In Person Therapists in Oakland, CA
The decision to pursue therapy is often not an easy one. However, in working with a therapist, most people find a sense of relief that comes with learning that change is possible. Whether your concerns are long-standing patterns or new adjustments, through collaborative exploration within a therapeutic relationship, new ways of relating and coping can develop.
The decision to pursue therapy is often not an easy one. However, in working with a therapist, most people find a sense of relief that comes with learning that change is possible. Whether your concerns are long-standing patterns or new adjustments, through collaborative exploration within a therapeutic relationship, new ways of relating and coping can develop.
I specialize in both individual trauma and grief work, as well as work with couples. 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. My approach helps couples to reestablish a sense of connection by allowing couples to better understand the areas in their relationship where they have difficulty feeling that they each see eye-to-eye, by facilitating clearer communication of what both are needing from each other in order to feel more connected.
I specialize in both individual trauma and grief work, as well as work with couples. 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. My approach helps couples to reestablish a sense of connection by allowing couples to better understand the areas in their relationship where they have difficulty feeling that they each see eye-to-eye, by facilitating clearer communication of what both are needing from each other in order to feel more connected.
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.
Are self defeating behaviors preventing you from experiencing true joy and fulfilment in your life? Maybe guilt, embarrassment and shame underpin the need to cover up and sometimes live a lie to get by. It can feel like no one will understand but then the weight eventually becomes too heavy to carry.
I understand this pain. You are invited to unload these habits, thoughts, emotions and behaviors that no longer serve you. Come learn a new way to reclaim your true nature by awakening your inherent strengths, with skills that support you.
Are self defeating behaviors preventing you from experiencing true joy and fulfilment in your life? Maybe guilt, embarrassment and shame underpin the need to cover up and sometimes live a lie to get by. It can feel like no one will understand but then the weight eventually becomes too heavy to carry.
I understand this pain. You are invited to unload these habits, thoughts, emotions and behaviors that no longer serve you. Come learn a new way to reclaim your true nature by awakening your inherent strengths, with skills that support you.
*****Please see my website at: www.janvitekphd.com/.***** A genuine, empathic, and caring relationship is at the heart of meaningful and helpful psychotherapy. I focus on creating a safe, warm, and reflective environment in which to explore thoughts and feelings and identify patterns of behavior. I seek an optimum balance between safety and nurturance and challenge and directness. Good psychotherapy is about making better choices about how to take care of yourself, how to form satisfying relationships, and how to attain your personal goals.
*****Please see my website at: www.janvitekphd.com/.***** A genuine, empathic, and caring relationship is at the heart of meaningful and helpful psychotherapy. I focus on creating a safe, warm, and reflective environment in which to explore thoughts and feelings and identify patterns of behavior. I seek an optimum balance between safety and nurturance and challenge and directness. Good psychotherapy is about making better choices about how to take care of yourself, how to form satisfying relationships, and how to attain your personal goals.
I use fewer words in person:)
My approach is collaborative and active. I balance making therapy challenging at times, yet playful enough so that you will want to come back. My clients say this therapy-on-the-move is easier than a traditional sit-on-a-couch scenario in which the confinement of the room can get in the way of the work. I think for some people — especially teens & young adults — the idea of sitting in a room with a therapist is antithetical to being in a space that is good for sharing tough stuff. All that said, the outdoor work is *part* of the practice, roughly 30% of our time may consist of online sessions.
I use fewer words in person:)
My approach is collaborative and active. I balance making therapy challenging at times, yet playful enough so that you will want to come back. My clients say this therapy-on-the-move is easier than a traditional sit-on-a-couch scenario in which the confinement of the room can get in the way of the work. I think for some people — especially teens & young adults — the idea of sitting in a room with a therapist is antithetical to being in a space that is good for sharing tough stuff. All that said, the outdoor work is *part* of the practice, roughly 30% of our time may consist of online sessions.
With over 25 years as a licensed therapist, I am a skilled and compassionate guide in helping people feel better, function better, and have more fulfilling relationships. I am able to understand people from multiple perspectives, how their family system has shaped them, how their attachment style impacts them, how their connections with others cause them joy and pain. I am very present in sessions and have an interactive style, giving direct feedback. You won't find me just listening and nodding, I am there to understand you and collaborate on a plan with you for meeting your goals.
With over 25 years as a licensed therapist, I am a skilled and compassionate guide in helping people feel better, function better, and have more fulfilling relationships. I am able to understand people from multiple perspectives, how their family system has shaped them, how their attachment style impacts them, how their connections with others cause them joy and pain. I am very present in sessions and have an interactive style, giving direct feedback. You won't find me just listening and nodding, I am there to understand you and collaborate on a plan with you for meeting your goals.
You’re a thoughtful person feeling alone, depressed, and stuck in cycles of anxiety, low self-esteem, or old patterns from past trauma. You want clarity, relief, and a compassionate therapist who helps you start where you are. I partner with you to find your voice, understand triggers, and build practical tools to calm the nervous system, shift habits, and repair relationships. Together we’ll turn insight into action so you feel more confident, connected, and ready to create change that lasts.
You’re a thoughtful person feeling alone, depressed, and stuck in cycles of anxiety, low self-esteem, or old patterns from past trauma. You want clarity, relief, and a compassionate therapist who helps you start where you are. I partner with you to find your voice, understand triggers, and build practical tools to calm the nervous system, shift habits, and repair relationships. Together we’ll turn insight into action so you feel more confident, connected, and ready to create change that lasts.
Therapy can help you make changes you've been thinking about or help move through a difficult moment or just help you grow. I work psychodynamically, meaning that as we address present day here and now, we will also consider your past experiences to better understanding patterns around certain dilemmas. I have found that once we have a better understanding (insight) of how we respond, it can often lead one to choose (be more conscious of) what they want and how to how to proceed. I am here to support you in that process.
Therapy can help you make changes you've been thinking about or help move through a difficult moment or just help you grow. I work psychodynamically, meaning that as we address present day here and now, we will also consider your past experiences to better understanding patterns around certain dilemmas. I have found that once we have a better understanding (insight) of how we respond, it can often lead one to choose (be more conscious of) what they want and how to how to proceed. I am here to support you in that process.
I specialize in effective couples therapy. I work with adult individuals, and men with issues in the area of sexuality and intimacy. In working with couples I focus on self-responsibility, communication (listening when listening is hard, self revealing instead of finger-pointing), expectations, self-awareness, and remaining intimate through difficulty. Throughout the whole process I integrate a focus on kindness without abandoning or avoiding the truth. I also specialize in assisting and supporting both men and women with building the skill and ability to feel and share their feelings effectively in intimate relationships.
I specialize in effective couples therapy. I work with adult individuals, and men with issues in the area of sexuality and intimacy. In working with couples I focus on self-responsibility, communication (listening when listening is hard, self revealing instead of finger-pointing), expectations, self-awareness, and remaining intimate through difficulty. Throughout the whole process I integrate a focus on kindness without abandoning or avoiding the truth. I also specialize in assisting and supporting both men and women with building the skill and ability to feel and share their feelings effectively in intimate relationships.
Dr. Bret Fimiani is a clinical psychologist and a psychoanalyst of the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis. He is also a member of the Society for Psychoanalytic and Interdisciplinary Interventions and Research After Lacan (SPIIRAL). He specializes in working with people experiencing psychosis and extreme states in his private practice in Oakland, CA and he is on the board of directors for the Bay Area Hearing Voices Network. His recent book on psychosis is titled “Psychosis and Extreme States: An Ethic for Treatment” (Palgrave-Macmillan 2021).
Dr. Bret Fimiani is a clinical psychologist and a psychoanalyst of the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis. He is also a member of the Society for Psychoanalytic and Interdisciplinary Interventions and Research After Lacan (SPIIRAL). He specializes in working with people experiencing psychosis and extreme states in his private practice in Oakland, CA and he is on the board of directors for the Bay Area Hearing Voices Network. His recent book on psychosis is titled “Psychosis and Extreme States: An Ethic for Treatment” (Palgrave-Macmillan 2021).
I have afternoon/evening availability for in person and virtual sessions Sunday -Wednesday from 11:00am-7:00pm
Whether you are going through some difficult life transitions, struggling with stress, feelings of loneliness, are in a process of recovery and/or have experienced significant trauma, my therapy approach will support you in unpacking difficult emotions to restore a sense a safety and a deeper connection to yourself, others and the world. I am passionate about empowering you to understand and speak your feelings. I work really well with adults in relationship & life-transitions; teens & parents in need of a repaired relationship, and with children who’ve experienced trauma, struggle with big behaviors and/or feelings & their parents.
I have afternoon/evening availability for in person and virtual sessions Sunday -Wednesday from 11:00am-7:00pm
Whether you are going through some difficult life transitions, struggling with stress, feelings of loneliness, are in a process of recovery and/or have experienced significant trauma, my therapy approach will support you in unpacking difficult emotions to restore a sense a safety and a deeper connection to yourself, others and the world. I am passionate about empowering you to understand and speak your feelings. I work really well with adults in relationship & life-transitions; teens & parents in need of a repaired relationship, and with children who’ve experienced trauma, struggle with big behaviors and/or feelings & their parents.
At this time, I am offering telehealth and in-person sessions.
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.
At this time, I am offering telehealth and in-person sessions.
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.
It is a privilege to help others who are seeking support on their journey. As a licensed psychologist who enjoys working with adults, children, families, couples, as well as groups, I appreciate a holistic approach to lifestyle changes. It is important to consider physical, mental and emotional health to increase our quality of life. We don’t have control over some circumstances in life, but we can work to optimally navigate what comes our way. Cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness for stress reduction, managing occupational strain and psychoeducation are some of the techniques I find helpful.
It is a privilege to help others who are seeking support on their journey. As a licensed psychologist who enjoys working with adults, children, families, couples, as well as groups, I appreciate a holistic approach to lifestyle changes. It is important to consider physical, mental and emotional health to increase our quality of life. We don’t have control over some circumstances in life, but we can work to optimally navigate what comes our way. Cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, mindfulness for stress reduction, managing occupational strain and psychoeducation are some of the techniques I find helpful.
I'd love to greet you in person in my sunny Oakland office and am happy to offer services by video for people located throughout California.
I help people cope with life's challenges and build strong, connected relationships. Whether you're struggling with chronic feelings of sadness, wanting to improve communication with your partner or going through a major life transition, I offer compassionate, respectful therapeutic conversations that can help you overcome difficulties and reconnect to your values, hopes and dreams.
I'd love to greet you in person in my sunny Oakland office and am happy to offer services by video for people located throughout California.
I help people cope with life's challenges and build strong, connected relationships. Whether you're struggling with chronic feelings of sadness, wanting to improve communication with your partner or going through a major life transition, I offer compassionate, respectful therapeutic conversations that can help you overcome difficulties and reconnect to your values, hopes and dreams.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
I offer therapy sessions in-person, in Rockridge (very close to the Bart station), or online via zoom.
I work with couples and individuals struggling with a variety of relationship and communication issues. I have successfully treated clients with depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem. Clients that are looking for more aliveness in themselves and their relationships will be served well by what I offer.
I offer therapy sessions in-person, in Rockridge (very close to the Bart station), or online via zoom.
I work with couples and individuals struggling with a variety of relationship and communication issues. I have successfully treated clients with depression, anxiety, phobias, and low self-esteem. Clients that are looking for more aliveness in themselves and their relationships will be served well by what I offer.
I’m most passionate about empowering people to be their whole selves. We live in a culture that doesn’t give much space for our emotional lives, and we so often live a diminished version of ourselves. While this is sometimes necessary for safety, we are left disconnected from ourselves and others. It's exhausting and lonely. Therapy is a place and process to slow down. It can help you learn how to listen to yourself more deeply to change deep-seated patterns and feel empowered in your life.
I’m most passionate about empowering people to be their whole selves. We live in a culture that doesn’t give much space for our emotional lives, and we so often live a diminished version of ourselves. While this is sometimes necessary for safety, we are left disconnected from ourselves and others. It's exhausting and lonely. Therapy is a place and process to slow down. It can help you learn how to listen to yourself more deeply to change deep-seated patterns and feel empowered in your life.
Everyone has their ups and downs. Life can be stressful and challenging at times. These are the times when it can be helpful for you to talk with someone to support you getting through a difficult time. Whether you have a child having difficulty in school, an adolescent transitioning into adulthood, relationship issues with a partner, or other life stressing events, I provide a safe space to help manage these challenges.
Everyone has their ups and downs. Life can be stressful and challenging at times. These are the times when it can be helpful for you to talk with someone to support you getting through a difficult time. Whether you have a child having difficulty in school, an adolescent transitioning into adulthood, relationship issues with a partner, or other life stressing events, I provide a safe space to help manage these challenges.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
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