the workplace. Because the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives, both at home & at work. In my work with relationships, I use my understanding of any past experiences of each partner that may be negatively impacting the relationship, as well as any repeated interactional patterns that cause pain to one another.
We all have the innate tendency to heal in the presence of a skillful and trusted other. Emotional pain can be intense and overwhelming. At times, it can feel like our relationships are filled with little else. We might try to push it aside or distract ourselves only to find it still there, just as frightening. But there are paths through the hurt to feeling well and connected.
We all have the innate tendency to heal in the presence of a skillful and trusted other. Emotional pain can be intense and overwhelming. At times, it can feel like our relationships are filled with little else. We might try to push it aside or distract ourselves only to find it still there, just as frightening. But there are paths through the hurt to feeling well and connected.
In my career I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, parents, couples and families, supporting them in their growth process. Therapy is sought out for a variety of reasons. For some of us, life circumstances have impacted us in such a way that effect how we interact with the world and those around us. Life is created by the situations we encounter, and the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our relationships. Therapy provides an intentional space to explore our relationships with others, ourselves, and the dance that takes place between the layers and intersections of these dynamics.
In my career I have had the privilege of working with children, teens, adults, parents, couples and families, supporting them in their growth process. Therapy is sought out for a variety of reasons. For some of us, life circumstances have impacted us in such a way that effect how we interact with the world and those around us. Life is created by the situations we encounter, and the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our relationships. Therapy provides an intentional space to explore our relationships with others, ourselves, and the dance that takes place between the layers and intersections of these dynamics.
I offer bilingual therapy services for adults and children experiencing life transitions, emotional concerns, behavioral challenges, or seeking greater balance. My practice is founded in humanistic integrative psychotherapy, employing a range of evidence-based methods tailored to unique needs of each individual. With me at the office, is Luna a small sweet dog with therapeutic qualities that embodies unconditional positive regard.
I offer bilingual therapy services for adults and children experiencing life transitions, emotional concerns, behavioral challenges, or seeking greater balance. My practice is founded in humanistic integrative psychotherapy, employing a range of evidence-based methods tailored to unique needs of each individual. With me at the office, is Luna a small sweet dog with therapeutic qualities that embodies unconditional positive regard.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.