Therapists in Oakland, CA

In life there are many things that influence how we feel, how we think, and in turn how we behave. When working with clients I like to explore how interactions with the social- cultural environment shape their well being. I find it important to focus on the things we can change and find ways to cope with the things we cannot.

My clients are often sensitive, intelligent, and creative people who face life transitions, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and the challenges of liberating passion and creating meaning in life. Many struggle with the legacy of significant trauma. Through acceptance, loving encouragement, and providing a container for self-exploration, I help clients to find a more encompassing love for self and other, develop strength and firmness of character, and tap into the well of their vitality, creativity, and joy.

Do you feel tortured by intrusive thoughts? Is your life ruled by a never-ending series of 'what-if's', each more horrifying than the last? You've been hiding your struggle behind a veil of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and other self-sacrificing behaviors, but it's getting exhausting. You're tired of the rituals, the constant reassurance seeking, and the disconnect you feel from your body and the humans around you. Trying to talk yourself out of a thought spiral only seems to make things worse and you're not sure how to move forward. It doesn't have to be like this! Calm is closer than you think.

Looking to improve your sport/mental performance? Better understand your gender, sexuality, or relationship identity? Process a history of trauma? Our stories are our greatest power, and yet, can be difficult to share. I am a Clinical Sport Psychologist who encourages clients to tell their stories (yes, even the ugly stuff!) as accurately and meaningfully as possible to pave a path for moving forward. I equally recognize that not all mental health concerns are individually determined, and encourage clients to explore the impact of their social, intergenerational, and environmental histories and resources to promote healing/growth.

In life we can sometimes feel stuck in old patterns. Or maybe our sleep, eating, or job performance has changed. Mood, physical health, and mental health are all connected. Brain fog, tiredness, loss of interest (or sleepless nights, jittery days, etc) can mean the balance is off. These are times when therapy can help you understand the issues from a new point of view. Primarily, I see my job as one of listener and guide. Together, we can figure out what's keeping you from being a joyful resilient person. It takes courage and strength to ask for help. I am here if you are curious or ready to begin.

Therapy is a transformative process that creates a unique space for emotional support, safety, and growth. This work helps people relieve suffering by bringing awareness to how our external contexts and internal perspectives create our experience. Establishing a fulfilling and joyful life is possible by addressing emotional difficulties with empathic curiosity and environmental challenges with creative solutions.

Accepting a limited number of new full fee clients or ADHD/Executive Functioning solutions-oriented therapy! Ride The Wave Recovery can serve clients in greater Santa Cruz, CA; Seattle/Tacoma, WA; and Chicago, IL. RtW offers solutions-oriented group and individual therapy to clients of all genders and sexualities living with ADHD and AuDHD with executive functioning support needs! RtW also provides social justice-oriented and neurodivergent-affirming DBT groups. All via Telehealth.

You may be seeking support in moving toward a more preferred version of yourself, your life, and your relationships. You may be questioning facets of your identity such as your gender or sexuality, or perhaps you are feeling stuck with a particular challenge in the way you connect to yourself and others. You may be struggling with how to heal and make sense of past trauma or abuse, or are finding yourself resorting to patterns of thinking and feeling that are not congruent with your values. Perhaps you are struggling to define the parameters of a non-monogamous relationship or a consensual power exchange relationship. Welcome.

Our mission is to help clients achieve balance and recover from the various issues they may be dealing with, including trauma, addiction, PTSD, and mood disorders. Our integrated approach utilizes process-oriented psychotherapy, mindfulness interventions, DBT, and EMDR to help clients gain a greater sense of well-being and foster their own ability to heal. Jason Murphy, MA, LMFT, is the owner and clinical director of TRT Group and has decades of experience working with a diverse population in various settings. With a deep-seated understanding and training in Buddhist psychology, he brings a unique set of solutions to his clients and his team.

I specialize in working affirmatively with sex and gender diversity and sex-positive communities (LGBTQ*, non-normative relationships, open/non-monogamous, burners, polyamory, polysexuality, asexuality, intersex, gender nonconformity/fluidity, BDSM/kink, leather, fetish, HIV+, HepC+, Herpes+). I welcome clients with issues around minority stress, neurodivergence, depression/anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, couples/multiple-partner relationships, parent/child relationships, family counseling. I also welcome those looking to heal sexual trauma or those working through sexual difficulties. I'm a well-trained integrative sex therapist.