Marriage Counseling Therapists in Oakland, CA
Jonathan Willett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I have worked with a wide diversity of clients including people experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, thought disorders, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, marriage and family issues, and difficult life changes.
I work to build a warm, empathic relationship with my clients to create an environment where we can think together about the issues that bring you to therapy and how best to resolve them. I am informed by psychodynamic theory and utilize this rich tradition to explore unconscious defenses, maladaptive patterns and underlying schemas that can cause a person to repeat problematic behaviors despite their best efforts to change. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfullness practices to support clients with acquiring the tools they need to make those changes.
I have worked with a wide diversity of clients including people experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, thought disorders, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, marriage and family issues, and difficult life changes.
I work to build a warm, empathic relationship with my clients to create an environment where we can think together about the issues that bring you to therapy and how best to resolve them. I am informed by psychodynamic theory and utilize this rich tradition to explore unconscious defenses, maladaptive patterns and underlying schemas that can cause a person to repeat problematic behaviors despite their best efforts to change. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfullness practices to support clients with acquiring the tools they need to make those changes.
Sf Bay Play Therapy By Karen Wolfe Lmft
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
We are a group of Marriage and Family Therapists with locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and Orinda. We offer child and family play therapy, Hand in Hand Parenting coaching, individual and couples therapy, Brainspotting and trainings. Whether you are a child, parent, or teacher, we want to empower you to connect deeply with yourself and to help you create meaningful and satisfying relationships. Through the tools of play therapy, hand in hand parenting coaching, and relational psychotherapy we help children and adults reflect, build stronger bonds, and find the inner resources to create the family life you are longing for.
We are a group of Marriage and Family Therapists with locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and Orinda. We offer child and family play therapy, Hand in Hand Parenting coaching, individual and couples therapy, Brainspotting and trainings. Whether you are a child, parent, or teacher, we want to empower you to connect deeply with yourself and to help you create meaningful and satisfying relationships. Through the tools of play therapy, hand in hand parenting coaching, and relational psychotherapy we help children and adults reflect, build stronger bonds, and find the inner resources to create the family life you are longing for.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who currently works with women over 18. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, film making, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who currently works with women over 18. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, film making, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds.
Sharon Qi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, BCBA, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603 (Online Only)
I virtually meet CA clients. If you’re facing challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, or low confidence, due to autism, or ADHD—I’m here to help. I also support those experiencing frustration in their early careers or navigating midlife career transitions, particularly with communication and social skills. Additionally, I assist with personal life challenges, such as building healthy relationships and managing the risks of marital separation or divorce. Feel free to reach out to me for guidance and support. My goal is to help you navigate these challenges and improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
I virtually meet CA clients. If you’re facing challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, or low confidence, due to autism, or ADHD—I’m here to help. I also support those experiencing frustration in their early careers or navigating midlife career transitions, particularly with communication and social skills. Additionally, I assist with personal life challenges, such as building healthy relationships and managing the risks of marital separation or divorce. Feel free to reach out to me for guidance and support. My goal is to help you navigate these challenges and improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
Inspired by a genuine interest in understanding human experiences and relationships, I pursued extensive education and training to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Jessica Knott, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered approaches. In sessions, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental. I create a safe and open environment where clients feel heard and understood. Working with me is collaborative, focused on your unique needs, and aimed at fostering a sense of empowerment and positive change.
Inspired by a genuine interest in understanding human experiences and relationships, I pursued extensive education and training to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Jessica Knott, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered approaches. In sessions, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental. I create a safe and open environment where clients feel heard and understood. Working with me is collaborative, focused on your unique needs, and aimed at fostering a sense of empowerment and positive change.
I have studied in the Relational Life Therapy, Passionate Marriage, Quest for the Mythical Mate approaches (Terry Real; David Schnarch; Bader & Pearson).
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 have studied in the Relational Life Therapy, Passionate Marriage, Quest for the Mythical Mate approaches (Terry Real; David Schnarch; Bader & Pearson).
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'm dually licensed as a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor.
Are you looking for a more joyous and purposeful life? I'm here to help! I believe you enter therapy already equipped for the transformation you seek.
I'm dually licensed as a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor.
Are you looking for a more joyous and purposeful life? I'm here to help! I believe you enter therapy already equipped for the transformation you seek.
Christine Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
OPEN to NEW clients- I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I support the relationship repair process by providing immediate structure and communication tools. I have extensive experience with Therapeutic Disclosures, Impact Letters, other recovery structures. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
OPEN to NEW clients- I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I support the relationship repair process by providing immediate structure and communication tools. I have extensive experience with Therapeutic Disclosures, Impact Letters, other recovery structures. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Marissza Cavin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict.
I also specialize in Relationship & Marital Therapy.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
I also specialize in Relationship & Marital Therapy.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
Happy Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
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You've got some things going right in your life "on paper," but you still have fears: about the future; about changes on the horizon; about your relationships with your parents and maybe your children; about where your partnership (your marriage, your life, your career . . .) is headed. And there's still grief about time "lost" since 2020. And uncertainty about the unknowns.
You've got some things going right in your life "on paper," but you still have fears: about the future; about changes on the horizon; about your relationships with your parents and maybe your children; about where your partnership (your marriage, your life, your career . . .) is headed. And there's still grief about time "lost" since 2020. And uncertainty about the unknowns.
We provide couples therapy (including pre- marital counseling), family therapy (both adult families and adult & child families), individual therapy, adolescent, child therapy and massage therapy.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.
We provide couples therapy (including pre- marital counseling), family therapy (both adult families and adult & child families), individual therapy, adolescent, child therapy and massage therapy.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.
Micah Davis Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
I am an empathic Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (132754) with a humanistic-existential approach, offering a decade of experience with both group facilitation, couples work, and one-on-ones. My strengths include mindfulness-based interventions, trauma and crisis, incarcerated youth and adults, and Muslim outreach.
I am an empathic Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (132754) with a humanistic-existential approach, offering a decade of experience with both group facilitation, couples work, and one-on-ones. My strengths include mindfulness-based interventions, trauma and crisis, incarcerated youth and adults, and Muslim outreach.
Dr. Fei Yi is now accepting new clients with Lyra. If you're seeking a Chinese/English speaking therapist specializing in complex PTSD and family relationships, you’re in the right place. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Yi, a licensed psychologist in California, helps with anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress, social skills, marriage/family conflict, and LGBTQ+ concerns. She offers evidence-based psychotherapy to adults, couples, and families, combining Western and Eastern wisdom for holistic, providing compassionate listening and immediate, actionable feedback. Email Dr. Yi now for a free 15-minute consultation.
Dr. Fei Yi is now accepting new clients with Lyra. If you're seeking a Chinese/English speaking therapist specializing in complex PTSD and family relationships, you’re in the right place. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Yi, a licensed psychologist in California, helps with anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress, social skills, marriage/family conflict, and LGBTQ+ concerns. She offers evidence-based psychotherapy to adults, couples, and families, combining Western and Eastern wisdom for holistic, providing compassionate listening and immediate, actionable feedback. Email Dr. Yi now for a free 15-minute consultation.
Lucia Heye
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to assist clients in reaching their emotional well-being by tapping into their inner strengths while building a strong sense of self and community.
I firmly believe that every client is entitled to an enriching life. My goal is to motivate clients in ascertaining their inner strengths, abilities, and inspirations. I have an extensive background in treating clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, unresolved childhood trauma, substance abuse, identity issues, along with several other life struggles. I provide short-term therapy, trauma-informed, solution-focused therapy, and addiction recovery.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to assist clients in reaching their emotional well-being by tapping into their inner strengths while building a strong sense of self and community.
I firmly believe that every client is entitled to an enriching life. My goal is to motivate clients in ascertaining their inner strengths, abilities, and inspirations. I have an extensive background in treating clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, unresolved childhood trauma, substance abuse, identity issues, along with several other life struggles. I provide short-term therapy, trauma-informed, solution-focused therapy, and addiction recovery.
Keri (Kathryn) Sills-Payne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
As a queer-identified and spiritual-identified woman in an interracial, same-sex marriage, I integrate many layers.
Are you wanting to feel better once and for all? Maybe you can't move on from the past or you're worried about your future. If anxiety, panic, or even depression is stealing your joy, I get it. If traditional talk therapy hasn't helped you feel better, it's time to try a new approach to heal at the source of your pain. For 12 years I have refined my approach through professional training and experience in Relational-gestalt therapy and Brainspotting (derived from EMDR) while centering social justice and trauma-informed care.
As a queer-identified and spiritual-identified woman in an interracial, same-sex marriage, I integrate many layers.
Are you wanting to feel better once and for all? Maybe you can't move on from the past or you're worried about your future. If anxiety, panic, or even depression is stealing your joy, I get it. If traditional talk therapy hasn't helped you feel better, it's time to try a new approach to heal at the source of your pain. For 12 years I have refined my approach through professional training and experience in Relational-gestalt therapy and Brainspotting (derived from EMDR) while centering social justice and trauma-informed care.
I am currently a doctoral student in Human Sexuality with a research focus on trans/cis relationships, a sex educator endorsed by San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), as well as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
I am currently a doctoral student in Human Sexuality with a research focus on trans/cis relationships, a sex educator endorsed by San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), as well as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
Dr. Spivey is the Director of a small group practice located in the heart of the medical district in Oakland, CA. He offers more than 35 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD within adults and adolescents. He takes a holistic approach by integrating concerns of health, diet, and exercise. Dr. Spivey also works with those suffering from occupational diseases, including job stress, feeling stale on the job, burnout, and job unhappiness. Other areas of endeavors include personality reshaping, motivation, and marital enhancement.
Dr. Spivey is the Director of a small group practice located in the heart of the medical district in Oakland, CA. He offers more than 35 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD within adults and adolescents. He takes a holistic approach by integrating concerns of health, diet, and exercise. Dr. Spivey also works with those suffering from occupational diseases, including job stress, feeling stale on the job, burnout, and job unhappiness. Other areas of endeavors include personality reshaping, motivation, and marital enhancement.
Stefanie Schlief
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I'm currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, SWer supportive, and welcomes humans of all cultural backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes and choices. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us the most
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I'm currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, SWer supportive, and welcomes humans of all cultural backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes and choices. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us the most
See more therapy options for Oakland
Marriage Counseling Therapists
How does marriage counseling work?
Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.
How long does marriage counseling typically last?
Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.
Is marriage counseling effective?
Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.
Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?
Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.