Grief Therapists in Oakland, CA
Are you experiencing a loss, going through a life transition, feeling the impact of everyday stress, or just needing a space for someone to hold your feelings?
I have over twenty years of clinical experiencing in helping clients of all ages cope with loss and other life transitions or stressors, including families who are involved with Hospice, those suffering from suicide loss, traumatic or sudden deaths, and work with teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or heightened responses to stress.
Are you experiencing a loss, going through a life transition, feeling the impact of everyday stress, or just needing a space for someone to hold your feelings?
I have over twenty years of clinical experiencing in helping clients of all ages cope with loss and other life transitions or stressors, including families who are involved with Hospice, those suffering from suicide loss, traumatic or sudden deaths, and work with teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or heightened responses to stress.
In my specialty, I work with queer grieving clients, supporting and navigating the unique place where grief and identity collide.
Finding a therapist can be a hard and vulnerable process, and I feel honored that you are considering me. I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative relationship which starts with the connection we build together. My approach to therapy prioritizes sex positivity and gender inclusive practices. I love to work with clients that identify in the queer, kinky/BDSM and poly/non-monogmomous communities! I earned my BA Women and Gender Studies at Mills College in Oakland, and my MA in Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley. I worked in sex-positive activism, heading programs, and running workshops and trainings.
In my specialty, I work with queer grieving clients, supporting and navigating the unique place where grief and identity collide.
Finding a therapist can be a hard and vulnerable process, and I feel honored that you are considering me. I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative relationship which starts with the connection we build together. My approach to therapy prioritizes sex positivity and gender inclusive practices. I love to work with clients that identify in the queer, kinky/BDSM and poly/non-monogmomous communities! I earned my BA Women and Gender Studies at Mills College in Oakland, and my MA in Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley. I worked in sex-positive activism, heading programs, and running workshops and trainings.
My clients struggle with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, adoption, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
Informed by psychodynamic, systems, and cognitive behavioral theories, I strive to understand each client as a unique individual in their own context. I believe in the power of the human spirit to strive toward growth and connection and take great joy in supporting my clients on their path.
My clients struggle with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, adoption, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
Informed by psychodynamic, systems, and cognitive behavioral theories, I strive to understand each client as a unique individual in their own context. I believe in the power of the human spirit to strive toward growth and connection and take great joy in supporting my clients on their path.
I provide individual and family therapy to teenagers and adults looking for support through life transitions - identity exploration, grief & loss, changes in family structure, healing from trauma, building confidence, growing community - to name a few.
Narrative therapy and liberation psychology guide my practice - finding pathways towards healing from the dehumanizing effects of systemic oppression. My approach is collaborative and client-centered. I'll attend to your pace, though I may challenge you to think in ways you haven’t considered before.
I provide individual and family therapy to teenagers and adults looking for support through life transitions - identity exploration, grief & loss, changes in family structure, healing from trauma, building confidence, growing community - to name a few.
Narrative therapy and liberation psychology guide my practice - finding pathways towards healing from the dehumanizing effects of systemic oppression. My approach is collaborative and client-centered. I'll attend to your pace, though I may challenge you to think in ways you haven’t considered before.
Walker Wellness Therapy & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Many of the people that I work with have been involved in the child welfare and or court systems, have experienced tragedy, trauma and experiencing grief, anxiety, or struggling with life stressors.
I use a strengths-based and solution focused approach in working with clients, to identify their strengths, and strategies they can use to become their best self.
Many of the people that I work with have been involved in the child welfare and or court systems, have experienced tragedy, trauma and experiencing grief, anxiety, or struggling with life stressors.
I use a strengths-based and solution focused approach in working with clients, to identify their strengths, and strategies they can use to become their best self.
I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
Also offering Couples Therapy Intensives to create an oasis for your marriage where you can improve intimacy & communication, reconnect, deal with the discovery of an affair, stop repeating negative relational patterns onto your kids, reduce arguments or distancing, & make lasting change in 2 days, without months of couples therapy, and without interruption.
I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
Also offering Couples Therapy Intensives to create an oasis for your marriage where you can improve intimacy & communication, reconnect, deal with the discovery of an affair, stop repeating negative relational patterns onto your kids, reduce arguments or distancing, & make lasting change in 2 days, without months of couples therapy, and without interruption.
By working collaboratively together, we explore topics like uncertainty, loss, identity, meaning-making, and mortality.
As either a patient or caregiver, coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma can be quite the challenge. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
By working collaboratively together, we explore topics like uncertainty, loss, identity, meaning-making, and mortality.
As either a patient or caregiver, coping with illness, injury, disability, or medical trauma can be quite the challenge. It forever affects how we view ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, and how our lives were “supposed” to go. These experiences are also impacted by everything else we have been through in our lives. Each of us will inevitably experience being a care-giver or a care-recipient, and specialized therapeutic support can help you navigate the specific difficulties that illness or any health issues present. At any age, stage, or severity of illness or injury, cultivating resilience is possible. You aren't alone.
When you're navigating serious illness, loss, or major life changes, it can be hard to find space to process what you're going through.
I approach therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to identify clear, realistic goals based on what matters most to you. I recognize that goals can shift as you gain new perspectives and face different challenges, so we regularly review and adjust our focus to stay aligned with your needs. My role is to support you.
When you're navigating serious illness, loss, or major life changes, it can be hard to find space to process what you're going through.
I approach therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to identify clear, realistic goals based on what matters most to you. I recognize that goals can shift as you gain new perspectives and face different challenges, so we regularly review and adjust our focus to stay aligned with your needs. My role is to support you.
I help adults and seniors navigate life’s toughest challenges, whether it’s healing from trauma, overcoming addiction, managing medical issues, or coping with grief and major transitions.
I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can explore challenges, heal from past experiences, and move toward a healthier future. My approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to your unique needs. I focus on helping you understand patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and build confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
I help adults and seniors navigate life’s toughest challenges, whether it’s healing from trauma, overcoming addiction, managing medical issues, or coping with grief and major transitions.
I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can explore challenges, heal from past experiences, and move toward a healthier future. My approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to your unique needs. I focus on helping you understand patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and build confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
Personal expertise in working with clients facing the challenges of chronic/terminal illness, partner loss, and the complications of grief and mourning.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to develop a new compassionate understanding of yourself and your relationship to others. Whether you are looking for symptom relief or personal growth, the work of psychotherapy begins with establishing a trusting relationship with the therapist who will be your guide, ally, and occasionally your nemesis in exploration. I encourage my clients to become relentlessly curious about themselves by carefully looking at their past and present relationships and the patterns of their emotional and psychological lives.
Personal expertise in working with clients facing the challenges of chronic/terminal illness, partner loss, and the complications of grief and mourning.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to develop a new compassionate understanding of yourself and your relationship to others. Whether you are looking for symptom relief or personal growth, the work of psychotherapy begins with establishing a trusting relationship with the therapist who will be your guide, ally, and occasionally your nemesis in exploration. I encourage my clients to become relentlessly curious about themselves by carefully looking at their past and present relationships and the patterns of their emotional and psychological lives.
I was invited into this work through personal initiation: deep loss, recovery from chronic illness, parenthood, mediating divorced parents.
We live in a world that encourages us to ignore, override, and forget our experience. Therapy provides a space for deep self-inquiry where we can learn to become aware and accepting of all parts of ourselves. With curiosity and reflection, I want to support you to explore and understand your experience. When we explore what’s happening for us internally, our beliefs, and the unmet needs we carry, and when we can bring curiosity, care, and increased awareness, then new possibilities open up. We find ways to relate to ourselves and the world with more balance, ease, and belonging.
I was invited into this work through personal initiation: deep loss, recovery from chronic illness, parenthood, mediating divorced parents.
We live in a world that encourages us to ignore, override, and forget our experience. Therapy provides a space for deep self-inquiry where we can learn to become aware and accepting of all parts of ourselves. With curiosity and reflection, I want to support you to explore and understand your experience. When we explore what’s happening for us internally, our beliefs, and the unmet needs we carry, and when we can bring curiosity, care, and increased awareness, then new possibilities open up. We find ways to relate to ourselves and the world with more balance, ease, and belonging.
Process, express & release stress, worry, grief & trauma to feeling lighter and more able to achieve your goals.
Life is challenging. We all benefit from receiving support as we navigate transitions, relationships, and the constancy of change. I have 20 years' experience supporting people who span a diverse range of ages and cultural backgrounds. My approach integrates body and sensory awareness with relaxation practices. I offer information about how neurobiological processes impact functioning and experience. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and dynamic as we observe and shift unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. Some people choose to make art as part of most meetings; others prefer to mostly talk.
Process, express & release stress, worry, grief & trauma to feeling lighter and more able to achieve your goals.
Life is challenging. We all benefit from receiving support as we navigate transitions, relationships, and the constancy of change. I have 20 years' experience supporting people who span a diverse range of ages and cultural backgrounds. My approach integrates body and sensory awareness with relaxation practices. I offer information about how neurobiological processes impact functioning and experience. The therapeutic relationship is collaborative and dynamic as we observe and shift unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. Some people choose to make art as part of most meetings; others prefer to mostly talk.
Perhaps these are places of complex grief, trauma or gender and sexuality.
I work deeply and psychodynamically with an anti-oppression lens. Through inner exploration and collaboration in therapy, we can make sense of some of life’s complexities and the suffering they may cause. In the process, relationships with self and others can ultimately become more aligned and more loving.
Perhaps these are places of complex grief, trauma or gender and sexuality.
I work deeply and psychodynamically with an anti-oppression lens. Through inner exploration and collaboration in therapy, we can make sense of some of life’s complexities and the suffering they may cause. In the process, relationships with self and others can ultimately become more aligned and more loving.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, specializing in grief counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and the integration of spirituality and psychedelic experiences into the healing process.
Grief, trauma, and transformation often unfold in liminal spaces—those in-between states where the old no longer fits, and the new has yet to fully emerge. Whether you are mourning a loved one, processing past wounds, or facing a life-threatening illness, I offer guidance in embracing these moments as opportunities for deep healing and renewal.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, specializing in grief counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and the integration of spirituality and psychedelic experiences into the healing process.
Grief, trauma, and transformation often unfold in liminal spaces—those in-between states where the old no longer fits, and the new has yet to fully emerge. Whether you are mourning a loved one, processing past wounds, or facing a life-threatening illness, I offer guidance in embracing these moments as opportunities for deep healing and renewal.
Although I specialize in working with people with substance use disorders, I've also worked with clients who struggled with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief, and loss.
I am a person in long-term recovery providing psychotherapy to people with substance use disorders. I am familiar with many treatment centers and recovery fellowships in the Bay Area. I provide a nonjudgmental, direct approach and a sense of humor to address addiction and its root causes. If recovery through abstinence is your goal, I am able to tailor a relapse prevention plan to your specific needs.
Although I specialize in working with people with substance use disorders, I've also worked with clients who struggled with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief, and loss.
I am a person in long-term recovery providing psychotherapy to people with substance use disorders. I am familiar with many treatment centers and recovery fellowships in the Bay Area. I provide a nonjudgmental, direct approach and a sense of humor to address addiction and its root causes. If recovery through abstinence is your goal, I am able to tailor a relapse prevention plan to your specific needs.
While I enjoy working with all individuals, I have particular interest & expertise working with the LGBTQ+ community and those experiencing anxiety, grief/ bereavement, life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges.
As a therapist, I am passionate about providing space for my clients to explore the full range of their experiences and to find more satisfaction, authenticity, and connection in their lives. I tend to see the majority of behaviors and patterns that cause distress as creative ways we have learned to cope with life experiences, cultural and familial legacies, relationships, and social influences. My goal is to join with you to create a space of empathy, curiosity, and safety that is adaptive to your unique needs, helps you uncover the wisdom behind your distress, and encourages you in making the changes you seek to make.
While I enjoy working with all individuals, I have particular interest & expertise working with the LGBTQ+ community and those experiencing anxiety, grief/ bereavement, life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges.
As a therapist, I am passionate about providing space for my clients to explore the full range of their experiences and to find more satisfaction, authenticity, and connection in their lives. I tend to see the majority of behaviors and patterns that cause distress as creative ways we have learned to cope with life experiences, cultural and familial legacies, relationships, and social influences. My goal is to join with you to create a space of empathy, curiosity, and safety that is adaptive to your unique needs, helps you uncover the wisdom behind your distress, and encourages you in making the changes you seek to make.
I have extensive experience working with relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief.
I work with adult individuals and couples. I help clients increase their capacity to be with strong emotions so that the feelings do not get pushed away and later manifest in unhelpful ways. I specialize in treating issues related to relationships, loss, identity, self-growth, and self-esteem.
I have extensive experience working with relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief.
I work with adult individuals and couples. I help clients increase their capacity to be with strong emotions so that the feelings do not get pushed away and later manifest in unhelpful ways. I specialize in treating issues related to relationships, loss, identity, self-growth, and self-esteem.
My areas of specialization include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss and working cross culturally.
An exploration of your childhood, relationships and deepest self can be a beautiful and powerful journey.Together we can develop a curiosity and exploration of vulnerabilities and resilience in the face of challenges and hardship. I work with you in a collaborative way to understand together the obstacles to having healthy and meaningful relationships. If you feel stuck and unable to understand some of your own behaviors and choices we can talk together and begin to find words to understand your experience. I have a warm style of relating and can at times bring humor to our work.
My areas of specialization include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss and working cross culturally.
An exploration of your childhood, relationships and deepest self can be a beautiful and powerful journey.Together we can develop a curiosity and exploration of vulnerabilities and resilience in the face of challenges and hardship. I work with you in a collaborative way to understand together the obstacles to having healthy and meaningful relationships. If you feel stuck and unable to understand some of your own behaviors and choices we can talk together and begin to find words to understand your experience. I have a warm style of relating and can at times bring humor to our work.
John Connors McConville
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MDiv, MA, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I work with people who face challenges that often arise in the second half of life such as, the trauma of illness & death, caring for aging parents, loss of satisfaction or sense of meaning in relationships and work, loss of a job, isolation, and loneliness.
So much of who we are is established early on within our family systems. When we explore our present day patterns of thinking and feeling and our actions and reactions we develop a reflective mind that grows in understanding and acceptance.This new awareness leads profound and satisfying changes.
I work with people who face challenges that often arise in the second half of life such as, the trauma of illness & death, caring for aging parents, loss of satisfaction or sense of meaning in relationships and work, loss of a job, isolation, and loneliness.
So much of who we are is established early on within our family systems. When we explore our present day patterns of thinking and feeling and our actions and reactions we develop a reflective mind that grows in understanding and acceptance.This new awareness leads profound and satisfying changes.
I'm a gay cisgender psychologist of color and my relational and culturally sensitive therapeutic approach to working with stress, grief/ loss, and other concerns; considers your lived experience and integrates best practices encouraging a corrective experience through coping effectively and rewriting your narrative towards authenticity and a meaningful life.
When making the complex and vulnerable choice to begin therapy, you should be able to trust your therapist and feel safe sharing your story. This is why compassion and empathy are my priorities when building our therapeutic alliance. Together, we will collaborate on an individualized plan for change and growth that is consistent with your values and cultural identities. Every human is a unique mix of identities, experiences, fears, dreams, and values. I am well-versed in theory and operate from a foundation of science. However, I also believe that it is essential to recognize the humanity behind everyone’s struggles and actions.
I'm a gay cisgender psychologist of color and my relational and culturally sensitive therapeutic approach to working with stress, grief/ loss, and other concerns; considers your lived experience and integrates best practices encouraging a corrective experience through coping effectively and rewriting your narrative towards authenticity and a meaningful life.
When making the complex and vulnerable choice to begin therapy, you should be able to trust your therapist and feel safe sharing your story. This is why compassion and empathy are my priorities when building our therapeutic alliance. Together, we will collaborate on an individualized plan for change and growth that is consistent with your values and cultural identities. Every human is a unique mix of identities, experiences, fears, dreams, and values. I am well-versed in theory and operate from a foundation of science. However, I also believe that it is essential to recognize the humanity behind everyone’s struggles and actions.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Grief Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.