Optum Therapists in California

Welcome, I’m Sam Moglen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing therapy for individuals throughout California and Florida via online sessions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more at ease in your daily life. My approach is warm, collaborative, and attuned to your nervous system. I integrate EMDR, somatic therapy, and nervous system-based approaches to help you process difficult experiences and shift patterns that no longer serve you. Rather than just talking about problems, we’ll gently work with both your thoughts and your body’s responses so you can experience lasting change, not just temporary relief.

My focus is to provide support and guidance. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy (ages 5+) using a client-centered approach. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), etc. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I provide a client-centered approach with motivational interviewing. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches.

Welcome to my professional practice focused on providing emotional support. Navigating the complexities of life can be challenging, and seeking assistance is a testament to personal strength. As a licensed therapist, I specialize in working with couples, families, and individuals, addressing psychological issues such as emotional distress and relational dynamics. I offer both Christian counseling and secular therapeutic modalities, creating a secure environment for clients to express their emotions and foster healthier interpersonal connections. My methodology is rooted in evidence-based practices aimed at managing anxiety, facilitating life transitions, and processing past traumas. Together, we will work on enhancing self-awareness and implementing strategies for positive behavioral change, ultimately paving the way for a more satisfying and enriched life experience. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!

As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to help adults navigate life's complexities. With expertise in mental health and a commitment to fostering positive change, I specialize in addressing issues such as stress, relationships, and self-discovery. My therapeutic toolkit includes evidence-based modalities tailored to your unique needs. In my practice, I incorporate animal-assisted therapy as a unique and supportive element of the healing process. Whether it’s the calming presence of a therapy dog during sessions or structured therapeutic activities involving animals, I’ve found that the bond between humans and animals can open up powerful pathways for trust, regulation, and emotional connection. Animals can offer a grounding presence for clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I love seeing the ways they help people feel more comfortable, understood, and at ease.

Hello I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in the field of Social Work for over 30 years. I have worked with many different people from a variety of cultures. I have helped both children, adolescents and adults with various concerns from criminal behaviors, addiction, and serious mental illness. I have helped people change their behavior and thinking so they can reach their potential, achieve their goals and heal emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.

Hi, I’m Maureshia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I work with young professionals and diverse populations, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, navigating anxiety, depression, career transitions, work-life balance, and identity exploration. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented, focused on creating a safe space where you can gain insight, build practical skills, and move forward with confidence and clarity.

Starting therapy can feel empowering, confusing, or even intimidating—and it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the courage it takes to take this first step toward caring for your mental health. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where you can explore challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-care, and more. My goal is to help you strengthen communication and boundaries with yourself and others so that you can improve your quality of life and move toward the future you envision. Therapy is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s also about personal growth. Together, we’ll clarify your goals and identify strategies to help you move toward them, whether that means change over the next month, six months, or a year. You’ll leave our sessions with practical insights and “next steps” you can put into action right away. I believe life’s purpose isn’t simply to be happy, but to find meaning—and within that meaning, joy emerges. While the journey isn’t always easy, it can be transformative. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addictions Professional, Internationally Certified Drug Counselor, and Behavior Analyst. I take a strength-based approach, helping you use your unique abilities to address challenges. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to empower you in creating lasting change. Most importantly, I bring a relaxed, compassionate, and trustworthy presence, fostering a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe and supported.

I first and foremost adapt my style of therapy to meet your needs. We work together to identify what best supports you toward your goals or areas of focus in therapy. Some clients progress through insight and understanding about an issue while others progress through tangible present-moment skills and tools, all of which I can provide support you with. I also feel that Identity (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc) plays an important role about how we experience the world and how the world views us and I incorporate this into therapy. I see therapy as an equal and collaborative effort between us. I offer a broad range of personal experiences and clinical background to therapy. I enjoy working with people of color and I identify strongly with them. I have extensive experience working with couples, mixed race individuals, inter-racial relationships, the LGBTQQI community, and athletes. I believe I have a great feel for supporting you to be comfortable entering into therapy. Finding a balance of acceptance of you and where you are at in your life while also supporting you with the change you want to make. I offer inquisitive questions to inspire critical thought with tangible actions and tools that you can use.

Choosing a therapist can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to understand what therapy actually involves. At its core, therapy is a unique relationship built on trust, safety, and genuine human connection. My first priority is creating a non‑shaming, supportive environment where you feel understood and comfortable sharing your story. I primarily work with individuals at this time and accept a limited number of couples when appropriate. My approach is experiential and attachment‑based, meaning we explore emotions, patterns, and relationships in a way that helps you make sense of what you’re feeling and move toward meaningful change. You can expect empathy, authenticity, and a collaborative process where your goals guide our work. I’m especially effective with adolescents, young adults, people navigating high‑stress careers in tech or business, active-duty service members, veterans, and anyone seeking clarity, emotional grounding, or healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Clients often describe me as caring, steady, and deeply invested in their wellbeing. If what you’ve read resonates, I’d be glad to connect and explore whether we’re a good fit. Sincerely, Michael Durrigan, LMFT (131635)

Hi, I'm glad you're here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I have well over 25 years of experience working with individuals of diverse ethnic and socio-economical backgrounds that have been involved in the foster care and legal system. I have had the honor to walk along side my clients as they navigate life with all its' twists and turns. I am bilingual and bicultural and ready to walk along side you as you find your resolve to walk on your own.

I am a licensed clinical social worker serving clients in Maryland, Washington DC, Michigan, and California, with over 17 years of education and professional experience. Having lived and worked in several regions of the country, I bring clinical experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to caring for the whole person. My counseling is clinically informed, gospel-centered, and Bible-based. Christian faith is not an add-on to my work; it is the foundation that shapes how I understand people, suffering, relationships, healing, and hope. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, parenting, pregnancy, postpartum, and women’s issues, and with couples working through conflict, communication, and trust. You do not have to have everything figured out to begin. My desire is to create a space marked by care, honesty, and careful listening as we look together at your story, your patterns, your pain, and your hopes.

If you’re here, you’re likely carrying more than you show. I specialize in helping adolescents and adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by life’s transitions—including postpartum shifts, depression, relationship pain, and betrayal trauma. My approach is warm, grounded, and real. I focus on creating a space where you can finally exhale, process what’s been heavy, and reconnect to your own strength and clarity. With experience in hospitals, criminal justice settings, and outpatient clinics, I’ve supported people through some of the hardest chapters of their lives. Those experiences shaped the therapist I am today—one who listens deeply, meets you where you are, and walks beside you as you rebuild, heal, and move forward with confidence.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles County, California, offering Telehealth services to clients statewide. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I have almost 30 years of professional experience in various social work roles, including child protection and child and family therapy. I specialize in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, and depression, and I approach every individual with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. I customize our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Taking the first step toward therapy can be challenging, and it’s an accomplishment to be proud of!

What I’m most passionate about is helping people become free—free from old trauma, unhealthy conditioning, and patterns that no longer serve them. My work is about guiding you back to a clear, whole sense of self where you feel alive, engaged, and able to face life’s challenges with humor, spirit, and trust in yourself and your path. My therapy style is warm, grounded, and deeply exploratory. I help clients look beneath the surface of their struggles to uncover the root causes, bringing a holistic perspective and a practical toolbox to open new pathways toward clarity, understanding, and real change.

Hi! My name is Rita Diaz and I obtained my master's degree at the University of La Verne. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I do my best to assist my clients understand their behaviors and how their life has affected them. I understand the challenges we face as first-generation adults, acculturating, adapting, learning and looking to fit in.

I am a Latinx bilingual Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained in EMDR and is passionate about helping adults and adolescents cultivate a more fulfilling life and satisfying relationships. My work centers on helping individuals recover from the symptoms and emotional pain caused by challenging life events. I practice from a compassionate and direct approach, and utilize diverse interventions to meet your specific needs toward healing and adopting greater self-acceptance.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California and hold a Master of Social Work degree from the University at Albany, State University of New York . I have an extensive background in community and school-based mental health and over the course of my career have served adults, adolescents and families with diverse backgrounds and life experiences in a variety of settings. I believe very strongly in each person’s capacity for growth and change and strive to find ways to help people live with greater meaning, satisfaction, and choice.

If you're in your 40s or 50s and feel like you no longer recognize yourself, you're not imagining it. Anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere, a shorter fuse, brain fog, poor sleep, low mood, and feeling like you've lost your spark are all common in perimenopause and menopause. Too often, women are told it's "just stress" or that they should push through. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience and a Certified Menopause Coach. I specialize in working with women in midlife who are navigating the emotional and mental health side of this transition, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms that often surface or intensify during these years. In our work together, you'll have a space where your experience is taken seriously. I'll help you understand what's happening, build practical tools for managing mood, stress, and focus, and reconnect with who you are and what you want from this next chapter. I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches and tailor them to you. Midlife can be more than something to get through. With the right support, it can be a time of clarity, confidence, and renewal. I'd be honored to help you thrive in it.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 23 years of experience helping individuals, children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in trauma treatment, with advanced training in working with survivors of sexual abuse, human sexuality concerns, LGBTQ+ individuals, and youth who have engaged in problematic sexual behaviors. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, grief and loss, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, identity exploration, and life transitions. I have extensive experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, including concerns related to identity development, coming out, family relationships, minority stress, and navigating affirming relationships. I also have significant experience supporting women through postpartum depression, perinatal mental health concerns, pregnancy loss, and other major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, and art therapy. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and affirming environment where clients can heal, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. I am certified in TF-CBT, Seeking Safety, and CANS, Play, and have additional training in trauma-informed care and evidence-based trauma treatment. Whether you’re working through trauma, navigating a major life transition, struggling with anxiety or depression, exploring identity concerns, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships, I am committed to helping you feel supported, empowered, and capable of creating meaningful change. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

Hello! My name is Lorena and I am a bilingual, Spanish speaking therapist. I help adult clients feel empowered to set healthy and necessary boundaries, feel confident to use their voices through healthy communication skills, and overcome anxious thought patterns. I feel especially passionate about working with women who may need support navigating family or relationship conflict, facing new life transitions, processing past trauma and healing inner-child wounds. My clinical experience also includes supporting those feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and stress, and those new to therapy who are looking for a safe compassionate space to talk.

Hi there, and welcome! I'm Kerra, and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist. I want to thank you for taking the courageous first step toward becoming a better you! If you often feel stuck, overwhelmed, down or anxious about your career, life goals and personal growth journey, then I am here to assist. My priority is to provide a safe and judgement free space for you to speak your truth, explore what's important to you, and build a life that feels right and meaningful for you!

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 11 yrs of experience working in mental health. I have experience working with various populations and believe in helping to heal the whole person, by focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. I would love to be a part of your journey of managing stress, anxiety, depression, and/or processing trauma. My specialties are depression, anxiety, and trauma. I've been trained in Trauma Resiliency Model and Community Resiliency Model which focus on the body’s response to trauma by using a set of 9 skills (6 wellness skills in the CRM model). These models allow for the body to complete a response and allowing for pleasant sensations to be experienced again.

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Indiana and California. I have been practicing for 9 years. I have worked with clients of all ages and who are struggling with a wide range of problems. I have worked with domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma, eating disorders, self harm, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and more. My approach is warm and inviting. I believe in treating each individual with respect. I also believe each individual I see has the ability to change and get well. My stance as a therapist is one of being a coach or a guide. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am also fully trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Reaching out for help takes courage and bravery. If you are ready to begin taking steps towards a happier and more fulfilling life, I am here to help. I look forward to working with you! Please note: I currently have limited availability due to childcare. My available days rotate each week. For example, if I have availability on a Monday one week, I will be available on a Wednesday the following week. If you are experiencing symptoms that require you to be seen weekly, I may not be the best fit for you at this time. I will go over my availability details during your intake and if you decide it will not work for you, I will send referrals to you for other therapists on Grow.

Authentic Empowering Encouraging I am an experienced Bilingual/Bi Cultural Spanish fluent, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, raised in Los Angeles, CA. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). I've been in practice 14 years. My passion is helping people facing depression, anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, and life changes. My goal and purpose are to help clients develop into the best version of themselves and to gain the skills to manage their daily lives with hope, happiness, purpose and determination. I utilize empathy, compassion and active listening skills to meet clients where they are at in their mental health journey.

I’m a therapist who works with teens and adults navigating life transitions, processing trauma, and seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. I bring warmth, empathy, and a touch of humor into our work to help create a space where you can feel comfortable and supported. Along the way, I also offer practical coping strategies and tools to help you manage challenges and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA. For almost 10 years, I have worked in various settings with teens and adults to help them build resilience, healthy coping mechanisms, and learn to process emotions. I create a non-judgmental environment to support each client in their exploration of what led them to seek therapy. Through insight and awareness, clients can feel more empowered and find a deeper sense of self.

Hello! Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, adjustment concerns, or relationship challenges? I'm here to help. My approach is collaborative and supportive. I'm focused on helping you build and practice new skills, deepen your understanding of yourself, and regain confidence as you navigate life's challenges. Together, we can work toward a meaningful change and well-being.

Hi, I’m Adriana, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with over 16 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I work with adults who may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in familiar patterns, or simply tired of carrying everything on their own. Whether you’re navigating relationship difficulties, family dynamics, work or financial stress, grief, life changes, or experiences from the past that continue to affect you today, therapy can be a place to slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and begin making meaningful changes. I integrate evidence-based approaches with genuine conversation, helping you recognize patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, strengthen boundaries, regulate difficult emotions, and develop practical tools you can use outside of therapy. I welcome clients of diverse backgrounds and identities and provide therapy in both English and Spanish. My goal is to offer culturally responsive, individualized care that respects your experiences, values, and the life you want to create. Therapy doesn’t have to mean having everything figured out before you begin. We can start wherever you are and work together from there.

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have been practicing for 15 years. In the past 7 years, I have engaged in doing short-term, goal-oriented therapy with adults. I have always thought that individuals (especially adults that seek out therapy willfully) have in them the potentials to rethink their situation and work towards resolving their concerns when provided the appropriate tools allowing them to clearly see and identify what their objective is at that time.

Hi, I am a Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been working as a therapist for 10 years. My goal is to provide guidance, support, and feedback in a safe therapeutic space to ultimately help you heal and strengthen your resilience. I help my clients identify areas they would like to develop and learn new coping skills in order to enhance strengths and abilities which can help them achieve a greater degree of happiness and contentment in their lives.

Hi there! This human experience is quite the journey, isn’t it? The fact that you are struggling does NOT make you weak, it means you are human! Nobody was given a manual for how to live life and we all have our own challenges. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, not good enough, angry, depressed, anxious, or all the above. Perhaps you feel stuck in the past or like you can’t get out of your own way. Whatever you’re struggling with, we can use these challenges to learn from and grow into who we truly are. My intention is always to lead with compassion to create a safe space for you to freely look within and create the life you want.

Are you looking for a safe space to vent all of life’s ups and downs? Well look no further. I am Robin Dixon, LCSW, with years of experience in psychotherapy. I understand that going to therapy as well as finding the right therapist can be difficult. I will meet you where you are without judgment. I am here to provide guidance and support to individuals navigating through life stressors. I am an empathetic listener, willing, and ready to support my clients in a therapeutic space. My hope is to help you identify your strengths, find solutions, and meet your life goals. I utilize a solutions-based approach to healing.

 Have you ever heard the phrase “save the drama for your momma”? if so, I want you to save the trauma for your therapist (me).

Hello, my name is Anastasiya and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from California State University of San Bernardino and have been practicing for 5 years. I meet my clients where they are at and work at their pace while helping create a personalized plan for them to achieve short-term and long-term goals. Life is not supposed to feel as hard as it does right now and I am here to help change that!

I specialize in holding space for the deep-thinkers and cycle-breakers, the individuals who have spent a lifetime looking inward and dismantling generational patterns, yet still feel the friction of a world demanding 'more' at the expense of 'being.' My approach combines a lifelong passion for psychology and therapeutic processes with a multicultural, spiritually grounded worldview. As a mother, a doctoral candidate, and a business owner, I don't just teach boundaries; I live them. I am a 'Keturah-sized' bridge in the wellness gap for those who have cycled through therapists searching for a peer who truly sees them. Together, we intentionally move past the '15 tasks by yesterday' mentality and into a strategic, soul-deep architecture of rest, healing, and expansion.

As a supportive therapist, I fully assist clients to achieve empowerment and life of satisfaction. I effectively collaborate with clients to increase self-compassion and supportive social connections to live a life of independence and courage. With non-judgmental empathy, I listen to help clients understand their losses and even unendurable psychological pains, and provide ongoing support with therapeutic insight and expertise in a confidential setting.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) currently eligible to see Telehealth clients in California and Florida. I have been practicing Holistic Psychotherapy in my private practice for 7 years specializing in Hypnotherapy and trauma resolution. I assist adults to navigate life transitions such as grief, heartbreak, career changes, healing from trauma or outdated versions of themselves, so they can feel more free and present in everyday life.

My name is Deems and I'm an LCSW. I am heavily CBT and DBT based but as with most therapists, I draw from a lot of places depending on the situation. I am casual, chatty, eclectic in both my work and my personal interests, and am big on transparency and accountability. Queer and Poly friendly. Big nerd. Dad. I like art, the gym, reading, and going overboard on a new hobby every 6 months.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have been practicing for 11 years. I help young adults and adults in their healing journeys by identifying and addressing the root thoughts and triggers contributing to their negative thought and behavioral patterns. I help them develop the skills to heal from them and be their best version.

Hello and welcome. Psychotherapy is a transformative tool to assist you in centering your mind, body, and spirit. There is no need to limit your life or extend your suffering, I can help you find the relief you’ve been searching for. I’m trained, licensed, and competent in various evidence based practices. In honor of the diverse and multicultural world we live in; along with my own life experiences. As of result of this, I have evolved into an experienced Integrative Therapist. Truly believing and knowing, our minds, our bodies and our spirits are designed to heal themselves. Honoring life, as a whole and healing from the inside out. I'd like to thank you in advance for caring for yourself. Whether you are looking for self-healing or for enhancement. I look forward to meeting and joining you on your healing journey.

I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has practiced for over 9 years. I received my MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. During my training and internships, I worked with a diverse group of clients including teens, young adults, older adults (65+), parents, couples and families. My experience includes treating clients that struggle with depression, anxiety, substance use, LGBTQIA+ issues, aging, family conflicts and life transitions. I help clients gain an understanding of themselves and their situations in order to live more fulfilling lives.

I am a licensed therapist in California, holding a master’s degree from Columbia University, with over twenty years of experience. I lived in the Bay Area for nearly 20 years and now proudly call San Diego County home. I strive to create a warm space where curiosity and compassion guide us in exploring and understanding our lives. I deeply value self-agency and believe in the power of personal journeys that invite choice and meaningful reflection. It is truly a privilege to support my clients, and I hold our work together with genuine care and respect.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who provides individualized therapy for adult women. I help women navigate anxiety, stress, substance recovery, relationship concerns, self-esteem, boundaries, and life transitions while developing healthier patterns and greater confidence. I primarily work with adult women who are managing daily responsibilities while navigating life challenges. I am most comfortable supporting clients who are ready to reflect, build skills, and work toward personal growth.

I am licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and clarity. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, transitional life phases and grief. My goals is to create a safe, non judgmental space where the client can explore their feelings, gain insight, and develop strategies for change. Together we work toward a greater self-understanding, healthier relationships, and a life that aligns with your values, goals, and to be a better version of yourself.

As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my deep empathy, active listening, and a commitment to mindful curiosity. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where your unique story can be truly heard and valued. Rather than simply diagnosing a problem, I listen for the 'hidden' stories of your strengths and values that often get overshadowed. My approach to active listening is about more than just understanding; it’s about standing alongside you to deconstruct the challenges you face and uncover the skills you already possess. Together, we will collaborate to rewrite the narratives that no longer serve you, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and the reclamation of your personal agency.

I maintained a private practice in Ventura, CA for about 35 years as a marriage and family therapist and i worked with children, teenagers, adults and couples. About 8 years ago my wife and i moved to Oakland, Ca to be closer to our adult children and our two granddaughters. For the past five years i have volunteered at City Team, Oakland which is a residential placement for men with anger and addiction problems, I wrote the book that i am using to teach the men at City Team and i have self published six other books on parenting, marriage and personal issues; a couple of titles are "Dragon Slaying for Parents (and Couples)" , "The Lost Aspect of Love (sympathy)", "Winning at a Losing Game" and "The First Pictorial Self-Help Book for Men Who Do Not Read". I have conducted hundreds of seminars on parenting, marriage and personal issues. I obtained a masters degree in Petroleum Engineering at UC Berkeley, and worked for Shell Company for five years; not wanting my epitaph to read that i made 10 billion dollars for an oil company and returned to school to obtain a Masters Degree in Counseling. I was a School Psychologist for a school district for five years then opened up my private practice. This experience has proven to be very valuable in counseling with adults,

As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, and the emotional challenges that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you can feel heard, understood, and supported while developing the tools to create meaningful change. My approach is warm, compassionate, and individualized, I work with clients to help them understand the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns that may be contributing to their struggles. Together, we identify practical strategies to manage symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and developing healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.

I have been working with clients for many years. I am honored to work with you and to be with you through the process of self discovery and personal growth. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to push ourselves to grow. It can be difficult; however, it can also be a transformative experience that can provide great personal freedom.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist (PhD) in northern California. I received my doctorate degree from the University of Florida. I have 40+ years of experience as a therapist treating adults. I will only see patients in-person in my office. Phone calls and texting/emails are used for communication as necessary between visits. I initially address what prompted an individual to seek help at this particular time, ie why now? I help people clarify issues--concerns, thoughts, feelings, situations--and explore/develop effective coping strategies and behaviors.

I welcome individuals who are prepared to engage intentionally in the process of growth, healing, and meaningful change. Whether you are navigating an acute life stressor or seeking to address longstanding patterns, therapy provides a structured and collaborative environment in which to explore challenges and develop sustainable solutions. To schedule an appointment or obtain additional information, please contact the office directly or schedule online.