Therapists in Oakland, CA

I have been working with adolescents (12-22) and their families for many years. I have served as a school-based clinician since 2016, and I am currently expanding my practice. I am experienced in supporting young people and their families navigate the unique challenges that arise during this pivotal time of development, including anxiety, depression, trauma, sexuality and gender identity, self-harm and healthy relationships. The foundation for my methods is rooted in Attachment Theory; I develop strong partnerships with my clients to assist them in identifying their strengths and utilizing them to meet their goals.

Is your child struggling at school? Are you struggling at work? Perhaps a learning disability or ADHD are to blame? As a school psychologist in the public schools since 2011, I have extensive experience conducting psycho-educational assessments to identify impediments to learning. I can also screen for Irlen syndrome, a visual perceptual difficulty that can make reading hard. If your child is struggling emotionally, I offer play therapy, talk therapy, and art therapy, depending on age and inclination. For parents, I offer practical advice combined with an understanding of the special education process.

Life holds challenges for all of us but the tumultuous times have created stresses and strains that none of us could have foreseen. I offer a safe and supportive place to work in partnership with people who need help tackling issues, problems or changes. My clients and I discover ways for them to change their lives in positive ways. I have been told that my nonjudgemental, warm, and smart, approach to whatever my clients are experiencing has helped me to develop strong relationships with the people I work with. I believe a sense of humor is essential for insight and perspective. Let's get started moving you to where you want to be.

My clients are NeuroDivergent individuals or their families and supports whose experience of the world is overwhelming. They are in need of hope, encouragement and direction in order to feel whole and valued. Their overwhelm has led to frustration and uncertainty over possibilities, and what to do next. They arrive, feeling unsafe in their environments, unable to communicate so they are understood, and unappreciated for who they truly are. By establishing a safe relationship and working environment we create the tools necessary to be heard, seen and appreciated. These are the missing cornerstones of their growth and expansion.

I am a licensed social worker with 8 years of experience providing grief support and counseling to clients in need. I received my Bachelors degree in social work from Stephen F Austin State University and my Masters in social work from the University of Texas Arlington. I am a passionate and empathetic counselor that has experience helping children, families and individuals working through grief and loss.

The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.

I create a trusting and safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings, without judgment, and I will normalize their experiences and help you have a deeper understanding of what your child is going through. We will work together collaboratively. You as parents are the expert on your child and family. I am there as a support and facilitator- making the first step in asking for help is the most crucial step in the journey of repairing.

I have been a therapist for 30 years. I provided psychotherapeutic services to adolescents, couples and families in a variety of clinical settings.For the past 18 years I was the lead clinician in an Intensive Day Treatment High School Program for adolescents in Special Education. Prior to that, I worked in a Women's Substance Abuse Agency.I am now in private practice and look forward to an opportunity to work with Adolescents, Adults, Couples and families where I can utilize my clinical expertise and work experience to help individuals achieve their goals.

Over 40 years of diverse practice has taught me that when people are in psychotherapy they create ingenious ways to grow, to resolve internal/social conflict and to improve their sense of personal fulfillment. They are innovative and sincere. Therapy is more than a serious, shared introspection. It is also a playful interaction. It usually involves a full range of emotions that includes a sharing of ideas and a mutual exchange, which almost always involves a lively conversation. There seems to be one common theme, namely that each person is seeking to find a sense of truth and well-being.

We can all struggle with stressors at certain times and/or throughout our lives. My goal is to give you the space to explore freely about any problems, issues or concerns along with the successes that you are experiencing. Together we will then identify possible ways to better cope with the challenges life can throw at us.

I strive to create a safe therapeutic relationship that supports and encourages my patients to overcome the obstacles in their lives that have held them back in order for them to resume healthy development. Every patient brings a unique life story to the work and I am committed to understanding and recognizing each individual's strivings and challenges. In addition to psychotherapy, I also provide psychological assessment services for children, adolescents and adults in my work, and believe the process of assessment brings much clarity to what are often confusing and misunderstood difficulties.

I am a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience. I have had the privilege of working with many children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who are dealing with a multitude of issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, problem behaviors, substance abuse, co-dependency). I incorporate mindfulness, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques to help facilitate change and bring about relief from painful emotions and from feeling stuck. I believe in honoring what you are already doing right and will collaboratively explore options and tools that will bring about growth and healing.

I enjoy working with motivated people who feel stuck. Often they are in a transition or a loss. The loss can be great or small. (ex. death, break-up, job, disability/health, identity change, end-of-friendship) People who desire connection who often feel alone (even if they are close with others.) People who want to either strengthen or change their relationships whether it's in work, family, romantic, or platonic. Flawed perfectionists and people with imposter syndrome are always welcome!

In every phase of life, we are presented with new challenges: stress, issues at work, challenging relationships, feeling stuck, depression, difficulties with your kids, difficulties with your parents, pain, loss, anxiety, fear. It is not always easy to manage these challenges when they come our way, and sometimes we just need some support in processing it all, and figuring out what to do next. Everyone needs support, therapy is for everyone. In my practice, I want to get to know you, understand your challenges, understand your needs, and understand your goals. Together we can work toward overcoming the challenges you are facing.

For many years I have helped individuals couples and families overcome obstacles to happiness and fulfillment in their lives. In the past I have practiced extensively with couples, families and with school aged and adolescent individuals. Currently and in the past few years my focus has shifted to working mainly with individuals going through transitions, loss, anxiety and depression. In recent years my interest and training have extended to dealing with individuals who have suffered past and more recent trauma.

At one time or another, day-to-day life can just feel too difficult. The perspective, support, and skills you can gain from working with a therapist can be an enormous help. I enjoy working with a wide range of adults struggling with life transitions, parenting, relationships, work challenges, or grief and loss. I am particularly interested in the personal issues brought up by the special needs, illnesses, or other challenges, of people you care about. I use psychodynamic as well as practical and supportive approaches, depending on the needs of my clients.