Therapists in Contra Costa County, CA

We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States

I bring warmth, humor, compassion, clarity and understanding to my work. I support couples and families in improving communication, expressing feelings, resolving conflict, and establishing clearer roles. I encourage parents to set fair and firm limits and establish healthy boundaries. I assist individuals and families in becoming more confident, hopeful, cooperative and relaxed. I support relating with clarity, serenity, and loving kindness. I use mentalization based therapy (MBT) and systems therapy as primary approaches, but can use CBT, DBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, attachment or other approches as needed.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in my deep respect and genuine interest in people. Since I am an expressive and inquisitive person, it comes naturally to me to practice a style of therapy that is both interactive and eclectic. I offer insights, observations, suggestions, feedback, as well as attentive listening. I am adaptable and able to adjust my style according to what works best for the client. As a team, my clients and I work together to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles to growth and well-being.

My experience as a Mental Health Therapist has developed over the year by providing support to clients who have experienced: Severe Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disregulation Disorders, Phobias, and other diagnosis that often impair a persons's ability to function and achieve goals in life. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is crucial to success, as we often face critical decisions on a daily basis. I firmly believe that by cultivating and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health, we can all reach our desired goals.

I am licensed in both the states of CA. and WA. My goal is to facilitate the process of innate healing and self-discovery for individuals and families seeking to improve their overall quality of life. I am a firm believer that obstacles may be turned into opportunities. Through both curious questioning and active listening, together we may illuminate your strengths and opportunity areas of growth. My objective is that after our first session, you will feel that we have a pathway for a desired solution. I have worked with ages ranging from 5 to 85 years young. I treat each individual, couple, or family with respect and warmth.

I became a therapist because I want to support people as they work to become their truest selves. Change and growth are possible for everyone, no matter what the circumstances are. You are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you. Whether you have experienced trauma, as many of us have, or whether you simply want to better understand yourself, therapy is an effective tool to get where you want to go.

Lack of Motivation, Addiction, & Relationship Issues - The 3 most common presenting problems in my practice today. Whether you’re dealing with any combination of the 3, or something else entirely, actualizing your potential is the way forward. I don't believe rehashing past experiences to no end is helpful. While talking about past experiences may be an important part of our work, growth manifests through present integration. Being as honest and direct as possible is the best way to demonstrate how I'm not here to waste your time. If we share this value, my style of therapy may be right for you.

My name is Dr. R. Austin Heafey - I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, parents and families. While every client is unique, my fundamental aim remains the same: improve self-esteem, build self-confidence and enrich my patient's self-worth. When a person has faith in their abilities and feels comfortable with who they are, they are better able to engage with the world they live in, the family they belong to and the life they deserve to experience. Put simply, my objective is to improve my patient's quality of life.

Our story: Some of the best physicians are wounded healers, those who have walked through pain and suffering themselves only to emerge on the other side to help others. We believe strongly in the human capacity to heal. Our counseling specialists work with children/teens, adults, couples and families. With sensitivity and compassion, we help you bring resolution to the struggles you are facing. Modalities range from depth therapy, IMAGO couples therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, play therapy, addiction groups to solution focused. We are trained in a variety of different therapeutic interventions that will fit what you need.

Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.

Practices empowerment and the healing arts of psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, and groups. Experienced in supporting parenthood through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting education, coaching, and support. Treats multiple and co-occurring disorders. Experienced in supporting mood disorders and symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and compulsions. Trauma specialist. Grief and loss. Experienced treating first responders. Provides LGBTQIA safe and affirming space and is experienced and trained in transgender and non-heteronormative support. Works to strengthen families and partners with their goals and values.