Photo of Zara Drapkin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Zara Drapkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore your strengths and root you in them. We will define your values and explore how to live your life in harmony with them. We will also create space for the areas in your life where you want change and navigate the path to get you there.
(510) 422-0057 View (510) 422-0057
Photo of Camara Meri Rajabari, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Camara Meri Rajabari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705  (Online Only)
Do you experience a constant and unyielding inner critic that points out every mistake and every flaw you have. Do you often feel like an imposter—not good enough and unqualified? Like you, my clients are people at the top of their class, leaders in their career, recognized creators, yet they feel unaccomplished and undeserving. They describe many moments feeling panicked and alone in their feelings. Their anxiety causes them to overextend themselves to get validation from others. They experience cycles of burnout and depression. They put their own needs last—every time. They find it hard to say no and practice healthy boundaries.
Do you experience a constant and unyielding inner critic that points out every mistake and every flaw you have. Do you often feel like an imposter—not good enough and unqualified? Like you, my clients are people at the top of their class, leaders in their career, recognized creators, yet they feel unaccomplished and undeserving. They describe many moments feeling panicked and alone in their feelings. Their anxiety causes them to overextend themselves to get validation from others. They experience cycles of burnout and depression. They put their own needs last—every time. They find it hard to say no and practice healthy boundaries.
(341) 766-0889 View (341) 766-0889
Photo of Kamela Monique Peart, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Kamela Monique Peart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I am a licensed therapist with over 10 years experience and an extensive background in trauma, childhood abuse, depression, anxiety, parenting, children of divorce, identity formation and relational/attachment issues. We can work together to develop healthy coping skills and healing that allow you to live in your most healthy life. In this healing space, we can address your anxiety, depression, fears, anger, grief and trauma in a safe, caring, empathetic and non-judgmental environment, meeting you where you are.
I am a licensed therapist with over 10 years experience and an extensive background in trauma, childhood abuse, depression, anxiety, parenting, children of divorce, identity formation and relational/attachment issues. We can work together to develop healthy coping skills and healing that allow you to live in your most healthy life. In this healing space, we can address your anxiety, depression, fears, anger, grief and trauma in a safe, caring, empathetic and non-judgmental environment, meeting you where you are.
(510) 631-7399 View (510) 631-7399
Photo of Nicki Koethner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Nicki Koethner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Are you anxious, depressed and tired? Are you feeling emotional for no reason? Feeling disoriented and lonely? Questioning everything in your life? I help people to deeply listen inside and let their choices be based on what is true for them. While pain and emotions are part of being human, suffering can be minimized by allowing what is inside of us to be expressed and find acceptance in our experiences. I support you to move through trauma, anxiety, anger and depression to empowerment. Stress-management is part of the work and looking at communication with ourselves and others to have fulfilling relationships.
Are you anxious, depressed and tired? Are you feeling emotional for no reason? Feeling disoriented and lonely? Questioning everything in your life? I help people to deeply listen inside and let their choices be based on what is true for them. While pain and emotions are part of being human, suffering can be minimized by allowing what is inside of us to be expressed and find acceptance in our experiences. I support you to move through trauma, anxiety, anger and depression to empowerment. Stress-management is part of the work and looking at communication with ourselves and others to have fulfilling relationships.
(510) 606-9884 View (510) 606-9884
Photo of Dawn Shifreen-Pomerantz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Dawn Shifreen-Pomerantz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, Psychoa
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.
I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.
(925) 263-6612 View (925) 263-6612
Photo of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, Pre-Licensed Professional in Berkeley, CA
Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703
Whether you are seeking immediate support to help cope during this time, or therapy for anxiety, depression, conflicts with your partner or other needs, we are here to help.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
Whether you are seeking immediate support to help cope during this time, or therapy for anxiety, depression, conflicts with your partner or other needs, we are here to help.
Therapy provides such a rich opportunity for growth and learning, helping persons to recover from the aftermaths of trauma, abuse and loss, meet the hardships of their lives and thrive. In times like this, with so much anxiety about our collective welfare, it can be an invaluable lifeline. In response to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we are now offering teletherapy (therapy by phone and online by video) for all our clients, whether new or established. Also called telehealth or telebehavioral health, teletherapy can provide vital care and support to individuals, couples and families.
(510) 858-0916 View (510) 858-0916
Photo of Raul Gutierrez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Raul Gutierrez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
I have been a practicing therapist for over 5 years now. I have worked with a diverse group of populations dealing with depression/anxiety all the way to psychosis diagnoses. I implement a lot of Trauma Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing into my practice. My clients have often told me that I bring a genuine and compassionate atmosphere to sessions which helps them feel more at ease. I take a very nonjudgmental "at your own pace" type of approach. I want to ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way through your journey with mental health.
I have been a practicing therapist for over 5 years now. I have worked with a diverse group of populations dealing with depression/anxiety all the way to psychosis diagnoses. I implement a lot of Trauma Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing into my practice. My clients have often told me that I bring a genuine and compassionate atmosphere to sessions which helps them feel more at ease. I take a very nonjudgmental "at your own pace" type of approach. I want to ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way through your journey with mental health.
(619) 393-9614 View (619) 393-9614
Photo of Kavian Massoud Ravandoust, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Kavian Massoud Ravandoust
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94701
I believe that challenges, emotional pain and even struggling in the face of lifes' obstacles is the norm and not the exception, and that everyone would benefit from professional, individualized emotional support. If you are facing life transitions, such as starting a family, moving or immigration, or dealing with other challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger issues or conflict with others, I can help provide support and facilitate growth and adjustment to whatever life throws at you. I have experience working with adolescents and preteens as well as with adults and families.
I believe that challenges, emotional pain and even struggling in the face of lifes' obstacles is the norm and not the exception, and that everyone would benefit from professional, individualized emotional support. If you are facing life transitions, such as starting a family, moving or immigration, or dealing with other challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger issues or conflict with others, I can help provide support and facilitate growth and adjustment to whatever life throws at you. I have experience working with adolescents and preteens as well as with adults and families.
(925) 204-3948 View (925) 204-3948
Photo of Luis Abbott, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Luis Abbott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703
I assist clients on various issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, psychosis, anger management, mood regulation, grief, loss, personal recovery and growth, and transitional life stages.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has experience in the field of eating disorders at the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels. I am specialized and trained in various trauma work modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Prior to specializing in eating disorder treatment, I worked in community mental health in the Juvenile Justice Department, working with children and teenagers in the Juvenile Probation and Social Services Department.
I assist clients on various issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, psychosis, anger management, mood regulation, grief, loss, personal recovery and growth, and transitional life stages.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has experience in the field of eating disorders at the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels. I am specialized and trained in various trauma work modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Prior to specializing in eating disorder treatment, I worked in community mental health in the Juvenile Justice Department, working with children and teenagers in the Juvenile Probation and Social Services Department.
(323) 370-4853 View (323) 370-4853
Photo of East Bay Art Therapy, Art Therapist in Berkeley, CA
East Bay Art Therapy
Art Therapist, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94707
Our Art Therapists on staff work with ages 4 and up and have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, self harm, grief, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent individuals, & more.
Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your child, but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new creative coping skills for managing with difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.
Our Art Therapists on staff work with ages 4 and up and have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, self harm, grief, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent individuals, & more.
Are you looking for a new creative way to deal with difficulties in life and get in touch with your best self? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything with your child, but they struggle to benefit from traditional talk therapy? As art therapists, we incorporate talk therapy with art making to help our clients unlock their creative potential, look at problems with fresh eyes, and develop new creative coping skills for managing with difficult emotions. If you or your child is feeling blocked by past trauma, stuck in destructive patterns, or overwhelmed by depression or anxiety, then I encourage you to reach out. You are not alone.
(510) 675-7070 View (510) 675-7070
Photo of Niko Whitmire, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Niko Whitmire
Psychologist, PsyD, MFA
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
My specialty is in providing psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan who've struggled with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, psychosis, and ADHD.
Creativity can be foundational to positive and longstanding change. We come into the world with an innate skill to solve the many problems that arise during development. Sometimes these solutions bring up new challenges or get in the way of our relationships and our ability to enjoy life. I work with children, adults, elders, and couples who are struggling to adapt to a stressful world. By developing a trusting relationship where exploration is welcomed and analyzed, we are able to find new ways of functioning, new solutions to our interpersonal conflicts, and improve our ability to flexibly adapt to our changing world.
My specialty is in providing psychotherapy for individuals across the lifespan who've struggled with the symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, psychosis, and ADHD.
Creativity can be foundational to positive and longstanding change. We come into the world with an innate skill to solve the many problems that arise during development. Sometimes these solutions bring up new challenges or get in the way of our relationships and our ability to enjoy life. I work with children, adults, elders, and couples who are struggling to adapt to a stressful world. By developing a trusting relationship where exploration is welcomed and analyzed, we are able to find new ways of functioning, new solutions to our interpersonal conflicts, and improve our ability to flexibly adapt to our changing world.
(628) 300-3707 View (628) 300-3707
Photo of Caitlin Finnell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Caitlin Finnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704  (Online Only)
Gender related issues, family therapy, children and youth, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem, ADD, emotional distress from learning and physical disabilities, adoption and foster youth, and self care.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
Gender related issues, family therapy, children and youth, trauma, anxiety, depression, self esteem, ADD, emotional distress from learning and physical disabilities, adoption and foster youth, and self care.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
(415) 630-6595 View (415) 630-6595
Photo of Danielle Davidson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Danielle Davidson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94702  (Online Only)
Therapy supports our innate ability to heal, grow, deepen relationships and make meaning of our lives. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and meets you where you are. I specialize in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and with those navigating life transitions. With 10+ years of experience, I am attuned to the ways our intersecting identities shape our work together. I welcome diversity and believe that therapy can support individual goals and deconstruct systems of oppression. Collaboratively, we'll draw on your unique strengths, develop practical tools and work towards the change you envision.
Therapy supports our innate ability to heal, grow, deepen relationships and make meaning of our lives. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and meets you where you are. I specialize in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and with those navigating life transitions. With 10+ years of experience, I am attuned to the ways our intersecting identities shape our work together. I welcome diversity and believe that therapy can support individual goals and deconstruct systems of oppression. Collaboratively, we'll draw on your unique strengths, develop practical tools and work towards the change you envision.
(510) 319-1853 View (510) 319-1853
Photo of Rachel A Erwin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Rachel A Erwin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
I am passionate about supporting people to quickly move through psychological blocks that create stress and stop the flow of creative, productive energy. I focus on facilitating freedom from anxiety and depression created by past experiences, opening the mind to what is present and possible, instead of old and no longer useful. I work extensively with the therapeutic technique known as EMDR, which is clinically proven to be an effective treatment for Anxiety/Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am an EMDRIA approved Consultant and a Trainer for the Trauma Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program. www.emdrhap.org
I am passionate about supporting people to quickly move through psychological blocks that create stress and stop the flow of creative, productive energy. I focus on facilitating freedom from anxiety and depression created by past experiences, opening the mind to what is present and possible, instead of old and no longer useful. I work extensively with the therapeutic technique known as EMDR, which is clinically proven to be an effective treatment for Anxiety/Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am an EMDRIA approved Consultant and a Trainer for the Trauma Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program. www.emdrhap.org
(510) 863-4970 View (510) 863-4970
Photo of Stephanie Montague, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Stephanie Montague
Psychologist, PhD, HSPP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94709  (Online Only)
My specialties include OCD, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Hello, and welcome. I have been practicing clinical psychology for almost 35 years, and am currently working primarily with clients struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I treat adults and teenagers, and I especially enjoy working with college students. While I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) I find that my clients are responding best to Inference Based CBT (ICBT), a relatively new modality in which I have received extensive training. My style is warm, inviting, and collaborative.
My specialties include OCD, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Hello, and welcome. I have been practicing clinical psychology for almost 35 years, and am currently working primarily with clients struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I treat adults and teenagers, and I especially enjoy working with college students. While I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) I find that my clients are responding best to Inference Based CBT (ICBT), a relatively new modality in which I have received extensive training. My style is warm, inviting, and collaborative.
(341) 999-5237 View (341) 999-5237
Photo of Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94720  (Online Only)
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
(628) 299-7866 View (628) 299-7866
Photo of Rylan Jay Testa, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Rylan Jay Testa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
As a health psychologist, my approach bridges mental and physical well-being, allowing you to reclaim your life from chronic health issues, such as chronic disease (ex. diabetes, chronic fatigue, IBS, CIRS etc.), weight and eating difficulties, stress-related illness, insomnia, pain, addiction, depression, and anxiety. I combine my expertise in multiple state of the art evidence-based treatment methods, with a nuanced understanding of who you are as a person, to create a tailored treatment approach specific to your aims. I also offer opportunities to incorporate mindfulness, music, art, movement, and nature therapy practices, to maximize your therapeutic success.
(415) 358-0128 View (415) 358-0128
Photo of John Hanig, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
John Hanig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and communities of Color.
I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and communities of Color.
(415) 504-3833 View (415) 504-3833
Photo of Hilary Beech, Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
Hilary Beech
Psychologist, PhD, MBA, MSEE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Clients seek my help for social and generalized anxiety, depression, work stress/burnout/workaholism, impostor syndrome, procrastination, fear of making mistakes in public or discomfort with being a learner/non-expert, difficulty with romantic and workplace relationships, creativity blocks, internet addiction, navigating transitions, feeling disconnected/isolated, hopelessness about life purpose or the state of the world, difficulty sorting out life and professional priorities, feeling trapped/unfulfilled in work or that they are not fully expressing their potential.
I specialize in serving GIFTED PROFESSIONAL AND CREATIVE ADULTS AND COUPLES. Being gifted is a minority experience, which is hard to own or talk about due to cultural (mis)attributions of elitism and arrogance, so many gifted people have not explored this aspect of their identity and how this may be related to difficulties in their life. You may feel out of step with the world or misunderstood, and not know why, or that you have to hide aspects of yourself. Or have trouble making friends, be told you’re "too intense", feel socially awkward, not understand why others seem to respond negatively to your ideas, or feel deeply disappointed with the world’s imperfections. IN MY OFFICE, YOU CAN BE UNRESERVEDLY YOURSELF. Talking frankly about being gifted can improve your self-esteem and offer relief from self-doubt, loneliness, anxiety, or depression, as you develop strategies to meet the majority culture more effectively. Before becoming a psychologist, I worked for 25 years in startups, nonprofits, academia, and F500 companies. I hold a Stanford MBA and Berkeley MSEE, and have special training in assisting gifted clients. I've also published research on the creative process.
Clients seek my help for social and generalized anxiety, depression, work stress/burnout/workaholism, impostor syndrome, procrastination, fear of making mistakes in public or discomfort with being a learner/non-expert, difficulty with romantic and workplace relationships, creativity blocks, internet addiction, navigating transitions, feeling disconnected/isolated, hopelessness about life purpose or the state of the world, difficulty sorting out life and professional priorities, feeling trapped/unfulfilled in work or that they are not fully expressing their potential.
I specialize in serving GIFTED PROFESSIONAL AND CREATIVE ADULTS AND COUPLES. Being gifted is a minority experience, which is hard to own or talk about due to cultural (mis)attributions of elitism and arrogance, so many gifted people have not explored this aspect of their identity and how this may be related to difficulties in their life. You may feel out of step with the world or misunderstood, and not know why, or that you have to hide aspects of yourself. Or have trouble making friends, be told you’re "too intense", feel socially awkward, not understand why others seem to respond negatively to your ideas, or feel deeply disappointed with the world’s imperfections. IN MY OFFICE, YOU CAN BE UNRESERVEDLY YOURSELF. Talking frankly about being gifted can improve your self-esteem and offer relief from self-doubt, loneliness, anxiety, or depression, as you develop strategies to meet the majority culture more effectively. Before becoming a psychologist, I worked for 25 years in startups, nonprofits, academia, and F500 companies. I hold a Stanford MBA and Berkeley MSEE, and have special training in assisting gifted clients. I've also published research on the creative process.
(415) 200-2685 View (415) 200-2685
Photo of Cecilie Herring, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
Cecilie Herring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94703
I specialize in working with pre and postnatal moms, supporting parents as they navigate and adjust to parenthood, strengthening the parent-child connection, grief surrounding the loss of a loved one, coping with a chronic illness and/or pain, and working with the challenges of anxiety and depression.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
I specialize in working with pre and postnatal moms, supporting parents as they navigate and adjust to parenthood, strengthening the parent-child connection, grief surrounding the loss of a loved one, coping with a chronic illness and/or pain, and working with the challenges of anxiety and depression.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
(415) 517-9319 View (415) 517-9319
Depression Therapists

What is the goal of therapy for depression?

Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?

Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?

Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?

Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?

Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.