Grief Therapists in Alameda County, CA
Shelley M Samuels
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
And, Life Transitions: individuals working through grief and loss, living with chronic pain; helping survivors healing from socio-political trauma; and promoting positive aging.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice.
My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/ loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
And, Life Transitions: individuals working through grief and loss, living with chronic pain; helping survivors healing from socio-political trauma; and promoting positive aging.
Therapy is neither magic nor science, but I believe that therapy has the potential to be magical and transformative. I offer a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore deep trauma as well as ordinary issues that impact daily life and long-term goals. I strive to inspire creativity through nature, and incorporate creative arts into my practice.
My specialties: LGBTQQ issues/identity, working through grief/ loss, helping with political wounding, healing survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault, positive aging, body image, building long-term relationships, and life transitions. A veteran career counselor, I've over 7 years of experience providing career counseling and coaching.
I work with adults and older adults, experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and transitions.
I provide a safe, warm, non-judgmental space where every part of you is welcome, the parts you know and like and those parts that you may keep hidden. Asking for help is not easy. You may have been taught that you should be able to handle difficulty by yourself, but, in fact, seeking support is the most courageous step you can take toward your own healing and emotional well-being. You don't have to experience sadness, anxiety, trauma, anger, or loss on your own.
I work with adults and older adults, experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and transitions.
I provide a safe, warm, non-judgmental space where every part of you is welcome, the parts you know and like and those parts that you may keep hidden. Asking for help is not easy. You may have been taught that you should be able to handle difficulty by yourself, but, in fact, seeking support is the most courageous step you can take toward your own healing and emotional well-being. You don't have to experience sadness, anxiety, trauma, anger, or loss on your own.
Aviva Wolman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
It is only human to let the trials and tribulations of life weigh us down, and pull us away from our personal growth. We can feel stuck in old patterns and it is hard to see a way out. Therapy allows us to see our struggles from a new perspective, and find new paths towards positive change, and create a more harmonious interaction with our world. I work with couples and individuals on a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues and more.
It is only human to let the trials and tribulations of life weigh us down, and pull us away from our personal growth. We can feel stuck in old patterns and it is hard to see a way out. Therapy allows us to see our struggles from a new perspective, and find new paths towards positive change, and create a more harmonious interaction with our world. I work with couples and individuals on a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues and more.
John Hurley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546 (Online Only)
As a certified grief informed professional I offer a safe and welcoming space for you to explore your feelings and find the support you need in order to heal and grow.
Living a life with ever-present anxiety, or challenges with grief and loss, and/or depression might leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward. You probably know deep down that you should explore those feelings and develop coping strategies to manage difficult emotions; but where to begin? Plus, thinking about that can invite more stress and other emotional discomfort. You may also desire feeling more in control of your thoughts and feelings, finding a sense of purpose, and reconnecting with joy and meaning in life. You want a brighter future. You want to get through this.
As a certified grief informed professional I offer a safe and welcoming space for you to explore your feelings and find the support you need in order to heal and grow.
Living a life with ever-present anxiety, or challenges with grief and loss, and/or depression might leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward. You probably know deep down that you should explore those feelings and develop coping strategies to manage difficult emotions; but where to begin? Plus, thinking about that can invite more stress and other emotional discomfort. You may also desire feeling more in control of your thoughts and feelings, finding a sense of purpose, and reconnecting with joy and meaning in life. You want a brighter future. You want to get through this.
Jordan Boehler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Livermore, CA 94550
If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/ Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.
If you could let go of anything, what would it be? I provide short-term, intensive therapy that resolves the cause of your issue. I am a practitioner of Mimetic Therapies. This means I facilitate profound and transformational experiences in the resolution of Trauma/PTSD and Grief/ Loss, as well as panic, depression, phobia, and pain for anyone- regardless of background- interested in feeling better. My ideal client is done talking about it, done doing workbooks, done understanding the cause. I connect deeply and directly with the parts of you that have been trying so hard to protect and heal your self and cause them to collaborate.
Jenna Hong
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fremont, CA 94538
I work with various issues such as trauma, family conflict, faith, identity, grief, boundaries, etc.
Loneliness, pain, fear, and loss can weigh so heavy on our hearts and block us from fully living out our lives with joy and purpose. If you are in a place of feeling trapped and in need of relief and hope, I am so glad you are here. It is from my own experiences with grief, anxiety, and depression, and the healing I received from therapy that I felt called to be a therapist. I have a heart to create a warm and inviting space for my clients to show up as they are and feel fully heard, seen, and accepted. I desire to support and empower my clients as they process through their pain and work towards healing and transformation.
I work with various issues such as trauma, family conflict, faith, identity, grief, boundaries, etc.
Loneliness, pain, fear, and loss can weigh so heavy on our hearts and block us from fully living out our lives with joy and purpose. If you are in a place of feeling trapped and in need of relief and hope, I am so glad you are here. It is from my own experiences with grief, anxiety, and depression, and the healing I received from therapy that I felt called to be a therapist. I have a heart to create a warm and inviting space for my clients to show up as they are and feel fully heard, seen, and accepted. I desire to support and empower my clients as they process through their pain and work towards healing and transformation.
Sara Ouimette Grief Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I specialize in grief work.
You're here because you want more from life after loss and/or disappointment. Perhaps you've accomplished all you hoped for, and still feel incomplete. Or maybe nothing went as planned, and you're grappling with the loss of the life you so wanted for yourself. I work with high achievers and creatives who are used to making things happen for themselves, yet feel a general lack of joy and satisfaction (especially after achieving their goals or having arrived in mid-life). You might be asking yourself if this is all there is. I'm so glad you're here, because there absolutely is more if you're willing to go within to find it.
I specialize in grief work.
You're here because you want more from life after loss and/or disappointment. Perhaps you've accomplished all you hoped for, and still feel incomplete. Or maybe nothing went as planned, and you're grappling with the loss of the life you so wanted for yourself. I work with high achievers and creatives who are used to making things happen for themselves, yet feel a general lack of joy and satisfaction (especially after achieving their goals or having arrived in mid-life). You might be asking yourself if this is all there is. I'm so glad you're here, because there absolutely is more if you're willing to go within to find it.
I offer walk-and-talk therapy in the beautiful hills of Oakland, on Ohlone lands, as well as virtually, wherever you are. In our work together, we’ll start with the knowledge that there is nothing wrong with you. Whether you’re navigating a personal transition, coping with loss, or seeking a new direction, I’m here to help you gain perspective, self-compassion, and practical tools. Our sessions might feel like you're hanging out with a supportive (sometimes goofy) friend, but our focus will be on you. With curiosity and understanding, we’ll explore what’s next for you, honoring who you’ve been and supporting who you're becoming.
I offer walk-and-talk therapy in the beautiful hills of Oakland, on Ohlone lands, as well as virtually, wherever you are. In our work together, we’ll start with the knowledge that there is nothing wrong with you. Whether you’re navigating a personal transition, coping with loss, or seeking a new direction, I’m here to help you gain perspective, self-compassion, and practical tools. Our sessions might feel like you're hanging out with a supportive (sometimes goofy) friend, but our focus will be on you. With curiosity and understanding, we’ll explore what’s next for you, honoring who you’ve been and supporting who you're becoming.
My psychotherapy practice is specialized in working with Adults, Older Adults, Couples, and Families who are seeking psychological help with Old/New trauma, Grief/ Bereavement/ Loss, living with Cancer, living with a Movement disorder (e.g., Parkinson disease), living with a Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), Aging, and Confronting End-of-Life. If you seek to confront the myriad concerns related to living with any of the above challenging situations, I will do that with you by exploring your particular situation and its inherent concerns. Concerns might include fear, anxiety, difficult decision-making, depression and despair.
My psychotherapy practice is specialized in working with Adults, Older Adults, Couples, and Families who are seeking psychological help with Old/New trauma, Grief/ Bereavement/ Loss, living with Cancer, living with a Movement disorder (e.g., Parkinson disease), living with a Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), Aging, and Confronting End-of-Life. If you seek to confront the myriad concerns related to living with any of the above challenging situations, I will do that with you by exploring your particular situation and its inherent concerns. Concerns might include fear, anxiety, difficult decision-making, depression and despair.
I'm a gay cisgender psychologist of color and my relational and culturally sensitive therapeutic approach to working with stress, grief/ loss, and other concerns; considers your lived experience and integrates best practices encouraging a corrective experience through coping effectively and rewriting your narrative towards authenticity and a meaningful life.
When making the complex and vulnerable choice to begin therapy, you should be able to trust your therapist and feel safe sharing your story. This is why compassion and empathy are my priorities when building our therapeutic alliance. Together, we will collaborate on an individualized plan for change and growth that is consistent with your values and cultural identities. Every human is a unique mix of identities, experiences, fears, dreams, and values. I am well-versed in theory and operate from a foundation of science. However, I also believe that it is essential to recognize the humanity behind everyone’s struggles and actions.
I'm a gay cisgender psychologist of color and my relational and culturally sensitive therapeutic approach to working with stress, grief/ loss, and other concerns; considers your lived experience and integrates best practices encouraging a corrective experience through coping effectively and rewriting your narrative towards authenticity and a meaningful life.
When making the complex and vulnerable choice to begin therapy, you should be able to trust your therapist and feel safe sharing your story. This is why compassion and empathy are my priorities when building our therapeutic alliance. Together, we will collaborate on an individualized plan for change and growth that is consistent with your values and cultural identities. Every human is a unique mix of identities, experiences, fears, dreams, and values. I am well-versed in theory and operate from a foundation of science. However, I also believe that it is essential to recognize the humanity behind everyone’s struggles and actions.
When challenges, pain and loss insist themselves into our lives, we are left with two options. We can work hard to protect ourselves, harden up, soldier through and try our best not to get hurt again. Or we can feel our way through the breaking down, we can get curious, and allow ourselves to soften and move into our broken heartedness. Sometimes it seems as though we have a choice about whether to move forward in our lives. And then there are those times when it's clear we can't continue in the same way.
When challenges, pain and loss insist themselves into our lives, we are left with two options. We can work hard to protect ourselves, harden up, soldier through and try our best not to get hurt again. Or we can feel our way through the breaking down, we can get curious, and allow ourselves to soften and move into our broken heartedness. Sometimes it seems as though we have a choice about whether to move forward in our lives. And then there are those times when it's clear we can't continue in the same way.
15 Second Videos
Jordan Boehler
Jenna Hong
Karen Oberdorfer
Sarah Cybulski
Wendy Rolon
Alice Hua
Alia Dolan
Annie Brashem
Suzie Shihshin Wu
Stephanie Nguyen
Ronnie Doss
Carmelle Ellison
Adrián Orozco Blair
Bonnie Harrison
Raven Nalika Rose
Jackie Williams Counseling For Illness And Loss
Robin Criner
Nicole Wilson
Sara Green
Chris Datiles
Noah Eastman
Dierdre Wallace
Kalani Perreira
Sharon Testa-Harker, M.F.T.
Sally Covington
Barbara Cox
Eric Lindsay Waters
Revi Hope Airborne-Williams
Chad McCain
Emma Tennison
Oriane Rosenthal
David L Fore
Aviva Wilcox
Elizabeth Anne Nielsen
Reinvisioning Psychotherapy
Susy J Nayak
Catherine Cavette
Dave Kalloor
Kaitlin Dougherty
Jill Cepela
David Trexler Gatta
Porscha Nichole Castillo
Amanda Martin LMFT Psychotherapy
Natalie O'Mara
Peggy Chen
Shelly Lev-Er
Naomi Z Corwin
Mey Saephan, LMFT
Cathy Swift Nagel
Catherine Pfister
Martha Bulger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I am also an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, certified by the Grief Recovery Method Institute®.
Are you at a place in your life that no longer feels comfortable and you're unsure of how you've have gotten there? It's impacting your personal and/or work relationships and your self-image. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space allowing you to gain insight into your journey thus far and give yourself permission to change. I will help you move to a place of self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and self-love.
I am also an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, certified by the Grief Recovery Method Institute®.
Are you at a place in your life that no longer feels comfortable and you're unsure of how you've have gotten there? It's impacting your personal and/or work relationships and your self-image. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space allowing you to gain insight into your journey thus far and give yourself permission to change. I will help you move to a place of self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and self-love.
My primary specialties are anxiety and grief and loss.
I provide a warm, supportive environment that is uniquely yours, dedicated to your life and development. We will pay close attention to your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, helping you to better understand all the different parts of yourself. Together we will identify and explore the patterns of behavior and negative self perceptions that may hold you back from a life of balance, vitality and inner peace.
My primary specialties are anxiety and grief and loss.
I provide a warm, supportive environment that is uniquely yours, dedicated to your life and development. We will pay close attention to your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, helping you to better understand all the different parts of yourself. Together we will identify and explore the patterns of behavior and negative self perceptions that may hold you back from a life of balance, vitality and inner peace.
One of the most frustrating experiences with being human is how easily we forget. We forget who we are, our passions, what and who matters most to us. We forget what makes us happy, to prioritize self-care, connect with our loved ones, and be with nature. Trauma, early childhood experiences, death and loss, relationship challenges, and work stress all contribute to our forgetting. But how beautiful is it to remember? The “aha” moments of our own truths and connecting to what feels most alive to us. I believe we are here to continuously remember who we are and my own process of re-membering my Self is what led me to psychotherapy.
One of the most frustrating experiences with being human is how easily we forget. We forget who we are, our passions, what and who matters most to us. We forget what makes us happy, to prioritize self-care, connect with our loved ones, and be with nature. Trauma, early childhood experiences, death and loss, relationship challenges, and work stress all contribute to our forgetting. But how beautiful is it to remember? The “aha” moments of our own truths and connecting to what feels most alive to us. I believe we are here to continuously remember who we are and my own process of re-membering my Self is what led me to psychotherapy.
Steve Cutshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Although I specialize in working with people with substance use disorders, I've also worked with clients who struggled with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief, and loss.
I am a person in long-term recovery providing psychotherapy to people with substance use disorders. I am familiar with many treatment centers and recovery fellowships in the Bay Area. I provide a nonjudgmental, direct approach and a sense of humor to address addiction and its root causes. If recovery through abstinence is your goal, I am able to tailor a relapse prevention plan to your specific needs.
Although I specialize in working with people with substance use disorders, I've also worked with clients who struggled with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief, and loss.
I am a person in long-term recovery providing psychotherapy to people with substance use disorders. I am familiar with many treatment centers and recovery fellowships in the Bay Area. I provide a nonjudgmental, direct approach and a sense of humor to address addiction and its root causes. If recovery through abstinence is your goal, I am able to tailor a relapse prevention plan to your specific needs.
I have experience supporting clients with intergenerational and cultural trauma; the long-term effects of childhood abuse and neglect; sexual orientation and gender identity; grief and shame; spirituality and meaning-making; anti-racist identity formation; survivor's guilt; and life transitions, both chosen (e.
I hold therapy as a human relationship rooted in care, respect, and remembering our freedom. I listen deeply and honor the wisdom and strength already present within you. At your own pace, we will gently explore painful and stuck places so that we can invite understanding, compassion, and new possibilities. We will also look critically at systems of oppression and their impact on you. Through awareness and self-trust, we will strive to unlock energy and imagination to build the life and relationships you long for. Optionally, we can bring in creative/artistic modalities, body-based practices, dreamwork, spirituality, and ritual.
I have experience supporting clients with intergenerational and cultural trauma; the long-term effects of childhood abuse and neglect; sexual orientation and gender identity; grief and shame; spirituality and meaning-making; anti-racist identity formation; survivor's guilt; and life transitions, both chosen (e.
I hold therapy as a human relationship rooted in care, respect, and remembering our freedom. I listen deeply and honor the wisdom and strength already present within you. At your own pace, we will gently explore painful and stuck places so that we can invite understanding, compassion, and new possibilities. We will also look critically at systems of oppression and their impact on you. Through awareness and self-trust, we will strive to unlock energy and imagination to build the life and relationships you long for. Optionally, we can bring in creative/artistic modalities, body-based practices, dreamwork, spirituality, and ritual.
Keri Onan-Levy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alameda, CA 94501 (Online Only)
My clients are culturally diverse and are seeking support with issues such as, but not limited to life transitions, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, family of origin issues, trauma, and identity.
Hello, I'm Keri Onan-Levy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My work with clients is grounded in respect, empathy, reliability, intelligence, and professionalism. My practice focuses on supporting individuals as they navigate life's challenges, process experiences, and work to better understand themselves. My approach to providing therapy is unique to each individual. I use a variety of theoretical approaches including Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Trauma Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. All treatment options are discussed with my clients.
My clients are culturally diverse and are seeking support with issues such as, but not limited to life transitions, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, family of origin issues, trauma, and identity.
Hello, I'm Keri Onan-Levy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My work with clients is grounded in respect, empathy, reliability, intelligence, and professionalism. My practice focuses on supporting individuals as they navigate life's challenges, process experiences, and work to better understand themselves. My approach to providing therapy is unique to each individual. I use a variety of theoretical approaches including Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Trauma Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. All treatment options are discussed with my clients.
Walker Wellness Therapy & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
A guiding theme for my work is meeting individuals where they are in life in order to understand the dynamics of their current situation or circumstance. Many of the people that I work with have been involved in the child welfare and or court systems, have experienced tragedy, trauma and experiencing grief, anxiety, or struggling with life stressors. I strive to support clients as they develop creative solutions and tools to improve their quality of life. I use a strengths-based and solution focused approach in working with clients, to identify their strengths, who they are and strategies they can use to be their best self.
A guiding theme for my work is meeting individuals where they are in life in order to understand the dynamics of their current situation or circumstance. Many of the people that I work with have been involved in the child welfare and or court systems, have experienced tragedy, trauma and experiencing grief, anxiety, or struggling with life stressors. I strive to support clients as they develop creative solutions and tools to improve their quality of life. I use a strengths-based and solution focused approach in working with clients, to identify their strengths, who they are and strategies they can use to be their best self.
Do you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions? Have you been told that you're too sensitive, or that you should have "gotten over" a loss? Does anxiety or low self-esteem get in the way of working with colleagues, enjoying your partner, or meeting someone new? Maybe you procrastinate and make excuses, or relentlessly criticize yourself.
I can help. For more that 25 years, I've been providing psychotherapy to individuals with concerns like yours.
Do you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions? Have you been told that you're too sensitive, or that you should have "gotten over" a loss? Does anxiety or low self-esteem get in the way of working with colleagues, enjoying your partner, or meeting someone new? Maybe you procrastinate and make excuses, or relentlessly criticize yourself.
I can help. For more that 25 years, I've been providing psychotherapy to individuals with concerns like yours.
Sarah Cybulski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I specialize in supporting adolescents and adults facing Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Attachment challenges, Life transitions, and Grief. I enjoy working with clients who are honest and open to being vulnerable and are motivated to make positive changes in their lives and I seek to support my clients in learning coping skills and setting goals to address the challenges they are facing in their lives.As your therapist, I strive to support you in recognizing and understanding your whole self and the impact of past and current life circumstances on your well-being.
I specialize in supporting adolescents and adults facing Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Attachment challenges, Life transitions, and Grief. I enjoy working with clients who are honest and open to being vulnerable and are motivated to make positive changes in their lives and I seek to support my clients in learning coping skills and setting goals to address the challenges they are facing in their lives.As your therapist, I strive to support you in recognizing and understanding your whole self and the impact of past and current life circumstances on your well-being.
See more therapy options for Alameda County
Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.