Carson Oberst
Life is a continual process of establishing and reestablishing various identities for ourselves, and sometimes that gets messy or confusing. Sometimes the ways we think and behave become incongruent with what we want and value. Sometimes we have a hard time knowing what we want and value. Sometimes external events or unforeseen challenges disrupt what we envisioned for ourselves and the future. It can feel tricky to navigate issues of identity development, change, grief, loss, anxiety, decision-making, relationship stress, disillusionment, and life transitions alone. But that's what therapy is for. Therapy with me is an opportunity for you to get to know and understand yourself on a level that you have not experienced before. In a safe therapeutic relationship, we can begin to understand how historic and present experiences and relationships have shaped your sense of self and patterns of operating in the world. This insight empowers mindful change.
Therapy with me is an opportunity for you to get to know and understand yourself on a level that you may not have experienced before. Equipped with this level of personal insight, knowing yourself makes it a lot easier to change yourself.
First session
The first session of therapy with me is often pretty introductory. I explain how therapy works, some guidelines and expectations, and then take some time to get to know you and your context better. We won't dive super deeply into your presenting concern in session one, as my goal for this session is to learn more about the world in which you live and operate. I will of course, however, be asking you what you hope to get out of therapy and what you envision us working on together.
Strengths
I have extensive experience helping clients navigating a range of concerns (anxiety, depression, transition, identity development, grief, relationship issues, self esteem, trauma, and many more) and hold particular skill in supporting LGBTQ+ clients across the lifespan with concerns relating to sexuality, gender identity, and relationships. Let's connect and begin exploring how I can support you in your process of healing, self-discovery, and growth.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is coming to therapy with intent to better understand themselves, their mental health, and craft a plan for how they want to improve their experience and live more fully. I hold particular specialty in supporting LGBTQ+ clients and LGBTQ+ relationships; college students, graduate students, and young professionals; adults and working professionals. It's great when a client recognizes that therapy is as much what happens in the room as what happens outside of it. Take what we unpack and discover together about you and see how you can begin implementing it in your day to day life.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
This is especially useful for folks presenting to therapy wanting to better understand how they show up in their relationships, especially romantic relationships; what triggers you within your relationship and where does stress or conflict arise.
Gender-affirming therapy
I have 4+ years from previous work experience providing assessment for clients pursuing medical intervention related to their gender identity. I also support folks navigating their gender identity development.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
This is also useful for folks presenting with difficulties in their romantic relationships. It helps clients understand their underlying needs, values, and wounds that impact how they show up in their relationships.
Narrative
Together we can understand the story you've written for yourself and how you want to re-author it.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 132923