Therapists in Castro Valley, CA

My name is Michelle Charness-Adams, and I have my LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), as well as a PsyD (doctorate in clinical psychology) and my JD in law. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to live their best life and that therapy can help you achieve this in a nurturing, empathic, and caring environment. I strive to aid clients in their journey toward self-awareness, acceptance, and self-love in an environment based on trust, safety, and validation.

Without meaning and the chance to therapeutically practice new insights and behaviors, we may suffer unnecessarily during times of high stress, trauma, or in daily life. Feelings may become an overwhelming flood of dread, sorrow or numbness; thinking becomes confused, panicky, and self-critical; joy, spontaneity and self-trust may feel lost. Together we can make good use of your strengths, symptoms and external challenges. Through exploring and deepening our understanding and trust in your own inner world, dignity and liveliness may be restored even under the most challenging or enduring of circumstances, illnesses or problems.

Do you feel like you're doing everything you're supposed to do, but feeling constantly stressed, overwhelmed, or helpless? Are you stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns? Are you living in your head so much that it’s getting in the way of your relationships, health, or work? Are you constantly busy yet feel unfulfilled, like the ‘go’ button is stuck in the on position? Maybe this is you, or maybe this is your partner. I’ve worked with lots of clients like this — working through trauma, identity issues, anxiety, and stress to live a healthier, more meaningful life.

I have always been curious about what causes suffering, how we find meaning, and how we can heal and grow. I specialize in working with clients seeking assistance with negative self-talk, anxiety, relationship issues, post-traumatic stress, and navigating the complexities of breakups. Additionally, I work with couples on issues such as high conflict, communication, separation, and divorce. I offer a compassionate space to heal, reflect, grow, and rebuild.

You may be here because you have tried many methods of healing but find that there are places that you have not yet been able to reach. Perhaps these are places of complex grief, trauma or gender and sexuality. You may have tried psychedelics or other consciousness expanding methods and want help integrating your experiences, or are looking to try Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to help with your healing. All of these things are my specialties and passions.

I have extensive experience working with adults and children as young as 3. I specialize in helping children other therapists describe as "difficult to treat," including children who are traumatized, emotionally unregulated, physically aggressive, or have difficulty connecting with adults and caregivers. I will work with your child whose needs have not been met in schools or by other therapists. I help children through play, physical movement, games, art, and words. I help overwhelmed parents with sound psychological guidance. I have fourteen years' experience and I teach and train other therapists.

I believe patients come to us because they feel grief, anxiety, depression and traumatized or alienated from themselves and others. The suffering you experience comes in many forms and you do not always have the words to say what you feel. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents whom have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, ADHD, chronic somatic pains and/or are experiencing grief and loss. I also work with couples and families. I have a specialization in expressive arts therapy and sandtray for those who may have difficulty expressing their feelings, memories and experiences through verbal means.

I specialize in treating those with various mental disorders and behavioral issues to include: ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders. I utilize detailed Psychological Assessment, and empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am certified as a DBT practitioner and a life coach. Lastly, I integrate a holistic mindset into my practice, where emphasis is placed on gut/brain health, sleep quality, lifestyle, and diet.

Maria Curameng Teresi is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist, and has worked in mental health and behavioral health since 2004. She works with people who have been abused and experienced different types of trauma. She helps her clients reduce the effects of trauma including anxiety, depression, stress, starting and completing tasks, and struggles with relationships, with career goals, with life changes and with managing mood changes. She supports her clients to reach their life goals and live their lives in healthy, productive and effective ways that is unique to her individual clients.

Sometimes life can present challenges and we need someone to accompany us on that journey. I am a strength based licensed marriage and family therapist. I have experience in providing mental health services to adolescents and adults. My experience includes treating trauma, psychoses, depression, and anxiety. I implement an eclectic approach while providing a safe environment in order to work towards exploration, understanding, and healing. I assist my clients with navigating through difficulties and hardships.

I am passionate about therapy that produces lasting, inner healing! I use a combination of several psychological theories, depending on what will best meet my client's needs, including ImTT and EMDR, to help clients experience healing and change in the places where their pain originated. This not only creates symptom reduction and/or extinction but also produces an outcome of inner peace, joy and freedom, putting an end to trying harder, pretending or "white-knuckling" through. I love this work and look forward to connecting with you in your journey toward emotional wholeness!

I specialize in supporting children and adults who have experienced childhood trauma, other trauma, foster care, and adoption; as well as parents of children with these experiences. I have been working with children and adults for over 15 years both as a social worker and LCSW. Being a foster and adoptive mom as well, I have both personal and professional experience with childhood trauma, foster care, and adoption.

There are so many different reasons to seek therapy and it is my job to get you to where you want to get, as quickly as possible. I am a down to earth, experienced therapist. I use scientifically proven approaches, based on the needs and preferences of my patients. I focus on building strong relationships and providing a space where we can develop and implement a plan to make meaningful change happen. I have over 15 years of experience working in this field and feel very passionate about this work.

Are you feeling lonely, sad, anxious, or depressed? Are you in need of help with a relationship, medical problem, or struggling with mood swings? Are you experiencing trauma, grief, and/or need support with personal growth or family issues? I can help. I am compassionate, experienced, and love what I do. I am frequently asked why I smile so much and the answer is simple...I get to know and work with the most wonderful people.

With over 21 years of experience with crisis intervention, interpersonal violence, trauma, grief, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through work as a Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Counselor, Crime Victim’s Advocate within the criminal court system, a Director of a sexual assault and violence prevention program on a college campus, and primary therapist at an outpatient eating disorder treatment center, I am skilled at creating a safe space for clients. I see clients who need support in various stages of life, who are experiencing difficult situations and transitions.