Therapists in 94563

I am warm, honest, direct, and passionate about empowering my clients to discover the best version of themselves, creating the possibility of a more meaningful and fulfilling life experience. There are moments in all our lives when we feel overwhelmed and vulnerable by change. However, transitions in our lives can also create opportunity for growth and greater connection to ourselves and our environment. I can help you find greater joy and fulfillment in your life.

As a licensed clinical psychologist I offer compassionate therapy for change, helping people move from merely surviving to thriving. I work with clients struggling with a variety of issues such as: surviving after divorce, life changes, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, food/body image, addictions, and trauma/PTSD. Every effort is made to exceed clients' expectations by working with an individual's strengths to address, confront and finally overcome challenges. I provide a warm and supportive enviornment, enabling clients to build a solid foundation for a confident future.

The interface between contemporary psychology and the wisdom of contemplative practice spirituality is central to my work with individuals and couples and to my general approach to therapy. With the use of MINDFULNESS based therapy and a non-judgmental and non-pathological approach I create a healing and supportive environment were growth and transformation can take place through our in depth process of exploration. From this general holistic and contemplative perspective I address a variety of issues of emotional, existential and relational nature with both individuals and couples and would be very happy to help you as well!

I think you know what would make you happy but don't know how to make it happen. This applies to both individuals and couples. People stop themselves from moving forward because they think they can't or don't deserve to get their own needs met. I can help you overcome blocks, fears, guilt, depression, and/or self-defeating behaviors so you can free yourself to be happy and more successful. It seems daunting but, with support and direction, it is possible to improve your life. This is even true for people who are suffering from more debilitating problems such as Bipolar Disorder, OCD,or Schizoaffective Disorders.

Living a life where struggling is a regular experience is difficult to change, because no one wants to feel worse. Therapy helps by talking through what's happened, what feels wrong and what ideas you have about it, all which may be conscious or unconscious. What's unconscious surfaces naturally through our work together. Most people enter therapy afraid, because they don't know where to start or are overwhelmed because so much has happened. I can help you navigate this terrain to relieve pain, clarify thoughts and beliefs, and improve well-being.

Dr. Embrey has practiced psychotherapy in Europe for 15 years and in California since 1990, emphasizing the possibilities of making life better. He has been educated in England and Sweden as well as his doctorate in California. Many choices in life are difficult. Trying to understand our choices, what motivates them and seeing clearly the patterns of our life is the start of choosing a new direction for ourselves or our relationships. I understand how to produce change. I work with individuals and couples mostly, with the utmost care, respect and consideration of situations we find ourselves in.

At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily. I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.

My orientation is cognitive and behavioral (CBT). I'm a caring compassionate listener and also actively engage with clients to elicit thoughts, feelings, and strategies for healing. My specialties include eating disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, couples, family issues, parenting, and teens. My therapy approach is directive and problem-solving while encouraging self-acceptance and compassion. I believe that everyone is capable of change at their own rate and comfort level. I help my clients eliminate self-critical thinking that too often sabotages their happiness and their relationships.

My intent is to help you deal with problems you're facing and lead a more fulfilling life. I have a strong track record of helping people overcome difficulty, struggle and confusion in their lives. I'll work to help you discover a new way of experiencing yourself in the world. I use an integrative mind/body approach to psychotherapy in facilitating change toward contentment and vitality. I work with couples and individuals around issues of intimacy, self-worth, life transition, purpose and spiritual inquiry. My style is collaborative, engaged and supportive.

I work with individuals, couples and families that are ready for help and wanting to make a change in their life. For almost 30years I've treated depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship problems, as well as difficulties stemming from past abuse or trauma. My philosophy about therapy is not one size fits all. I have been trained in Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Family Systems as well as other methods of therapy; and I draw on whatever techniques and methods work best for each unique individual or individuals with whom I'm working.

Therapy can help you overcome difficulties, live creatively, and feel more alive. Many people become stuck in ways of thinking and living that no longer serve them. Through a caring therapeutic relationship, you can develop the courage to live in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Over the past 25 years, I have helped people with a wide variety of issues work through significant challenges, freeing them to make better choices. In addition to my clinical work, I teach and supervise at various training programs throughout the Bay Area, and was the Director of Counseling at California College of the Arts for 15 years.

The therapeutic encounter is a unique collaborative journey. We cannot control what crosses our path, but we can see ourselves as brave enough to face it. People come to me when they are in distress, hurting or stuck and want to improve their life and relationships. I provide a safe space to explore issues with food, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, self-worth, loss and creativity. I love to work with couples using Emotion Focused Therapy. I am insight minded. I can help you face fears, own longings, repair hurt, deepen connection, renew dreams. I can hold your story. I am trauma-informed. I won't shy away from the hard stuff.

Are you so overwhelmed that you can't focus on your partner, kids, or other meaningful relationships? Do you feel like letting go of patterns is challenging and find yourself obsessing about your body to the point that eating becomes an ordeal? Do you feel like the past is weighing you down and you can't put it where it belongs, that is in the past? Do you engage in behaviors such as drug, alcohol, or other reckless endeavors that bring about tension and conflicts at home, at work, or other social settings?

My experience includes 15 years of helping clients heal themselves and their relationships.The essence of my counseling approach is each person has access to health and well being regardless of what is currently being experienced. I help clients regain that innate health through deep listening and non-judgmental feedback. I work deeply with current thoughts, beliefs and feelings about one's self to uncover deep seated self-judgment that blocks happiness. Anxiety, depression and unhappiness transform into greater peace and understanding. In turn, self awareness is enhanced which leads to greater understanding, compassion and empathy for self and others.

In my practice I am dedicated to working on the complexities of single life, creating and sustaining romantic partnerships, meaningful careers, and happier family lives. I believe in staying ambitious for our psychological, emotional, relational and material selves. In that pursuit, we will explore old patterns and worries that inhibit those ambitions. We will create new expectations, based on the evidence we gather about our ability to move ahead and lead more satisfying lives. The work happens through an exploration of current relationships, as well as sorting through the early emotional experiences that inform them.

Most people I've seen in my many years of practice seek psychotherapy in response to personal loss, trauma, relationship difficulties in love or work, or self defeating thought or behavior patterns that have become unmanageable. As we begin to meet on a regular basis, the anxiety, depression or crisis that propelled them into my office starts to calm. Broader questions like “Why do I keep waiting to live my life in the way I always imagined it to be?” and “Why have my personal or professional accomplishments not provided the fulfillment I hoped for?” then begin to emerge.

If you are seeking deep personal change or going through a life transition, it may feel difficult to make choices. If you are experiencing conflict or suffering and know that something needs to change, psychotherapy will provide a structure where you can identify patterns that have previously led to unhappiness or frustration. I will help you develop new ways of understanding yourself and relating to others in your life. I am a warm, experienced and compassionate psychotherapist that will help guide you through this process of change so that you can be your most authentic self and live your life with increased comfort and meaning.

Welcome! I am a postdoctoral therapist experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of backgrounds, with diverse interests and values. My passion is to help my clients navigate life transitions and challenges in a way that feels meaningful and authentic, in an environment where they feel safe and supported to explore what matters most to them. As your therapist, you can expect me to listen attentively, be curious about your experience, and ask questions that help us work toward your goals in therapy.

At times we may find we are struggling to cope with our problems or effectively manage feelings. Maybe you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or you could be finding yourself constantly worried, tired, having trouble sleeping or struggling to connect in your relationships. Perhaps it is just harder to get out of bed and do things, leaving you to feel unmotivated. You may be searching for solutions so you can start feeling better and doing the things you want.