Dementia Therapists in Walnut Creek, CA
I specialize in neuropsychological evaluation; cognitive rehabilitation; behavioral management for those with acquired brain injury or dementia; counseling/therapy for those with chronic illnesses, pain, or disability; and caregiver consultation services.
My practice, the Center for Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, PC, focuses on providing clients with the skills needed to reach their personal goals. With over 20 years of practice, across multiple settings, I have worked to address the needs of adults and adolescents with neurological disorders, disability, and chronic medical conditions. Prior to entering private practice, I served as Director of Rehabilitation Psychology/Neuropsychology at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, and I have engaged in extensive clinical research centered on evaluating outcomes and interventions for those affected by acquired brain injury.
I specialize in neuropsychological evaluation; cognitive rehabilitation; behavioral management for those with acquired brain injury or dementia; counseling/therapy for those with chronic illnesses, pain, or disability; and caregiver consultation services.
My practice, the Center for Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology, PC, focuses on providing clients with the skills needed to reach their personal goals. With over 20 years of practice, across multiple settings, I have worked to address the needs of adults and adolescents with neurological disorders, disability, and chronic medical conditions. Prior to entering private practice, I served as Director of Rehabilitation Psychology/Neuropsychology at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, and I have engaged in extensive clinical research centered on evaluating outcomes and interventions for those affected by acquired brain injury.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, sadness, feeling stuck, and want to improve your relationships with others and yourself? I offer coaching on medical and emotional healing. Do you get too angry at times? Or have trouble dealing with people who are different from you? For 8 years I was a psychologist at California men's state prisons, after 4 years as director of JFKU's training counseling center. I had a private practice and did anger management, violence prevention and unlearning prejudice workshops.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, sadness, feeling stuck, and want to improve your relationships with others and yourself? I offer coaching on medical and emotional healing. Do you get too angry at times? Or have trouble dealing with people who are different from you? For 8 years I was a psychologist at California men's state prisons, after 4 years as director of JFKU's training counseling center. I had a private practice and did anger management, violence prevention and unlearning prejudice workshops.
Welcome. Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble expressing your needs? Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself, and feel anxious about not meeting your expectations? Do you feel uncertain about how to manage feelings of distress? I am a psychologist that can help guide you toward relief. I aim to help individuals understand their concerns, strengths, and help them identify the tools necessary to manage distress, push through challenges, and understand how to become the best version of themselves.
Welcome. Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble expressing your needs? Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself, and feel anxious about not meeting your expectations? Do you feel uncertain about how to manage feelings of distress? I am a psychologist that can help guide you toward relief. I aim to help individuals understand their concerns, strengths, and help them identify the tools necessary to manage distress, push through challenges, and understand how to become the best version of themselves.
What is it that causes you so much pain? Frequently our mental health is directly related to unresolved past hurts and traumas. These struggles can be from childhood and our family of origin, or perhaps they show up in the form of shame from choices we have made or choices other's have made against us. I encourage you to begin the work to overcome your negative experiences. Seek counseling if you want support and direction in gaining a positive perspective, want insight into managing difficult circumstances, or want to improve your communication or conflict resolution skills. You deserve to find fulfillment and joy.
What is it that causes you so much pain? Frequently our mental health is directly related to unresolved past hurts and traumas. These struggles can be from childhood and our family of origin, or perhaps they show up in the form of shame from choices we have made or choices other's have made against us. I encourage you to begin the work to overcome your negative experiences. Seek counseling if you want support and direction in gaining a positive perspective, want insight into managing difficult circumstances, or want to improve your communication or conflict resolution skills. You deserve to find fulfillment and joy.
Sheila Ali
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, MSW
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Waitlist for new clients
Life can break us down and feel unbearably heavy. Reaching for help takes courage. I will hold space for you as you find your own strength- because even the strongest among us sometimes need an anchor. I provide a steady and safe, nonjudgmental space where you can pause, breathe, and find your footing. Together, we will honor the strength you have already shown while creating space for healing, growth, and the life you want to move toward, with clarity.
Life can break us down and feel unbearably heavy. Reaching for help takes courage. I will hold space for you as you find your own strength- because even the strongest among us sometimes need an anchor. I provide a steady and safe, nonjudgmental space where you can pause, breathe, and find your footing. Together, we will honor the strength you have already shown while creating space for healing, growth, and the life you want to move toward, with clarity.
In everyone's lives there are times of difficulty, life transitions, unwanted change, loss, and fears. Talking to someone who can assist you in sorting out your thoughts and feelings about these challenges can be very helpful. If you are feeling trapped in unhealthy patterns that are keeping you stuck or making you feel badly about yourself, I can help you identify them and how to change them to feel more empowered and fulfilled. If you are experiencing stress, we can work together to identify and address its causes and develop multiple tools to manage and decrease it.
In everyone's lives there are times of difficulty, life transitions, unwanted change, loss, and fears. Talking to someone who can assist you in sorting out your thoughts and feelings about these challenges can be very helpful. If you are feeling trapped in unhealthy patterns that are keeping you stuck or making you feel badly about yourself, I can help you identify them and how to change them to feel more empowered and fulfilled. If you are experiencing stress, we can work together to identify and address its causes and develop multiple tools to manage and decrease it.
Areas of treatment include substance / alcohol /pill abuse, behavioral addictions (sex/porn, love/relationship, exercise, eating disorders, Internet, gambling, shopping, work, etc.), relationship / communication issues (marital, family and teen), stress, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse (sexual, emotional, spiritual or financial), dementia and Alzheimer's.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, BCIA Board Certified Neurofeedback provider, certified in addiction, trauma, anger mgmt, dementia-related behaviors, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT and Somatic Experiencing.
Areas of treatment include substance / alcohol /pill abuse, behavioral addictions (sex/porn, love/relationship, exercise, eating disorders, Internet, gambling, shopping, work, etc.), relationship / communication issues (marital, family and teen), stress, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse (sexual, emotional, spiritual or financial), dementia and Alzheimer's.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, BCIA Board Certified Neurofeedback provider, certified in addiction, trauma, anger mgmt, dementia-related behaviors, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT and Somatic Experiencing.
Dr. Keiko Miller is a neuropsychologist located in Walnut Creek and is the founder of Aspire Neuropsychological Services. She has worked in the field of Autism since 2003 and has worked in the field of neuropsychology since 2009. She conducts a variety of evaluations of adults and children ages 12 months+. She earned her Psy.D. degree in 2011 and Masters of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) in 2019 from California School of Professional Psychology. She holds an active license in California. Aspire has clinicians from a variety of specialties in an effort to meet our patient's needs.
Dr. Keiko Miller is a neuropsychologist located in Walnut Creek and is the founder of Aspire Neuropsychological Services. She has worked in the field of Autism since 2003 and has worked in the field of neuropsychology since 2009. She conducts a variety of evaluations of adults and children ages 12 months+. She earned her Psy.D. degree in 2011 and Masters of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) in 2019 from California School of Professional Psychology. She holds an active license in California. Aspire has clinicians from a variety of specialties in an effort to meet our patient's needs.
I will help you connect to a deeper sense of authenticity, creativity and spontaneity when life responsibilities weigh you down and your usual coping skills are not working well. I use a warm and collaborative therapeutic approach that focuses on your strengths and values. If you are struggling with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship, work or school challenges, a major life transition, physical limitations, chronic illness, spiritual questions, or feeling stuck in some aspect of your life, please contact me. Together we can help you lower stress and feel greater clarity in what you want.
I will help you connect to a deeper sense of authenticity, creativity and spontaneity when life responsibilities weigh you down and your usual coping skills are not working well. I use a warm and collaborative therapeutic approach that focuses on your strengths and values. If you are struggling with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship, work or school challenges, a major life transition, physical limitations, chronic illness, spiritual questions, or feeling stuck in some aspect of your life, please contact me. Together we can help you lower stress and feel greater clarity in what you want.
I also work with older adults encountering issues associated with the later stages of life.
Are you ready to unpack and understand how painful past experiences might be impacting your life? Do you want to decrease suffering and feel more balanced? You’re not alone. Creating awareness of how distressing past experiences show up in your life will empower you to break the cycle and create a more fulfilling life. I aim to help you improve your overall quality of life and feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Together, we will approach your past with curiosity and compassion.
I also work with older adults encountering issues associated with the later stages of life.
Are you ready to unpack and understand how painful past experiences might be impacting your life? Do you want to decrease suffering and feel more balanced? You’re not alone. Creating awareness of how distressing past experiences show up in your life will empower you to break the cycle and create a more fulfilling life. I aim to help you improve your overall quality of life and feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Together, we will approach your past with curiosity and compassion.
With more than 30 years experience as a psychologist in diverse settings, I gained valuable clinical work experience and improved my mastery of psychotherapy. I continue to enhance my skills on a variety of evidence-based therapy techniques. Working with a diverse group of clientele brings me a sense of fulfillment and reward. I believe that active listening, understanding, providing empathy and showing genuine compassion, walking with someone in their path to recovery/healing are ways that one can achieve a sense of awareness and clarity, then eventually find a balance between change and acceptance.
With more than 30 years experience as a psychologist in diverse settings, I gained valuable clinical work experience and improved my mastery of psychotherapy. I continue to enhance my skills on a variety of evidence-based therapy techniques. Working with a diverse group of clientele brings me a sense of fulfillment and reward. I believe that active listening, understanding, providing empathy and showing genuine compassion, walking with someone in their path to recovery/healing are ways that one can achieve a sense of awareness and clarity, then eventually find a balance between change and acceptance.
As a therapist I consider person-centered, strength-based, art therapy and play therapy approaches to be the most beneficial in introducing someone to the therapeutic process. I enjoy creating art, or enacting play as a way to develop communication between myself and the person in front of me.I want to offer a safe space to create, play, and receive therapy while developing a deeper understanding of the way art and play can be therapeutic. I speak with experience in art, video games and comic book culture and want to promote a safe space in therapy.
As a therapist I consider person-centered, strength-based, art therapy and play therapy approaches to be the most beneficial in introducing someone to the therapeutic process. I enjoy creating art, or enacting play as a way to develop communication between myself and the person in front of me.I want to offer a safe space to create, play, and receive therapy while developing a deeper understanding of the way art and play can be therapeutic. I speak with experience in art, video games and comic book culture and want to promote a safe space in therapy.
I am a clinical psychologist licensed in the state of California (license number PSY 28050). I provide psychological assessments of children and adults. Neuropsychological assessment can be useful for identifying a cognitive basis for stumbling blocks with academic achievement, social functioning, or occupational success. I also provide forensic and independent medical evaluations for both criminal and civil matters, including mental health diversion, competence to stand trial, mitigating factors relating to cognitive and emotional functioning, personal injury, short- and long-term disability, and employment discrimination.
I am a clinical psychologist licensed in the state of California (license number PSY 28050). I provide psychological assessments of children and adults. Neuropsychological assessment can be useful for identifying a cognitive basis for stumbling blocks with academic achievement, social functioning, or occupational success. I also provide forensic and independent medical evaluations for both criminal and civil matters, including mental health diversion, competence to stand trial, mitigating factors relating to cognitive and emotional functioning, personal injury, short- and long-term disability, and employment discrimination.
I know how desperate you feel, having the same fight again and again with no resolution. You try harder, but your partner just seems to sabotage you. So you fight back, "lose it," and feel guilty. You reminisce about the past, hoping the future will get better.
If this vignette strikes a chord, please know that I specialize in relationships at "marital death's doorstep." Grandiosity, rage, and shame become empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect. Hope and love do flourish again.
This is a big promise, so call for a free 20-minute phone consultation. A happier life is out there.
I know how desperate you feel, having the same fight again and again with no resolution. You try harder, but your partner just seems to sabotage you. So you fight back, "lose it," and feel guilty. You reminisce about the past, hoping the future will get better.
If this vignette strikes a chord, please know that I specialize in relationships at "marital death's doorstep." Grandiosity, rage, and shame become empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect. Hope and love do flourish again.
This is a big promise, so call for a free 20-minute phone consultation. A happier life is out there.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I believe healing happens when we go beyond surface-level coping and address the root of what’s keeping you stuck. I specialize in trauma-focused therapy using EMDR to help you process past experiences so they no longer control your present. My approach is supportive, structured, and results-driven, helping you feel more grounded, in control, and confident in your daily life. I work with individuals who are ready for meaningful change and want more than just symptom management. Together, we focus on lasting transformation so you can move forward with clarity, stability, and a renewed sense of self.
I believe healing happens when we go beyond surface-level coping and address the root of what’s keeping you stuck. I specialize in trauma-focused therapy using EMDR to help you process past experiences so they no longer control your present. My approach is supportive, structured, and results-driven, helping you feel more grounded, in control, and confident in your daily life. I work with individuals who are ready for meaningful change and want more than just symptom management. Together, we focus on lasting transformation so you can move forward with clarity, stability, and a renewed sense of self.
Are you bothered by an upsetting event (s) that you cannot get out of your mind? Do you know something is holding you back, perhaps from your past, but you can't seem to shake it? Have you tried traditional talk therapy, but your past still has a grip on you? Exciting breakthroughs have been advanced in our understanding of how our brains mange memories. The latest research shows that non-traditional therapies like EMDR, can more quickly & deeply help us heal and recover from traumatic events and live more satisfying lives.
Are you bothered by an upsetting event (s) that you cannot get out of your mind? Do you know something is holding you back, perhaps from your past, but you can't seem to shake it? Have you tried traditional talk therapy, but your past still has a grip on you? Exciting breakthroughs have been advanced in our understanding of how our brains mange memories. The latest research shows that non-traditional therapies like EMDR, can more quickly & deeply help us heal and recover from traumatic events and live more satisfying lives.
When did being happy get so hard? Whether you’re struggling with relationship issues, feeling weighed down by responsibilities, or going through a major life transition, it can be easy to wonder if you’ll ever feel like ‘you’ again.
When did being happy get so hard? Whether you’re struggling with relationship issues, feeling weighed down by responsibilities, or going through a major life transition, it can be easy to wonder if you’ll ever feel like ‘you’ again.
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.
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.
See more therapy options for Walnut Creek
Nearby Dementia Therapists Searches for Walnut Creek
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Dementia Therapists
Can dementia patients benefit from counseling?
Dementia patients can often benefit significantly from counseling. While neurologists typically treat dementia itself, counselors provide crucial emotional support for patients and their families. Therapists specializing in dementia can help clients navigate aging, end-of-life issues, social isolation, sleep challenges, and grief. They can also assist clients in adapting to the disease by addressing caregiving concerns and supporting family members. Counselors will often also collaborate with a patient's neurologist or other medical providers to manage dementia symptoms and medication needs.
How can you tell if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's?
To determine if someone has dementia or Alzheimer's disease, there are several signs and diagnostic methods that medical professionals use. Early signs of dementia often include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and challenges in completing familiar tasks. Diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer's requires a comprehensive approach, as there is no single definitive test, and initial diagnosis can sometimes be difficult as symptoms tend to worsen progressively over time. To make a diagnosis, medical professionals typically use a combination of methods, including standardized questionnaires and cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, psychiatric evaluations to understand mental health status, brain scans to look for physical changes in the brain, as well as other medical tests to rule out other conditions.
What are the first-line treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but catching the disease in its early-to-moderate phases can be beneficial in order to initiate first-line treatments to help manage symptoms. Medications such as galantamine, rivastigmine, and donepezil are examples of cholinesterase inhibitors that are commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, working with a therapist or social worker can also often help patients with the disease address common behavioral and lifestyle concerns, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep problems, social support, and housing changes.
When to seek treatment for Alzheimer’s?
It’s best to seek treatment at the first signs of Alzheimer's. Early warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory problems, such as forgetting appointments or directions, as well as trouble concentrating, paying attention, retrieving words, and carrying out daily household tasks. An early diagnosis can help people slow the progression of the disease with medication and plan for the future in terms of housing, social/caregiving support, and finances.