Photo of Debra Jay Sheppard, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
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 Jonna Cohen, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Jonna Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, M Ed, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I am also a Certified Discernment Counselor for couples who are on the brink of divorce.
I am warm, honest, direct, and passionate about empowering my clients to discover the best version of themselves, creating the possibility of a more meaningful and fulfilling life experience. There are moments in all our lives when we feel overwhelmed and vulnerable by change. However, transitions in our lives can also create opportunity for growth and greater connection to ourselves and our environment. I can help you find greater joy and fulfillment in your life.
I am also a Certified Discernment Counselor for couples who are on the brink of divorce.
I am warm, honest, direct, and passionate about empowering my clients to discover the best version of themselves, creating the possibility of a more meaningful and fulfilling life experience. There are moments in all our lives when we feel overwhelmed and vulnerable by change. However, transitions in our lives can also create opportunity for growth and greater connection to ourselves and our environment. I can help you find greater joy and fulfillment in your life.
(925) 403-4553 View (925) 403-4553
Photo of Jennifer Pister, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Jennifer Pister
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Whether you are depressed, anxious, confused, or wanting better communication between you and your partner, family, friends or self, I can help you get to know yourself and what is driving your thoughts and feelings. This self wisdom leads to greater choice in your relationships. You can only change you, but changing you leads to changes in the world around you, including the people in your life. I would love to help you listen to and trust your inner guidance in making choices that support you.
Whether you are depressed, anxious, confused, or wanting better communication between you and your partner, family, friends or self, I can help you get to know yourself and what is driving your thoughts and feelings. This self wisdom leads to greater choice in your relationships. You can only change you, but changing you leads to changes in the world around you, including the people in your life. I would love to help you listen to and trust your inner guidance in making choices that support you.
(510) 358-4933 View (510) 358-4933
Photo of Haley Hewitt, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Haley Hewitt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
My name is Haley Hewitt and I specialize in individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe that because we are complex and unique individuals, an approach that integrates both mind and body is essential for the healing, growth, and resiliency that is the goal of therapeutic counseling. Treatment specializations include: depression and anxiety, couples counseling, children and adolescents, psychedelic-assisted therapies, stress and/or pain management, life transitions, self-esteem, mental illness/mental health issues, gender and/or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, DBT/CBT & Somatics.
(925) 275-5742 View (925) 275-5742
Photo of Elizabeth Rae Walker, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Elizabeth Rae Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.
I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.
(925) 259-3986 View (925) 259-3986
Photo of Aza Tetelman, Psychologist in 94563, CA
Aza Tetelman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Tetelman is fluent in English and Russian and enjoys working with adult individuals and couples in Orinda, CA and via telemedicine across the state of California.
Dr. Aza Tetelman is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, inter-generational conflicts and acculturation difficulties. She enjoys facilitating self-understanding via bibliotherapy techniques, whether through the use of novels, self-help books, comics, or other media. She also believes that preventative care is just as important as healing in the aftermath of life challenges. Her clinical approach is warm and attentive, and takes on relational, dialectic, and insight-oriented approaches to treatment.
Tetelman is fluent in English and Russian and enjoys working with adult individuals and couples in Orinda, CA and via telemedicine across the state of California.
Dr. Aza Tetelman is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, inter-generational conflicts and acculturation difficulties. She enjoys facilitating self-understanding via bibliotherapy techniques, whether through the use of novels, self-help books, comics, or other media. She also believes that preventative care is just as important as healing in the aftermath of life challenges. Her clinical approach is warm and attentive, and takes on relational, dialectic, and insight-oriented approaches to treatment.
(415) 449-1861 View (415) 449-1861
Photo of Marcia Brandwynne, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Marcia Brandwynne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Couples therapy is my special focus and therapy with a coach approach is my style. Couples often come to therapy saying they can't communicate, but lack of communication is only the symptom of a deeper conflict. As couples brings their needs to a relationship, sometimes those needs conflict in very profound ways. Once they become a burden for the couple, and each starts blaming the other, communication problems crop up. To discover unfulfilled expectations of our own and to understand those of our partners is the work done in couples therapy. That exploration will help rebuild a love that is rooted in reality.
Couples therapy is my special focus and therapy with a coach approach is my style. Couples often come to therapy saying they can't communicate, but lack of communication is only the symptom of a deeper conflict. As couples brings their needs to a relationship, sometimes those needs conflict in very profound ways. Once they become a burden for the couple, and each starts blaming the other, communication problems crop up. To discover unfulfilled expectations of our own and to understand those of our partners is the work done in couples therapy. That exploration will help rebuild a love that is rooted in reality.
(323) 275-9532 View (323) 275-9532
Photo of Ryan Crochiere, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Ryan Crochiere
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
The most important journey you may make in your life is the journey of building an honest and compassionate relationship with yourself. From shame, pride, trauma, and introjected "shoulds" there are so many reasons that we often operate from a partial and compassionless understanding of ourselves. These blind spots can cause us anxiety, depression, addictions and a multitude of other symptoms that we mistake to be "who we are". I have faith in the human condition and the ability our heal into our own fullness. Therapy is the place to make this journey.
The most important journey you may make in your life is the journey of building an honest and compassionate relationship with yourself. From shame, pride, trauma, and introjected "shoulds" there are so many reasons that we often operate from a partial and compassionless understanding of ourselves. These blind spots can cause us anxiety, depression, addictions and a multitude of other symptoms that we mistake to be "who we are". I have faith in the human condition and the ability our heal into our own fullness. Therapy is the place to make this journey.
(415) 630-5506 View (415) 630-5506
Photo of Keith York, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Keith York
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
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 Ciele Jupe, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Ciele Jupe
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
If you are having difficulty in your marriage or relationship and want to address the root causes of these problems, I have more than thirty five years experience. If you have attempted to work on your relationship before, and want to restore trust, intimacy and vitality, and you have the desire to save the relationship you have invested in, I have a variety of approaches with which I can help. Many couples who have joined in this quest, have succeeded beyond their expectations. If you are an individual who desires a more fulfilling life, I can also help.
If you are having difficulty in your marriage or relationship and want to address the root causes of these problems, I have more than thirty five years experience. If you have attempted to work on your relationship before, and want to restore trust, intimacy and vitality, and you have the desire to save the relationship you have invested in, I have a variety of approaches with which I can help. Many couples who have joined in this quest, have succeeded beyond their expectations. If you are an individual who desires a more fulfilling life, I can also help.
(925) 254-9020 View (925) 254-9020
Photo of Kelly L Ravenel-Mueller, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Kelly L Ravenel-Mueller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CBT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
If you find yourself struggling in life to feel whole, happy, at ease with yourself and being in the world, or feel frustrated with a lack of intimacy in your relationships, I can help you. It is important when searching for a therapist that you feel an honest connection. I give a free 30-minute consultation to help you decide if working with me is a match. I have trained in trauma recovery, somatic work, psychodynamic, cognitive, mindfulness, bioenergetic analysis. My focus has been working with individuals around healing from PTSD, anxiety, eating disorders, bi-polar, and marital relationship issues.
If you find yourself struggling in life to feel whole, happy, at ease with yourself and being in the world, or feel frustrated with a lack of intimacy in your relationships, I can help you. It is important when searching for a therapist that you feel an honest connection. I give a free 30-minute consultation to help you decide if working with me is a match. I have trained in trauma recovery, somatic work, psychodynamic, cognitive, mindfulness, bioenergetic analysis. My focus has been working with individuals around healing from PTSD, anxiety, eating disorders, bi-polar, and marital relationship issues.
(510) 851-8869 View (510) 851-8869
Photo of Orin Theodore Borders, Psychologist in 94563, CA
Orin Theodore Borders
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I provide attachment-based Emotion Focused Therapy to couples and individuals. I commonly work with couples/individuals for over a year, sometimes much longer if the situation requires it. When working with couples, I commonly do a combination of couples meetings and individual meetings.
I provide attachment-based Emotion Focused Therapy to couples and individuals. I commonly work with couples/individuals for over a year, sometimes much longer if the situation requires it. When working with couples, I commonly do a combination of couples meetings and individual meetings.
(530) 731-5284 View (530) 731-5284
Photo of Mitch Houston, Psychologist in 94563, CA
Mitch Houston
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist working in both Hospital and Private Practice settings since 1987. I specialize in Anxiety and Mood Disorders as well as relationship and interpersonal issues. I have been working with individual adults and couples in Psychotherapy for over 25 years. I am very interested in helping individuals adapt to and solve conflicts related to major life transitions, relationships and work related problems.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist working in both Hospital and Private Practice settings since 1987. I specialize in Anxiety and Mood Disorders as well as relationship and interpersonal issues. I have been working with individual adults and couples in Psychotherapy for over 25 years. I am very interested in helping individuals adapt to and solve conflicts related to major life transitions, relationships and work related problems.
(925) 962-5762 View (925) 962-5762
Photo of Jeff Cohen, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Jeff Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
My intent is to help you deal with problems you're facing and lead a more fulfilling life. I have a strong track record of helping people overcome difficulty, struggle and confusion in their lives. I'll work to help you discover a new way of experiencing yourself in the world. I use an integrative mind/body approach to psychotherapy in facilitating change toward contentment and vitality. I work with couples and individuals around issues of intimacy, self-worth, life transition, purpose and spiritual inquiry. My style is collaborative, engaged and supportive.
My intent is to help you deal with problems you're facing and lead a more fulfilling life. I have a strong track record of helping people overcome difficulty, struggle and confusion in their lives. I'll work to help you discover a new way of experiencing yourself in the world. I use an integrative mind/body approach to psychotherapy in facilitating change toward contentment and vitality. I work with couples and individuals around issues of intimacy, self-worth, life transition, purpose and spiritual inquiry. My style is collaborative, engaged and supportive.
(510) 548-4950 View (510) 548-4950
Photo of Lynn Davilla Shields, Psychologist in 94563, CA
Lynn Davilla Shields
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.
I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.
(925) 231-3381 View (925) 231-3381
Photo of Barton Lynch, Psychologist in 94563, CA
Barton Lynch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
"Anyone with children knows that they are challenging as well as rewarding. It is when these challenges outweigh the loving relationship that children start to typically manifest symptoms. Due to internal and/or environmental stresses, children can become withdrawn, oppositional, easily overwhelmed, and scared. This in turn can compromise your child's present and future relationships, academic performance, self-esteem, and the parent-child relationship. When difficulties are addressed early, children gain a sense of mastery and safety lasting a lifetime." Dr. Lynch has worked with young children in preschool, research, state/county, and clinical settings over the last ten years.
"Anyone with children knows that they are challenging as well as rewarding. It is when these challenges outweigh the loving relationship that children start to typically manifest symptoms. Due to internal and/or environmental stresses, children can become withdrawn, oppositional, easily overwhelmed, and scared. This in turn can compromise your child's present and future relationships, academic performance, self-esteem, and the parent-child relationship. When difficulties are addressed early, children gain a sense of mastery and safety lasting a lifetime." Dr. Lynch has worked with young children in preschool, research, state/county, and clinical settings over the last ten years.
(925) 308-5238 View (925) 308-5238
Photo of Mary Ann Kassier, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94563, CA
Mary Ann Kassier, LCSW, CGP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I work with individuals, couples, families and groups.
It is my belief that everyone navigates his or her way through their family of origin and early environment by developing strategies and coping techniques, essentially doing the best one can in the circumstances. Later, these ways of handling relationships and stressors can become limiting. Members of couples and families can also develop entrenched ways of relating that become partially based on assumptions. Frustration, anxiety, disappointment and resentment can result. Psychotherapy enables you to understand the evolution of these patterns and develop more choices in how you respond and relate to others.
I work with individuals, couples, families and groups.
It is my belief that everyone navigates his or her way through their family of origin and early environment by developing strategies and coping techniques, essentially doing the best one can in the circumstances. Later, these ways of handling relationships and stressors can become limiting. Members of couples and families can also develop entrenched ways of relating that become partially based on assumptions. Frustration, anxiety, disappointment and resentment can result. Psychotherapy enables you to understand the evolution of these patterns and develop more choices in how you respond and relate to others.
(925) 392-3899 View (925) 392-3899
Photo of Dr. Eric Bottino, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Dr. Eric Bottino
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Are you so overwhelmed that you can't focus on your partner, kids, or other meaningful relationships? Do you feel like letting go of patterns is challenging and find yourself obsessing about your body to the point that eating becomes an ordeal? Do you feel like the past is weighing you down and you can't put it where it belongs, that is in the past? Do you engage in behaviors such as drug, alcohol, or other reckless endeavors that bring about tension and conflicts at home, at work, or other social settings?
Are you so overwhelmed that you can't focus on your partner, kids, or other meaningful relationships? Do you feel like letting go of patterns is challenging and find yourself obsessing about your body to the point that eating becomes an ordeal? Do you feel like the past is weighing you down and you can't put it where it belongs, that is in the past? Do you engage in behaviors such as drug, alcohol, or other reckless endeavors that bring about tension and conflicts at home, at work, or other social settings?
(628) 227-5455 View (628) 227-5455
Photo of Melissa Rapp, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94563, CA
Melissa Rapp
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I work with individuals and couples to help reduce struggles and find ways to live more fulfilling, gratifying lives. Our relationship is the context in which we work to find where you're stuck, what's getting in your way, and ways to do things differently. My specialty areas include grief and loss, adoption, ADHD, race/class issues, work/life balance, LGBTQ issues, and divorce. I help people manage anxiety and mood problems. I help couples with concerns related to parenting, managing conflict, and addressing needs and expectations. I see communication as the grease that keeps relationships running smoothly, and I help facilitate good communication.
I work with individuals and couples to help reduce struggles and find ways to live more fulfilling, gratifying lives. Our relationship is the context in which we work to find where you're stuck, what's getting in your way, and ways to do things differently. My specialty areas include grief and loss, adoption, ADHD, race/class issues, work/life balance, LGBTQ issues, and divorce. I help people manage anxiety and mood problems. I help couples with concerns related to parenting, managing conflict, and addressing needs and expectations. I see communication as the grease that keeps relationships running smoothly, and I help facilitate good communication.
(510) 822-7911 View (510) 822-7911
Photo of Teresa Lesko, Psychologist in 94563, CA
Teresa Lesko
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I work with individuals and couples.
I believe in the healing power of bearing witness to and participating in my clients' self-exploration. Whether we are exploring feelings, systems of oppression and their effects on us, patterns in relationships, or family of origin issues, the strength and compassion of an empathic partner in this journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a relief in symptoms. I bring empathy and mindful curiosity to our work together.
I work with individuals and couples.
I believe in the healing power of bearing witness to and participating in my clients' self-exploration. Whether we are exploring feelings, systems of oppression and their effects on us, patterns in relationships, or family of origin issues, the strength and compassion of an empathic partner in this journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a relief in symptoms. I bring empathy and mindful curiosity to our work together.
(510) 923-1082 View (510) 923-1082
Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.