Relational Therapists in Toler Heights, Oakland, CA

The most important questions is: "What pain brought you here? What is the hardest issue for you to deal with?" The most important result of the first session is that you walk out feeling that I understand you and will be able to be your ally in working through your issues. In other words we need to like each other and you need to feel that I have the expertise to handle your problems and not judge you.

I work with individuals, couples, parents, families and children to develop a therapeutic relationship based on their needs and goals. Through this process, clients get to know themselves better in a safe and supportive environment. I consider therapy a collaborative process that offers unique opportunities to manifest your ideal self through honesty and trust. I draw from the varied types of training and experience I have to find what works best for you and I create a safe space so you can explore the emotions that arise from difficult and painful experiences. I support couples and families in developing empathy, trust, and healthy

I tend to be open, non-judmental and able to listen well to a broad range of individuals. I have experience with people from many walks of life, varying backgrounds and have worked in the mental health field since 2002. If you desire someone to help you feel more self-acceptance, clarity and meaning I may be able to help. I have a passion for learning about human psychology, a passion I would pursue even if I were not practicing as a therapist. I like to write about human psychology and continue to read and self-educate extensively.

I founded Be Love Community Counseling to provide safe, healing space for people that have been oppressed, marginalized or have an identity outside of the "dominant culture." Historic trauma and past hurts may show up as depression, anxiety, anger management issues, low self-esteem, underachievement, oppositional behaviors etc. You may think that something is wrong with you while what you're experiencing may actually be a result of something that has happened to you or your ancestors. Therapy is empowering as you may increase awareness about what is keeping you from freedom to live the life you desire.

I help people come home to themselves. Life's challenges can leave us questioning our intuition and values and impact our self-worth, relationships, and well-being. Perhaps this is due to a difficult upbringing, perhaps due to trauma and loss, or it may be due to external stressors such as marginalization and oppression. I help clients to find their voice, re-discover self-trust, uncover inner wisdom, and cultivate strength and balance. Together we will explore your experiences, nurture inner resources, and identify and resolve destructive patterns that impact your relationships.

Feeling understood, feeling helped, and feeling supported are at the core of psychotherapy. Therapy can help when life’s challenges become too much to approach alone. Together, we can explore and understand difficult issues you are experiencing. Some common therapy goals are to understand important relationships, alleviate anxiety and depression, work through life transitions and losses, deepen self-understanding, and unlock troubling stuckness. In a safe setting with warmth and engagement, I provide an opportunity to gently move through what is bothering you most.

Emotions suck, but if we continue to avoid them we will likely remain stuck in what may feel something like swimming in quicksand. Many of my clients come to me when they are tired of the cycle of feeling overwhelmed, depressed, hopeless, hurt, or filled with shame, and guilt. I want to assist you in utilizing the tools to make emotions more manageable. Through unconditional positive regard, self-compassion, and humor you will regain the life that you deserve.

Hello, my name is Shawn Polivoi, a therapist licensed in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) residing in Northern California. My approach to therapy is to meet people where they are at with the goal of helping them where they want to be. I have expertise and comfort working with all age groups, most recently having worked with adults and the elder population. I am experienced in working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Sandra Berger a Marriage and Family Therapist (52999) with 16 years of experience. I work with a systemic, holistic, and depth-oriented approach. I focus on balancing personal needs and individual journeys against the background of our collective experiences. Sessions focus on optimizing our internal and external resources, improving the quality of our relationships, and increasing capacity to meet daily challenges. I enjoy working with clients 14 years old and up. Issues around identity and culture are particularly fascinating.

Hello, I am Victor Bloomberg, EdD, LCSW and I have been a licensed therapist since 1991. I use a tried-and-true way: Be caring and earn trust; Pay attention and listen; and Confirm understanding before giving feedback. My specialties are grief, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. We go back and forth between sessions and within a session on emphasis, we always start with your priority. You might want something to do that will relieve an immediate challenge or you could want to understand how the past is affecting you now.

Hi there! My name's Sylvie and my pronouns are she/her and they/them. As a therapist, I am tender with people, tough on systems, and committed to our collective liberation. I've been a mental health worker for over eight years in schools, at a crisis center, and as a family therapist. I'm particularly experienced in and passionate about working with trauma in its many forms, and partnering with you to transform harm into what serves you, your beloved relationships, and the world you want to see. I offer individual counseling with youth and adults and relationship counseling with loved ones of all kinds.

My main goal in the therapeutic relationship is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, trusting environment where individuals can explore their feelings in their search for a more fulfilling life. I provide therapy personalized to your unique situation and needs, treating each person’s problems within the context of each circumstance. I will work towards developing a relationship with you where you can feel safe to express your thoughts and feelings and what is holding you back from living life more fully. I am not just a passive listener, I will give you feedback in a direct and honest way.

Adolescents (and adults) have many difficult issues to face as they transition through different phases of life. These issues are often compounded by trauma, low self-esteem, and problems within interpersonal relationships with peers and family. Therapy is a tool that can be used to help individuals identify and access inner strength to overcome life's hurdles.

Often when an individual or couple is seeking out a therapist they're in the midst of a significant transition or challenge that can feel overwhelming. Paradoxically, I believe this is often the time in which the greatest change is possible. By exploring issues through a multi-layered approach, we will identify the deeper truths and lessons these challenges are presenting. By lending tools and feedback, I assist my clients in having a different relationship with their challenges; thus moving away from constriction into conscious growth and empowerment.

Overwhelmed and feeling isolated? Stressed and not sure how to get relief? People are resilient and innately driven to lead their best lives. Sometimes we forget mental health and physical health are deeply entwined and everyone needs support to attain wellness. Perhaps now more than ever.

Navigating through this human experience is no small feat; therapy is a supportive and collaborative venture that can help make sense of life experiences, build resilience, strengthen coping, facilitate empowerment, and move towards thriving. Together, we can explore and develop the path to healing and achieving your goals. Due to my current contractual commitments I cannot accept new clients at this time. Please continue your search for a compatible therapist!