Family Therapy in Temescal, Oakland, CA

My ideal client is one who is ready and willing to become the best version of themselves. I am a down to earth psychotherapist, that will meet YOU where you are! I work with individual adults ages 18 and up, who have issues with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, pregnancy, post-partum, mood disorders, trauma, family conflict, relationships and stress. I can also support those who have challenges with adjusting to new situations, and career stress.

I welcome collaboration and creativity in the therapeutic process! My approach is to listen with curiosity and attention. I enjoy working with neurodivergent adults and adolescents. I support couples and relationships that are experiencing challenges because of different "wiring" that leads to misattunement and dysregulation. I understand the challenges that parents can face in taking care of their complex children. I work with all identities and family structures. I welcome clients who are queer, gender diverse, or in less traditional relationship configurations.

One of the bravest things we can do in life is to seek help when we need it most. It can be difficult to carry our struggles alone, and a true relief to have someone help to hold them. I work with clients experiencing a range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, school or career issues, navigating parenting, life transitions, family conflict, identity development, discrimination, and existential distress. No matter what is bringing you to therapy right now, the key is a desire and readiness to evolve and to grow. This is what can lead to true healing, and the discovery of your full potential.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by trying to be everything to everyone? Perhaps you are exhausted by all the effort it takes to "push through" and life feels like you’re just going through the motions? If this is you- Sawubona (sow:'bɔh:nah)- I see you. You are strong, intelligent, hard working and resourceful but you may also be struggling with feeling tired, disconnected, and burnt out. If you are searching for new ways to cope- I can help.

I'm here to support teenage youth, parents/families, and adults in meeting their emotional, psychological and practical challenges. If you're a teen struggling with school problems, family difficulties or hoping to improve your mood, confidence and relationships, I can assist you in breaking down obstacles and achieving your goals. If you're a parent trying to manage and communicate with your "coming of age" depressed or rebellious adolescent, I provide counsel and safe opportunities to explore the conflicts and confusion that block resolutions.

Looking for an in-person therapist in Oakland? Need help with managing stress, dating, work problems, relationships, family issues, life transitions, or depression? College/grad students, young professionals, millennials, Gen Z, new moms, tech workers, and creative types are my specialty.

I work with individuals and couples facing significant life choices and transitions in areas such as relationships, marriage, divorce, parenthood, career, and identity. I also have a sub-specialization in work with survivors of trauma. I am experienced in working with clients from a wide range of cultural and geographic backgrounds. In our sessions I provide clients a place to find support, acceptance, perspective and hope, to explore themselves and their lives in depth, and to develop more effective ways of relating to themselves and others.

I recognize that seeking therapy means that you or a loved one have determined a need for connection beyond that of friends and family. Knowing how difficult and intimidating this outreach can be, as a psychologist I strive to establish a safe space where clients can speak freely and be listened to intently. The work we do together is about creating an alliance that allows you to delve into painful memories and face feelings that can be frightening or uncomfortable. We do this work in collaboration, so I can hear your stories, and create a meaningful relationship.

Welcome! I work with people across many areas, but those who seek me out tend to be queer/LGBTQIAA2+, neurodivergent in some way, trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming, chronically or acutely ill, disabled, fat-identified and/or working on an empowered relationship with their body, polyamorous, kinky, sex workers, and non-traditional family structures. I'll be with you every step of the way as you move from shame to self-compassion, and work through the expression of anger, sadness, and grief around what you've lost, or what you never got to have.

Most of us agree that it feels terrible to be stuck. My goal as a therapist is to meet you in your stagnant place and help you find your way through it. Whether you are struggling in school, your career, parenting, relationships, or in finding your purpose, I can help you create and achieve realistic goals for living a more fulfilled life.

Do you feel depleted by constantly having to show up for others? Despite having achieved a lot of success, you still feel like it’s not enough. You are constantly receiving messages about who you “should” be, and you often find yourself second guessing yourself and feeling like there are parts of you you have to hide in order to "fit in" and be respected. You often feel the pressure of attending to the needs of others. You are left feeling misunderstood, unseen, and unappreciated. Your needs often come last, and when you are able to focus on yourself you are left feeling guilty and overwhelmed by the thought of it.

"We are now able to see the essential ingredient that makes psychotherapy effective and successful. Is is not "unconditional positive regard," nor is it magical words, techniques, or postures; it is human involvement and struggle. It is the willingness of the therapist to extend himself or herself for the purpose of nurturing the patient's growth - willingness to go out on a limb, to truly involve oneself at an emotional level in the relationship." M.Scott Peck, MD

I am a trauma focused therapist for individuals and families who have experienced single or multiple adverse events in childhood or adulthood, and intergenerational trauma. It isn't always easy to reach out for help after these experiences, in my role as a therapist I am committed to assist my clients in this courageous step toward their healing journey. I am currently accepting new clients who live in California for tele-therapy through live video conferencing.

My approach to psychotherapy is based primarily on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles of exploring and understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. I seek to create a safe, warm and nonjudgmental environment in therapy, while helping you to identify key patterns and specific barriers that are stopping you from living a more fulfilling life. The purpose of therapy is to help you to find new ways of relating to your thoughts and emotions, deepen awareness and insight into your patterns, and learn effective coping skills -- ultimately to help you attain your goals and foster balanced living.

Many people want to change some aspect of their life: to feel more joy, less anxiety, more freedom to act, or to say no! To find their authentic voice in relationships. To stop hating themselves. I offer a safe, welcoming environment for clients to explore their worlds. With equal parts gentleness and honesty, we discover their strategies and limitations. Through this clear seeing, choice emerges. We then work to stablize the tender, newer Self. I think of this process as cultivating "self-agency." It's one of the most important things we can do to increase our vitality and happiness.

My approach is collaborative and active. I balance making therapy challenging at times, yet playful enough so that you will want to come back. My clients say this therapy-on-the-move is easier than a traditional sit-on-a-couch scenario in which the confinement of the room can get in the way of the work. I think for some people — especially teens & young adults — the idea of sitting in a room with a therapist is antithetical to being in a space that is good for sharing tough stuff. All that said, the outdoor work is *part* of the practice, roughly 30% of our time may consist of online sessions.

Do you have relationships in your life that are not working, and no matter what you do, it doesn't seem to get better? Are you looking for a partner, but find that it never seems to work out? Do you feel disconnected from others and are longing for relationships that are solid and fulfilling? Relationships take work and psychotherapy is an opportunity to understand who you are in relationship and how to create and healthy and supportive connections. I work with both individuals and couples to explore, cultivate and sustain intimacy.

I believe that our experiences in life are reflected in our behaviors, shape our thoughts, are held in our bodies, and trigger our emotions often outside of our consciousness. Increasing awareness at all levels allows us to have access to more choices in our lives. I see the goal of psychotherapy is to help people find a place in them where it feels safe, loving, and truthful, accessing their authentic selves. To facilitate this process, I explore with clients their thoughts and belief systems, behaviors, feelings, and physical sensations, helping to connect and integrate the mind, body and spirit.

I am a psychotherapist based in the SF Bay Area and offering services in person and online. I support my clients in healing past wounds and traumas and cultivating a deeper sense of meaning in their lives. I work from a relational framework, meaning that I believe the authentic connection between a client and a therapist is a profound catalyst for change. While a lot of the work I do requires delving into the murky stuff, I like to make room for laughter, connection, and joy in the process.