Photo of Andrés Salerno, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Andrés Salerno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I am trauma-informed and am most passionate about working with couples, relationship issues, family boundaries, multi/bicultural issues, teens, & high-stress careers.
Life is a series of peaks and valleys, and the low points can feel really overwhelming. It's in those moments that we most need support, but that's also when we're most prone to isolating and bottling up. Relationship issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, and workplace stress can all be urgent matters, yet we often hesitate admitting we need help.
I am trauma-informed and am most passionate about working with couples, relationship issues, family boundaries, multi/bicultural issues, teens, & high-stress careers.
Life is a series of peaks and valleys, and the low points can feel really overwhelming. It's in those moments that we most need support, but that's also when we're most prone to isolating and bottling up. Relationship issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, and workplace stress can all be urgent matters, yet we often hesitate admitting we need help.
(415) 630-5759 View (415) 630-5759
Photo of Marni Levy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Marni Levy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I'm trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples which uses attachment theory to decrease conflict, build strong bonds, and increase emotional responsiveness and affection.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered MFT Supervisor, specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma. I offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. I use a Somatic and Mindfulness based therapy approach to help clients discover what beliefs they are holding that may be narrowing their experience in the world. Together we will use our connection and relationship to support your longings, grow your passions, and heal old wounds. Going inward we clean out that which is old and no longer serving us, and moving outward to connect and create with people and pursuits which can support and nourish our True Self.
I'm trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples which uses attachment theory to decrease conflict, build strong bonds, and increase emotional responsiveness and affection.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered MFT Supervisor, specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma. I offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. I use a Somatic and Mindfulness based therapy approach to help clients discover what beliefs they are holding that may be narrowing their experience in the world. Together we will use our connection and relationship to support your longings, grow your passions, and heal old wounds. Going inward we clean out that which is old and no longer serving us, and moving outward to connect and create with people and pursuits which can support and nourish our True Self.
(510) 756-2060 View (510) 756-2060
Photo of Stephanie McWoods, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Stephanie McWoods
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
I help individuals, couples, and families.
Do you feel misunderstood and overwhelmed? Is people pleasing or code switching exhausting? Do you feel disconnected from YOU? Are you searching for a space that is safe to be YOU? Are you hyperaware of your melanin in white spaces? Are you searching for a therapist that understands the minority experience? I recognize the struggles of living while Black. And I champion disrupting White Supremacy and systemic racism. I am a firm believer in order to dismantle racism and White Supremacy we must individually address our trauma, unlearn internalized racism and develop skills to elevate our thinking and regulate our emotions.
I help individuals, couples, and families.
Do you feel misunderstood and overwhelmed? Is people pleasing or code switching exhausting? Do you feel disconnected from YOU? Are you searching for a space that is safe to be YOU? Are you hyperaware of your melanin in white spaces? Are you searching for a therapist that understands the minority experience? I recognize the struggles of living while Black. And I champion disrupting White Supremacy and systemic racism. I am a firm believer in order to dismantle racism and White Supremacy we must individually address our trauma, unlearn internalized racism and develop skills to elevate our thinking and regulate our emotions.
(510) 491-0339 View (510) 491-0339
Photo of Therapy for Lawyers, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Therapy for Lawyers
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Couples counseling is also available at a rate of $225 for a 50-minute session.
Mike Lubofsky, Licensed Therapist and Attorney • My ideal client is highly intelligent, intellectually curious, and sincerely open to change. My work as a therapist is a deep calling and the challenging exploration of psychological and existential issues with clients often leads to profound emotionally corrective experiences with clients. Many clients, including lawyers, have "checked all the boxes" and have hit a wall of frustration and dissatisfaction. I have navigated those profound challenges and my life's work is to help others find their authentic paths.
Couples counseling is also available at a rate of $225 for a 50-minute session.
Mike Lubofsky, Licensed Therapist and Attorney • My ideal client is highly intelligent, intellectually curious, and sincerely open to change. My work as a therapist is a deep calling and the challenging exploration of psychological and existential issues with clients often leads to profound emotionally corrective experiences with clients. Many clients, including lawyers, have "checked all the boxes" and have hit a wall of frustration and dissatisfaction. I have navigated those profound challenges and my life's work is to help others find their authentic paths.
(415) 508-6263 View (415) 508-6263
Photo of Chantal Daley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Chantal Daley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and trauma.
(415) 942-8396 View (415) 942-8396
Photo of Gabriele Goodman, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Gabriele Goodman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
Through individual, couples' and group work, I incorporate mind-body techniques using positive psychology, cognitive behavioral and acceptance and commitment therapies, biofeedback and mindfulness, and other mixed interventions aimed at self-care, increased distress tolerance, and stress and pain management.
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
Through individual, couples' and group work, I incorporate mind-body techniques using positive psychology, cognitive behavioral and acceptance and commitment therapies, biofeedback and mindfulness, and other mixed interventions aimed at self-care, increased distress tolerance, and stress and pain management.
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
(510) 662-0036 View (510) 662-0036
Photo of Jenessa Radocchio, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jenessa Radocchio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
In addition to adult individuals and couples, I work quite well with difficult adolescents and pre-teens, and can tolerate a high degree of intensity in therapy sessions. I am uniquely capable of providing a containing and non-judgmental space, and am particularly interested in working with issues that arise as a result of counter-culture lifestyles. I bring a social justice perspective to my work, meaning that I take the entirety of my clients' environment as equally important and formative as their early childhood relationships and mental processes.
In addition to adult individuals and couples, I work quite well with difficult adolescents and pre-teens, and can tolerate a high degree of intensity in therapy sessions. I am uniquely capable of providing a containing and non-judgmental space, and am particularly interested in working with issues that arise as a result of counter-culture lifestyles. I bring a social justice perspective to my work, meaning that I take the entirety of my clients' environment as equally important and formative as their early childhood relationships and mental processes.
(510) 907-7253 View (510) 907-7253
Photo of Adam Kremen, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Adam Kremen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 20 years with adults, couples and adolescents.
People turn to therapy when they are in too much emotional pain, stuck in intractable situations with intimate partners or at work, or acting in ways that are self-destructive or harmful to others. When other solutions have not worked, therapy offers a chance to address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work. It offers the possibility of exploring new ways of relating to ourselves and others that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. The therapist must provide a place of safety and be a partner in this process.
I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 20 years with adults, couples and adolescents.
People turn to therapy when they are in too much emotional pain, stuck in intractable situations with intimate partners or at work, or acting in ways that are self-destructive or harmful to others. When other solutions have not worked, therapy offers a chance to address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work. It offers the possibility of exploring new ways of relating to ourselves and others that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. The therapist must provide a place of safety and be a partner in this process.
(510) 358-4986 View (510) 358-4986
Photo of Susan Diamond Moore, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Susan Diamond Moore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602  (Online Only)
I have worked extensively with women with cancer, and people going through divorce, retirement, death of a partner, and most of life's various provocations which cause pain to the soul, all "traumas" in their own right.
I consider it a privilege to work with you to explore aspects of your life experience which have diminished your satisfaction with life or otherwise left you feeling lost or alone. Challenges around loss, aging, illness, trauma or relationships can feel too frightening to tackle alone. As a seasoned and compassionate psychotherapist, I can help you bear and work with what may feel unbearable. Together, we will create a protected space that fosters the trust, aliveness and self-expression that are essential to growth and success in love and work, where you can ultimately reclaim your life and joie-de-vivre.
I have worked extensively with women with cancer, and people going through divorce, retirement, death of a partner, and most of life's various provocations which cause pain to the soul, all "traumas" in their own right.
I consider it a privilege to work with you to explore aspects of your life experience which have diminished your satisfaction with life or otherwise left you feeling lost or alone. Challenges around loss, aging, illness, trauma or relationships can feel too frightening to tackle alone. As a seasoned and compassionate psychotherapist, I can help you bear and work with what may feel unbearable. Together, we will create a protected space that fosters the trust, aliveness and self-expression that are essential to growth and success in love and work, where you can ultimately reclaim your life and joie-de-vivre.
(510) 985-4589 View (510) 985-4589
Photo of Willow Pearson Trimbach, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Willow Pearson Trimbach
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608  (Online Only)
I have been working with individuals, couples, and groups for over twenty years, both in private practice and in various medical centers and community clinics.
My practice emphasizes integral, psychodynamic psychotherapy and consultation for a variety of psychological, relational, medical, cultural, and spiritual issues. I specialize in working with adults who grapple with anxiety, depression, loss, stress, health, disability, identity, sexuality, relationships, transitions, trauma, creativity, spirituality, life path/purpose/meaning and fulfillment. I also enjoy providing consultation to colleagues. Building on my fifteen years of private practice experience during my twenty years as a licensed clinician, it is my joy to combine private practice in Oakland with my teaching at CIIS.
I have been working with individuals, couples, and groups for over twenty years, both in private practice and in various medical centers and community clinics.
My practice emphasizes integral, psychodynamic psychotherapy and consultation for a variety of psychological, relational, medical, cultural, and spiritual issues. I specialize in working with adults who grapple with anxiety, depression, loss, stress, health, disability, identity, sexuality, relationships, transitions, trauma, creativity, spirituality, life path/purpose/meaning and fulfillment. I also enjoy providing consultation to colleagues. Building on my fifteen years of private practice experience during my twenty years as a licensed clinician, it is my joy to combine private practice in Oakland with my teaching at CIIS.
(650) 620-7927 View (650) 620-7927
Photo of Jessica Gould Deitch, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Jessica Gould Deitch
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
My areas of specialty include relationship issues, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
I aim to create a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore whatever pain or experience you need help with. My style is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. I use an individualized approach and tailor my interventions to your unique and specific needs. I combine down to earth, practical support with a depth-oriented approach focused on symptom relief and shifting long-standing patterns that have gotten in the way. I also focus on creating a strong therapeutic relationship in which each person I work with feels heard and understood.
My areas of specialty include relationship issues, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
I aim to create a space where you feel recognized, understood, and safe enough to explore whatever pain or experience you need help with. My style is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. I use an individualized approach and tailor my interventions to your unique and specific needs. I combine down to earth, practical support with a depth-oriented approach focused on symptom relief and shifting long-standing patterns that have gotten in the way. I also focus on creating a strong therapeutic relationship in which each person I work with feels heard and understood.
(510) 738-0634 View (510) 738-0634
Photo of Ann Anderson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Ann Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
(415) 341-9910 View (415) 341-9910
Photo of Alexa Enyart, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Alexa Enyart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I have expertise in relationship/family dynamics & attachment issues.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
I have expertise in relationship/family dynamics & attachment issues.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
(415) 909-5493 View (415) 909-5493
Photo of Michaela Coates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Michaela Coates
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94621  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with those managing depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma, along with relationship and attachment issues, intimacy related issues, coping with life changes, mood instability, negative self-talk and self-esteem, personal growth, and addressing irrational beliefs.
We all have our own stories that are filled with our experiences, strengths, and challenges, and we move at our own pace and time. We have many layers that, while exciting to uncover, can also trigger fear and worry. Self-discovery can be an empowering journey, one of understanding and acceptance, self-love, and fulfillment. You are the expert of your own life, and I am here to offer support, care, guidance, and courage along the way. I believe in collaboration, and will work with you to address the issues presented in therapy and develop treatment goals. Together we will make the space to create the life you want.
I have extensive experience working with those managing depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma, along with relationship and attachment issues, intimacy related issues, coping with life changes, mood instability, negative self-talk and self-esteem, personal growth, and addressing irrational beliefs.
We all have our own stories that are filled with our experiences, strengths, and challenges, and we move at our own pace and time. We have many layers that, while exciting to uncover, can also trigger fear and worry. Self-discovery can be an empowering journey, one of understanding and acceptance, self-love, and fulfillment. You are the expert of your own life, and I am here to offer support, care, guidance, and courage along the way. I believe in collaboration, and will work with you to address the issues presented in therapy and develop treatment goals. Together we will make the space to create the life you want.
(510) 694-8938 View (510) 694-8938
Photo of Emily Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Emily Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I help people navigate issues around childhood trauma, gender and racial discrimination, and relationship crisis.
Starting therapy can be daunting. Perhaps you are in crisis and feeling overwhelmed. Or you have long meant to get help with an issue, but it feels hard to know where to start. I am skilled at helping people find the part of themselves that most urgently needs to be attended to.
I help people navigate issues around childhood trauma, gender and racial discrimination, and relationship crisis.
Starting therapy can be daunting. Perhaps you are in crisis and feeling overwhelmed. Or you have long meant to get help with an issue, but it feels hard to know where to start. I am skilled at helping people find the part of themselves that most urgently needs to be attended to.
(510) 878-4537 View (510) 878-4537
Photo of Mary Joye, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Oakland, CA
Mary Joye
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Trauma, Anxiety, Codependency, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Couples and marriage counseling, Family counseling, Grief counseling , Highly sensitive person (empath), Personality disorders, Narcissistic abuse, Domestic violence recovery, Sexual abuse recovery, Career counseling, Divorce counseling, Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Hello, I'm Mary Joye, and I am here to help you listen to yourself from a new and nonjudgmental perspective. We will work together to make connections between the past and the present to help you enjoy a brighter and better future.
Trauma, Anxiety, Codependency, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Couples and marriage counseling, Family counseling, Grief counseling , Highly sensitive person (empath), Personality disorders, Narcissistic abuse, Domestic violence recovery, Sexual abuse recovery, Career counseling, Divorce counseling, Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Hello, I'm Mary Joye, and I am here to help you listen to yourself from a new and nonjudgmental perspective. We will work together to make connections between the past and the present to help you enjoy a brighter and better future.
(415) 993-3792 View (415) 993-3792
Photo of Gene Joseph Grossman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Gene Joseph Grossman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, CA-MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
After four decades of providing counseling to individuals and couples, I have a knack for immediately grasping the issues that undermine one's sense of well being.
Effective psychotherapy should provide an immediate benefit and relief from the first meeting forward. It is the therapist's responsibility to help you see your problems clearly. We are all subject to misperceptions and self-deception. My job is to introduce you to the self that is just outside of your awareness. Through the exploration of your attitudes, communication style, and your defenses, I will help you to significantly reduce your anxiety, anger & depression. Together we will address the issues of shame & guilt that derail your self acceptance. I will guide you to genuine change that is not just possible but attainable.
After four decades of providing counseling to individuals and couples, I have a knack for immediately grasping the issues that undermine one's sense of well being.
Effective psychotherapy should provide an immediate benefit and relief from the first meeting forward. It is the therapist's responsibility to help you see your problems clearly. We are all subject to misperceptions and self-deception. My job is to introduce you to the self that is just outside of your awareness. Through the exploration of your attitudes, communication style, and your defenses, I will help you to significantly reduce your anxiety, anger & depression. Together we will address the issues of shame & guilt that derail your self acceptance. I will guide you to genuine change that is not just possible but attainable.
(650) 489-7142 View (650) 489-7142
Photo of Lis Elle Werth, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Lis Elle Werth
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, SEP, AMFT, LMHC-LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I specialize in couples and relationship work. Clients I tend to work with are individuals, couples, and those in relationship who may identify as: unsure, big dreamers, creatives, somatically curious, spiritual seekers, longing for belonging, gender expansive, queer, non-heteronormative, neurodivergent, anxious, depressed, grieving, insecure, psychedelically-inclined, powerfully sensitive, emotionally dysregulated, substance users, attempting intimacy and deep relationship with others, and/or trauma survivors. I am offering ketamine-assisted therapy for NY residents. I am also an SEP.
I specialize in couples and relationship work. Clients I tend to work with are individuals, couples, and those in relationship who may identify as: unsure, big dreamers, creatives, somatically curious, spiritual seekers, longing for belonging, gender expansive, queer, non-heteronormative, neurodivergent, anxious, depressed, grieving, insecure, psychedelically-inclined, powerfully sensitive, emotionally dysregulated, substance users, attempting intimacy and deep relationship with others, and/or trauma survivors. I am offering ketamine-assisted therapy for NY residents. I am also an SEP.
(510) 369-1702 View (510) 369-1702
Photo of Acacia Hasina Chidi #lmft111125, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Acacia Hasina Chidi #lmft111125
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEO
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I am experienced in couples, and individual therapy.
Welcome! I’m Acacia Hasina Chidi, I am known to help inspire change in individual’s lives and relationships. Experience has demonstrated to me that change is possible and necessary. If you are ready to initiate change, I’d like to work with you through the process of therapy which can allow you to grow, and realize aspects of yourself you may not be aware of, or that you are aware of, but have been unable to manage. Years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and specialized groups have enabled me tools and techniques that help people achieve a deeper understanding of relational patterns needing repair.
I am experienced in couples, and individual therapy.
Welcome! I’m Acacia Hasina Chidi, I am known to help inspire change in individual’s lives and relationships. Experience has demonstrated to me that change is possible and necessary. If you are ready to initiate change, I’d like to work with you through the process of therapy which can allow you to grow, and realize aspects of yourself you may not be aware of, or that you are aware of, but have been unable to manage. Years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and specialized groups have enabled me tools and techniques that help people achieve a deeper understanding of relational patterns needing repair.
(415) 729-2118 View (415) 729-2118
Photo of Wallace Earl Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Wallace Earl Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
As a psychotherapist with over 10 years of counseling experience in the Bay Area I have come to appreciate the importance of humor and honesty in developing a therapeutic relationship that encourages positive life changes. I work hard to develop a comfortable and safe space for my clients to identify and address barriers to progress in their personal and professional lives. When we are honest with ourselves, I think we so often find that our most ardent critic and obstacle to living a fulfilling and happy life is ourselves.
As a psychotherapist with over 10 years of counseling experience in the Bay Area I have come to appreciate the importance of humor and honesty in developing a therapeutic relationship that encourages positive life changes. I work hard to develop a comfortable and safe space for my clients to identify and address barriers to progress in their personal and professional lives. When we are honest with ourselves, I think we so often find that our most ardent critic and obstacle to living a fulfilling and happy life is ourselves.
(650) 727-1875 View (650) 727-1875
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.