Family Therapy in Oakland, CA
Welcome. I provide a warm, confidential space for adults of all ages to consider themselves in a new light. My belief is that we all have a natural inclination to develop and grow, to find connection and joy. Psychotherapy with the right person can help one move past roadblocks - whether new or longstanding - with an increased sense of meaning and ease. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds to clarify and expand strengths, grieve losses, and reconnect with inner wisdom.
Welcome. I provide a warm, confidential space for adults of all ages to consider themselves in a new light. My belief is that we all have a natural inclination to develop and grow, to find connection and joy. Psychotherapy with the right person can help one move past roadblocks - whether new or longstanding - with an increased sense of meaning and ease. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds to clarify and expand strengths, grieve losses, and reconnect with inner wisdom.
Selecting the right therapist is essential- here is some information about me and my practice to help inform your decision. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents. I work collaboratively with parents in creation of goals and throughout the course of treatment. Through play I help children to; express difficult feelings, resolve internal conflicts, learn adaptive ways to cope, and to develop resiliency. I offer free phone consultations in order to help determine if I am the right therapist for your child.
Selecting the right therapist is essential- here is some information about me and my practice to help inform your decision. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents. I work collaboratively with parents in creation of goals and throughout the course of treatment. Through play I help children to; express difficult feelings, resolve internal conflicts, learn adaptive ways to cope, and to develop resiliency. I offer free phone consultations in order to help determine if I am the right therapist for your child.
Life is unpredictable and full of difficult moments that humble and challenge us all. Maybe you’re navigating a big transition, desiring deeper connection with yourself or in your relationships, experiencing a loss, or just feeling ready to get unstuck from old patterns. Together, we will work to better understand the core of your struggles and develop skills for the kind of change you are seeking. I work with adults who want to strengthen their relationship with themselves to feel more present in their relationships, their experiences, and life's unfolding.
Life is unpredictable and full of difficult moments that humble and challenge us all. Maybe you’re navigating a big transition, desiring deeper connection with yourself or in your relationships, experiencing a loss, or just feeling ready to get unstuck from old patterns. Together, we will work to better understand the core of your struggles and develop skills for the kind of change you are seeking. I work with adults who want to strengthen their relationship with themselves to feel more present in their relationships, their experiences, and life's unfolding.
I draw from ACT, CBT, DBT, and emotion-focused family therapy, tailoring our work to meet your needs.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image struggles, obsessive thoughts, or the lingering impact of trauma? These experiences can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. In our work together, we’ll gently uncover what’s beneath the surface, giving space to long-held emotions and creating a path toward healing. My goal is to help you process unresolved trauma and reconnect with a more grounded, integrated sense of self so that you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
I draw from ACT, CBT, DBT, and emotion-focused family therapy, tailoring our work to meet your needs.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image struggles, obsessive thoughts, or the lingering impact of trauma? These experiences can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. In our work together, we’ll gently uncover what’s beneath the surface, giving space to long-held emotions and creating a path toward healing. My goal is to help you process unresolved trauma and reconnect with a more grounded, integrated sense of self so that you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
We are a team of clinicians who specialize in addictions, dual diagnosis, trauma, sexual assault, oppression, family members of those who are addicted, those who have had history of incarceration, anger management, depression, and life transitions.
The Marsh Clinics® (TMC) offer psychotherapy for everyone, but especially for those who are underserved and have been marginalized. Our aim is to reduce the level of stigma around mental health and offer telehealth therapy for an entry point, but also face to face therapy. We are dedicated to transforming individuals, transforming communities.
We are a team of clinicians who specialize in addictions, dual diagnosis, trauma, sexual assault, oppression, family members of those who are addicted, those who have had history of incarceration, anger management, depression, and life transitions.
The Marsh Clinics® (TMC) offer psychotherapy for everyone, but especially for those who are underserved and have been marginalized. Our aim is to reduce the level of stigma around mental health and offer telehealth therapy for an entry point, but also face to face therapy. We are dedicated to transforming individuals, transforming communities.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde. Self-care is more than bubble baths and massages; it is honoring our needs, accessing our emotions, and practicing self-compassion. Learning to care for ourselves strengthens our resilience and our capacity to care for ourselves and others. Those seeking to care for the self through changing destructive patterns, mending old and building new interpersonal relationships, and learning to sit with challenging emotions will find here a safe and supportive environment.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde. Self-care is more than bubble baths and massages; it is honoring our needs, accessing our emotions, and practicing self-compassion. Learning to care for ourselves strengthens our resilience and our capacity to care for ourselves and others. Those seeking to care for the self through changing destructive patterns, mending old and building new interpersonal relationships, and learning to sit with challenging emotions will find here a safe and supportive environment.
Seeking peace, satisfaction, and wholeness in your life is natural. Finding a therapist who can provide a safe space to process as well as inspiration for making change is important. If you are looking relief from anxiety, depression, people pleasing, or overstimulation from our fast changing world, or if you are seeking a deeper sense of meaning, belonging, and ease in relationships- I’d love to talk! Together we can uncover what holds you back, bolster your strengths, and find acceptance where there are limitations. Alongside your goals, I aim to see my clients feeling more vital and at peace.
Seeking peace, satisfaction, and wholeness in your life is natural. Finding a therapist who can provide a safe space to process as well as inspiration for making change is important. If you are looking relief from anxiety, depression, people pleasing, or overstimulation from our fast changing world, or if you are seeking a deeper sense of meaning, belonging, and ease in relationships- I’d love to talk! Together we can uncover what holds you back, bolster your strengths, and find acceptance where there are limitations. Alongside your goals, I aim to see my clients feeling more vital and at peace.
You want to feel confident, calmer and regain control of your life. You’re trying, but you’re stuck. You might be unable to move forward, feeling down, anxious … or struggling with relationships, or questioning your use of alcohol or drugs or other behaviors. Sometimes you feel so alone with all this, like no one wants to hear about it, or it’s just terribly uncomfortable to share. Somewhere inside you know there’s more to life. A place where you can feel more comfortable with yourself and in your relationships. My years of experience has shown me that change is not just possible, but that we are built for change and growth.
You want to feel confident, calmer and regain control of your life. You’re trying, but you’re stuck. You might be unable to move forward, feeling down, anxious … or struggling with relationships, or questioning your use of alcohol or drugs or other behaviors. Sometimes you feel so alone with all this, like no one wants to hear about it, or it’s just terribly uncomfortable to share. Somewhere inside you know there’s more to life. A place where you can feel more comfortable with yourself and in your relationships. My years of experience has shown me that change is not just possible, but that we are built for change and growth.
In a world turned upside down we are experiencing an underlying anxiety and confusion about our future. How to stay focused, maintain hope and hang in there...
Additionally you may be at a place in your life that no longer feels comfortable and you're unsure of how you've have gotten there. It's impacting your personal and/or work relationships and your self-image. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space allowing you to gain insight into your journey thus far and give yourself permission to change. I will help you move to a place of self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and self-love.
In a world turned upside down we are experiencing an underlying anxiety and confusion about our future. How to stay focused, maintain hope and hang in there...
Additionally you may be at a place in your life that no longer feels comfortable and you're unsure of how you've have gotten there. It's impacting your personal and/or work relationships and your self-image. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space allowing you to gain insight into your journey thus far and give yourself permission to change. I will help you move to a place of self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and self-love.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct legal / forensic / psychological evaluations for court and provide expert witness testimony. I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct legal / forensic / psychological evaluations for court and provide expert witness testimony. I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I'm a dedicated therapist with a heartfelt commitment to supporting individuals as they navigate through life. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or other emotional issues, I’m here to help you find your way. I also like to work with new parents. Parenthood is a beautiful yet challenging journey. I incorporate many techniques such as solution-focused therapy and trauma-informed therapy. My goal is to help foster resilience, growth, and healing. Here you can feel comfortable sharing your vulnerabilities. Together we'll process your emotions and work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
I'm a dedicated therapist with a heartfelt commitment to supporting individuals as they navigate through life. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or other emotional issues, I’m here to help you find your way. I also like to work with new parents. Parenthood is a beautiful yet challenging journey. I incorporate many techniques such as solution-focused therapy and trauma-informed therapy. My goal is to help foster resilience, growth, and healing. Here you can feel comfortable sharing your vulnerabilities. Together we'll process your emotions and work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
I specialize in multicultural counseling, African American mental health, men’s concerns, relationships, family challenges, career development, racial trauma, substance use, anxiety, and depression.
As a licensed Counseling Psychologist with 15+ years of experience, I prioritize mental health and wellness as key to fulfillment and balance. Therapy offers insights, tools, and support to navigate challenges, shift behaviors, and deepen self-awareness. I empower diverse adult clients, including professionals, executives, people of color, men, and students managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Using a strengths-based, holistic, multicultural, and mindfulness-focused approach, I tailor therapy to each client's unique needs, fostering growth, balance, and stronger relationships.
I specialize in multicultural counseling, African American mental health, men’s concerns, relationships, family challenges, career development, racial trauma, substance use, anxiety, and depression.
As a licensed Counseling Psychologist with 15+ years of experience, I prioritize mental health and wellness as key to fulfillment and balance. Therapy offers insights, tools, and support to navigate challenges, shift behaviors, and deepen self-awareness. I empower diverse adult clients, including professionals, executives, people of color, men, and students managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Using a strengths-based, holistic, multicultural, and mindfulness-focused approach, I tailor therapy to each client's unique needs, fostering growth, balance, and stronger relationships.
The Center, founded in 2012 by Christine Benvenuto, MFT and Heather Macbeth, MFT, has evolved beyond its roots while maintaining a firm foundation in DBT. We incorporate other evidenced-based, experiential, and depth-oriented approaches, including working within expanded states of consciousness via Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. We have an integrative Team that meets weekly where we receive regular outside training and consultation so that we can provide state of the art clinical services.
Given our rapidly changing world, with multiple demands on our attention while being faced with polarizing societal forces, we aim to support.
The Center, founded in 2012 by Christine Benvenuto, MFT and Heather Macbeth, MFT, has evolved beyond its roots while maintaining a firm foundation in DBT. We incorporate other evidenced-based, experiential, and depth-oriented approaches, including working within expanded states of consciousness via Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. We have an integrative Team that meets weekly where we receive regular outside training and consultation so that we can provide state of the art clinical services.
Given our rapidly changing world, with multiple demands on our attention while being faced with polarizing societal forces, we aim to support.
I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief.
My communication style varies based on your needs I can be passive or directive, but it really is tailored to you and what your needs are in the moment just like my therapeutic style I try to meet my clients where they are. But please don't ever hesitate to educate me on your own needs as I am always willing to grow and learn.
I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief.
My communication style varies based on your needs I can be passive or directive, but it really is tailored to you and what your needs are in the moment just like my therapeutic style I try to meet my clients where they are. But please don't ever hesitate to educate me on your own needs as I am always willing to grow and learn.
Lack of motivation, low self-esteem, body image issues, problems with friends/ family, and career pivots are also areas I frequently work with.
Finding a therapist in Oakland is overwhelming. So here's what I'm all about: truly connecting with you, helping you feel seen and understood, validating your concerns, providing a nonjudgmental space to process thoughts, and teaching new, productive ways to deal with problems and unhelpful behaviors.
Sometimes it's hard to even name what your problems are. I help you get clarity by asking thoughtful questions and digging deep to unpack difficult feelings. We will talk about things that are bothering you and explore new ways of approaching them. I really get to know you to help you feel supported and empowered to make changes.
Lack of motivation, low self-esteem, body image issues, problems with friends/ family, and career pivots are also areas I frequently work with.
Finding a therapist in Oakland is overwhelming. So here's what I'm all about: truly connecting with you, helping you feel seen and understood, validating your concerns, providing a nonjudgmental space to process thoughts, and teaching new, productive ways to deal with problems and unhelpful behaviors.
Sometimes it's hard to even name what your problems are. I help you get clarity by asking thoughtful questions and digging deep to unpack difficult feelings. We will talk about things that are bothering you and explore new ways of approaching them. I really get to know you to help you feel supported and empowered to make changes.
I work with individuals, couples & families of all ages & stages of life coping with a range of issues.
I specialize in relationship work and am certified as an Emotionally Focused Therapist and endorsed as an Infant- Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. My approach is informed by many modalities and is uniquely responsive to the needs of each client.
I work with individuals, couples & families of all ages & stages of life coping with a range of issues.
I specialize in relationship work and am certified as an Emotionally Focused Therapist and endorsed as an Infant- Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. My approach is informed by many modalities and is uniquely responsive to the needs of each client.
I also offer support for those seeking help around queer conception, infertility, family building .
My approach is relational, with a mix of warmth, humor, and directness. I hope to empower you to regain a sense of strength and acceptance in your life, cultivate self-awareness, and reframe unhelpful thought processes. I hope to help you feel more secure in yourself as you navigate various life experiences and transitions.
I also offer support for those seeking help around queer conception, infertility, family building .
My approach is relational, with a mix of warmth, humor, and directness. I hope to empower you to regain a sense of strength and acceptance in your life, cultivate self-awareness, and reframe unhelpful thought processes. I hope to help you feel more secure in yourself as you navigate various life experiences and transitions.
I have been in practice for over 30 years. My primary specialty has been working with men and boys who have experienced sexual abuse. This issue often includes alcohol and drug issues, anxiety, depression, marital and couples issues and more. I am experienced in EMDR as well as a range of somatic and humanistic approaches.
I have been in practice for over 30 years. My primary specialty has been working with men and boys who have experienced sexual abuse. This issue often includes alcohol and drug issues, anxiety, depression, marital and couples issues and more. I am experienced in EMDR as well as a range of somatic and humanistic approaches.
Are you navigating complex life experiences—such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, cultural identity exploration, or major life transitions—and wishing you had a space to feel truly seen, heard, and supported? Do you long to build deeper self-understanding, develop healthier ways of coping, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with your values?
Are you navigating complex life experiences—such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, cultural identity exploration, or major life transitions—and wishing you had a space to feel truly seen, heard, and supported? Do you long to build deeper self-understanding, develop healthier ways of coping, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with your values?
I work with elite athletes (at the youth, collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels) and high performers (C-Suite, actors, sport coaches, first responders). I support the promotion of optimal mental health (awareness of one's emotional experience, tools/skills/strategies, strong support system), and peak mental performance (mental skills training- imagery, goal setting, routines). I assist the elite athlete in designing a high performance mindset that can benefit them in their sport and in life. I am the first-ever Mental Performance Coach at the Oakland Roots SC. I am listed in the USPOC, NFLPA's Clinician Directory.
I work with elite athletes (at the youth, collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels) and high performers (C-Suite, actors, sport coaches, first responders). I support the promotion of optimal mental health (awareness of one's emotional experience, tools/skills/strategies, strong support system), and peak mental performance (mental skills training- imagery, goal setting, routines). I assist the elite athlete in designing a high performance mindset that can benefit them in their sport and in life. I am the first-ever Mental Performance Coach at the Oakland Roots SC. I am listed in the USPOC, NFLPA's Clinician Directory.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Family Therapy Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Leandro
- San Lorenzo
Family Therapy Therapists
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.