Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Therapists in Orinda, CA

Photo of Robin Criner, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Criner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or stress? Are you adjusting to a new situation in your life? Robin is highly skilled at helping adults navigate challenges and build self-esteem in a safe, trusting and caring space where her clients can reach their goals. Robin has a background in behavioral health, making her particularly adept and helping clients navigate challenges with illness or their physical health. She has expertise in navigating grief and caregiver stress.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or stress? Are you adjusting to a new situation in your life? Robin is highly skilled at helping adults navigate challenges and build self-esteem in a safe, trusting and caring space where her clients can reach their goals. Robin has a background in behavioral health, making her particularly adept and helping clients navigate challenges with illness or their physical health. She has expertise in navigating grief and caregiver stress.
(925) 886-2931 View (925) 886-2931
Photo of Alissa Scanlin, PsyD, Psychologist
Alissa Scanlin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily. I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.
At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily. I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.
(925) 308-5607 View (925) 308-5607
Photo of Dr. Joshua Robert Wilson, PsyD, LMFT, Psychologist
Dr. Joshua Robert Wilson
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Working in the SF, Bay Area, CA. for 15+ years providing assessment and evidence-based therapy/treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of specialties include anxiety, depression, stress management, adhd, aspergers, emotional regulation difficulties, relational challenges, addiction, life transitions, and executive coaching. I am a solution focused therapist who is warm, approachable, compassionate, and results oriented. I am well versed in several therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Working in the SF, Bay Area, CA. for 15+ years providing assessment and evidence-based therapy/treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of specialties include anxiety, depression, stress management, adhd, aspergers, emotional regulation difficulties, relational challenges, addiction, life transitions, and executive coaching. I am a solution focused therapist who is warm, approachable, compassionate, and results oriented. I am well versed in several therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
(925) 406-3544 View (925) 406-3544
Photo of Jonathan Packman, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jonathan Packman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Every person is confronted by obstacles in life: internal and external. I work with individuals, families and couples to establish and work towards specific goals, on the way to navigating through or around those obstacles. We'll collaborate to create a safe space to uncover what is getting in the way of growth or healing. I enjoy working with young children, adolescents and young adults to sharpen the skills that are necessary to move through the stages of development on the path towards academic, career, athletic, creative and personal achievement.
Every person is confronted by obstacles in life: internal and external. I work with individuals, families and couples to establish and work towards specific goals, on the way to navigating through or around those obstacles. We'll collaborate to create a safe space to uncover what is getting in the way of growth or healing. I enjoy working with young children, adolescents and young adults to sharpen the skills that are necessary to move through the stages of development on the path towards academic, career, athletic, creative and personal achievement.
(925) 660-7139 View (925) 660-7139
Photo of Robin Criner, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Criner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief? Perhaps you are trying to cope with an acute or chronic illness. Are you a caregiver taking care of an ill loved one looking for support? Robin is passionate about helping adults move through difficult life transitions, especially grief and changes related to medical conditions. In addition to her specialty focus in behavioral health, Robin also treats mood and anxiety disorders in adults. She works with her clients to identify their goals and values, then together, they collaborate to achieve the client's goals to live a life of fulfillment.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or grief? Perhaps you are trying to cope with an acute or chronic illness. Are you a caregiver taking care of an ill loved one looking for support? Robin is passionate about helping adults move through difficult life transitions, especially grief and changes related to medical conditions. In addition to her specialty focus in behavioral health, Robin also treats mood and anxiety disorders in adults. She works with her clients to identify their goals and values, then together, they collaborate to achieve the client's goals to live a life of fulfillment.
(925) 722-6706 View (925) 722-6706
Photo of Dan Batiuchok, PsyD, Psychologist
Dan Batiuchok
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
(925) 900-5218 View (925) 900-5218
Photo of Nicole Kangas, PhD, MA, LMFT, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Kangas
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT, JD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
*VIDEO/PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE* Do you find yourself facing difficult or unexpected struggles? Responding to life's challenges can be hard and can result in stress and unwanted feelings or symptoms. I am here to help you gain the strength, confidence, and clarity needed to tackle life’s obstacles and to feel well. I work with individuals from adolescence through adulthood who are dealing with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship and parenting concerns, grief and loss, trauma recovery, and more. I also help couples work through problems and strengthen their bond.
*VIDEO/PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE* Do you find yourself facing difficult or unexpected struggles? Responding to life's challenges can be hard and can result in stress and unwanted feelings or symptoms. I am here to help you gain the strength, confidence, and clarity needed to tackle life’s obstacles and to feel well. I work with individuals from adolescence through adulthood who are dealing with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship and parenting concerns, grief and loss, trauma recovery, and more. I also help couples work through problems and strengthen their bond.
(925) 660-7363 View (925) 660-7363
Photo of J Aaron Foster, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
J Aaron Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
My approach is by use of empathy, strengths assessment, and supportive coaching, influenced by Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Family Systems Theories.
My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care
My approach is by use of empathy, strengths assessment, and supportive coaching, influenced by Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Family Systems Theories.
My focus in therapy revolves around relationships and support. The most important relationship I speak of is our relationship with ourselves. To be truly whole we benefit from a well developed relationship with ourselves to then be able to have good relationships with others. This comes from learning and honoring our strengths and our limitations. In fact, one's limitations can grow into strengths when addressed from a position of self-care
(510) 930-1807 View (510) 930-1807
Photo of Monisha Brewer: Couples - Teens - Parents, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Monisha Brewer: Couples - Teens - Parents
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I believe that relationships are truly the foundation of our well-being, which means that improving the quality of our relationships is of the utmost importance. Whether you are a couple who want to improve your communication, or a parent and teenager who just can't seem to connect, I am here to help you achieve the type of relationship you have been desperate to build. We will work together to improve even the rockiest of relationships by deepening connections and building necessary skills.
I believe that relationships are truly the foundation of our well-being, which means that improving the quality of our relationships is of the utmost importance. Whether you are a couple who want to improve your communication, or a parent and teenager who just can't seem to connect, I am here to help you achieve the type of relationship you have been desperate to build. We will work together to improve even the rockiest of relationships by deepening connections and building necessary skills.
(424) 781-1401 View (424) 781-1401
Photo of Jayla Fincher, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jayla Fincher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Many people find themselves stuck in internal patterns like perfectionism, overthinking, feeling distrustful of others, people-pleasing, struggling with boundaries, etc. None of these feel good - and they're a drain on our precious energy! These limit our capacity for effective communication, meaningful relationships, and fully living. By focusing on the nervous system, we can interrupt these stress-reaction loops and the associated false beliefs that create feelings of anxiety, depression, emotional paralysis, unexplained pains and headaches, to help you rediscover a felt sense of ease, empowerment, resourcefulness, and vitality.
Many people find themselves stuck in internal patterns like perfectionism, overthinking, feeling distrustful of others, people-pleasing, struggling with boundaries, etc. None of these feel good - and they're a drain on our precious energy! These limit our capacity for effective communication, meaningful relationships, and fully living. By focusing on the nervous system, we can interrupt these stress-reaction loops and the associated false beliefs that create feelings of anxiety, depression, emotional paralysis, unexplained pains and headaches, to help you rediscover a felt sense of ease, empowerment, resourcefulness, and vitality.
(510) 662-0388 View (510) 662-0388
Photo of Jessica Lim, AMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jessica Lim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
I work with adults, teens, and children experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, parenting issues, school or work challenges, and life transitions. Clients are often interested in taking a pause, reassessing their current situation, and collaborating to try new approaches, improve coping skills and resilience. My goal is to help clients move forward in their daily lives with greater ease, a sense of purpose and peace, and curiosity to care and connect to themselves and others authentically.
I work with adults, teens, and children experiencing a range of concerns including anxiety, stress, parenting issues, school or work challenges, and life transitions. Clients are often interested in taking a pause, reassessing their current situation, and collaborating to try new approaches, improve coping skills and resilience. My goal is to help clients move forward in their daily lives with greater ease, a sense of purpose and peace, and curiosity to care and connect to themselves and others authentically.
(415) 779-7371 View (415) 779-7371
Photo of Unson Caitlin Pak - Caitlin Pak, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlin Pak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Personality is essentially a combination of our in-born temperament and impact of our environment. Although we may have similar traits and shared experiences, our life history is always exclusive to only ourselves. I truly believe in the uniqueness of each person. While self-help books can be a helpful tool, I find therapy to be so much more impactful because we can fully embrace the individuality of you. By having a better understanding of who you are and how your environment, experiences and relationships have affected you, we can work together towards making realistic goals and creating positive changes with success.
Personality is essentially a combination of our in-born temperament and impact of our environment. Although we may have similar traits and shared experiences, our life history is always exclusive to only ourselves. I truly believe in the uniqueness of each person. While self-help books can be a helpful tool, I find therapy to be so much more impactful because we can fully embrace the individuality of you. By having a better understanding of who you are and how your environment, experiences and relationships have affected you, we can work together towards making realistic goals and creating positive changes with success.
(925) 678-6895 View (925) 678-6895
Photo of Margie Ryerson, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Margie Ryerson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
My orientation is cognitive and behavioral (CBT). I'm a caring compassionate listener and also actively engage with clients to elicit thoughts, feelings, and strategies for healing. My specialties include eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, couples, family issues, parenting, and teens. My therapy approach is directive and problem-solving while encouraging self-acceptance and compassion. I believe that everyone is capable of change at their own rate and comfort level. I help my clients eliminate self-critical thinking that too often sabotages their happiness and their relationships.
My orientation is cognitive and behavioral (CBT). I'm a caring compassionate listener and also actively engage with clients to elicit thoughts, feelings, and strategies for healing. My specialties include eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, couples, family issues, parenting, and teens. My therapy approach is directive and problem-solving while encouraging self-acceptance and compassion. I believe that everyone is capable of change at their own rate and comfort level. I help my clients eliminate self-critical thinking that too often sabotages their happiness and their relationships.
(925) 392-3516 View (925) 392-3516
Photo of Debra Jay Sheppard, LMFT, MA, BA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra Jay Sheppard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I specialize in working with couples, parenting, parents with special needs children, young adults and grandparents. Family conflict, divorce, blended families who are undergoing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, academic, and relational issues need support and tools. Retirement, aging, caring for aging parents, caring for ill-loved ones, coping with life threatening illness and grief and loss are also important issues impacting life and family. Therapy can bring understanding, increase communication and create healthy relationships, life transitions and families.
I specialize in working with couples, parenting, parents with special needs children, young adults and grandparents. Family conflict, divorce, blended families who are undergoing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, academic, and relational issues need support and tools. Retirement, aging, caring for aging parents, caring for ill-loved ones, coping with life threatening illness and grief and loss are also important issues impacting life and family. Therapy can bring understanding, increase communication and create healthy relationships, life transitions and families.
(925) 357-9935 View (925) 357-9935
Photo of Jacqui Connors - Discovery 2.0 Therapy , MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Discovery 2.0 Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I'm a firm believer that people have the capacity to change and I believe in the amazing power of the human mind, having witnessed positive results with my clients many times. If you continuously struggle to control your emotions, feeling stuck and discouraged, this technique is for you. If you're tired of trying self-help methods, attending on-going therapy sessions that have run out-of-steam or just not knowing where to start anymore, start here. Emotional suffering need not be a life-long sentence. In fact, you will discover with our work together, that life can indeed get better!
I'm a firm believer that people have the capacity to change and I believe in the amazing power of the human mind, having witnessed positive results with my clients many times. If you continuously struggle to control your emotions, feeling stuck and discouraged, this technique is for you. If you're tired of trying self-help methods, attending on-going therapy sessions that have run out-of-steam or just not knowing where to start anymore, start here. Emotional suffering need not be a life-long sentence. In fact, you will discover with our work together, that life can indeed get better!
(707) 610-0733 View (707) 610-0733
Photo of Keith York, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Keith York
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
EXCLUSIVELY FOR COUPLES: I am a Level 3 trained Gottman Couples Therapist. I specialize in helping couples heal from affairs, trauma, and addiction. How I work with couples is evidence-based (well-researched) and designed to be short-term in length from 12-15 sessions. I'll help you heal from severe trauma, conquer common communication traps, and renew your friendship in a way that self-help books and weekend seminars cannot. Your relationship can be stronger and more intimate following years of neglect and significant trauma.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR COUPLES: I am a Level 3 trained Gottman Couples Therapist. I specialize in helping couples heal from affairs, trauma, and addiction. How I work with couples is evidence-based (well-researched) and designed to be short-term in length from 12-15 sessions. I'll help you heal from severe trauma, conquer common communication traps, and renew your friendship in a way that self-help books and weekend seminars cannot. Your relationship can be stronger and more intimate following years of neglect and significant trauma.
(510) 878-6534 View (510) 878-6534
Photo of Allison Gans, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Allison Gans
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I work with children, teens and adults. In addition to my private practice, I also work as a Crisis Counselor at a high school in Lafayette. I work individually to find better ways to cope with the presenting problem at hand. Perhaps your child or teen is having difficulties in school, making friends and/or struggling to get along with family members or peers. I can help with these issues. I help my clients explore ways to make healthier life choices. I collaborate with parents and teachers to help them set up a more successful experience for the child or teen.
I work with children, teens and adults. In addition to my private practice, I also work as a Crisis Counselor at a high school in Lafayette. I work individually to find better ways to cope with the presenting problem at hand. Perhaps your child or teen is having difficulties in school, making friends and/or struggling to get along with family members or peers. I can help with these issues. I help my clients explore ways to make healthier life choices. I collaborate with parents and teachers to help them set up a more successful experience for the child or teen.
(510) 730-2965 View (510) 730-2965
Photo of Melissa Friedman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed MFT with extensive experience providing individual psychotherapy to teens and adults. I work with clients presenting with a wide range of challenges including severe and persistent mental health challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic suicidality, grief, substance use, relational and life transition challenges. I work with people living with HIV and Transgender, Nonbinary and Gender expansive individuals. I also work with women in all stages of the life span and I am currently working towards a specialization in prenatal and perinatal mental health.
I am a Licensed MFT with extensive experience providing individual psychotherapy to teens and adults. I work with clients presenting with a wide range of challenges including severe and persistent mental health challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic suicidality, grief, substance use, relational and life transition challenges. I work with people living with HIV and Transgender, Nonbinary and Gender expansive individuals. I also work with women in all stages of the life span and I am currently working towards a specialization in prenatal and perinatal mental health.
(925) 268-7806 View (925) 268-7806
Photo of Lisa Wright, PhD, Psychologist
Lisa Wright
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Are you suffering from sleepless nights and unable to shut off your mind from stress and negative thoughts? Has stress been affecting your health and well-being? Have you felt stuck in terms of your ability to move toward your goals or have the life or career that you want? No matter what challenges you are facing, such as stress, illness, trauma, life transition, relationship issues, or loss, I can help you make the necessary changes to move toward what is most important to you in your life.
Are you suffering from sleepless nights and unable to shut off your mind from stress and negative thoughts? Has stress been affecting your health and well-being? Have you felt stuck in terms of your ability to move toward your goals or have the life or career that you want? No matter what challenges you are facing, such as stress, illness, trauma, life transition, relationship issues, or loss, I can help you make the necessary changes to move toward what is most important to you in your life.
(925) 270-1528 View (925) 270-1528
Photo of Rachel Moran, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Moran
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Welcome! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Orinda. My practice is devoted to helping individuals, couples and families who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance related issues. I have been involved in the addiction recovery field for over three decades, working with adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I specialize in providing support, education, prevention and crisis management.
Welcome! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in Orinda. My practice is devoted to helping individuals, couples and families who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance related issues. I have been involved in the addiction recovery field for over three decades, working with adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I specialize in providing support, education, prevention and crisis management.
(925) 271-2728 View (925) 271-2728
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Therapists

How does solution-focused therapy work?

The treatment works by helping a client notice which behaviors and thoughts have positive results on their lives and building a plan around how to maximise these strengths. Practitioners of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) believe that individuals already have the experience, wisdom, and resilience to create change in their lives, but may need a guide to help them realise which changes to make and how to make them.

Is solution-focused brief therapy evidence-based?

Yes. Solution-focused brief therapy has been extensively studied, and researchers find strong evidence that it’s an effective treatment for many behavioral and psychological concerns. This may be due to the uplifting nature and practicality of the treatment, which allows patients to employ strategies to reach their goals that are incremental and achievable.

How long does solution-focused brief therapy last?

Solution-focused brief therapy, as the name implies, is brief. The timeline may vary from person to person, given the challenges they face and their situation in life, but treatment is typically complete within four to eight sessions. This therapy type is a pragmatic one: it’s concerned more with “how” problems can be addressed and improved than getting to the root of “why” they exist in the first place.

Is solution-focused brief therapy a type of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy is related to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)in that both are pragmatic approaches that deal less with gaining a full understanding of the cause of a mental health problem and more with creating plans for how to cope with these problems and improve an individual’s day-to-day life. They are distinct, however, in that SFBT emphasises building on strengths and resources, while CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors.