Child Therapists in Oakland, CA

Is your child struggling at school? Are you struggling at work? Perhaps a learning disability or ADHD are to blame? As a school psychologist in the public schools since 2011, I have extensive experience conducting psycho-educational assessments to identify impediments to learning. I can also screen for Irlen syndrome, a visual perceptual difficulty that can make reading hard. If your child is struggling emotionally, I offer play therapy, talk therapy, and art therapy, depending on age and inclination. For parents, I offer practical advice combined with an understanding of the special education process.

I specialize in working with parents, families, and youth ages 7-25. My work can support an assortment of childhood issues, including: somatic complaints (stomach aches, headaches, etc.), behavioral issues (defiance, aggression, inattention), neurodivergent issues (autism, ADHD, sensory processing), problems with friendships, attachment issues, separation anxiety, depression, excessive worrying, or panic attacks. Childhood can be a magical, joyful time, but it can also bring a host of issues, unique to each child or family.

Everyone needs a safe space to reflect, release, reset, and rest. Are you having trouble understanding your mood, thoughts or emotions? Do you lie in bed late at night with thoughts that will not shut off? Are your emotions or thoughts hindering your relationships or professional life? Do you feel your life is not balanced due to the constant pressure to over perform? Do you find yourself neglecting your relationships with your spouse, children or close loved ones? We all need someone we can trust to walk us through the process of understanding and exploring ways to heal, cope and grow into our most authentic self.

We have been living through challenging times and in my work I have witnessed increased anxiety and depression in children, teens and adults of all ages. Family life and raising children is challenging in the best of times. For many, it is an important time for self-care and to increase our support systems for ourselves and our loved ones. I have over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist and I specialize in supporting school aged children, teens and families in addressing a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, loss, family transitions, and peer/family relationships.

I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives. Please don't hesitate to call for help.

Are you looking for help, guidance or support as a parent, adolescent, adult, or couple? Do you feel out of tune with your friends or family? Overwhelmed with demands? Or stuck in relational or behavioral patterns? Therapy can open you to new perspectives. As your therapist, I can help you widen your view, find your competence and reconnect with yourself, so you feel up to life’s challenges. I will be a curious and empathic listener and provide a secure, contained space to explore.

Are you struggling with behaviors that you know are not good for you? Are you worried and depressed about your life and your relationships? Let me help you sort out your thoughts and feelings and help you get back on track. I also love seeing couples and families. You may bring significant others to your therapy if you wish, to help focus you in your relationship goals.

Psychotherapy is a uniquely effective way to address and process deeply rooted issues that manifest in ways that are painful, confusing, and make people feel out of control. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in individual therapy, using a collaborative approach that centers on empathy, understanding, and exploration. My orientation is predominantly psychodynamic, and I tailor my approach to each individual to address unique circumstances and complexities. I strive to create a safe, warm, and validating environment that enables people to share and be vulnerable without fear of judgment.

I am a father of three children with an appreciation for multiculturalism, I strive to include in my practice social justice and anti racism. I believe that the mental health challenges we experience, typically, do not exist on a vacuum and are often tied to the context in which we live. I am also a veteran with particular fondness for marginalized communities.

My goal is to help clients achieve success while going through struggles and life challenges. I have experience treating children, adolescents, couples and families who are affected by domestic violence, drugs and alcohol abuse. I also work with individuals who have anxiety, depression and mood disorders. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as my primary form of treatment. However, I provide various modalities. I offer a safe and non-judgmental environment to help clients cope or change behaviors that will benefit them on moving forward.

Whether you are going through some difficult life transitions, struggling with stress, feelings of loneliness, are in a process of recovery and/or have experienced significant trauma, my therapy approach will support you in unpacking difficult emotions to restore a sense a safety and a deeper connection to yourself, others and the world. I am passionate about empowering you to understand and speak your feelings. I work really well with adults in relationship & life-transitions; teens & parents in need of a repaired relationship, and with children who’ve experienced trauma, struggle with big behaviors and/or feelings & their parents.

My history has enabled me to understand and support people with complex backgrounds. I come from a multi-cultural blended family whose individuals differed tremendously. At a young age I recognized the complexity of human identity as I tried to navigate being part of two cultures when I became an immigrant at the age of 14. Now as a therapist, I have gained knowledge and experience to support children and families in learning how to understand and communicate with one another, as well as individuals and couples going through difficult life stages. I hope to be part of your journey of growth and wellness.

There is not a one size fits all when it comes to those with unique needs. Throughout my life, I have worked with many ' that bring a distinctive blueprint. I lead with my spirituality, ears, heart, and eyes. What drives me is my compassion, zeal, unconditional love for others, patience, and helping bridge the gap for our future generations. I specialize in working with children, youth, and families that have been confronted with PTSD, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, divorce, grievance, substance abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, spirituality, behavioral challenges, and individuals with disabilities. I

I am passionate about supporting children, adults and families to improve their communication, emotional connections and self-esteem. My approach is warm, interactive and strength-based. I have experience working with children and adults going through divorce, traumatic experiences, conflicts, challenges with self-regulation, as well as parenting difficulties and behavioral problems. I support my clients through life transitions, the process of acculturation and belonging, anxiety, depression or seeking any type of emotional healing from current or past experiences.

I believe every person and family is unique and there are many ways to raise a healthy child. I want to honor the strengths within you and your family and offer the tools and support to help your child and family thrive. Through a trauma-informed lens, I work extensively with youth, parents, and families on life transitions, healthy communication, and processing/ healing from grief or abuse.

Feeling understood, feeling helped, and feeling supported are at the core of psychotherapy. Therapy can help when life’s challenges become too much to approach alone. Together, we can explore and understand difficult issues you are experiencing. Some common therapy goals are to understand important relationships, alleviate anxiety and depression, work through life transitions and losses, deepen self-understanding, and unlock troubling stuckness. In a safe setting with warmth and engagement, I provide an opportunity to gently move through what is bothering you most.

I love my work! My expertise lies in repairing relationships. I'm a certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) therapist through ICCEFT. EFT offers an ideal approach for working with couples, individuals, and families alike. Additionally, my practice is enriched by the invaluable insights from the Gottman Institute, where I have achieved Level 3 training. My clinical journey includes comprehensive training from UCSF's Infant-Parent Program in San Francisco, along with The Psychotherapy Institute, and The Women's Therapy Center, both in Berkeley.

My approach is relational, healing-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative. I support parents, caregivers, and families to find their inner strengths and nurture their relationships with their children. I specialize in helping the parent-child dyad through attachment theory, empathy, and connecting communication. I aim to provide therapy based on the cultural and diverse needs of individuals, parents, families, and children. I am committed to providing emotional support and creating a safe environment where parents, families, and children can better understand themselves.

I work with individuals, adults and children, who are struggling with relationships, hoping to make peace with overwhelming trauma histories, or seeking support to cope with difficult life transitions. Many of my clients come to therapy with feelings of lostness in regard to work, social life, love, and connection to passionate pursuits, looking to find clearer direction and purpose in their life.