Marriage Counseling Therapists in Oakland, CA
Gillian E Gillette
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Are you an individual or couple seeking a (Spanish/English) bilingual therapist to understand and explore cross-cultural coupledom?
I relate to people by listening empathically and paying attention to details. I can say the difficult truths as well as be there for you when you come to your truth. Building trust in the therapy experience is my highest priority. I am a strength and trauma-informed therapist and I love working with people needing hope as they make changes to thrive.
Are you an individual or couple seeking a (Spanish/English) bilingual therapist to understand and explore cross-cultural coupledom?
I relate to people by listening empathically and paying attention to details. I can say the difficult truths as well as be there for you when you come to your truth. Building trust in the therapy experience is my highest priority. I am a strength and trauma-informed therapist and I love working with people needing hope as they make changes to thrive.
I have many years of experience in dealing with anxiety, depression, loss, life transitions, addictions of all types, and relationship and identity issues. I think my strength is that I approach people on a very human level, with respect, caring and humor. I feel "we are all in the same boat" (including me) and that we all need someone to take us seriously, listen carefully and know how hard it is to be vulnerable to a 'stranger'. I will do my very best to help you create the life you want. I have lost a child, so I have a special sensitivity to grieving parents and their challenges.
I have many years of experience in dealing with anxiety, depression, loss, life transitions, addictions of all types, and relationship and identity issues. I think my strength is that I approach people on a very human level, with respect, caring and humor. I feel "we are all in the same boat" (including me) and that we all need someone to take us seriously, listen carefully and know how hard it is to be vulnerable to a 'stranger'. I will do my very best to help you create the life you want. I have lost a child, so I have a special sensitivity to grieving parents and their challenges.
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 provide services to individuals, couples, and families in need.
Are you struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or other distressing emotions? Do you desire release from unsuccessful patterns of behavior in relationships? If you want to experience more peace and well-being, I can effectively and compassionately help you navigate life-altering crisis and heal from childhood or adult traumatic events. With over 30 years of counseling experience, I have worked in: Suicide Prevention, Physical/Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Addiction (Drug Court), Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, PTSD. I have both a strong clinical and faith-based educational background and take a holistic approach to counseling.
I provide services to individuals, couples, and families in need.
Are you struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, or other distressing emotions? Do you desire release from unsuccessful patterns of behavior in relationships? If you want to experience more peace and well-being, I can effectively and compassionately help you navigate life-altering crisis and heal from childhood or adult traumatic events. With over 30 years of counseling experience, I have worked in: Suicide Prevention, Physical/Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Addiction (Drug Court), Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, PTSD. I have both a strong clinical and faith-based educational background and take a holistic approach to counseling.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been in private practice for over 20 years. I work with couples and individuals with issues ranging from adjustment to college to depression, anxiety, grief, loss, bipolor and personality disorders. My work consists of a combination of dynamic, cognitive, behavioral and mindfulness approaches that help individuals and couples resolve the issues that have brought them into psychotherapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been in private practice for over 20 years. I work with couples and individuals with issues ranging from adjustment to college to depression, anxiety, grief, loss, bipolor and personality disorders. My work consists of a combination of dynamic, cognitive, behavioral and mindfulness approaches that help individuals and couples resolve the issues that have brought them into psychotherapy.
The puzzle pieces can be specific such as dealing with relationship/ couples issues,the impact of divorce, the loss of a loved one, a negative body image, or early childhood trauma.
I feel the theraputic experience is a rich and exciting way for someone to reach their full potential. We all have feelings at times that "something is missing". These are real feelings and will be explored through our relationship. I believe everyone is unique. I don't have a "cookie cutter" approach to treating people. We will get to know each other and deal with the issues together. I work from a psychodynamic viewpoint.I feel everything that you have gone through as a child, young adult, and adult is connected. Our job will be to put the puzzle together.
The puzzle pieces can be specific such as dealing with relationship/ couples issues,the impact of divorce, the loss of a loved one, a negative body image, or early childhood trauma.
I feel the theraputic experience is a rich and exciting way for someone to reach their full potential. We all have feelings at times that "something is missing". These are real feelings and will be explored through our relationship. I believe everyone is unique. I don't have a "cookie cutter" approach to treating people. We will get to know each other and deal with the issues together. I work from a psychodynamic viewpoint.I feel everything that you have gone through as a child, young adult, and adult is connected. Our job will be to put the puzzle together.
I enjoy working with individual adults, young and old, as well as couples.
I've had the privilege of practicing in the Bay Area as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 25 years. Thank you for checking out my profile. I hope you find the right fit in a therapist and get the help you deserve. I would describe my approach to therapy as client-centered or person-centered. This means the work we do is very much collaborative and based on mutual respect and understanding. No cookie cutters or set agendas allowed!
I enjoy working with individual adults, young and old, as well as couples.
I've had the privilege of practicing in the Bay Area as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 25 years. Thank you for checking out my profile. I hope you find the right fit in a therapist and get the help you deserve. I would describe my approach to therapy as client-centered or person-centered. This means the work we do is very much collaborative and based on mutual respect and understanding. No cookie cutters or set agendas allowed!
I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with improving their relationships, deciding whether to stay or leave their relationships, or are looking for ways to increase meaning in their lives.
Are you struggling to decide whether to stay or leave your relationship? It can be difficult to come to the kind of clarity one needs to make this decision. Is it hard to trust your gut and listen to your inner wisdom about how to move forward? Relationships can be very complex and sometimes we all need a little extra support to face these challenges and come to our best decisions.
I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with improving their relationships, deciding whether to stay or leave their relationships, or are looking for ways to increase meaning in their lives.
Are you struggling to decide whether to stay or leave your relationship? It can be difficult to come to the kind of clarity one needs to make this decision. Is it hard to trust your gut and listen to your inner wisdom about how to move forward? Relationships can be very complex and sometimes we all need a little extra support to face these challenges and come to our best decisions.
Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.
Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.
Are you struggling with work, relational, and life stressors that have overwhelmed you and you are unsure what to do next? You're trying to open the next chapter in your life, but your past traumas and anxiety stop you. This is where I come in and help guide you in making YOUR right decision. I will help you through your journey in becoming worry-free and assist you in processing unresolved feelings and learning healthy coping skills for emotional distress
Are you struggling with work, relational, and life stressors that have overwhelmed you and you are unsure what to do next? You're trying to open the next chapter in your life, but your past traumas and anxiety stop you. This is where I come in and help guide you in making YOUR right decision. I will help you through your journey in becoming worry-free and assist you in processing unresolved feelings and learning healthy coping skills for emotional distress
Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, anger issues, or relationship struggles rooted in past experiences? My approach meets you where you are, offering comfort and trust as we work through each session. Healing is like a wave, with natural ups and downs, but we’ll move forward together on a steady, upward path. If you’re feeling stuck or caught in repetitive patterns, I’m here to help you understand these cycles, empowering you to create a more authentic life. Through a supportive, safe environment, we’ll explore your unique needs, helping you build resilience and confidence as you move toward meaningful change.
Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, anger issues, or relationship struggles rooted in past experiences? My approach meets you where you are, offering comfort and trust as we work through each session. Healing is like a wave, with natural ups and downs, but we’ll move forward together on a steady, upward path. If you’re feeling stuck or caught in repetitive patterns, I’m here to help you understand these cycles, empowering you to create a more authentic life. Through a supportive, safe environment, we’ll explore your unique needs, helping you build resilience and confidence as you move toward meaningful change.
About me: I'm a compassionate therapist with 20+ years of experience counseling teens, couples, families, adults, and elders of all genders.
Dear potential Client, Congratulations on choosing to seek therapy. This takes courage and can feel particularly challenging when you are experiencing distress. Finding someone with whom you and/or your loved ones can feel safe and supported is critical and there are many good therapists to choose from. I can help. I can consult with you about what you are needing at this time and whether I can provide it. If it's a fit, great! You have found a therapist. If not, you'll have gained valuable info about what you need as you continue your search.
About me: I'm a compassionate therapist with 20+ years of experience counseling teens, couples, families, adults, and elders of all genders.
Dear potential Client, Congratulations on choosing to seek therapy. This takes courage and can feel particularly challenging when you are experiencing distress. Finding someone with whom you and/or your loved ones can feel safe and supported is critical and there are many good therapists to choose from. I can help. I can consult with you about what you are needing at this time and whether I can provide it. If it's a fit, great! You have found a therapist. If not, you'll have gained valuable info about what you need as you continue your search.
I work with individuals, romantic partners, and families using a blend of talk therapy and somatic (body-based) modalities to support meaningful growth and lasting change.
In addition to therapeutic work, I bring 15 years of experience in the field of children’s education and wellness. I am passionate about supporting children and their caregivers in creating greater understanding and harmony within the family system.
I work with individuals, romantic partners, and families using a blend of talk therapy and somatic (body-based) modalities to support meaningful growth and lasting change.
In addition to therapeutic work, I bring 15 years of experience in the field of children’s education and wellness. I am passionate about supporting children and their caregivers in creating greater understanding and harmony within the family system.
My name is Jason Struassman and I'm a licensed clinical social worker in the Bay Area. Mental health is a critical part of life. Counseling is an amazing opportunity to receive support for managing relationships, dealing with stress, coping with difficult experiences, and clarifying values.
My name is Jason Struassman and I'm a licensed clinical social worker in the Bay Area. Mental health is a critical part of life. Counseling is an amazing opportunity to receive support for managing relationships, dealing with stress, coping with difficult experiences, and clarifying values.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
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.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
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.
Whether you're agonizing over an unruly teenager, family chaos or fighting with your spouse, I can help you overcome communication barriers, resolve disagreements and make a plan for success.
I work with adults, children and teens who have ADHD. I offer assessments for diagnosis in children and adults. I can help you and your spouse or family get back on track with good communication and executive functioning tools to use right away. My other specialties are; helping families with transgender children navigate systems, LGBTQIA couples/fam issues.
Whether you're agonizing over an unruly teenager, family chaos or fighting with your spouse, I can help you overcome communication barriers, resolve disagreements and make a plan for success.
I work with adults, children and teens who have ADHD. I offer assessments for diagnosis in children and adults. I can help you and your spouse or family get back on track with good communication and executive functioning tools to use right away. My other specialties are; helping families with transgender children navigate systems, LGBTQIA couples/fam issues.
You want better relationships, with your partner, your family, at work and with yourself.
My approach is warm, practical, and grounded in attachment theory. I am certified in sex therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. I am trained in somatic, psychodynamic and Brainspotting therapies. I hold a strong belief that our mental health is impacted by our past, present, ideas of the future and deeply intertwined with health and well-being
You want better relationships, with your partner, your family, at work and with yourself.
My approach is warm, practical, and grounded in attachment theory. I am certified in sex therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. I am trained in somatic, psychodynamic and Brainspotting therapies. I hold a strong belief that our mental health is impacted by our past, present, ideas of the future and deeply intertwined with health and well-being
Accepting new clients as of 12/08/25! My work supports those who feel weighed down by shame. For some this presents as distressing thoughts, rumination, & relationship anxiety. For others it may come in the form of isolation, depression, or addiction. If you are seeking new ways of relating to both yourself and others, therapy can be a transformative path inwards. Despite the many demands that you may be under right now, therapy offers a dedicated time and space to self-reflect and make contact with the parts of yourself that too often get dismissed or suppressed.
Accepting new clients as of 12/08/25! My work supports those who feel weighed down by shame. For some this presents as distressing thoughts, rumination, & relationship anxiety. For others it may come in the form of isolation, depression, or addiction. If you are seeking new ways of relating to both yourself and others, therapy can be a transformative path inwards. Despite the many demands that you may be under right now, therapy offers a dedicated time and space to self-reflect and make contact with the parts of yourself that too often get dismissed or suppressed.
When one of the partners has a problem with addiction, both of you have a problem.
You're using drugs/alcohol too much, and you can't stop. You are lost, miserable and scared, and you want to be found. I offer a compassionate, supportive and direct approach to help you meet your needs and achieve your goals. You're ready to explore your underlying, and probably ancient, beliefs that you hold about yourself and that fuel chronic negative thoughts and behaviors. We will work together to rediscover your authentic self, that person who was somehow left behind and is waiting for you to come back. I provide an eclectic approach. You receive a personal assessment, then focused treatment that best fits you.
When one of the partners has a problem with addiction, both of you have a problem.
You're using drugs/alcohol too much, and you can't stop. You are lost, miserable and scared, and you want to be found. I offer a compassionate, supportive and direct approach to help you meet your needs and achieve your goals. You're ready to explore your underlying, and probably ancient, beliefs that you hold about yourself and that fuel chronic negative thoughts and behaviors. We will work together to rediscover your authentic self, that person who was somehow left behind and is waiting for you to come back. I provide an eclectic approach. You receive a personal assessment, then focused treatment that best fits you.
Do you feel unsettled in relationships? Or limited by other peoples’ ideas of who you should be or how you should act? Is it hard to turn off that critical voice inside? Do you feel exhausted putting other people’s needs before your own? Do you seek a greater sense of authenticity in yourself and others? Sometimes we don't have the words to describe our experiences and that's ok. Together, we can work to transform old patterns. Whether its clarifying what you need, improving communication, or getting past the unresolved, my goal is to support you and help you learn more about yourself and your most important relationships.
Do you feel unsettled in relationships? Or limited by other peoples’ ideas of who you should be or how you should act? Is it hard to turn off that critical voice inside? Do you feel exhausted putting other people’s needs before your own? Do you seek a greater sense of authenticity in yourself and others? Sometimes we don't have the words to describe our experiences and that's ok. Together, we can work to transform old patterns. Whether its clarifying what you need, improving communication, or getting past the unresolved, my goal is to support you and help you learn more about yourself and your most important relationships.
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.