Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Photo of Jennifer Coloma, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Jennifer Coloma
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin. Creativity, liberation, and transformation — getting your power back — these are core tenants in my practice. My approach merges reflective space to spark insight with concrete tools and strategies to drive change. I draw from existential philosophy, the arts, and culture, as well as research and theory to match unique needs with individualized treatments that resonate.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” - Anais Nin. Creativity, liberation, and transformation — getting your power back — these are core tenants in my practice. My approach merges reflective space to spark insight with concrete tools and strategies to drive change. I draw from existential philosophy, the arts, and culture, as well as research and theory to match unique needs with individualized treatments that resonate.
(831) 221-9479 View (831) 221-9479

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Alamo Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Alamo Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, AMFT, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Moraga, CA 94575
Alamo Counseling is a group private practice comprised of highly skilled, warm, and engaging counselors and educators. Our services include specialized therapy and wellness solutions for our clients, as well as clinical consultation and continuing education trainings for mental health professionals. Our clinicians implement evidence-based treatment with interventions from humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapies. We help get to the root of your concerns and empower you with strategies and insights to achieve your goals.
Alamo Counseling is a group private practice comprised of highly skilled, warm, and engaging counselors and educators. Our services include specialized therapy and wellness solutions for our clients, as well as clinical consultation and continuing education trainings for mental health professionals. Our clinicians implement evidence-based treatment with interventions from humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapies. We help get to the root of your concerns and empower you with strategies and insights to achieve your goals.
(925) 578-3812 View (925) 578-3812
Photo of Julia Mendoza, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Julia Mendoza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608  (Online Only)
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
Hello I'm Julia Mendoza, a therapist providing therapy throughout the state of California. I have experience working with children and adults, in the areas of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, LGBT+ issues, OCD, personality disorders, family problems, relationship and partner conflict, and traumas. I truly enjoy helping others and I have been told that I am funny, genuine, open-minded, and a good listener. Se habla Español!
(951) 438-7873 View (951) 438-7873

Online Therapists

Photo of Aleta Greenspan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Aleta Greenspan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
I utilize breathwork, somatic exploration, creative inquiry, nonviolent communication, and healing shame to empower you with self awareness, compassion and tools for growth.
The word “heal” comes from “to make whole.” Psychotherapy, more aptly psyche-therapy, is a sacred process of tending to the soul wound and waking more fully to one’s aliveness and inherent wholeness. I am deeply passionate about supporting you in healing the fragmented and disowned parts of self that hinder you from living a life of meaningful connections, purposeful self-agency and joy. We work collaboratively to creatively transform unconscious and limiting belief structures, access your resiliencies, welcome emerging truths, skillfully navigate adversity with new tools, and integrate insights for profound and evolving change.
I utilize breathwork, somatic exploration, creative inquiry, nonviolent communication, and healing shame to empower you with self awareness, compassion and tools for growth.
The word “heal” comes from “to make whole.” Psychotherapy, more aptly psyche-therapy, is a sacred process of tending to the soul wound and waking more fully to one’s aliveness and inherent wholeness. I am deeply passionate about supporting you in healing the fragmented and disowned parts of self that hinder you from living a life of meaningful connections, purposeful self-agency and joy. We work collaboratively to creatively transform unconscious and limiting belief structures, access your resiliencies, welcome emerging truths, skillfully navigate adversity with new tools, and integrate insights for profound and evolving change.
(707) 475-3119 View (707) 475-3119
Photo of Kendall Schwartz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Kendall Schwartz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
As a bilingual (Eng/Span) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have vast experience treating diverse populations of all ages struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. With a background in Gestalt, trauma-informed care, and prenatal counseling, I treat individuals and couples in a private practice setting where I incorporate and integrate various modalities, along with somatic techniques, parts work, resourcing, mindfulness, and transpersonal psychology. “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” - Max Ehrmann
As a bilingual (Eng/Span) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have vast experience treating diverse populations of all ages struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. With a background in Gestalt, trauma-informed care, and prenatal counseling, I treat individuals and couples in a private practice setting where I incorporate and integrate various modalities, along with somatic techniques, parts work, resourcing, mindfulness, and transpersonal psychology. “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” - Max Ehrmann
(415) 853-5165 View (415) 853-5165
Photo of Dr. Richie Koenig, Registered Psychological Associate in Oakland, CA
Dr. Richie Koenig
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Dr. Richie Koenig specializes in treating ADHD, queer issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings throughout California and has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, including life transitions, family conflict, and grief. His therapeutic approach is both neurodiverse and queer affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive; he centers psychodynamic, multicultural, somatic, and relational approaches that continuously integrated with the instrumental features of evidence-based modalities including CBT and DBT.
Dr. Richie Koenig specializes in treating ADHD, queer issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings throughout California and has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, including life transitions, family conflict, and grief. His therapeutic approach is both neurodiverse and queer affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive; he centers psychodynamic, multicultural, somatic, and relational approaches that continuously integrated with the instrumental features of evidence-based modalities including CBT and DBT.
(310) 356-3793 View (310) 356-3793
Photo of Ivonne M. Mejía, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Ivonne M. Mejía
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95811
On the surface, the world sees you as the one who ‘always has it together’ - but on the inside, you’re starting to feel like you’re falling apart. You feel like you're working overtime to push down those uncomfortable feelings (you know, the ones that have always been lurking in the background) - except no matter how hard you try, you’re finding yourself more anxious, ungrounded, and on edge than ever before. You want your body to feel more at ease. You want to feel more connected (to yourself, to others). You want to see (and trust) what others see. But, you’re just not sure how.
On the surface, the world sees you as the one who ‘always has it together’ - but on the inside, you’re starting to feel like you’re falling apart. You feel like you're working overtime to push down those uncomfortable feelings (you know, the ones that have always been lurking in the background) - except no matter how hard you try, you’re finding yourself more anxious, ungrounded, and on edge than ever before. You want your body to feel more at ease. You want to feel more connected (to yourself, to others). You want to see (and trust) what others see. But, you’re just not sure how.
(916) 542-6319 View (916) 542-6319
Photo of Dobbs Psychology, Inc. , Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Dobbs Psychology, Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Windsor, CA 95492  (Online Only)
For me, it is vital that you feel heard and supported all times, without judgment. Together, we will strategize how to best cope with daily stressors effectively and easily. I can help you leave the past behind through self-forgiveness and by creating a much more positive present, and thus, future. Often, we talk to ourselves in very negative ways and this determines our reactions and limitations, as well as our worldview. I will help you radically improve your self-esteem and take on each day's challenges feeling strong and at peace with yourself. I also specialize in trauma. My way of treating it is effective and painless.
For me, it is vital that you feel heard and supported all times, without judgment. Together, we will strategize how to best cope with daily stressors effectively and easily. I can help you leave the past behind through self-forgiveness and by creating a much more positive present, and thus, future. Often, we talk to ourselves in very negative ways and this determines our reactions and limitations, as well as our worldview. I will help you radically improve your self-esteem and take on each day's challenges feeling strong and at peace with yourself. I also specialize in trauma. My way of treating it is effective and painless.
(707) 309-6991 View (707) 309-6991
Photo of Honeycomb Wellness Group, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Honeycomb Wellness Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. Emotional, psychological and social health are important in creating overall health and well being. It is our goal at Honeycomb Group to help you become the person, couple or family you want to be, and uncover your full potential.
We believe that the value of your health goes beyond just your physical health. Emotional, psychological and social health are important in creating overall health and well being. It is our goal at Honeycomb Group to help you become the person, couple or family you want to be, and uncover your full potential.
(415) 338-9366 View (415) 338-9366
Photo of Dr. Katie S Polsky, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Dr. Katie S Polsky
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who as a generalist works with a variety of presenting problems and enjoys working with different populations. I have extensive experience working with women, men, adolescents, and children with eating disorders and OCD. It is critical to individually tailor treatment to each client's needs. I utilize relational, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, values based therapies in my practice. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have a collaborative approach where therapist and client work as a team to better understand the problem and work towards healing and emotional health.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who as a generalist works with a variety of presenting problems and enjoys working with different populations. I have extensive experience working with women, men, adolescents, and children with eating disorders and OCD. It is critical to individually tailor treatment to each client's needs. I utilize relational, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, values based therapies in my practice. I have experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have a collaborative approach where therapist and client work as a team to better understand the problem and work towards healing and emotional health.
(916) 678-1993 View (916) 678-1993
Photo of Keystone Therapy & Training Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Keystone Therapy & Training Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Sometimes looking for what you need is harder than you thought. Our Keystone team provides services that meet people in the different stages in their lives and goes along side you through your own self-determined growth process.
Sometimes looking for what you need is harder than you thought. Our Keystone team provides services that meet people in the different stages in their lives and goes along side you through your own self-determined growth process.
(707) 602-3812 View (707) 602-3812
Photo of Brigitte Knight, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Brigitte Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94112
I specialize in therapeutic services for children birth to adolescence, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. Upon request, I provide case coordination with other providers. I have provided therapeutic services in schools & the SF Bay Area community for over 25 years in English and Spanish.
I specialize in therapeutic services for children birth to adolescence, families & adults. I use a trauma-sensitive, strengths-based approach & believe that through the therapeutic relationship one develops the ability to make change, process past & present challenges, and learn coping skills for specific needs and overall wellness. I support and respect clients to develop goals & intentions for their wellness, at their own comfort level and pace. Upon request, I provide case coordination with other providers. I have provided therapeutic services in schools & the SF Bay Area community for over 25 years in English and Spanish.
(415) 366-3636 View (415) 366-3636
Photo of Joel Stiles, Psychologist in Oakland, CA
Joel Stiles
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Aptos, CA 95003
Often life presents us with difficulties and painful challenges. I can help whether your intention is to heal from past or current emotional struggles or to improve relationships. Together we can explore your strengths as well as your difficulties to find solutions. I work with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships and improve communication. I have a strong appreciation for diversity and believe each individual has unique gifts. I am skilled in responding to your individual needs with compassion and respect.
Often life presents us with difficulties and painful challenges. I can help whether your intention is to heal from past or current emotional struggles or to improve relationships. Together we can explore your strengths as well as your difficulties to find solutions. I work with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships and improve communication. I have a strong appreciation for diversity and believe each individual has unique gifts. I am skilled in responding to your individual needs with compassion and respect.
(831) 278-3136 x14 View (831) 278-3136 x14
Photo of Jessica Quinones, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jessica Quinones
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Napa, CA 94559
In Napa Valley Counseling we provide bilingual psychotherapeutic services, Spanish/ English, and current best practices in therapeutic interventions. Our therapists offer current evidence based approach in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, extreme stress, fear related issues and more. NVCS also provides Clinical Supervision and consultation for clinicians, educators and businesses. We work with individuals, couples counseling and family therapy. Ask us about our newest and upgraded version of Exposure Therapy (W.E.Tx.) where you can see reduction and elimination of symptoms in 5 sessions or less!
In Napa Valley Counseling we provide bilingual psychotherapeutic services, Spanish/ English, and current best practices in therapeutic interventions. Our therapists offer current evidence based approach in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, extreme stress, fear related issues and more. NVCS also provides Clinical Supervision and consultation for clinicians, educators and businesses. We work with individuals, couples counseling and family therapy. Ask us about our newest and upgraded version of Exposure Therapy (W.E.Tx.) where you can see reduction and elimination of symptoms in 5 sessions or less!
(707) 827-9293 View (707) 827-9293
Photo of Gigi Gruenke, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Gigi Gruenke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Anselmo, CA 94960
I am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in California & Maryland . During the pandemic all my sessions are tele/video. My clients may feel overwhelmed by past events or current challenges; be seeking to reduce stress / anxiety in their lives, often manifested by depression, anger or control issues; wish to address trauma experiences; to complete Immigrant Psychological Evaluations ; or seek help coping with the range of challenges and stresses they experience in the United States. People come hoping to resolve obstacles to growth and to experience greater satisfaction.
I am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in California & Maryland . During the pandemic all my sessions are tele/video. My clients may feel overwhelmed by past events or current challenges; be seeking to reduce stress / anxiety in their lives, often manifested by depression, anger or control issues; wish to address trauma experiences; to complete Immigrant Psychological Evaluations ; or seek help coping with the range of challenges and stresses they experience in the United States. People come hoping to resolve obstacles to growth and to experience greater satisfaction.
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Photo of Briana Barrera, Pre-Licensed Professional in Oakland, CA
Briana Barrera
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
(310) 807-2734 View (310) 807-2734
Somatic Therapists

How does somatic therapy work?

Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.

Is EMDR a somatic therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?

Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.

What is somatic trauma therapy?

Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.