Therapists in Pleasant Hill, CA

I am a licensed therapist and a Christian. I have a passion for helping people who are broken and hurting, but have a desire to heal , and through the process of therapy seeing them grow and change. I enjoy watching God move in their lives towards a healthier more productive and satisfying life.

I work with a large number of presenting issues including managing depression, anxiety and stress, improving communication in primary relationships, improved self care and self soothing, healing from addictions and codependency and trauma; dealing with grief and loss, including pet loss. I can assist you in how to self assert in a healthy and productive manner. I work with adult individuals and couples. I am 12 step supportive, work with relapse prevention and people wanting to intensify their recovery work. I am trained as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. Please see my website: www.adrianarussell.com

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the East Bay for over 30 years, providing psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. I work from a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment to encourage the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with: relationship issues, recovery from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and other childhood traumas; depression; anxiety, low self esteem; codependency issues; parenting concerns; compulsive eating patterns; body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness, and perinatal loss. I integrate in-depth psychotherapy with EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Sand Tray, and Dream Work.

I work with couples, groups, and individuals. Do you isolate, feel misunderstood, or have difficult connecting to others? Have you been told you are "too sensitive" or "too intense"? Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try - you can't catch a break? Do you want to hide parts of yourself? Do you want to build more connection in your relationships? Do you find you and your partner continuing to argue about the same things? You are not alone. Often times our old wounds and experiences get in the way of living.

I specialize in helping high-achieving people who excel in all areas of life but struggle with anxiety, depression, confidence issues, or difficulty in relationships. I work with individuals and couples to transform old patterns and create a life full of joy and meaning.

I consider it an honor to walk with you as you navigate the challenges and obstacles that life has thrown your way. My passion is working with individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, feel stressed, are having relationship problems, or are experiencing depression. Working with adults, I am able to support you with life challenges in your relationship or work, coping with loss, aging, parenting, and any number of events that might be causing you to feel anxious, worried, or at a crossroads in life.

I bring the best of both worlds-- over 25 years experience as a psychotherapist, expert in the areas of treating depression, addiction and trauma and a Success and Performance Coach skilled in the latest strategies and techniques for motivation and change. I am able to take what appears to be an obstacle and turn it into a means of building emotional muscle. Obstacles will happen but it is the meaning we give to events that makes all the difference. I have a background in performance art and currently utilize mindfulness as a tool to assist clients in their lives.

Thank you for stopping to read my Introductory Information. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with more than a decade of experience, who believes in providing Integrative Care for those I treat within a diverse population. I utilize an array of treatment modalities that may be applied to your specific needs. My services are Client Centered, with a focus on developing specific treatment goals and objectives. Care is always personalized and culturally sensitive. Treatment modalities offered include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Communications Therapy, Mindfulness, and DBT.

My work includes working with individuals coping with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and chronic and severe mental illness. I have experience working with all age ranges and ethnicities. I welcome clients of all gender identities and sexual orientations. I have fifteen years plus experience of working within the field of psychology in a variety of settings including drug and alcohol therapy, psychiatric crisis stabilization, forensics, and individual and group therapies. I am certified through Harvard University for Trauma.

My ideal client takes many different forms and they are all individualized. My client is suffering and I see it as my role to reduce human suffering so that it is no longer unbearable. I provide both short term (goal oriented), and long term (perhaps, more Existential and Gestalt based) therapy. I'm not going to change your personality, why would I? That makes you the unique individual that you are. My goal is to adjust and provide strategies for eliminating harmful behaviors that cause suffering and an inability to live in peace with oneself and with others.

Relationships can be frustrating and challenging among couples, family members, and friends. Disappointments can lead to anger, resentment, and stressful disconnections. I can help you resolve these issues through the use of treatment modalities, feedback, communications, and coping skills. Working with me, you can learn to communicate effectively, identify roles and behaviors, and understand one another.

Are you feeling distracted or overwhelmed? Perhaps you are lacking motivation and seeking clarity to connect with your passions and purpose in life, or desire more fulfilling, harmonious relationships. Maybe you’re tired of people saying you’re “too much” or “not enough” leaving you feeling not good enough or unworthy. You are not alone. Releasing old fears, anxiety, shame, guilt, and negative thoughts doesn’t have to be a painful, difficult process (deep breath!). It can be incredibly freeing, creating space and connection to a part of yourself you never knew was there.

What if?. . . . What if you didn’t have to feel as though you had to hold all of those balls in the air by yourself? . . . .What if those stomach dropping, throat clenching, heart racing thoughts didn’t have to keep you up at night?. . . . What if you could figure out how to manage those difficult emotions rather than feel overwhelmed by them? What if your history didn’t have to equal your future story? I’ve got you covered! I'll help you to understand how your past got you to this place and how to use that information to connect the dots, figure things out, and design a new and better story going forward.

Therapy via online secure video or in-person at my comfortable office. Neurodiversity-Affirmative, Trauma-Informed, Creative & Compassionate, Experiential Therapy. Do you or a family member struggle with managing everyday stressors? Repeating unhealthy patterns despite negative consequences? Feeling misunderstood? Relationship(s) overrun by conflict? I offer highly interactive sessions that support greater self-awareness, increased self-regulation, effective communication, and responsible choice making. We will begin by identifying your strengths and passions as well as exploring the challenges, then tailor a plan that fits you.

We understand many people feel ashamed having to seek therapy for their child, family or themselves. However, no one is perfect and we all need help from time to time. We have created a relaxing atmosphere where you will not feel judged. We are here to assist you through a difficult time and to make the changes you need to make. Teens need help to. It is very common for teens to need therapy to deal with an issue in their life.

In today's world, adolescents are exposed to some overwhelming internal and external battles, such as peer pressure, self-esteem and body image, stress from home and school, bullying, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about coming alongside today's adolescents to create a safe, non-judgemental, understanding atmosphere, process their struggles and gain positive, healthy tools to use as they grow. In addition, I also have a heart for helping individuals examine their present life issues and deal effectively with the circumstances they are facing. Come visit us on Facebook under Hope Counseling Services

In the best of conditions, orienting ourselves towards personal growth is challenging and requires focus, dedication, and support. During major life events, staying on this mindful path can become overwhelming and we may find ourselves unable to find our bearings. For over 12 years, I have helped clients navigate difficult life transitions, such as recovery from addiction, overcoming trauma, healing from grief, cultivating healthy relationships, and achieving developmental milestones.

I have been in private practice for over 30 years. My work is client-focused, compassionate, and impactful. I work with individuals, couples, adolescents, and children. I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. My sessions are fee-for-service only. I accept cash, personal checks, and credit card billing at the time of service. I will provide a financial statement, or complete an insurance claim form so that my clients can seek reimbursement from health care spending accounts, or their insurance policy directly.

By seeking therapy you have begun your journey towards positive change. Counseling can help you create healthier choices, gain emotional self-awareness, and better communication and relationship patterns. I welcome individuals, couples, adults and teens who present with a variety of life challenges and from diverse backgrounds. I use an integrative approach to best fit the needs of each client. My style is empathic, supportive, interactive, collaborative and relational. I believe in creating a supportive space for each person to find their authentic self in order to live a more productive, peaceful, and joyful life.