Find a Therapist in Alameda, CA

More and more, we often find ourselves facing really complex issues. And as we face these greater complexities, we often find it harder to have the deeper conversations. Struggles with feeling overwhelm or burden, career or relational complexities, or just exploring you self are a normal part of living, but sharing it with others can feel burdensome. In this space, I invite you into much deeper conversations. It is important to have a space to explore our past, the present challenges, and find healthy way forward. Therapy no longer is just about coping; it's about thriving. This space gives you a sanctuary to just be you; to heal, reimagine your sense of self, change what is desired, as well as transform and strengthen relationships. A deep understanding of lifes complexities and very unique challenges is crucial. Together we will call on your inner strengths, create new perspectives, and foster healing and growth.

Look, I know you’re here because you’re in hell, or you’re feeling alone, or afraid, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. It can be really lonely to be a woman or feminine being with a creative fire in their soul and to have no idea what you’re supposed to do with that, or where in the world all of you are welcome. It seems like no one gets it because no one talks about this stuff and everyone’s social media profiles display their 'apparently' blissful lives. To put it in a tiny little nutshell, my approach is humanist, integrative, and spiritually oriented. That means I am a completely real human with my clients, dorky jokes, snorty laughs, and all. I integrate a number of evidence-based approaches (like EMDR, KAP and Somatic Experiencing principles) and I draw on each aspect of my training intuitively in session, and I always hold my clients in warmth, genuine compassion, and non-judgment. I bring a feminist and social justice lens to the work. If you want to know more about spiritually oriented-therapy, check out my blog for more information. Self-love and self-compassion are highly emphasized in my practice. I always have oracle cards by my side in sessions as a way to help more visual clients get to the root of what is coming up in the session and in life, and I sometimes weave astrology into my strengths-based approach.

The Codependency Clinic is specifically designed for codependency recovery. We treat Adults Facing Codependency, Adult Children of Alcoholics, Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families, and Adults Raised by Borderlines and Adults Raised by Narcissists. All of our therapists are trained in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and The Pia Mellody Model. Our treatment plan is structured and individually specific. We offer individual therapy and intensive recovery retreats. Call or text me, I usually respond within an hour. "This therapy is markedly different than any type of therapy I've ever had before (P.H. San Francisco, CA)" "I feel so much happier [after this therapy]; I mean DEEP happiness. I don't feel alone, I feel proud of myself" (J.O. Oakland therapist & current client). "My life is immeasurably better now" (M.J. Sebastopol therapist & past client). Over 20% of our current clients are other therapists. Other therapists choose us because our treatment plans use state-of-the-art theories of psychology that make a difference in your life. We have room for you too. Check out our website!

Embody your truth. Embrace your passion. Follow your path. Working together to support your healing process and bring forward your own unique resiliency and self-expression. I use an experiential approach in counseling, where we follow the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and sensations that are occurring in the present moment as the window to explore deeper-held beliefs. Together, we find what is at the core of these beliefs and create new ways of understanding to bring forward an updated perspective that leads from your most authentic, empowered self. Through feeling ourselves, we can know ourselves, and through knowing ourselves, we have a greater capacity for self-acceptance and the empowerment to choose the life we want to live. Drawing from my training in the Hakomi Method of Mindful and Somatic Psychotherapy as well as psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, person-centered psychotherapy, and depth psychology, I use mindfulness, body-awareness, touch, movement, and dreamwork to help facilitate my client's process.

Looking for a new therapist can be quite daunting and time consuming, can't it? I understand how important and crucial it is to find a suitable match. I pride myself on creating a safe, supportive, and open environment for my patients. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a CADC-II (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) with over 17 years of professional experience in addiction and recovery, a Certified Specialist in Anger Management, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, anger, emotional disturbances, change of life transitions, chronic pain, relationship concerns, work burnout, personality disorders, intrainterpersonal issues, and general stressors. I utilize evidenced-based therapy including an inclusive and integrated humanistic model that tailors therapy specific to your needs. I believe that building a rapport is the most important aspect of the therapeutic connection between therapist and patient. I will meet you where you are at! If you are unsure of therapy, we will explore it together and I will assist you on your therapeutic journey! I use a humanistic and cognitive-behavioral model that puts the patient first and includes CBT, ACT, IPT, relapse prevention, anger management, and motivational interviewing. I am here to help you cope with whatever you are experiencing no matter how big or small! I have worked with an array of patients from adolescents to elderly to those in the foster care system, corrections and justice system, detox, residential and outpatient centers, private practice settings, and in-home care. I provide individual short-term and long-term psychotherapy, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Whether you are new to the therapy process or if you are in search of a new therapist, I am here to help guide you on this path! Providers in my office are allies of Racial-Justiced and LGBTQIA+ and also work with law enforcement, first responders, veterans, and medical professionals.

Whatever the changes you desire, they begin with experiencing the current moment without the distraction of self-judgement or self-criticism. For 30 years, I have cultivated ways to help my clients accept their current experience so they can move forward towards their best life. I am honored to witness the changes that are possible, and the wisdom and magic I see in people who learn to listen to their own best self! I look forward to accompanying you.

I think of therapy as like sanctuary - a place where there aren't distractions, where there is an opportunity to pay attention to what is important, in a spirit of kindness. Because of this, many individuals and couples find it to be enjoyable, and very relieving. Of course, since people do therapy to work on painful things, therapy itself isn't always easy. But at least things can be approached thoughtfully and skillfully, in a safe context, and this itself brings great benefits. I work to help you to settle in with yourself, so that you can relate to your life from the deepest, most genuine place possible. Together, we can consider how you relate to yourself and to others - after all, our relationships with ourselves and with others are central to the quality of our lives. I find that from this kind of conversation skillful responses to inner concerns and relationship difficulties arise. I am very experienced at helping people with relationship problems or lack of relationships, anxiety, sadness and depression, with patterns of self-criticism and difficulty relaxing, history of trauma, grief and loss.

Are you looking to... -Reduce suffering from anxiety, depression, excessive anger, or trauma? -Cope with illness, divorce, or loss? -Make positive changes? -Enhance performance in a career or school? -Improve, save, or end a relationship? -Get your life back from self-limiting thoughts and behaviors? -Connect better with a teen or help get a teen's life back on track? Or perhaps you wish to... -explore the many layers of your self? -better understand who you are, how you got here, and ways to grow in a more directed, intentional manner? If you are looking for someone to guide you in the therapy process who takes you seriously while being kind and compassionate, and who is skillful and experienced but down-to-earth and easy to talk to, then I may be the right therapist for you. I help my clients find new ways to cope with life's circumstances, reduce suffering, and develop healthier ways to relate to themselves and others. I support and guide clients so they can meet their individual human potentials. My stance is one of kindness, compassion, concern, and respect. I tailor my approach to each individual and her or his needs when we meet. I am truly honored to be able to sit in the therapy room with my clients, help them feel heard in a way people rarely are, and join them in an individualized therapeutic journey.

Are you beginning to think you have a problem with alcohol or other drugs? Are your friends and family members concerned? Have you experienced painful consequences due to drinking or drug use? You may be confused wondering which step to take next. Many people manage painful feelings by using drugs and alcohol; thinking about stopping can feel overwhelming. Others want to consider harm reduction before sobriety. Maybe you're in-recovery already and seeking a therapist knowledgeable about addictions. I'm a substance abuse specialist, as well as a licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I've worked with people struggling with alcohol and drug use and their friends and family members for over twenty-five years. It's painful to struggle with an addiction. It can cause isolation from loved ones, depression and anxiety. You need support to explore your thoughts and feelings in order to make informed decisions. I provide a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental space to help you explore what works best for you. I work interactively and collaboratively, I take into consideration the past as it effects the present. I tailor my work to your needs, together we'll explore your life at your pace. I believe each person has the capacity for growth and healing and I have respect and compassion for all the difficult places we find ourselves in.

Hello and welcome! I'm genuinely excited to share my passion for therapy with you, especially in helping adult children of immigrants navigate the intricate challenges of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. My journey into this field is deeply rooted in both my personal and professional experiences, which have equipped me with a rich understanding of the unique challenges that individuals living between cultures often face. Growing up, I experienced firsthand the delicate dance between cultural expectations and personal aspirations, and this background fuels my empathy and insight—valuable assets I bring to our therapeutic relationship. My mission is clear: to help you uncover your most authentic self, establish healthy boundaries, and fully embrace the transformative power of self-care. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone possesses the potential to thrive, and I'm here to support you on your journey towards a more fulfilling life. In our sessions, I'll utilize trauma-informed, evidence-based techniques aimed at inspiring meaningful change in your life. Recognizing that past experiences—be they significant or subtle—can significantly shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is crucial. That's why I focus on creating a warm, nurturing environment where you can express your feelings and thoughts freely, without judgment. Together, we will work to shift the thinking and behavior patterns that may be holding you back from realizing your best self. I have a special passion for assisting clients who feel stuck—whether in their careers, relationships, or simply due to a sense of dissatisfaction. I firmly believe that change is always within reach. We will work together to identify and overcome obstacles, setting practical and achievable goals. I will be by your side, providing guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the process, with a focus on compassion, warmth, and open-mindedness. I see therapy as a collaborative journey and am genuinely eager to hear your story and appreciate your unique perspective. You will feel listened to and validated, and I remain open to exploring new ideas and techniques that may enhance your experience. Your voice is not just welcomed; it’s essential to our work together. Self-care and boundary-setting are vital components of our focus. For many adult children of immigrants, prioritizing personal needs can feel overwhelming due to cultural conditioning. I’m here to help you redefine self-care as an indispensable part of your well-being. Together, we will explore practical ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine and discuss the importance of setting healthy boundaries and saying no respectfully. Ultimately, my goal is to empower you to take charge of your life and celebrate your individuality. I cherish the diverse experiences and backgrounds you bring to therapy, and it is a true privilege to be part of your journey towards healing and self-discovery. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my approach. If you believe we could be a good fit, I would be delighted to hear from you and discuss how we can collaborate to achieve your goals. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

My primary goal as a psychologist is to provide guidance and resources for people who are struggling. Someone can be having trouble with a small part of their life, or a specific problem, or they can be having a hard time dealing with life in general. Getting help can be the first step in making sense of life, and the first step towards living a healthier life. As a clinician, I want to help people develop practical skills to deal with life and problems, skills that are in line with the values that they want to live. There is no perfect solution, and no one-size-fits all treatment, so I borrow from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential-Humanistic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Gestalt therapy to help clients along that path, based on what they need. I find it important to look past pathology, and labels, to treat the person who is suffering. If I can understand the source of a person's pain, or multiple sources, whether it be childhood trauma, a struggle to find meaning in life, or even difficulty making friends, I can help potential clients find solutions Therapy is an exploratory process. I have a number of roadmaps, and my goal is to help folks find the one that works best for them to make sense of the world they are living in. If you want to feel better, if you want to live a healthier life, my goal is to help you reach those destinations.

It may be hard to believe, but our most troubling habits and patterns began as strategies that once helped us deal with challenging or even dangerous circumstances. The difficulties that feel burdensome to you now—rumination, self-defeating behaviors, problematic relationship dynamics, stubborn emotional cycles—actually helped you survive in the past. And because they helped you survive, it takes more than just understanding and willpower to unravel them—it takes deeper work that engages the body as well as the mind. I work well with problem-solvers and high performers who are struggling with habits, patterns, or relationship issues that they can’t resolve on their own. I’m skilled at working with anxiety and traumaPTSDCPTSD, as well as life transitions, grief and loss, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I also have experience working with neurodivergent clients, like people with ADHD or who are HSPs, gifted, or autistic with low support needs. I’m an integrative therapist, so I weave together multiple modalities into an approach that can be tailored to your needs and goals. I take a holistic view, which means I attend to all aspects of your well-being, including mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. I also look at your context, cultural background, and relationship with systemic power, all of which have tremendous bearing on your health. Your struggles may be distressing or exhausting, but they can make sense, and together we can find your way through them. I've been a trusted listener my entire life. Therapy can be a transformative experience, and helping folks make changes in their lives and tap into their healing potential is incredibly rewarding. My style is warm, conversational, and collaborative, and I’m here to support your growth and healing with active engagement, curiosity, and expertise. I bring a high level of integrity and conscientiousness to my work, as well as a bit of humor. I invite you to get in touch for a 20-minute free consultation to see if we might be a good fit!