Therapists in Oakland, CA
Bay Area Gestalt Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
We are Bay Area Gestalt Institute (BAGI), a non-profit collective of highly trained marriage and family therapists and associates, providing affordable psychotherapy throughout the Bay Area. We offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children. Our work is active, creative and holistic. Our therapists work with a variety of issues including: * Relationship Issues * Anxiety * Depression * LGBTQI Concerns * Trauma * Substance Use / Abuse * Eating Disorders * Spiritual * Personal Growth * Integration of Non-Ordinary States
Adrián Orozco Blair
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601 (Online Only)
Welcome, I am Adrián. Would you benefit from a man who provides empathy and guidance to resolve issues of anxiety, depression or grief? Would you like to find new ways out of your stuckness? I can help you wake up to your feelings. I nurture self awareness to improve your relationship with yourself. I create a space and a relationship that is nurturing and helps empower you to live with more freedom. I am bilingual (Spanish) and bi-cultural (México/United States).
Welcome, I am Adrián. Would you benefit from a man who provides empathy and guidance to resolve issues of anxiety, depression or grief? Would you like to find new ways out of your stuckness? I can help you wake up to your feelings. I nurture self awareness to improve your relationship with yourself. I create a space and a relationship that is nurturing and helps empower you to live with more freedom. I am bilingual (Spanish) and bi-cultural (México/United States).
Camara Meri Rajabari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618 (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.
Caitlin Rose Marvaso
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Your body is always communicating information to you, and your emotions are the messenger. Maybe it's the consistent feeling of overwhelm, or the throws of depression. Maybe you are experiencing physical pain as a result of emotional pain. Whatever it is, I believe in the wisdom of your body and I want to help you become an expert at your own body language so that you can have more autonomy over your life.
Your body is always communicating information to you, and your emotions are the messenger. Maybe it's the consistent feeling of overwhelm, or the throws of depression. Maybe you are experiencing physical pain as a result of emotional pain. Whatever it is, I believe in the wisdom of your body and I want to help you become an expert at your own body language so that you can have more autonomy over your life.
Grace Anna Eidman (Currier)
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, #15438
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Life can feel crazy, we can feel crazy ourselves, but you don't have to navigate it alone. I have particular experience with complex trauma, dissociation, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, and religious trauma. After all, I've been there myself. Everyone's journey is different, yet I know from experience how hard, disorienting, and difficult it can be. Still, I believe life can be different when we travel together instead of carrying our burdens and pain alone. That's why I'm an online therapist practicing through the auspices of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, a nonprofit organization providing affordable counseling.
Life can feel crazy, we can feel crazy ourselves, but you don't have to navigate it alone. I have particular experience with complex trauma, dissociation, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, and religious trauma. After all, I've been there myself. Everyone's journey is different, yet I know from experience how hard, disorienting, and difficult it can be. Still, I believe life can be different when we travel together instead of carrying our burdens and pain alone. That's why I'm an online therapist practicing through the auspices of Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, a nonprofit organization providing affordable counseling.
Ami Cooper
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
If you are struggling with a sense of not belonging; have been called "too sensitive," are feeling isolated, disconnected, misunderstood, you are not alone. I provide a supportive space for you to explore life events, feelings, thoughts, and beliefs that are keeping you stuck, and use both conventional and unconventional approaches to teach skills. I am committed to equal access to mental health and am passionate about supporting people who may be in a transitional place; seeking to reconnect, build relationships, and unveil rich and meaningful lives.
If you are struggling with a sense of not belonging; have been called "too sensitive," are feeling isolated, disconnected, misunderstood, you are not alone. I provide a supportive space for you to explore life events, feelings, thoughts, and beliefs that are keeping you stuck, and use both conventional and unconventional approaches to teach skills. I am committed to equal access to mental health and am passionate about supporting people who may be in a transitional place; seeking to reconnect, build relationships, and unveil rich and meaningful lives.
Jordana Delory
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, PRDT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
When challenges and struggles in life arise, you do not have to walk alone. Whether you have experienced a recent life transition, loss, setback, have struggled with mental health or addiction challenges, or, are seeking support to heal from a recent or childhood trauma, I will be honored to guide you to gain control of your life and reclaim your personal power. I have committed nearly two decades holding a safe and empowered space for adults, children, and adolescents to discover their human potential, heal from trauma, and develop the tools to live a life of vitality and empowerment.
When challenges and struggles in life arise, you do not have to walk alone. Whether you have experienced a recent life transition, loss, setback, have struggled with mental health or addiction challenges, or, are seeking support to heal from a recent or childhood trauma, I will be honored to guide you to gain control of your life and reclaim your personal power. I have committed nearly two decades holding a safe and empowered space for adults, children, and adolescents to discover their human potential, heal from trauma, and develop the tools to live a life of vitality and empowerment.
Will Lipsenthal
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Whatever you’re experiencing, I hope to walk the line of being a support to you in your experience and by your side, while also, empathetically being a source of information that can provide evidence based practices as well as an experiential framework to help you get what you want. I plan on taking an awareness-based approach. I want to build your awareness so you can make more informed decisions. I want to co-create an environment that allows you to bring your whole self to therapy so that you can heal and grow.
Whatever you’re experiencing, I hope to walk the line of being a support to you in your experience and by your side, while also, empathetically being a source of information that can provide evidence based practices as well as an experiential framework to help you get what you want. I plan on taking an awareness-based approach. I want to build your awareness so you can make more informed decisions. I want to co-create an environment that allows you to bring your whole self to therapy so that you can heal and grow.
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Stef Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601 (Online Only)
My ideology is inspired by the juxtaposition of American narratives, originating from the Deep South and Urban Midwest. Growing up in a Pro-Black, Christian Baptist home I learned how gender, sexuality, and white supremacy can greatly affect our culture, happiness and well-being. Early exposure to the mental healthcare system taught me that oppression can be as multi-layered and intersectional as the oppressed, and diagnosis will continue to be an act of oppression if it ignores cultural context, societal phobias, and systemic oppression. For a great number, our mental health is a representation of how we survive our social climate.
My ideology is inspired by the juxtaposition of American narratives, originating from the Deep South and Urban Midwest. Growing up in a Pro-Black, Christian Baptist home I learned how gender, sexuality, and white supremacy can greatly affect our culture, happiness and well-being. Early exposure to the mental healthcare system taught me that oppression can be as multi-layered and intersectional as the oppressed, and diagnosis will continue to be an act of oppression if it ignores cultural context, societal phobias, and systemic oppression. For a great number, our mental health is a representation of how we survive our social climate.
Ida Ahmadi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612
Waitlist for new clients
If you've ever felt lost or stuck in a painful pattern or conflict, or struggle with overwhelming emotions, or have trouble connecting with them, therapy with me is a profound way to discover yourself again and have new experiences. To restore balance and flexibility, and to reawaken your inherent capacity for joy and resilience. I listen with attention, empathy, & curiosity as we encounter and explore your conflicts, pains, and desires. We accomplish your goals by concentrating on what is important to you in a space where you will be listened to and heard, and where we will share an honest & accurate reflection of your experience.
If you've ever felt lost or stuck in a painful pattern or conflict, or struggle with overwhelming emotions, or have trouble connecting with them, therapy with me is a profound way to discover yourself again and have new experiences. To restore balance and flexibility, and to reawaken your inherent capacity for joy and resilience. I listen with attention, empathy, & curiosity as we encounter and explore your conflicts, pains, and desires. We accomplish your goals by concentrating on what is important to you in a space where you will be listened to and heard, and where we will share an honest & accurate reflection of your experience.
15 Second Videos
Adrián Orozco Blair
Camara Meri Rajabari
Grace Anna Eidman (Currier)
Paul J. Wensley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Life has its ups and downs, ins and outs, mountains, plateaus, and valleys, and sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Is it a loss, feeling anxious, depressed, unaccepted, overwhelmed or fragile. Are some of these things holding you back? Together we can learn coping skills, healthy ways of living, and how to move forward in your life. I use a compassionate, non- judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person, body, mind, and spirit.
Life has its ups and downs, ins and outs, mountains, plateaus, and valleys, and sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Is it a loss, feeling anxious, depressed, unaccepted, overwhelmed or fragile. Are some of these things holding you back? Together we can learn coping skills, healthy ways of living, and how to move forward in your life. I use a compassionate, non- judgmental, understanding, strength based approach by acknowledging and welcoming your whole person, body, mind, and spirit.
More Therapists Nearby
Marcela Silva Araujo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103 (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples, and families using therapeutic tools to overcome symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, grief, & childhood trauma.
Hello, hablo espanol, e português! I am here to empower you to go within yourself, and focus on what is important to you, together we can figure out how to get there. I have specialized in a holistic approach that includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Person-Centered therapy. I have a profound gift to help clients see the light within themselves and deliver intelligent, inspiring responses during their therapy sessions. In addition, I have tremendous experience in resources that clients may need. I can reach out and empower you to attain that which you desire for yourself and heal from past traumas with a creative persistent plan.
I work with individuals, couples, and families using therapeutic tools to overcome symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, grief, & childhood trauma.
Hello, hablo espanol, e português! I am here to empower you to go within yourself, and focus on what is important to you, together we can figure out how to get there. I have specialized in a holistic approach that includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Person-Centered therapy. I have a profound gift to help clients see the light within themselves and deliver intelligent, inspiring responses during their therapy sessions. In addition, I have tremendous experience in resources that clients may need. I can reach out and empower you to attain that which you desire for yourself and heal from past traumas with a creative persistent plan.
New Moon Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Insight and depth oriented work based in natural law to improve understanding and communication skills, reduce distressing symptoms, and promote healing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, negative thought patterns, and self-doubt.
Halito! Specializing in Personal & Professional Growth & Development: Are you ready to shed your old skin and live the life you were meant for? Does your grieving seem unending? Do you desire a deeper connection with your life's purpose? Are you not advancing professionally? Do you continue to have the same conflicts with your partner, but nothing seems to change? Does fear keep you running in the same joyless circles? If so, it would be an honor to accompany you on your journey. For individuals and couples, I am only able to offer video sessions at this time.
Insight and depth oriented work based in natural law to improve understanding and communication skills, reduce distressing symptoms, and promote healing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, negative thought patterns, and self-doubt.
Halito! Specializing in Personal & Professional Growth & Development: Are you ready to shed your old skin and live the life you were meant for? Does your grieving seem unending? Do you desire a deeper connection with your life's purpose? Are you not advancing professionally? Do you continue to have the same conflicts with your partner, but nothing seems to change? Does fear keep you running in the same joyless circles? If so, it would be an honor to accompany you on your journey. For individuals and couples, I am only able to offer video sessions at this time.
Kasey Varga
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Emeryville, CA 94608
Are you feeling heartbroken or utterly confused by a romantic relationship? Are you a parent who is endlessly stirred up by your child's behavior? I offer an opportunity to utilize heartbreak in service of growth and to begin to untangle the reality of your current relationships from the residue of your history. I challenge parents to advocate for their own needs while also strongly considering the needs of their children. I teach them how to facilitate the full expression of emotion in children. In light of a great deal of training and personal experience I bring a deep respect for the unknown and a willingness to land in mystery.
Are you feeling heartbroken or utterly confused by a romantic relationship? Are you a parent who is endlessly stirred up by your child's behavior? I offer an opportunity to utilize heartbreak in service of growth and to begin to untangle the reality of your current relationships from the residue of your history. I challenge parents to advocate for their own needs while also strongly considering the needs of their children. I teach them how to facilitate the full expression of emotion in children. In light of a great deal of training and personal experience I bring a deep respect for the unknown and a willingness to land in mystery.
Barbara Howell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
Sometimes, the stress of daily life can exhaust our ability to cope. A child struggling in school, family conflicts, traumatic events, major life transitions, the loss of a loved one, friend, or pet, financial and/or medical issues, pregnancy and the birth of a child—all of these experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. From experience and research, we know that stressful experiences--sudden or chronic--can lead to feelings of disconnection, sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and conflict within ourselves and with our friends and loved ones.
Sekayi Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
As a geek or gamer, creative or artist, or spiritual seeker, you aspire to reach your full potential, forge timeless bonds with others, and embody an unshakeable purpose in the 'real world' as you do in the inner realms of your passions. The 'real world,' however, roils with social stigma, responsibilities, and traumatic events that leave you feeling helpless, isolated, and aimless within your home, work, school, or social life. Your passions only provide momentary relief as unresolved problems continue to grow, and unless this cycle is broken, the weight of these problems will only accumulate, perpetuating the cycle of struggle.
As a geek or gamer, creative or artist, or spiritual seeker, you aspire to reach your full potential, forge timeless bonds with others, and embody an unshakeable purpose in the 'real world' as you do in the inner realms of your passions. The 'real world,' however, roils with social stigma, responsibilities, and traumatic events that leave you feeling helpless, isolated, and aimless within your home, work, school, or social life. Your passions only provide momentary relief as unresolved problems continue to grow, and unless this cycle is broken, the weight of these problems will only accumulate, perpetuating the cycle of struggle.
Jen Poole
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94708
Welcome to my practice. I am a heart-centered therapist who works collaboratively with you. This work supports you in finding the roots of self- limiting beliefs and relationship patterns, and provides tools and techniques for healing, which gives way to inner clarity and freedom. When you are connected to your inner wisdom and intelligence, your life becomes healthy and grounded, relationships are more intimate and loving, and quality of life becomes richer. I use a holistic body-heart-and soul approach with those who are committed to growth and healing.
Welcome to my practice. I am a heart-centered therapist who works collaboratively with you. This work supports you in finding the roots of self- limiting beliefs and relationship patterns, and provides tools and techniques for healing, which gives way to inner clarity and freedom. When you are connected to your inner wisdom and intelligence, your life becomes healthy and grounded, relationships are more intimate and loving, and quality of life becomes richer. I use a holistic body-heart-and soul approach with those who are committed to growth and healing.
Juliet Baxter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with anxiety and people pleasing tendencies that affect your ability to function and your relationships? Do you feel paralyzed by the fear of doing the "wrong" thing. Do you wonder if navigating decisions could be easier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious and overwhelmed by having to manage their careers, relationships, and general life obstacles.
Do you struggle with anxiety and people pleasing tendencies that affect your ability to function and your relationships? Do you feel paralyzed by the fear of doing the "wrong" thing. Do you wonder if navigating decisions could be easier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious and overwhelmed by having to manage their careers, relationships, and general life obstacles.
Vanessa Ffrench
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients, helping them to become empowered and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives and relationships. Sometimes in life we feel stuck, lost, or simply want to learn more about ourselves - therapy is here to help you heal and grow. I work with a wide range of issues and a variety of people. People often come to see me when other modalities of therapy haven't worked, such as just talk therapy. My approach is holistic - I use somatic therapy and mindfulness to enrich and diversify your growth. You are the expert in your life and I am here to help guide you back home to yourself.
I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients, helping them to become empowered and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives and relationships. Sometimes in life we feel stuck, lost, or simply want to learn more about ourselves - therapy is here to help you heal and grow. I work with a wide range of issues and a variety of people. People often come to see me when other modalities of therapy haven't worked, such as just talk therapy. My approach is holistic - I use somatic therapy and mindfulness to enrich and diversify your growth. You are the expert in your life and I am here to help guide you back home to yourself.
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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.