Therapists in Oakland, CA

As a person originally trained in psychodynamics, I care greatly about the experiences and relationships that have shaped you. I am currently perusing more training and consultation in Internal Family Systems and trauma informed approaches. Of primary focus, in my work with clients, is the therapeutic relationship. It is here that our patterns of relating often reveal themselves. Through the safe container of therapy, I invite my clients into new ways of being that invite more creativity, flexibility and deeper relationships.

I believe in each person’s capacity for growth and healing and that we are all shaped by our past experiences and intersectional identities. Many of us have learned tools and patterns to get through difficult experiences, however, those patterns may no longer serve us or create barriers to our current growth and relationships. Through a trusting relationship with a therapist, we can create a safe environment to identify and explore these patterns.

My approach is grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral and Attachment Theories. I also incorporate the practices of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I aspire to meet clients where they are, and help each individual to work on his or her expressed goals. I enjoy taking this journey with clients to navigate some of their most difficult and challenging moments in life, to help prevent troubled kids or young adults from more serious trouble, and to help all clients who seek my support turn their life's biggest challenges into opportunities for growth and lasting change.

If you are looking for a therapist for yourself or your child, it is likely that some part of your or your child's life is not going the way you expected or would like it to be. Some things that seemed they should work perhaps aren't, or not as well as you'd like. Perhaps your child's feelings are stronger than you had expected, or they are not developing in other ways, and are missing developmental opportunities you know would be healthy for them and want them to have. Perhaps it seemed they might grow out of some of their difficult behaviors or feelings, yet it is hard to determine if they are on that path of growth.

Do you find yourself stuck in stifling patterns? I offer facilitated inward journeys to increase personal agency, liveliness, and fulfillment. I offer sensitive, open-hearted, humorous, and real contact as you navigate all the inner and outer hardships of being human. I enjoy working with folks from all backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities. Together, we will help you find a way forward that feels in alignment with your highest well-being.

Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety? If you find it difficult to make friends or experience loneliness, come talk to me. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address your difficulties and build meaningful social connections. I am there to walk beside you, listen and offer you my insights, and support you as together we look into whatever it is you bring. Counseling can help you to explore your difficulties and understand the emotions behind them. The process aims to help you find ways of managing your life, perhaps by seeing things differently or gaining a deeper understanding.

Therapy for Women, Children, and Families. Perhaps you are struggling regularly with how you see and feel about yourself, or relationships feel difficult and unsatisfying. I enjoy creating a therapy to address your particular concerns, and respect and support your values and personality. Psychotherapy is quite a unique experience, it does help with alleviating symptoms and coping with difficult life circumstances, it is also a unique relational way to see and find your true self, an opportunity to process your feelings, develop insights, and get support in discharging traumas and more.

Therapy is a space you carve out with me to reconnect - with yourself, your goals, your life’s meaning, your passion, your creativity, your spiritual path. We all struggle with difficult things at times; they pull us away from who we want to be, or the path we intend to walk in life. I believe relationships are the most important healers we have in our lives – starting with your relationship with yourself! Extending to all your other important and beloved relationships - with family, friends, community, planet, and spirit. No matter where you are, your journey to self-empowerment and joy begins Right Here. I will be there with you.

Are you struggling with how childhood experiences, losses or trauma continues to influence your life? Are you discouraged at repeating difficult situations or find it hard to get out from under depression or anxiety? I'm glad to see how we can put our minds together to understand your dilemmas and see things differently. Change is possible no matter what your age or your life circumstances when you feel seen, accepted and appreciated for who you are and where you've been.

I believe that the human spirit is oriented toward growth and expansion. My intention when working together is to serve as a collaborator, ally and accountability partner toward your highest good. To hold space for your whole self, to focus on resilience, and encourage you on your path toward living your best life. My work focuses on custom-crafting simple, evidence-based practices that can make a difference in your daily life - creative practices that will help decrease stress and anxiety, address trauma big and small, and foster better communication and relationships. These practices could range from guided visualization to CBT.

Seeking help is often the first step in making a change for the better. My goal as a therapist is to support you in your steps towards wellness. I work with children, adolescents, adults and families with a wide range of emotional concerns. I support children and adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral issues, adults managing life stress, individuals facing life transitions, or families struggling with communication difficulties. As a therapist I will work collaboratively with you to build upon your strengths to create change and will tailor my treatments to meet your unique needs.

Are you feeling alone, unheard, or stuck? Are you experiencing anxiety, fatigue, and excessive worrying that impact your relationships and career? I’m glad you’re taking the time to notice these changes and to invest in yourself to become a better version of yourself. In sessions, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help identify ways to incorporate positive changes for your negative thought patterns. Thus, you will learn to become better equipped in maintaining your personal or professional goals. I am committed to helping my clients decrease anxiety and manage healthy relationships.

You don't have to struggle with day-to-day life difficulties alone. Are you facing personal growth blocks, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief/ loss, life transitions, family challenges, health or injury problems, work stress, or other types of emotional pains? My clients are diverse and I take the time to get to know your unique needs and goals. My approach is warm, sincere, and direct. You can expect a safe space to express yourself, relief from overwhelming thoughts and emotions, learn tools and get the right support to aid in healing. We can work together to help you regain balance in your life and feel empowered.

Do you want to recover the parts of you that feel stuck? Are you longing to find a place of inner calm and contentment? Looking to to free yourself up to live more authentically? Everyone has an authentic self that is calling them home. Sometimes, this self gets buried or forgotten, leading to symptoms like anxiety, a lack of purpose, unfulfilling relationships, or substance use and addiction.

Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they feel stuck or overwhelmed, are seeking relief from anxiety or depression, need support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or want to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, we will explore unhelpful patterns by looking at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors and emotions and the ways in which these things are interfering or impacting your quality of life. I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, promoting self-acceptance, and regaining balance in your life.

I became a therapist after many years of diving into my own healing process and studying various healing modalities. I am a holistic therapist, meaning I attend to all aspects of wellbeing: emotional, mental, and physical as well as spiritual, cultural, and in the context of community and social systems. I treat ailments including trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and relationship issues for individuals, couples, and families. Clients who benefit from my approach are those seeking a partner in growth and self-exploration, and who are ready to put new ways of thinking and being into practice in daily life.

The basis of my practice is a commitment to meet each client in their own unique embodiment, style, and rhythm. The elements of each therapy will vary on the basis of my client's history and my ability to join them in their wish for understanding and change. I attempt to establish a productive therapeutic relationship within the first 5-10 sessions and make myself useful as quickly as possible. I am committed to my clients wellbeing and development, supportive to them as people, and challenging in the directions where the client seeks a transition.

COVID and 2020 shifted many of your values and priorities. Adjustment to this change may be impacting your relationships to your career, your communities and even yourself. I strive to create a judgment free therapeutic partnership that supports alignment of your values and actions.

I offer short-term therapy speaking to your specific concerns as well as depth-oriented work aimed at increased self-awareness and satisfaction in relationships. Combining psychodynamic and transpersonal orientations, my approach is always determined by your needs and wishes. A variety of modalities, such as expressive arts, EMDR, mindfulness and hypnosis are to be found in my therapeutic tool kit. My years of experience have led me to develop confidence in the healing power of the therapeutic process. Let me help you take the steps to a more fulfilling experience of life.