First Responders Therapists in Orinda, CA
Do you ever find yourself wondering, "Why am I not happy when I did all the right things?" You're the friend everyone calls first, the parent who has it handled, the one who never seems to need help. But something doesn't feel right, and you can't quite figure out what it is. Maybe it's a relationship, a career, an empty nest, or who you've become. You keep putting everyone else first, and even when everything's handled, something in you stays on edge. You wonder why you feel so disconnected from yourself. If you're reading this and thinking, "This sounds like me," you're in the right place.
Do you ever find yourself wondering, "Why am I not happy when I did all the right things?" You're the friend everyone calls first, the parent who has it handled, the one who never seems to need help. But something doesn't feel right, and you can't quite figure out what it is. Maybe it's a relationship, a career, an empty nest, or who you've become. You keep putting everyone else first, and even when everything's handled, something in you stays on edge. You wonder why you feel so disconnected from yourself. If you're reading this and thinking, "This sounds like me," you're in the right place.
East Bay Christian Counseling & Neurofeedback
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, BCN
Serves Area
I'm Patty Shirley - East Bay Christian Counseling. Attuned Neurofeedback is a very individualized form of therapy. It is a non-invasive, painless form of biofeedback, using no drugs or medications. It has been shown to enhance overall brain function and performance and be effective in reducing traits of ADHD, PTSD, OCD, trauma, depression, anxiety, and more.
Electrodes, small sensors on the scalp, record the brain's activity. By giving positive feedback and reinforcement through audible and visual cues on a monitor, Operant Conditioning, it is like playing
a video game using only your brain and
no controller.
I'm Patty Shirley - East Bay Christian Counseling. Attuned Neurofeedback is a very individualized form of therapy. It is a non-invasive, painless form of biofeedback, using no drugs or medications. It has been shown to enhance overall brain function and performance and be effective in reducing traits of ADHD, PTSD, OCD, trauma, depression, anxiety, and more.
Electrodes, small sensors on the scalp, record the brain's activity. By giving positive feedback and reinforcement through audible and visual cues on a monitor, Operant Conditioning, it is like playing
a video game using only your brain and
no controller.
I came to the Bay Area as an immigrant and have spent the last 30 years building a life here across languages, cultures, and contexts. I grew up in Germany, originally from Romania, I am raising a multiracial daughter in the East Bay. If your family history, cultural context, immigration experience, or racial identity is part of what brings you to therapy, it belongs here. This is the orientation that shapes how I listen.
I came to the Bay Area as an immigrant and have spent the last 30 years building a life here across languages, cultures, and contexts. I grew up in Germany, originally from Romania, I am raising a multiracial daughter in the East Bay. If your family history, cultural context, immigration experience, or racial identity is part of what brings you to therapy, it belongs here. This is the orientation that shapes how I listen.
Hi there, I'm Jessica! Welcome to your safe space. With over 21 years of experience in the mental health field, my goal is to offer a supportive and judgment-free environment where clients can face their challenges and grow into the best version of themselves. I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations and a wide range of mental health conditions. While my foundation is in psychodynamic and solution-focused therapy, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs. Together, we’ll create a collaborative space where your goals lead the way, and your progress is always the priority.
Hi there, I'm Jessica! Welcome to your safe space. With over 21 years of experience in the mental health field, my goal is to offer a supportive and judgment-free environment where clients can face their challenges and grow into the best version of themselves. I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations and a wide range of mental health conditions. While my foundation is in psychodynamic and solution-focused therapy, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs. Together, we’ll create a collaborative space where your goals lead the way, and your progress is always the priority.
Welcome! As a licensed clinical psychotherapist and social worker with over 35 years of experience, I am dedicated to your well-being and wholeness.
If you suffer trauma, have anxiety, are struggling with PTSD or life stressors, stay stuck in repeat patterns, seek support for self-esteem or relationship issues, can't find your strengths or worth I am here to help. Together, we will identify the challenges you are facing, develop your internal resources, grow your strengths, break negative patterns, build coping tools, and work on strategies to help you move forward in life with clarity, confidence, and resilience—one step at a time.
Welcome! As a licensed clinical psychotherapist and social worker with over 35 years of experience, I am dedicated to your well-being and wholeness.
If you suffer trauma, have anxiety, are struggling with PTSD or life stressors, stay stuck in repeat patterns, seek support for self-esteem or relationship issues, can't find your strengths or worth I am here to help. Together, we will identify the challenges you are facing, develop your internal resources, grow your strengths, break negative patterns, build coping tools, and work on strategies to help you move forward in life with clarity, confidence, and resilience—one step at a time.
More Therapists Nearby
This includes first responders and professionals in healthcare, mental health, education, public safety, and the justice system.
Alongside ongoing individual therapy, I offer therapy intensives for clients who may benefit from a more concentrated format. Intensives may include EMDR or relationship-focused work and allow extended time for focused assessment, processing, and integration. Flexible weekday and weekend options are available for intensives; please inquire for details.
This includes first responders and professionals in healthcare, mental health, education, public safety, and the justice system.
Alongside ongoing individual therapy, I offer therapy intensives for clients who may benefit from a more concentrated format. Intensives may include EMDR or relationship-focused work and allow extended time for focused assessment, processing, and integration. Flexible weekday and weekend options are available for intensives; please inquire for details.
I am an active firefighter with 15 years of experience supporting colleagues through peer support and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
My priority is to create a safe, respectful space where your goals guide the work and we move at a pace that feels right for you. I focus on practical, evidence-informed interventions to help you manage stress, cope with crises, and improve overall well-being.
I am an active firefighter with 15 years of experience supporting colleagues through peer support and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
My priority is to create a safe, respectful space where your goals guide the work and we move at a pace that feels right for you. I focus on practical, evidence-informed interventions to help you manage stress, cope with crises, and improve overall well-being.
Welcome to my profile. I hope it will help you find a therapist who is a good fit for you.
My name is Jon. I have 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my MA in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Holistic Studies in 2002 and have been a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2009.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a dishwasher, forklift driver, small business manager, and completed an internship with the United Nations. I have lived and worked overseas and across the United States, collaborating with people from many different backgrounds.
Welcome to my profile. I hope it will help you find a therapist who is a good fit for you.
My name is Jon. I have 28 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my MA in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Holistic Studies in 2002 and have been a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2009.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a dishwasher, forklift driver, small business manager, and completed an internship with the United Nations. I have lived and worked overseas and across the United States, collaborating with people from many different backgrounds.
I have a particular interest in working with first responders and others whose careers expose them to trauma, high stress and experiences that can be difficult to explain to people who have not experienced them.
You may look like you have it together, but inside you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in your own thoughts. You replay conversations, struggle to quiet your mind at night, or carry experiences you rarely talk about. You've learned to keep functioning while bearing the weight of it all. As someone who has been on the other side of the badge and now serves as a licensed clinician, I understand what it means to bring difficult experiences home with you. When accustomed to being strong for everyone else, therapy can be where you finally take care of yourself. Let me help you quiet the spiral and reclaim your life.
I have a particular interest in working with first responders and others whose careers expose them to trauma, high stress and experiences that can be difficult to explain to people who have not experienced them.
You may look like you have it together, but inside you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in your own thoughts. You replay conversations, struggle to quiet your mind at night, or carry experiences you rarely talk about. You've learned to keep functioning while bearing the weight of it all. As someone who has been on the other side of the badge and now serves as a licensed clinician, I understand what it means to bring difficult experiences home with you. When accustomed to being strong for everyone else, therapy can be where you finally take care of yourself. Let me help you quiet the spiral and reclaim your life.
Ready to stop feeling lost? Do you feel like life is out of control? Are you quick to cry or short tempered? Have you experienced a life changing event? You are not alone. Life and unmanaged stress can leave us wondering how we got where we are and if anything can ever be different. It is easy to walk through life feeling disconnected and numb, like you are just going through the motions. I’m am here to tell you: ‘Life can be different and the answers are within you.”
Ready to stop feeling lost? Do you feel like life is out of control? Are you quick to cry or short tempered? Have you experienced a life changing event? You are not alone. Life and unmanaged stress can leave us wondering how we got where we are and if anything can ever be different. It is easy to walk through life feeling disconnected and numb, like you are just going through the motions. I’m am here to tell you: ‘Life can be different and the answers are within you.”
I work primarily with adults and young adults suffering with trauma, using EMDR alongside CBT and solution-focused and person-centered approaches that support real change. Something uncomfortable brought you here. You may have tried to move forward and found that something still lingers. You understand what’s going on, but it hasn’t shifted in a meaningful way. My clients come ready to do real work and to find relief. I meet each person as a whole person, not as a diagnosis or as a presenting problem. Our focus is on what hasn’t moved and why, so you’re not just managing symptoms but creating genuine, lasting movement forward.
I work primarily with adults and young adults suffering with trauma, using EMDR alongside CBT and solution-focused and person-centered approaches that support real change. Something uncomfortable brought you here. You may have tried to move forward and found that something still lingers. You understand what’s going on, but it hasn’t shifted in a meaningful way. My clients come ready to do real work and to find relief. I meet each person as a whole person, not as a diagnosis or as a presenting problem. Our focus is on what hasn’t moved and why, so you’re not just managing symptoms but creating genuine, lasting movement forward.
I love to work with those of all walks of life, and have particular experience working with veterans, first responders, motherhood, complex trauma and PTSD, the LGBTQ community, and those who have experienced sexual trauma.
Hi, I’m Hannah. I’m so glad you found me. I am a trauma therapist and fellow human immersed in this wild and chaotic journey of life, and I know intimately how sometimes we need someone to walk alongside us, especially in the deepest, darkest places.
I am deeply relational in my work, because I know that cultivating trust in our relationship is essential to delving into the shadows together. I also weave in somatic embodiment, allowing us to connect to your body’s innate wisdom.
I love to work with those of all walks of life, and have particular experience working with veterans, first responders, motherhood, complex trauma and PTSD, the LGBTQ community, and those who have experienced sexual trauma.
Hi, I’m Hannah. I’m so glad you found me. I am a trauma therapist and fellow human immersed in this wild and chaotic journey of life, and I know intimately how sometimes we need someone to walk alongside us, especially in the deepest, darkest places.
I am deeply relational in my work, because I know that cultivating trust in our relationship is essential to delving into the shadows together. I also weave in somatic embodiment, allowing us to connect to your body’s innate wisdom.
Living well - mind, body & spirit - is the goal many strive for daily. However, sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you find it hard to keep all the balls of life going.
Working as a professional Social Worker for many years in hospitals and various other settings has afforded me the opportunity to have extensive experiences with clients that have had multiple needs. My specialties include: general life adjustments, crisis intervention, grief and loss, substance abuse, trauma, mild to chronic medical conditions and illnesses, interpersonal violence (Domestic Violence, Abuse and Sexual Assault), community violence, re-entry and adoption/foster care issues.
Living well - mind, body & spirit - is the goal many strive for daily. However, sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you find it hard to keep all the balls of life going.
Working as a professional Social Worker for many years in hospitals and various other settings has afforded me the opportunity to have extensive experiences with clients that have had multiple needs. My specialties include: general life adjustments, crisis intervention, grief and loss, substance abuse, trauma, mild to chronic medical conditions and illnesses, interpersonal violence (Domestic Violence, Abuse and Sexual Assault), community violence, re-entry and adoption/foster care issues.
Are you a first responder (law enforcement , fire, EMS, dispatch)?
I understand that the needs of first responders require a culturally competent therapist. I have over 100 hours of specific training in responder culture and mental health in addition to over 10 years of experience in trauma and grief. I am trained in EMDR and CBT. I am here to help you help yourself and help others.
Are you a first responder (law enforcement , fire, EMS, dispatch)?
I understand that the needs of first responders require a culturally competent therapist. I have over 100 hours of specific training in responder culture and mental health in addition to over 10 years of experience in trauma and grief. I am trained in EMDR and CBT. I am here to help you help yourself and help others.
Client types that this is useful for: highly responsible adults in their work that have high demands on them, people who have difficulty saying no to others, adult children of narcissists, adult children of alcoholics/dysfunction, first responders with vicarious trauma, trauma victims, PTSD, family members of suicide, TBI and family members of TBI.
One of the biggest hindrances to starting therapy is the thought of having to talk about the most painful part of our world. What if there was a way to do therapy where we didn't have to go into your most painful wound? The good news is there's lots of ways to do therapy that can bring comfort and relief right now without having to go into the trauma. There are new ways to start healing without having to dredge up old wounds and re-examine them needlessly. I also work in integrative therapy spaces utilizing plant medicine and ketamine. This has had AMAZING effects for my clients.
Client types that this is useful for: highly responsible adults in their work that have high demands on them, people who have difficulty saying no to others, adult children of narcissists, adult children of alcoholics/dysfunction, first responders with vicarious trauma, trauma victims, PTSD, family members of suicide, TBI and family members of TBI.
One of the biggest hindrances to starting therapy is the thought of having to talk about the most painful part of our world. What if there was a way to do therapy where we didn't have to go into your most painful wound? The good news is there's lots of ways to do therapy that can bring comfort and relief right now without having to go into the trauma. There are new ways to start healing without having to dredge up old wounds and re-examine them needlessly. I also work in integrative therapy spaces utilizing plant medicine and ketamine. This has had AMAZING effects for my clients.
If you find yourself struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or looking for personal growth; take this opportunity to challenge yourself. My aim is to work together to help you illuminate your path. Through introspection and confidence building we will work on developing the skills and courage to continue your journey toward a more satisfying life.
If you find yourself struggling, feeling overwhelmed, or looking for personal growth; take this opportunity to challenge yourself. My aim is to work together to help you illuminate your path. Through introspection and confidence building we will work on developing the skills and courage to continue your journey toward a more satisfying life.
Hello,
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I have a doctorate degree (Ed.d) in Traumatology. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or a variety of emotions due to life's challenges and circumstances.
My goal is to provide clients with all of the tools necessary to navigate through future situations and to help build resiliency.
Hello,
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I have a doctorate degree (Ed.d) in Traumatology. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or a variety of emotions due to life's challenges and circumstances.
My goal is to provide clients with all of the tools necessary to navigate through future situations and to help build resiliency.
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for First Responders, Veterans, and survivors of trauma.
You aren’t looking for traditional talk therapy; you’re looking to resolve the physiological aftermath of high-stakes stress. Whether you are a First Responder, Veteran, or survivor of complex trauma, "white-knuckling" your way through the day isn't working. I specialize in high-acuity trauma recovery, moving beyond simple conversation into neurological resolution.
With 13+ years of experience, I use EMDR and Brainspotting to target distress where it lives: in the nervous system. My approach is direct, clinical, and built for those who have seen the unthinkable.
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for First Responders, Veterans, and survivors of trauma.
You aren’t looking for traditional talk therapy; you’re looking to resolve the physiological aftermath of high-stakes stress. Whether you are a First Responder, Veteran, or survivor of complex trauma, "white-knuckling" your way through the day isn't working. I specialize in high-acuity trauma recovery, moving beyond simple conversation into neurological resolution.
With 13+ years of experience, I use EMDR and Brainspotting to target distress where it lives: in the nervous system. My approach is direct, clinical, and built for those who have seen the unthinkable.
Coy is a licensed psychotherapist with a decade history of working with survivors of combat trauma & sexual trauma, couples, grieving families, military, law-enforcement/ first responders, and coaches & athletes.
Coy has been been trained with the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CPT, Prolonged Exposure, Attachment-Focused EMDR, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) Level 1, Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 2, Clinical Hypnosis, Motivational Interviewing, and Problem Solving.
Coy is a licensed psychotherapist with a decade history of working with survivors of combat trauma & sexual trauma, couples, grieving families, military, law-enforcement/ first responders, and coaches & athletes.
Coy has been been trained with the following modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CPT, Prolonged Exposure, Attachment-Focused EMDR, Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) Level 1, Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 2, Clinical Hypnosis, Motivational Interviewing, and Problem Solving.
Dr. Ariel
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, LPCC, CEO
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with first responders, veterans, and their families, as well as others navigating high-stress, high-stakes circumstances.
My approach is structured, practical, and tailored to real life. I use EMDR, parts work, and trauma-informed strategies to identify what is getting in the way, process difficult experiences, and build healthier ways of responding. The goal is not simply to talk about symptoms, but to help you function and feel better in the life you actually live.
I work with first responders, veterans, and their families, as well as others navigating high-stress, high-stakes circumstances.
My approach is structured, practical, and tailored to real life. I use EMDR, parts work, and trauma-informed strategies to identify what is getting in the way, process difficult experiences, and build healthier ways of responding. The goal is not simply to talk about symptoms, but to help you function and feel better in the life you actually live.
See more therapy options for Orinda
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Orinda
- Alameda
- Alamo
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Concord
- El Cerrito
- Lafayette
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- Pleasant Hill
- San Leandro
- Walnut Creek
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.