Photo of Cheryl Feldman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Cheryl Feldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.
Children and teens are more aware of their own internal states and the world around them than ever before, while the family unit takes on more stress. This combination can create anxiety, depression, acting out behaviors, confusion, and educational struggles for many. Through a strength-based perspective I focus on communication, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I work with youth (and families) to explore their patterns of interactions with others and encourage self-awareness and growth in these areas. Developing a relationship with a child or teen takes time and care, both of which I have done for nearly twenty years.
(510) 256-7864 View (510) 256-7864
Photo of Gwen J Sanders, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Gwen J Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
My clients are most often dealing with communication concerns, issues of intimacy and complications related to life changes. When traumatic events impact their daily lives, they may seek assistance. Occasionally couples and families experiencing stress in their relationships may need an objective listener and guide to help them figure out how to reestablish balance. With the many demands of life and work, we work together to find pleasure in their families and for parents to reinstate parental authority within the family structure.
My clients are most often dealing with communication concerns, issues of intimacy and complications related to life changes. When traumatic events impact their daily lives, they may seek assistance. Occasionally couples and families experiencing stress in their relationships may need an objective listener and guide to help them figure out how to reestablish balance. With the many demands of life and work, we work together to find pleasure in their families and for parents to reinstate parental authority within the family structure.
(510) 403-8093 View (510) 403-8093
Photo of Kay (Karen) McGee, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Kay (Karen) McGee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
There are elements to all of us that are hidden and unknown until we encounter right timing. It is important to uncover these secret parts of self, yearning to be discovered, with the right support. A few things you should know about what it's like to work with me: My style is warm, witty, compassionate + forthcoming. I value transparency, kindness, justice + joy. I'm directive when called for + I like to challenge my clients to go deep. I draw from my own experience of trauma + healing.
There are elements to all of us that are hidden and unknown until we encounter right timing. It is important to uncover these secret parts of self, yearning to be discovered, with the right support. A few things you should know about what it's like to work with me: My style is warm, witty, compassionate + forthcoming. I value transparency, kindness, justice + joy. I'm directive when called for + I like to challenge my clients to go deep. I draw from my own experience of trauma + healing.
(305) 902-6845 View (305) 902-6845
Photo of Debra Warshaw Taube, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Debra Warshaw Taube
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94604
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
Psychotherapy isn't one size fits all. It's a unique relationship that develops and responds to your needs, life-experiences, gender/ethnic/cultural identity, challenges and resources. You may be feeling stuck-repeating painful patterns, wanting to make changes but not knowing how. Or you're a survivor of sexual violence and the ways you've been coping aren't working anymore. I meet you where you are and bring my clinical and life experience, deep listening, compassion, acceptance, warmth and creativity. Together we create and draw on the power of a safe, accepting therapeutic relationship to support your growth and wholeness.
(415) 949-1174 View (415) 949-1174
Photo of Phyllis Rothblatt, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Phyllis Rothblatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
As a therapist for over thirty years, the focus of my work is helping people to create and sustain healthy relationships, and to learn how to thrive in their lives. I listen carefully to the nuances of what you say and don't say, and help you to become more aware of your unconscious beliefs and the energy that you hold in your body that may be an obstacle to your creating the life and relationships that you yearn for. Together, we take the journey of understanding and resolving what is in your way, so that you can discover new pathways to live your life with more joy, ease and connection.
(510) 246-3735 View (510) 246-3735
Photo of Alice Hamlin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Alice Hamlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PPSC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are struggling to move on from previous hurts and struggle with emotional outbursts due to memories from your past, I am here to help you process, grieve, and begin anew. I am happy to listen and guide you through life's twists and turns in a way that is best suited for you while also offering my therapeutic perspective. Therapy is YOUR TIME to be heard without judgment or biases!
If you are struggling to move on from previous hurts and struggle with emotional outbursts due to memories from your past, I am here to help you process, grieve, and begin anew. I am happy to listen and guide you through life's twists and turns in a way that is best suited for you while also offering my therapeutic perspective. Therapy is YOUR TIME to be heard without judgment or biases!
(279) 202-9419 View (279) 202-9419
Photo of Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc in Oakland, CA
Family & Children's Counseling Services, Inc
LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.
Life sometimes throws us unexpected problems, losses, and other hurts. It is essential to have a solid support system to help us through the hard times. Family & Children's Counseling Services (FCCS) wants to be that support system for you and your family as you find healing and a restored sense of hope for the future.
(858) 247-3839 View (858) 247-3839

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nicki Koethner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Nicki Koethner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Moraga, CA 94556
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 Julia Mendoza, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Julia Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608  (Online Only)
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
(951) 438-7873 View (951) 438-7873
Photo of Dr. Cheryl-Grace Elizabeth Patty, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Dr. Cheryl-Grace Elizabeth Patty
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94502
Chronic depression, anxiety, and anger are messages from parts of yourself, including dissociated painful emotions pushed out of your awareness in hopes that they would dissipate.
Are you struggling to find peace, happiness, greater satisfaction, and healthier relationships? Do you continue to feel empty, angry, sad, or anxious? Do you feel as if you have limited ability to change? Self-knowledge is the key to understanding why you continue to struggle and how you can change the continuous negative cycle into a positive one. Through the process of psychotherapy, you will discover how your internal world interprets and affects your external world and how these mechanisms were developed. I can help you gain the insight and self-knowledge necessary for positive, lasting change.
Chronic depression, anxiety, and anger are messages from parts of yourself, including dissociated painful emotions pushed out of your awareness in hopes that they would dissipate.
Are you struggling to find peace, happiness, greater satisfaction, and healthier relationships? Do you continue to feel empty, angry, sad, or anxious? Do you feel as if you have limited ability to change? Self-knowledge is the key to understanding why you continue to struggle and how you can change the continuous negative cycle into a positive one. Through the process of psychotherapy, you will discover how your internal world interprets and affects your external world and how these mechanisms were developed. I can help you gain the insight and self-knowledge necessary for positive, lasting change.
(415) 367-4601 View (415) 367-4601
Photo of The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF), Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF)
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Our many specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transitions, anxiety, depression, perfectionism + imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, life balance, dating + relationships, career transition, body image, trauma/EMDR, pregnancy and postpartum support, grief, and OCD.
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
Our many specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transitions, anxiety, depression, perfectionism + imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, life balance, dating + relationships, career transition, body image, trauma/EMDR, pregnancy and postpartum support, grief, and OCD.
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
(415) 335-7793 View (415) 335-7793
Photo of Christina Coons, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Christina Coons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Dealing with various types of trauma and the ways in which it can impact our daily lives can be challenging. I am here to help you understand that your trauma does not define you. Your trauma reactions are valid and I’d like to support you in the development of healthy coping skills. This will allow you the freedom to transcend beyond traumatic experiences, forging a new path toward growth, healing, recovery and wellness. I can help you navigate and cope with addiction/substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, life transitions, identity related issues, and family/interpersonal relationships.
Dealing with various types of trauma and the ways in which it can impact our daily lives can be challenging. I am here to help you understand that your trauma does not define you. Your trauma reactions are valid and I’d like to support you in the development of healthy coping skills. This will allow you the freedom to transcend beyond traumatic experiences, forging a new path toward growth, healing, recovery and wellness. I can help you navigate and cope with addiction/substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, life transitions, identity related issues, and family/interpersonal relationships.
(213) 205-3821 View (213) 205-3821
Photo of Joy Lee Johnson, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Joy Lee Johnson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Leandro, CA 94577
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
Joy provides families with survival tools and peace of mind to successfully accomplish the monumental task of raising kids and a family - a task that came without an instruction manual and changes at every turn. While she doesn't claim to know every particular circumstance, she has a reputation for respecting, honoring, and supporting people from a wide variety of life experiences. Joy has the ability to not just understand but FEEL your struggle without judgment.
(510) 756-2926 View (510) 756-2926

Online Therapists

Photo of Brenna Kantner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Brenna Kantner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sutter Creek, CA 95685  (Online Only)
The most important relationship that you have is the one with yourself. Regardless of your reason for seeking support, my goal is to walk through the journey with you. Whether it be navigating relationship difficulties, trauma, anxiety, depression, or infertility, my goal is to help people grow and learn to navigate life's challenges. I have a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between mental health, relationships, and reproductive challenges. I approach my work with warmth, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to fostering positive change.
The most important relationship that you have is the one with yourself. Regardless of your reason for seeking support, my goal is to walk through the journey with you. Whether it be navigating relationship difficulties, trauma, anxiety, depression, or infertility, my goal is to help people grow and learn to navigate life's challenges. I have a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between mental health, relationships, and reproductive challenges. I approach my work with warmth, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to fostering positive change.
(209) 260-5279 View (209) 260-5279
Photo of Janet K- Barretta: Serenity Heart Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Janet K- Barretta: Serenity Heart Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EDMR, MAC
Verified Verified
Modesto, CA 95351
My area of expertise is working with children, teens, adults and couples with behaviors related to trauma OCD, anger, depression, body image, and anxiety.
Resolving trauma is very important and my speciality when it comes to childhood, Couples, teens and children. Are you ready to be heard and address your needs in counseling instead of others directing you? I’m committed to helping people understand themselves better so that they can make constructive changes in their lives. I provide a full assessment regarding trauma history, attachment, and what interventions would be appropriate. Taking that first step takes courage, making an appointment, and meeting with a counselor. I’m have an empathic gentle style, and provide a safe environment for families, children, teens, and adults.
My area of expertise is working with children, teens, adults and couples with behaviors related to trauma OCD, anger, depression, body image, and anxiety.
Resolving trauma is very important and my speciality when it comes to childhood, Couples, teens and children. Are you ready to be heard and address your needs in counseling instead of others directing you? I’m committed to helping people understand themselves better so that they can make constructive changes in their lives. I provide a full assessment regarding trauma history, attachment, and what interventions would be appropriate. Taking that first step takes courage, making an appointment, and meeting with a counselor. I’m have an empathic gentle style, and provide a safe environment for families, children, teens, and adults.
(209) 841-0509 View (209) 841-0509
Photo of Shaghayegh 'Shauna' Lopez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Shaghayegh 'Shauna' Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
I believe that therapy can offer insight, understanding and actionable steps by using self-awareness, acceptance and tools to better our lives. I often work with pre-teens, teens, young adults, families and individuals in creating a safe space to explore challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, career/identity issues, life adjustments, relational challenges and parenting struggles.
I believe that therapy can offer insight, understanding and actionable steps by using self-awareness, acceptance and tools to better our lives. I often work with pre-teens, teens, young adults, families and individuals in creating a safe space to explore challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, career/identity issues, life adjustments, relational challenges and parenting struggles.
(707) 669-4377 View (707) 669-4377
Photo of Michelle Takemoto, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Michelle Takemoto
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petaluma, CA 94975  (Online Only)
Therapy will open new doors for you, allow you to gain insight into your struggles, and create movement toward healing. I specialize in supporting women, families, and couples through difficult times such as parenting, chronic illness, marriage conflicts, grief and loss, parenting children with disabilities, cultural loss and trauma, anxiety/depression, and work-related stressors. Recovery and leading a life of fulfillment is truly possible. Take the first step toward finding hope and leading an authentic, love-filled life.
Therapy will open new doors for you, allow you to gain insight into your struggles, and create movement toward healing. I specialize in supporting women, families, and couples through difficult times such as parenting, chronic illness, marriage conflicts, grief and loss, parenting children with disabilities, cultural loss and trauma, anxiety/depression, and work-related stressors. Recovery and leading a life of fulfillment is truly possible. Take the first step toward finding hope and leading an authentic, love-filled life.
(707) 532-2360 View (707) 532-2360
Photo of Jana Emerson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jana Emerson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94043
It can be really difficult to reach out for assistance when you’re not feeling your best. It’s also important to find someone that you connect and feel safe with. As a licensed MFT with 16 years of experience, I can offer you that space. My special interests include issues such as working with young adults and adolescents, depression, anxiety, help with life transitions, conflict management and relationship difficulties, body image disorders, parenting and Co-parenting support, and couples work.
It can be really difficult to reach out for assistance when you’re not feeling your best. It’s also important to find someone that you connect and feel safe with. As a licensed MFT with 16 years of experience, I can offer you that space. My special interests include issues such as working with young adults and adolescents, depression, anxiety, help with life transitions, conflict management and relationship difficulties, body image disorders, parenting and Co-parenting support, and couples work.
(650) 750-0769 View (650) 750-0769
Photo of Deborah Black Lamble, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Deborah Black Lamble
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, #105164
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
I love helping people re-connect with their own happiness and practice a strength-based approach to assessment, strategies and treatment! My clinical expertise is in combining specialized clinical knowledge and skills in the service of resolving anxiety and depression. I find that many people diagnosed with long-standing clinical depression and anxiety are often suffering from the negative impact of self-criticism, relationship discord, past trauma, or achievement fatigue, and that once these are addressed, their symptoms subside. My intention is to help provide a safe space to reduce your suffering and provide coping strategies.
I love helping people re-connect with their own happiness and practice a strength-based approach to assessment, strategies and treatment! My clinical expertise is in combining specialized clinical knowledge and skills in the service of resolving anxiety and depression. I find that many people diagnosed with long-standing clinical depression and anxiety are often suffering from the negative impact of self-criticism, relationship discord, past trauma, or achievement fatigue, and that once these are addressed, their symptoms subside. My intention is to help provide a safe space to reduce your suffering and provide coping strategies.
(408) 539-6918 View (408) 539-6918
Photo of Lorine Estelle Bay, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lorine Estelle Bay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, EXA
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94402
With active imagination, play and art therapy we can dialogue with the mysterious compulsion or angry outburst at work, insecurities or depression, making the unconscious conscious, allowing you to unburden and integrate all of your parts to promote true Self actualization.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
With active imagination, play and art therapy we can dialogue with the mysterious compulsion or angry outburst at work, insecurities or depression, making the unconscious conscious, allowing you to unburden and integrate all of your parts to promote true Self actualization.
I am curious about any ways you might have been cut off from parts of your essential nature early in life. As a child perhaps you sang loudly, told jokes, danced and laughed easily and too much - but soon got the message that you should be more composed and quieter. Or perhaps you spoke your mind at the dinner table, but later you learned to keep your sharp wit and astute insights to yourself because you were encouraged to be agreeable. Maybe your independent nature got buried under 6 feet of niceness. The exiled parts emerge as dark moods, irritability, resentment, avoidant or anxious attachment. They surface as symptoms.
(650) 456-7753 View (650) 456-7753
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.