Photo of Steven Foster, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Steven Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Hello! Welcome to my personal profile. I am Steve Foster, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist The majority of my experience has been in working with couples, married and otherwise, to improve communication in their relationships. "Taking the war out of words",and learning to take one another's perspective increase the likelihood of success in intimate relationships. I've also worked with those coping with substance dependency. I am a strong believer in the value of family, and in the power of living a clean and sober, recovery-centered life. Please feel free to call me to discuss your concerns.
Hello! Welcome to my personal profile. I am Steve Foster, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist The majority of my experience has been in working with couples, married and otherwise, to improve communication in their relationships. "Taking the war out of words",and learning to take one another's perspective increase the likelihood of success in intimate relationships. I've also worked with those coping with substance dependency. I am a strong believer in the value of family, and in the power of living a clean and sober, recovery-centered life. Please feel free to call me to discuss your concerns.
(415) 967-7940 View (415) 967-7940
Photo of Share Your Story Therapy and Coaching, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Share Your Story Therapy and Coaching
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94608
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, film making, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds. I graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. In college I studied theatre, documentary film and creative writing. I have a BA from Columbia College Chicago.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, comedy, theatre, film making, creative writing, improvisation, nature, traveling, film and television, documentaries, dancing and making art of all kinds. I graduated from the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. In college I studied theatre, documentary film and creative writing. I have a BA from Columbia College Chicago.
(925) 430-6899 View (925) 430-6899
Photo of Gwendolyn Evans, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Gwendolyn Evans
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Are you anxious or depressed? Struggling with emotional or physical infidelity? Has the passion died in your relationship? Do you want more sex and intimacy? Feeling overwhelmed and undervalued by your partner? Are you lonely in your marriage? Are you struggling with racial or cross-cultural issues? Tired of the same fights with your spouse, your family, your boss, your kids?
Are you anxious or depressed? Struggling with emotional or physical infidelity? Has the passion died in your relationship? Do you want more sex and intimacy? Feeling overwhelmed and undervalued by your partner? Are you lonely in your marriage? Are you struggling with racial or cross-cultural issues? Tired of the same fights with your spouse, your family, your boss, your kids?
(415) 799-7968 View (415) 799-7968
Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
(518) 269-5458 View (518) 269-5458
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 449-5206 View (415) 449-5206
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 612-3629 View (415) 612-3629
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 449-4542 View (415) 449-4542
Photo of Erin B Harrell, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Erin B Harrell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Our society often moves fast, and it is easy to get caught up and not allow the time to address the thoughts and emotional reactions that may emerge with challenges and changing life circumstances. With over 10 years of experience serving individuals across the lifespan, I provide an affirmative space for individuals to explore areas in their life where they would like to see growth and change. I also value the opportunities to notice areas of life that feel fulfilling, to explore strengths and reflect on positives. My style is warm and thoughtful. and interactive.
Our society often moves fast, and it is easy to get caught up and not allow the time to address the thoughts and emotional reactions that may emerge with challenges and changing life circumstances. With over 10 years of experience serving individuals across the lifespan, I provide an affirmative space for individuals to explore areas in their life where they would like to see growth and change. I also value the opportunities to notice areas of life that feel fulfilling, to explore strengths and reflect on positives. My style is warm and thoughtful. and interactive.
(510) 400-4990 View (510) 400-4990
Photo of Assaf Jaffe, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Assaf Jaffe
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602  (Online Only)
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
Congratulations, starting the journey towards seeking help is one of the biggest step. My name is Assaf Jaffe and over the past 20 years it has been my privilege to walk alongside client working to make changes. Having trained in Holistic Therapy at Native American Health Center I have tremendous experience with trauma, anxiety, depression and treating addictive disorders.
(628) 225-4590 View (628) 225-4590
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 649-9458 View (415) 649-9458
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 949-6514 View (415) 949-6514
Photo of Georgina M. Nunez-Larraz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Georgina M. Nunez-Larraz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCHT, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Gina Nuñez. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist and a Complex PTSD therapist. Complex PTSD stems from trauma over a long period, i.e., child abuse/neglect. Trauma is a mental and physical imprint caused by extreme stress. Your fight, flight or freeze response is often activated if you live with trauma. Your body, mind, and emotions remain on high alert. When trauma goes untreated, it can lead to low self-esteem and a negative outlook on life, yourself, and others. I can help you overcome your negative past to build a positive future. My email page on the website stopped working, so email me.
Hello, my name is Gina Nuñez. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist and a Complex PTSD therapist. Complex PTSD stems from trauma over a long period, i.e., child abuse/neglect. Trauma is a mental and physical imprint caused by extreme stress. Your fight, flight or freeze response is often activated if you live with trauma. Your body, mind, and emotions remain on high alert. When trauma goes untreated, it can lead to low self-esteem and a negative outlook on life, yourself, and others. I can help you overcome your negative past to build a positive future. My email page on the website stopped working, so email me.
(909) 340-3735 View (909) 340-3735
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 996-1740 View (415) 996-1740
Photo of Andrew Hudson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Andrew Hudson
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is person centered and I use validation as my foundation. I hold the assumption that we are all trying our best and that there is always room to learn, grow, and practice acceptance. In sessions together you can expect to connect with how you are currently experiencing emotions, to work through problematic thoughts beliefs or assumptions, and to explore situations and relationships and how exactly they may be having an impact on you. My goal as a therapist is to provide a space where you can connect and feel understood as well as challenged in a way that is helpful for you.
My approach to therapy is person centered and I use validation as my foundation. I hold the assumption that we are all trying our best and that there is always room to learn, grow, and practice acceptance. In sessions together you can expect to connect with how you are currently experiencing emotions, to work through problematic thoughts beliefs or assumptions, and to explore situations and relationships and how exactly they may be having an impact on you. My goal as a therapist is to provide a space where you can connect and feel understood as well as challenged in a way that is helpful for you.
(415) 991-3933 View (415) 991-3933
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 663-5916 View (415) 663-5916
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 649-1656 View (415) 649-1656
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 649-9274 View (415) 649-9274
Photo of Zena Andreani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Zena Andreani
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a trauma focused therapist providing individual, couples and family therapy in California. My goal as a therapist is to help you understand your own history; your experiences in suffering, joy, grief, and more, so that you can openly see the person you are today and explore the person you might like to become.
I am a trauma focused therapist providing individual, couples and family therapy in California. My goal as a therapist is to help you understand your own history; your experiences in suffering, joy, grief, and more, so that you can openly see the person you are today and explore the person you might like to become.
(415) 942-0282 View (415) 942-0282
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability, and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience.
(415) 949-2547 View (415) 949-2547
Photo of Patricia Orlando Malo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Patricia Orlando Malo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
I have been in practice since 1995 in the mental health profession in a variety of roles: Private Practice, EAP Provider, Critical Care Specialist, Social Service, Custody and Court Service, PTSD, Military Family integration and Separation Issues. My philosophy is eclectic: I strive to deeply listen to my clients, offering reflective support and solution-based resolutions.
I have been in practice since 1995 in the mental health profession in a variety of roles: Private Practice, EAP Provider, Critical Care Specialist, Social Service, Custody and Court Service, PTSD, Military Family integration and Separation Issues. My philosophy is eclectic: I strive to deeply listen to my clients, offering reflective support and solution-based resolutions.
(415) 873-3772 View (415) 873-3772
Marriage Counseling Therapists

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.