Therapists in Shafter, Oakland, CA

I have practiced as a therapist for over twenty years and specialize in helping people integrate unresolved aspects of the past in order to live freely in the present. Exploring adaptive strategies which used to help but now are limiting; meeting all parts of ourselves with curiosity and compassion; cultivating consciousness around our thinking and feeling patterns; bringing attention to the body and working with the nervous system to soften areas of tension and holding - these are ways therapy can deepen insight and support ease and well being.

My passion is working with clients from unique backgrounds and/or experiences who often contact me because they want to work on or through complex trauma, such as oppression based and/or inter-generational trauma. Modalities used addresses the concerns of those whose race, ethnicity, gender identification, income, disability/accessability, and other social factors which often go unrecognized/disavowed. Issues that arise for minority groups, such as oppression, racism, and marginalization, are relevant, recognized, validated, safely contained, and honored by me.

I am passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, traumas that are single incident events such as car accidents, surgeries or that have occurred throughout ones childhood where they are experiencing physical or emotional symptoms now as a result. I love working with individuals who are looking on ways to feel supported to increase their own self worth in all areas of their life. My style is relational and collaborative and I believe that you are the expert in your own life. I can help support in creating change around what works best for you - I pride myself on meeting patients where they are comfortable.

My passion is helping anyone toward getting ‘unstuck’ and reconnecting with their lives and loved ones. I provide therapy for children, teens and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, selective mutism, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress, and peer issues, as well as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses. I especially love working with teens and their families as they adapt to change; whether it’s better understanding and celebrating a teen’s gender identity, knowing how to discuss family separation, or finding healthy ways to cope with an unexpected loss.

I practice both individual psychotherapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in understanding and addressing coping skills, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, and family conflict. Through therapy, assessment, or consultation, I provide support in navigating individual complexities. Whether I am working with children, teenagers, or adults, my aim is to help those I work with manage overwhelming emotions, navigate challenging situations, and address barriers standing in the way of contentment and clarity.

I work with individuals of all ages, including couples and families, to foster emotional health and equilibrium. Together, we build a positive therapeutic relationship to explore patterns and find solutions. I bring a tailored approach to treatment that draws on elements of attachment theory, strength-based therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and CBT. I apply these approaches to support clients, including teens and young adults facing anxiety and depression, adults and couples navigating relationships, couples preparing for children, and parents seeking support in achieving work-family-personal balance.

I enjoy working with individuals and couples from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. In the last twenty years, I have coached corporate executives, consulted with physicians, and worked with adolescents and adults in individual and family therapy.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I specialize in issues related to divorce, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship/attachment difficulties, issues surrounding pregnancy, parenting, and cultural adjustment challenges. I provide psychological assessments for children and adults who are struggling at home and/or at school or work due to social and emotional issues, relationship issues, environmental stressors, behavioral challenges, attention and concentration difficulties, and learning differences. I also conduct child custody evaluations and forensic psychological evaluations.

I believe in the healing power of bearing witness to and participating in my clients' self-exploration. Whether we are exploring feelings, systems of oppression and their effects on us, patterns in relationships, or family of origin issues, the strength and compassion of an empathic partner in this journey can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a relief in symptoms. I bring empathy and mindful curiosity to our work together.

Are you struggling to connect with a partner or child who is increasingly irritable and withdrawn? Has your family member turned to substances to cope with increased stress? As a wife and mother, I know how heart-wrenching it is to watch someone you love struggle and to be pushed away when you show caring. They may tell you nothing’s wrong, but your concern doesn’t just turn off like a switch. In fact, that may be part of the problem. Do you feel selfish when you think about how much you're struggling? This is a common feeling to have - but any therapist would tell you from experience - you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Sometimes, we get stuck in patterns that might have been helpful at some point in our lives but are not so helpful to us now. These patterns show up in the ways we respond in our relationships, in work/school, to challenges, and to ourselves. We’ll approach therapy as collaborators to build up your skills and strengths to get you unstuck. In our work together, we'll gently explore the past, so we can create an action plan for a different future. We'll recontextualize what no longer serves you and make space for your curious, creative self to emerge.

If you are ready to learn more about yourself and develop a positive path toward growth seeking assistance can help you refocus on what's most meaningful to you. People come to therapy for many reasons, including needing help in handling stressful life transitions, to reduce psychological distress, increase one's self worth and to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, we will explore unhealthy patterns by looking at the interplay between your thoughts, behaviors and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. You will learn to develop fulfilling relationships, ways to cope in healthier ways, and ultimately live a fulfilling life.

Do you keep getting hurt in relationships? Keep attracting the same toxic, unavailable partners that make you doubt yourself & leave you feeling anxious & depressed? If you grew up with family dysfunction, neglect, abuse, addicted, or mentally ill parents- adult relationships can be hard! Sometimes what you're drawn to isn't good for you. You're tired of feeling stuck in the same painful patterns. You're ready to finally heal. Ready to stop feeling hurt, damaged, & broken and start feeling loved and connected. Let's address the real impact of your past trauma on your relationships and take practical steps to free you from your past!

Are you struggling with relationships? Are you having the same fight with your partner over and over? Have you lost the emotional connection you used to have? Intimate relationships touch our deepest relational wounds. That's why we can be overwhelmed with the pain they bring and often, at points, feel like giving up. We can heal those wounds and help each other in that process. The kind of couples therapy/marriage counseling and individual therapy that I provide combines deep experiential work with teaching, coaching and practicing many specific relational skills that will set you up for success in all your relationships.

Quality psychotherapy can be life-altering, especially when one is motivated and open to the process necessary for change. I enjoy working with individuals who are looking to develop a more grounded sense of self and seeking meaning and direction in daily living. Adults of all ages come to my practice to improve and enrich their relationships with partners, children, family members, friends and colleagues. I work with Individuals who are looking to deepen trust and connection, learn communication skills, and resolve repetitive conflicts in order to cultivate resilient and joyful partnership.

Trauma may manifest in your life as all kinds of disruptions, such as anxiety, depression, burnout, nightmares, family conflicts, or relationship struggles. Yet, I see them as how your pain has found its own way to show up in this particular form. I approach this work with a trauma lens, yet it doesn’t mean that I will be searching for your “brokenness”. I see trauma as an inherent aspect of the human condition, and that we are all continuously healing from traumas, whether “big” or “small”, personal or collective.

I believe my job is to create a sense of safety in which we can think about the things you might have trouble thinking about. There may be parts of your history that are difficult and frightening to contemplate on your own. Together, we can help you begin to understand yourself, trust yourself, soften toward yourself, validate what is true for you, and eventually accept all the parts of you. I’ll want to understand your current difficulties in the context of your personal and family history, and will listen with curiosity and warmth to understand the way in which your history may be affecting your current situation.

I offer a space for you to find, voice, and consider your most honest feelings. Connecting to your true self can help with a wide variety of issues, including difficulty in relationships, conflicts with others, or simply the feeling that your life isn't going the direction you want. I will help you take a clear look at the issues, the feelings you're having, and how you want to respond. My style is straightforward, active, and warm, and I encourage our thinking creatively together about your situation. I will openly share my thoughts and ideas with you, and I will focus on making sure our collaboration is working for you.

My approach is grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral and Attachment Theories. I also incorporate the practices of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I aspire to meet clients where they are, and help each individual to work on his or her expressed goals. I enjoy taking this journey with clients to navigate some of their most difficult and challenging moments in life, to help prevent troubled kids or young adults from more serious trouble, and to help all clients who seek my support turn their life's biggest challenges into opportunities for growth and lasting change.