Therapists in Oakland, CA

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.

When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.

I offer expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates cultural factors as appropriate. I was raised in an inner-city, urban area, and I carry a high level of understanding for individuals that come from marginalized environments like myself. I also specialize in professional and work stress. I have been a business owner, philanthropist, and investor for almost 30 years. I have experience with high output career stress and how it can affect us.

I am a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience. I have had the privilege of working with many children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who are dealing with a multitude of issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, problem behaviors, substance abuse, co-dependency). I incorporate mindfulness, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques to help facilitate change and bring about relief from painful emotions and from feeling stuck. I believe in honoring what you are already doing right and will collaboratively explore options and tools that will bring about growth and healing.

As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I base my approach from the relational work of Psychodynamic Therapy and integrate forms of Attachment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness Practices, Parts Work, Addiction and Trauma work - all based in Social Justice. I fully believe that every individual has the power and strength they need to actualize the changes they want, and can shift the old and new narratives of established stories and patterns of their daily lives.

For years, clients have responded well to my approach, as I have lived experience in overcoming complex trauma. I truly understand and offer something many clinicians cannot - authentic insights and support strategies that actually work. I provide a judgment-free, compassionate space. I have worked in the mental health arena for my entire adult life. I worked and studied in several Latin American countries but call the Bay Area home. I have an extensive background supporting adolescents, adults and families experiencing anxiety and depression, survivors of trauma including complex trauma, as well as individuals battling addiction.

I specialize in an integrative therapeutic approach that combines CBT, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Psychodynamic Theory. This blend is designed to help you uncover and align with your deepest values, improve self-confidence, reduce stress and suffering, and to find more richness and meaning in your life. I'm here to be in your corner, as an ally and as a guide. Additionally, as a powerful supplement for adults, I am partnered with Journey Clinical to offer legal, safe Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy that can be experienced in the comfort of my office or your home.

Are you an emerging professional experiencing anxiety, relationship distress, or dissociation? Are you often hypervigilant, insecure or disconnected from your body? Do you feel you can't trust yourself? Are you aware of self-defeating behaviors, but can't seem to change them? You may have had a "late-in-life" diagnosis, realized your gender or even childhood weren’t what you thought they were. You may have had a recent breakup, job change, newborn or Saturn Return. Wherever you’re at, you want long-lasting change and a Right-Fit Therapist. Someone who is not only Neurodivergent-affirming, but who is Neurodivergent themself.

Hi there, I'm Julia Ruffolo and I am an LCSW, licensed in both California and Nevada. I take a client centered approach when working with clients. I meet the client where they are at and truly believe that we are on this journey together. My background is in drug and alcohol addiction in addition to sex/porn/love addiction and mental health issues.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, with a concentration on Children, Youth, and Families I believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires non-judgmental caring I assist client’s in recognizing their strengths and helping them realize their potential to live happy and fulfilling lives I provide an environment of compassion, empathy, and support to help individuals overcome their obstacles.

You have lost so much in your life, but your biggest loss has been your sense of self. Early on, you learned that it wasn’t safe to be who you are, or be in your skin or your body. So you run away from yourself and become an overachiever in work and in relationships. This hustling for worthiness has left you feeling abandoned and exhausted. You want to trust. You want to heal. You want to be able to dive deep into the beauty of life and laughter that you know is around you. Without knowing yourself, what your heart sounds and feels like - how will you build satisfying relationships and create a life that truly fills you up?

We all want to be understood, accepted and loved; this can only happen through honest communication. Making the decision to seek help for you or your family can be part of that communication. I provide a safe space to explore, discuss and process important issues that affect the lives of you and your family members. I have an eclectic approach to providing psychotherapy. As one size does not fit all, therapy cannot be approached in the same way for everyone. It must be tailored to the specific needs, issues and problems that each person uniquely presents.

Hi there! I’m Jeff. Do you feel stuck or unable to reach your potential in your relationships, career, or overall health? Is it hard to accept yourself or others? Are you struggling to communicate with the people you care most about? You deserve support!

I have many years of experience in dealing with anxiety, depression, loss, life transitions, addictions of all types, and relationship and identity issues. I think my strength is that I approach people on a very human level, with respect, caring and humor. I feel "we are all in the same boat" (including me) and that we all need someone to take us seriously, listen carefully and know how hard it is to be vulnerable to a 'stranger'. I will do my very best to help you create the life you want. I have lost a child, so I have a special sensitivity to grieving parents and their challenges.

I believe the key to change lies in cultivating a safe, strong therapeutic relationship. Through a developmental lens, I aim to understand each person’s history and how their unique story informs current challenges. I feel passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and utilize a culturally-informed approach when understanding life experiences and associated thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In conjunction with this psychodynamic, relationally-driven approach, I help clients identify a clear presenting concern, develop goals, and integrate the appropriate evidence-based practice tailored to their specific needs.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde. Individuals seeking to examine and change patterns that harm themselves and inhibit healthy interactions with their community and the greater world around them will benefit from our therapy sessions. Those looking to relieve anxiety, alleviate depression, mend interpersonal relationships, and learn to sit with challenging emotions will find here a safe and supportive environment.

I work particularly well with both men and women with emotional and life issues, childhood trauma, and gay and straight couples with communication and other difficulties. I help individuals with serious mental illness make positive changes in their lives,and work with their families. I work with addictions and the intersection with emotional issues, particularly using 12-step programs.

As an Asian female therapist, I deeply understand the challenges and opportunities that come with a bi-cultural upbringing. Every individual possesses the innate desire to grow as well as the capacity to heal from traumas and painful life events. I am here to guide you through difficult life transitions and improve your relationships. I will help you approach life with fresh perspectives and more effective strategies. I have more than a decade of therapy experience with clients of all ages struggling with issues such as depression and anxiety, trauma, addiction, grief and loss, and unhealthy relationships.

My clients are NeuroDivergent individuals or their families and supports whose experience of the world is overwhelming. They are in need of hope, encouragement and direction in order to feel whole and valued. Their overwhelm has led to frustration and uncertainty over possibilities, and what to do next. They arrive, feeling unsafe in their environments, unable to communicate so they are understood, and unappreciated for who they truly are. By establishing a safe relationship and working environment we create the tools necessary to be heard, seen and appreciated. These are the missing cornerstones of their growth and expansion.