In Person Therapists in Oakland, CA
At this time, I strongly prefer we have online sessions with some exceptions for in-person.
Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic.
At this time, I strongly prefer we have online sessions with some exceptions for in-person.
Hi there, I primarily work in substance use recovery (abstinence and harm reduction) and trauma recovery. I also have specialized training in treating anxiety, depression, and sleep issues/insomnia. My treatment orientation is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, however the foundation of my early training was Psychodynamic.
Welcome! Take a seat wherever. Many of use feel like we suffer in silence with feelings or reactions we didn't want nor asked for. Whether its a constant, nagging tightness in your chest when around other people or the desire to move and fidget becomes to overwhelming to ignore. Sometimes we can feel very "stuck" or trapped with these feelings where we see no escape. Fortunately, there are different ways of seeing, interacting, or being that can alleviate that suffering and help you live the life you want to live.
Welcome! Take a seat wherever. Many of use feel like we suffer in silence with feelings or reactions we didn't want nor asked for. Whether its a constant, nagging tightness in your chest when around other people or the desire to move and fidget becomes to overwhelming to ignore. Sometimes we can feel very "stuck" or trapped with these feelings where we see no escape. Fortunately, there are different ways of seeing, interacting, or being that can alleviate that suffering and help you live the life you want to live.
I am a psychoanalytic psychotherapist working with individuals and couples in the Bay Area. In general, I am interested in how we articulate and inhabit our experiences and how the therapeutic process can broaden our experiential capacities, providing increased freedom from different forms of anxiety and distress over time. Throughout therapy, I am especially attentive to changes in relationship dynamics both within and without the therapy and am therefore also interested in how the language we use together develops and shifts from session to session to accommodate emergent understanding.
I am a psychoanalytic psychotherapist working with individuals and couples in the Bay Area. In general, I am interested in how we articulate and inhabit our experiences and how the therapeutic process can broaden our experiential capacities, providing increased freedom from different forms of anxiety and distress over time. Throughout therapy, I am especially attentive to changes in relationship dynamics both within and without the therapy and am therefore also interested in how the language we use together develops and shifts from session to session to accommodate emergent understanding.
Anxiety, perfectionism, or low self-esteem keep you small and sheltered. Maybe you’re feeling lost, lonely, or unsure what to do; questions of identity, belonging, and boundaries are front-and-center. You want a safe, guided space to unpack your whole self and build a healthier sense of entitlement to your needs and joy. You’re looking for someone who understands identity, cultures, and personal relationship stressors, and helps you feel seen while you practice new ways of being that actually translate to daily life.
Anxiety, perfectionism, or low self-esteem keep you small and sheltered. Maybe you’re feeling lost, lonely, or unsure what to do; questions of identity, belonging, and boundaries are front-and-center. You want a safe, guided space to unpack your whole self and build a healthier sense of entitlement to your needs and joy. You’re looking for someone who understands identity, cultures, and personal relationship stressors, and helps you feel seen while you practice new ways of being that actually translate to daily life.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
If you’re outwardly high-functioning but internally tense, shut down, or constantly monitoring yourself, you may feel stuck between wanting change and fearing the consequences of choosing yourself. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable, and responsible, yet struggle with anxiety, emotional numbness, people-pleasing, or difficulty accessing what they actually want.
You may be tired of overthinking, feeling frozen in decisions, or living in “I should” instead of choice. What you want is clarity, steadiness, and the ability to respond to life with more confidence and flexibility, without pushing yourself or collapsing
If you’re outwardly high-functioning but internally tense, shut down, or constantly monitoring yourself, you may feel stuck between wanting change and fearing the consequences of choosing yourself. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable, and responsible, yet struggle with anxiety, emotional numbness, people-pleasing, or difficulty accessing what they actually want.
You may be tired of overthinking, feeling frozen in decisions, or living in “I should” instead of choice. What you want is clarity, steadiness, and the ability to respond to life with more confidence and flexibility, without pushing yourself or collapsing
You feel like something is off. You’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, stuck. You want to understand your own reactions, build healthy and sustaining relationships, feel grounded and present in your day to day life. I can help! With over 13 years of experience, I provide LGBTQIA-affirming and trauma-responsive therapy for youth, adults, and families. Using evidence-based techniques like EMDR therapy, somatics, expressive arts, and dialectical behavioral skills, I support people finding meaning and connection after trauma and chronic stress.
You feel like something is off. You’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, disconnected, stuck. You want to understand your own reactions, build healthy and sustaining relationships, feel grounded and present in your day to day life. I can help! With over 13 years of experience, I provide LGBTQIA-affirming and trauma-responsive therapy for youth, adults, and families. Using evidence-based techniques like EMDR therapy, somatics, expressive arts, and dialectical behavioral skills, I support people finding meaning and connection after trauma and chronic stress.
Cria Catherine Merchant
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
Waitlist for new clients
I continue to be humbled by the bravery, vulnerability and courage it takes to enter into therapy. The very act of reaching out is one of resiliency and strength, particularly during times when you may be experiencing difficult transitions, questioning patterns in life that no longer serve you or your relationships, feelings of worry, sadness and overwhelm.
I continue to be humbled by the bravery, vulnerability and courage it takes to enter into therapy. The very act of reaching out is one of resiliency and strength, particularly during times when you may be experiencing difficult transitions, questioning patterns in life that no longer serve you or your relationships, feelings of worry, sadness and overwhelm.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering therapy both in-person and via telehealth.
Queer affirming therapy for adults, teens, Couples/Relationship Therapy, LGBTQ+. My individual style of therapy often resonates with those who feel isolated, misunderstood, and lonely. They've been told they're “too much,” “too sensitive,” “intense.”, an "odd duck", a "strange bird". They sense that no one has truly seen them and wonder if there are even parts of themselves they haven’t fully seen. Hiding has become unbearable, but they don’t know yet how to make sense of their complex inner world and experiences. They don't yet know the sacredness of their dissent, their strange feathers, but they sense it's there.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering therapy both in-person and via telehealth.
Queer affirming therapy for adults, teens, Couples/Relationship Therapy, LGBTQ+. My individual style of therapy often resonates with those who feel isolated, misunderstood, and lonely. They've been told they're “too much,” “too sensitive,” “intense.”, an "odd duck", a "strange bird". They sense that no one has truly seen them and wonder if there are even parts of themselves they haven’t fully seen. Hiding has become unbearable, but they don’t know yet how to make sense of their complex inner world and experiences. They don't yet know the sacredness of their dissent, their strange feathers, but they sense it's there.
I offer in person sessions in Oakland, as well as virtual sessions.
I specialize in working with young people and the LGBTQIA community. My professional background in education, clowning, and physical theater deeply informs my work. Using embodied play alongside talk therapy, I find that my clients are able to access expression, relief, and growth. This type of work is useful for kids experiencing anxiety, school and family challenges, and struggling with self esteem. It is also useful for LGBTQIA people to become more deeply in touch with their identities, using a creative lens. I am committed to meeting clients where they are at to develop a space for creative healing.
I offer in person sessions in Oakland, as well as virtual sessions.
I specialize in working with young people and the LGBTQIA community. My professional background in education, clowning, and physical theater deeply informs my work. Using embodied play alongside talk therapy, I find that my clients are able to access expression, relief, and growth. This type of work is useful for kids experiencing anxiety, school and family challenges, and struggling with self esteem. It is also useful for LGBTQIA people to become more deeply in touch with their identities, using a creative lens. I am committed to meeting clients where they are at to develop a space for creative healing.
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.
I offer video, phone and in person sessions (if no access to video/privacy.
I believe in the healing power of bearing witness to and participating in my clients' self-exploration. Whether we are exploring feelings, systems of oppression and their effects on us, patterns in relationships, or family of origin issues, the strength and compassion of an empathic partner in this journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a relief in symptoms. I bring empathy and mindful curiosity to our work together.
I offer video, phone and in person sessions (if no access to video/privacy.
I believe in the healing power of bearing witness to and participating in my clients' self-exploration. Whether we are exploring feelings, systems of oppression and their effects on us, patterns in relationships, or family of origin issues, the strength and compassion of an empathic partner in this journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a relief in symptoms. I bring empathy and mindful curiosity to our work together.
I have openings for tele-health clients throughout California & in-person appointments for clients in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Therapy is an inherently intimate experience that can lead to deeper understanding, meaning-making, and profound change. Maybe you’re here because of a significant loss, relationship challenges, or difficulties at work or school. My approach integrates somatic, multicultural, relational, psychodynamic, liberation, and narrative based perspectives. I have training toward certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), which means I incorporate awareness of the body and nervous system to help process trauma, stress, and overwhelm. In session, we work collaboratively, recognizing that change is ongoing and non-linear.
I have openings for tele-health clients throughout California & in-person appointments for clients in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Therapy is an inherently intimate experience that can lead to deeper understanding, meaning-making, and profound change. Maybe you’re here because of a significant loss, relationship challenges, or difficulties at work or school. My approach integrates somatic, multicultural, relational, psychodynamic, liberation, and narrative based perspectives. I have training toward certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), which means I incorporate awareness of the body and nervous system to help process trauma, stress, and overwhelm. In session, we work collaboratively, recognizing that change is ongoing and non-linear.
Taking the necessary steps towards mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being is not an easy task, and does not have to be done alone. My commitment is assisting and supporting you in finding the unique tool you need to move towards long term healing. My focus is on mind, body and spirit as we work together. I respect the unique and intricate experiences and identities you bring into the therapeutic relationship.
Taking the necessary steps towards mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being is not an easy task, and does not have to be done alone. My commitment is assisting and supporting you in finding the unique tool you need to move towards long term healing. My focus is on mind, body and spirit as we work together. I respect the unique and intricate experiences and identities you bring into the therapeutic relationship.
I continue to offer either in-office or online sessions via Zoom, Facetime, or Doxy
Together we can build on your unique strengths to create the conditions with which you can meet life's challenges and feel a sense of genuine contentment. I work with individuals, couples and families struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship dissatisfaction, trauma, compulsive behaviors, sexual expression and orientation, chronic pain, or grief or loss. Whether you're simply feeling stuck and wanting to feel more of a sense of purpose in life or dealing with debilitating trauma, I will support you in the process of uncovering your inherent wisdom for healing and growth. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation.
I continue to offer either in-office or online sessions via Zoom, Facetime, or Doxy
Together we can build on your unique strengths to create the conditions with which you can meet life's challenges and feel a sense of genuine contentment. I work with individuals, couples and families struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship dissatisfaction, trauma, compulsive behaviors, sexual expression and orientation, chronic pain, or grief or loss. Whether you're simply feeling stuck and wanting to feel more of a sense of purpose in life or dealing with debilitating trauma, I will support you in the process of uncovering your inherent wisdom for healing and growth. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
Experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma can be hard to navigate on one’s own. Through the use of integrative modalities, my goal is to help you find your way so that you can manage symptoms, feel your best, discover who you truly are, and move forward in the direction of your dreams whereby your past no longer holds you back. Using warmth and compassion, I also aim to provide trauma-informed care to discuss your struggles without judgment and safely process unresolved trauma and feelings.
People often come into therapy feeling overwhelmed, shut down, or cycling in patterns they may understand intellectually, but feel challenged to shift without structured support. Insight isn't enough if we're stuck in survival mode. I work collaboratively with clients to explore personal and generational narratives and beliefs with compassion and deconstruct how they show up in one's choices, relationships, and emotions. What does your present and future look like when you live in alignment with your values and release what no longer serves you? My intention is to support you in moving from surviving to thriving.
People often come into therapy feeling overwhelmed, shut down, or cycling in patterns they may understand intellectually, but feel challenged to shift without structured support. Insight isn't enough if we're stuck in survival mode. I work collaboratively with clients to explore personal and generational narratives and beliefs with compassion and deconstruct how they show up in one's choices, relationships, and emotions. What does your present and future look like when you live in alignment with your values and release what no longer serves you? My intention is to support you in moving from surviving to thriving.
I am currently holding both in-person and video/phone sessions.
My focus is on helping people to break free from painful, unwanted patterns in their lives, and to find greater confidence, connection, and joy. Couples work is a primary focus of my practice, and I work with couples at all stages of relationship. I help partners interrupt destructive fights, build effective communication skills, and create greater intimacy.
I am currently holding both in-person and video/phone sessions.
My focus is on helping people to break free from painful, unwanted patterns in their lives, and to find greater confidence, connection, and joy. Couples work is a primary focus of my practice, and I work with couples at all stages of relationship. I help partners interrupt destructive fights, build effective communication skills, and create greater intimacy.
Do you feel depressed or anxious due to childhood trauma? Do you feel disconnected in your relationships with others? I’m here to help you develop an action plan for meaningful changes. My approach to therapy is relational and person-centered. I will work alongside you in a warm and understanding environment where you can explore your emotions and find better ways to deal with the stressors in your life.
Do you feel depressed or anxious due to childhood trauma? Do you feel disconnected in your relationships with others? I’m here to help you develop an action plan for meaningful changes. My approach to therapy is relational and person-centered. I will work alongside you in a warm and understanding environment where you can explore your emotions and find better ways to deal with the stressors in your life.
Sometimes life feels overwhelming. It can feel like we are fighting against unmovable forces or desperately treading water to stay afloat. Whether we zone out and lose energy, or become hyper anxious in response to our troubles, our nervous system takes over to protect us. When this happens we may find ourselves engaging in behaviors or thought patterns that aren't actually serving us, but keeping us stuck in a loop. Whether you are dealing with issues around anxiety, perfectionism, control, self-esteem, body image, relationships, co-dependency, boundary setting, trauma, stress, depression, or grief, somatic therapy can help.
Sometimes life feels overwhelming. It can feel like we are fighting against unmovable forces or desperately treading water to stay afloat. Whether we zone out and lose energy, or become hyper anxious in response to our troubles, our nervous system takes over to protect us. When this happens we may find ourselves engaging in behaviors or thought patterns that aren't actually serving us, but keeping us stuck in a loop. Whether you are dealing with issues around anxiety, perfectionism, control, self-esteem, body image, relationships, co-dependency, boundary setting, trauma, stress, depression, or grief, somatic therapy can help.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby In Person Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro