Therapists in Oakland, CA
Sam Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
Lesley Sternin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I particularly enjoy working with transgender and gender queer youth and adults, as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual clients.
Living a life that feels true to ourselves may take additional support and understanding. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, either because we are faced with trauma, loss, illness and other transitions, or because we are experiencing unexplained feelings that are keeping us in a stuck place. I would like to work together with you to help you better understand yourself and create the changes that you want to see in your life. My style is relational and authentic. I want you to feel supported and better able to become who you want to be. I use mindfulness and CBT when helpful.
I particularly enjoy working with transgender and gender queer youth and adults, as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual clients.
Living a life that feels true to ourselves may take additional support and understanding. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming, either because we are faced with trauma, loss, illness and other transitions, or because we are experiencing unexplained feelings that are keeping us in a stuck place. I would like to work together with you to help you better understand yourself and create the changes that you want to see in your life. My style is relational and authentic. I want you to feel supported and better able to become who you want to be. I use mindfulness and CBT when helpful.
Jeanna Eichenbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
My speciaties include marriage and relationship work, including monogamous and polyamorous relationships, alternative sexuality concerns (kink/BDSM/vanilla), transgender and non-binary issues and transition support, LGBTQQI supportive therapy, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD related disorders.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
My speciaties include marriage and relationship work, including monogamous and polyamorous relationships, alternative sexuality concerns (kink/BDSM/vanilla), transgender and non-binary issues and transition support, LGBTQQI supportive therapy, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD related disorders.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
Ask Alison Leigh, PHD, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602 (Online Only)
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
The past 22 years I've seen an eclectic group of clientele: men, women & couples of any gender/orientation who want to improve their sexual lifestyle. I've helped men overcome ED through increasing their self confidence and women who want to feel more sexually in charge. I've seen over 25,000 couples throughout every stage of their relationship whether single, dating, married, or exploring and experimenting couples to ones who are curious how to stay together and keep the chemistry strong. My clients include stay at home moms, stressed out executives, artists, entrepreneurs & communities: LGBTQ, BDSM, & Transgender Families.
Ilona Margiotta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I have extensive experience working with lesbian, queer-identified, transgender and gender expansive folks, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and those exploring their relationship to sexuality, kink, and gender.
With each of my clients, I cultivate a compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. I believe that the therapeutic relationship provides a safe space for identity exploration, so that you can more fully embody your truth in your day-to-day life. While a sense of progress is integral to the therapeutic journey, we will create a personalized understanding of what growth looks like for you, rather than settling for more prescriptive goals. As a relational therapist, I help people foster deeper understanding and self-awareness, overcome unhelpful and defeating patterns, and build self-esteem.
I have extensive experience working with lesbian, queer-identified, transgender and gender expansive folks, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and those exploring their relationship to sexuality, kink, and gender.
With each of my clients, I cultivate a compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive environment. I believe that the therapeutic relationship provides a safe space for identity exploration, so that you can more fully embody your truth in your day-to-day life. While a sense of progress is integral to the therapeutic journey, we will create a personalized understanding of what growth looks like for you, rather than settling for more prescriptive goals. As a relational therapist, I help people foster deeper understanding and self-awareness, overcome unhelpful and defeating patterns, and build self-esteem.
Daniel Geer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I enjoy working with lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender clients to help them on their path to feeling good about who they are, their bodies, and their sexuality.
Welcome to my psychotherapy practice. I work with adults 18yrs. and up in individual and couples therapy. I have worked with a wide range of client symptoms and issues over many years of work in mental health. I have extensive experience in short-term therapy and am good at keeping the therapy focused on the task at hand once goals have been collaboratively set. I really enjoy getting to know the individual strengths and needs of each client and adapting my approach to be as effective as possible.
I enjoy working with lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender clients to help them on their path to feeling good about who they are, their bodies, and their sexuality.
Welcome to my psychotherapy practice. I work with adults 18yrs. and up in individual and couples therapy. I have worked with a wide range of client symptoms and issues over many years of work in mental health. I have extensive experience in short-term therapy and am good at keeping the therapy focused on the task at hand once goals have been collaboratively set. I really enjoy getting to know the individual strengths and needs of each client and adapting my approach to be as effective as possible.
Suzie Rudloff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
People come to therapy with unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances. Through the process of self-inquiry, I help clients gain insight and develop effective coping skills to move through a challenge with greater ease and understanding. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate and curious about one's experience. I use an attachment based, person-centered approach that offers individuals and couples clarity around repetitive patterns that cause pain, conflict, and limit growth.
Ryn Mulhern Benefield
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
I am a queer relationship therapist dedicated to supporting partners in relating across difference from a place of loving wholeness. Maybe you want to feel more connected, authentic, and loving toward your partner, or you may need to repair from breaches of trust. You may not have met your “inner children” yet and want to develop a trusting relationship with them. I hold space as a compassionate guide to walk that path with you. I'm here to witness, support, and make space for you and your partner to feel, share, and nurture all parts of yourselves, so that you can experience more of your own agency, authenticity, and wholeness.
I am a queer relationship therapist dedicated to supporting partners in relating across difference from a place of loving wholeness. Maybe you want to feel more connected, authentic, and loving toward your partner, or you may need to repair from breaches of trust. You may not have met your “inner children” yet and want to develop a trusting relationship with them. I hold space as a compassionate guide to walk that path with you. I'm here to witness, support, and make space for you and your partner to feel, share, and nurture all parts of yourselves, so that you can experience more of your own agency, authenticity, and wholeness.
Adele (Addie) Liechty Kogan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
I see clients virtually in California and Florida and in person in western Ma. People enter my therapy practice for all sorts of reasons. You may be at an impasse or a crossroads due to the loss of a relationship, a big life decision or general anxiety that you can no longer bear on your own. You may be suffering from the wounds of homophobia, transphobia, racism, white supremacy and patriarchy, on top of other traumas and early childhood wounds. Regardless, I seek to offer a safe space for you to access a deeper understanding of yourself and your underlying needs and motives, as well as a personal sense of freedom and empowerment.
I see clients virtually in California and Florida and in person in western Ma. People enter my therapy practice for all sorts of reasons. You may be at an impasse or a crossroads due to the loss of a relationship, a big life decision or general anxiety that you can no longer bear on your own. You may be suffering from the wounds of homophobia, transphobia, racism, white supremacy and patriarchy, on top of other traumas and early childhood wounds. Regardless, I seek to offer a safe space for you to access a deeper understanding of yourself and your underlying needs and motives, as well as a personal sense of freedom and empowerment.
Caitlin Finnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606 (Online Only)
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
Roz Katonah
Counselor, MA , LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601 (Online Only)
Our lives here on earth are a creative experience! At times, we need a place to rest and tend to our inner world. I view the therapeutic process as a brave space to access parts of ourselves that we want to grow and transform. My goal in working with you is to provide a supportive environment that will cultivate an increased awareness of your needs, self-compassion and understanding of who you are becoming.
Our lives here on earth are a creative experience! At times, we need a place to rest and tend to our inner world. I view the therapeutic process as a brave space to access parts of ourselves that we want to grow and transform. My goal in working with you is to provide a supportive environment that will cultivate an increased awareness of your needs, self-compassion and understanding of who you are becoming.
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Marcel Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609 (Online Only)
Therapy is most effective as a collaborative process in which your needs and desires for growth are prioritized. The foundation of my approach to therapy stems from the wholehearted belief that our bodyminds, those seemingly interminable knots of body and psyche, are orientated towards liberation. As much as we may desire freedom from those things that provoke suffering in our lives, we also desire the freedom to imagine new futures. I offer Psychotherapy via telehealth (over Zoom or phone) for anyone living in California and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy in person at my office in Sebastopol, CA.
Therapy is most effective as a collaborative process in which your needs and desires for growth are prioritized. The foundation of my approach to therapy stems from the wholehearted belief that our bodyminds, those seemingly interminable knots of body and psyche, are orientated towards liberation. As much as we may desire freedom from those things that provoke suffering in our lives, we also desire the freedom to imagine new futures. I offer Psychotherapy via telehealth (over Zoom or phone) for anyone living in California and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy in person at my office in Sebastopol, CA.
(Will) Se Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I offer holistic and depthful therapy that is both affirming and collaborative. My clients appreciate my gentleness, compassion & humor. My approach is de-stigmatizing and non-shaming, addressing & coming into contact with held stories and social narratives that may not match your current self or the self that wants to be. I hold an adaptive client centered framework utilizing trauma informed, social justice, somatic, parts work, & attachment based approaches. Sites of harm are often the sites of healing, in forming therapeutic relationship we can explore & come to know these sites and the unique offering &
I offer holistic and depthful therapy that is both affirming and collaborative. My clients appreciate my gentleness, compassion & humor. My approach is de-stigmatizing and non-shaming, addressing & coming into contact with held stories and social narratives that may not match your current self or the self that wants to be. I hold an adaptive client centered framework utilizing trauma informed, social justice, somatic, parts work, & attachment based approaches. Sites of harm are often the sites of healing, in forming therapeutic relationship we can explore & come to know these sites and the unique offering &
Frankie Bashan
Psychologist, PsyD, CST
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I believe that we all have the intrinsic ability to reach our full potential; that "self-actualization is growth-motivated rather than deficiency-motivated". It is our life experiences and toxic interactions with others that often prevent us from realizing this potential on our own.
Although I was trained psychodynamically, my approach is integrative and driven by the needs of the individual client. I practice in a warm, relational, and collaborative manner.
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, individual adults and couples. I help clients identify what is holding them back from effecting positive change. I help clients be more mindful and less fearful, thereby allowing them to attain more meaningful healthy relationships.
I believe that we all have the intrinsic ability to reach our full potential; that "self-actualization is growth-motivated rather than deficiency-motivated". It is our life experiences and toxic interactions with others that often prevent us from realizing this potential on our own.
Although I was trained psychodynamically, my approach is integrative and driven by the needs of the individual client. I practice in a warm, relational, and collaborative manner.
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, individual adults and couples. I help clients identify what is holding them back from effecting positive change. I help clients be more mindful and less fearful, thereby allowing them to attain more meaningful healthy relationships.
Cathy A Thompson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem.
I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem.
Dr. Meghan Tunson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612
People are often hesitant to try therapy because they feel it won't work or believe they should be able to handle difficult things on their own. If you're willing to try personal trainers, babysitters, house cleaners, and other services to better your life, doesn't your emotional happiness or the happiness of your family deserve the same focus? I believe that it absolutely does.
People are often hesitant to try therapy because they feel it won't work or believe they should be able to handle difficult things on their own. If you're willing to try personal trainers, babysitters, house cleaners, and other services to better your life, doesn't your emotional happiness or the happiness of your family deserve the same focus? I believe that it absolutely does.
Aaron Testard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
Do you feel lost, questioning who you are or where you're going with no easy answers? Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, we hit a bottom, or we just realize that something in us is different...or something must change. Such times of confusion and crisis are often the meeting point for our work together. They are also openings to self-discovery and real change. I listen deeply for what you want, develop a relationship of trust, and work WITH you to establish the clarity and direction you need.
Do you feel lost, questioning who you are or where you're going with no easy answers? Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, we hit a bottom, or we just realize that something in us is different...or something must change. Such times of confusion and crisis are often the meeting point for our work together. They are also openings to self-discovery and real change. I listen deeply for what you want, develop a relationship of trust, and work WITH you to establish the clarity and direction you need.
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.
Jaxx Alutalica
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94601
As a sex therapist, I specialize in topics surrounding BDSM and kink, sex work, polyamory, gender identity and queer issues. Whether you're inspired to explore new aspects of your gender or sexual identity, seeking to reignite intimacy, rekindle passion, entertain untapped desires, or reconnect with your deep felt sense of self, all of you is welcome in my office. We often find ourselves longing to seek more congruence in our lives, to weave together all the pieces of ourselves to step into our wisdom and grow our self expression. Learning to deepen the intimacy with yourself and others is the first step along a lifelong journey.
As a sex therapist, I specialize in topics surrounding BDSM and kink, sex work, polyamory, gender identity and queer issues. Whether you're inspired to explore new aspects of your gender or sexual identity, seeking to reignite intimacy, rekindle passion, entertain untapped desires, or reconnect with your deep felt sense of self, all of you is welcome in my office. We often find ourselves longing to seek more congruence in our lives, to weave together all the pieces of ourselves to step into our wisdom and grow our self expression. Learning to deepen the intimacy with yourself and others is the first step along a lifelong journey.
Dr. Adina M Ascher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94614 (Online Only)
I believe that the therapy process is a practice of paying attention to what is actually happening - it sounds simple, but this is actually a deeply profound and challenging stance to maintain towards life. The work we do in therapy involves bringing elements of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, how we relate to ourselves and to others, and how we move through the world, from the darkness of the unconscious into the light of consciousness where we can take a look at them. We do not have to struggle and toil in order to implement change in our lives.
I believe that the therapy process is a practice of paying attention to what is actually happening - it sounds simple, but this is actually a deeply profound and challenging stance to maintain towards life. The work we do in therapy involves bringing elements of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, how we relate to ourselves and to others, and how we move through the world, from the darkness of the unconscious into the light of consciousness where we can take a look at them. We do not have to struggle and toil in order to implement change in our lives.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Francisco
- San Leandro
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.