CBT Therapy in Oakland, CA

Welcome – I'm glad you're here. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Iowa with an emphasis in mental health. This background allows me to approach your concerns with a holistic and informed perspective. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just not like yourself lately, you're not broken — and you’re not too much. Life can hit hard, and therapy can offer the space to slow down, be real, and reconnect with your strength.

Welcome! My name is Kiana Shelton, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of post-graduate experience. As a Black woman, mother, and ally to all marginalized communities, I deeply understand the importance of having a safe space where your vulnerability is truly held and honored. I am committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship that helps you gain deeper self-awareness and supports your journey toward growth and emotional well-being. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your emotions with compassion, uncovering pathways to resilience, inner peace, and a more fulfilling life.

I offer integrative therapy that helps people reconnect with their authentic selves by blending somatic therapy, relational approaches, expressive arts (movement, dance, music), and elements of cognitive and spiritual healing. I guide clients through moment-by-moment change processes, supporting them in speaking their truth, healing past wounds, and building more ease, balance, and love within themselves. My work treats the whole person — emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually — and invites creativity and embodied expression into the therapeutic journey.

My focus is on cognitive behavioral therapy and complicated grief therapy. Sometimes we have to face our losses to be able to move forward, sometimes we have to confront our negative thoughts to clear our mind and focus on what is in front of us now. We try to cope with the world’s challenges based on the values and strengths we built during childhood, but there are many ways to rekindle our creativity and joy as adults to re imagine a new path. I am a compassionate listener who can hold a non- judgemental space for patients to share their beliefs, desires and concerns.

Hi there! Do you feel pulled in a million directions? Many times unable to complete tasks? Are you struggling with life’s challenges, relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I would like to support and help improve how you’re feeling. I am a "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)." I have received my Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Long Beach. I specialize in supporting individuals facing dual diagnosis related to substance use and mental health. This includes challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress management, family dynamics, addiction, and overall life management. My approach is compassionate, professional, and tailored to each person’s unique needs. Understanding the diverse cultures, I've had the privilege to visit many countries in Europe, and lived in Asia and Argentina. I am trilingual, fluent in languages: English, Farsi, and Pashto. Living in different countries, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, has added to my awareness to be mindfulness about the cultural aspects that can influence one's life. This approach will be utilized through, Cognitive-behavioral Model, a strengths-based approaches, and by mindfulness practices. I will consider all life's transitions, then explore what areas in your life need to improve, identify the necessary tools and coping skills that best work. This will help you to a more balanced life. I will also utilize a holistic and client-centered approach by focusing on empathy for my clients, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. Therefore, I aim to create a safe, trusting space to help overcome issues and highlight your strengths leading to growth. Life can be easier, fun, and blissful! Clients have described my approach as thoughtful, compassionate, creative, and reliable with a calming demeanor and a steady strength-based, supportive presence.

My name is Isai (E-sai-EE), and I’m a Therapist based out of Southern California. I have experience working with all ages and backgrounds. My training as a social worker focuses on individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. My professional interests and specialities include working with teens, young adults, older adults, family therapy, and those who struggle with anxiety, depression, marital/relationship issues, men’s issues, autism, anger management, and those with difficulty understanding/controlling big emotions. As a male therapist, I try to make my sessions feel like a conversation with a friend and offer a calm space to talk about difficult issues, a new perspective to help better understand situations, and can help you identify and understand how you might be feeling.

Hello! I'm Chris Brown, Marriage and Family Therapist. My initial training and experience as a counselor were in college, where I was both a Residence Assistant and Hall Coordinator. While I enjoyed and felt gratified from that work, I graduated to embark on a 25 year career in software development. Throughout that time, I volunteered as both a suicide and crisis counselor, and a domestic violence educator and counselor. I realized that my most fulfilling work was when I was coaching and managing my teams and that, over time, I had increased the time I spent as a counselor and teacher. I finally decided to change my career to the one I had been incrementally working toward, one where the focus and the goal are to connect with, support and help other people. As a therapist, I worked in Fremont, Berkeley and Contra Costa mental health systems as well as for a non-profit organization devoted to treating and helping victims of domestic violence. I've also been a therapist for, and managed therapists in, a large health care provider. I have experience with patients with severe mental illness, with survivors of abuse, and with people who realize that they simply can't continue to live like they've been living. My practice emphasizes patients learning and using cognitive behavioral, brief therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and somatic skills. While I might initially help my patients get through crisis and stabilization, I like to expand treatment to include helping my patients build increased resiliency through using solid coping skills. Along the way, I help my patients envision their preferred self and way of living. which they start to realize using their new skills.

Hello, I’m Kamron Poosti, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles. I specialize in addressing issues like anxiety, depression, dating, communication, relationships, burnout, and work-related stress. My client-centered approach offers tailored support to help you navigate your unique challenges and develop effective coping strategies. I’m dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life achieve greater mental well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.

My name is Manuel Cruz and I have been practicing for almost 20 years. I have worked in a variety of settings from schools to hospitals treating various mental health conditions. Believing that every client is unique I utilize an integrative approach of cognitive, interpersonal, client-centered therapy to tailor interventions to the specific needs of my clients. With an extensive background and experience with relational therapy I am able to help couples, families, and individuals realize their potential and achieve their goals.

Hi! My name is Justin Do and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and I have been practicing for 7+ years. I primarily focus on utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients overcome anxiety, depression, addiction, life transition, etc., by helping clients understand their own thought patterns, that trigger these distress, challenge them, create new more functional beliefs.

Hello. I'm Dr. Dutton. I am a licensed clinical forensic psychologist, and I have been working in the field since 2014. I have experience working with clients that are facing anxiety, depression, history of trauma, severe mental illness, forensic/legal issues, sexual addiction, sexual abuse, difficulty setting boundaries, self-esteem, career stress/burnout, and relationship issues. In addition, I work with military and veteran populations assisting them with a wide variety of psychosocial stressors. The best part of my job is being able to walk alongside my clients as they grow and heal, becoming the best possible version of themselves!

As an RLT trained therapist, I specialize in resolving difficulties in relationships, emotional distress, and feelings of disconnect and isolation. I understand the importance of connecting with you. Your thoughts, emotions, and experiences are essential to the therapeutic process. I will help you identify and bring insight into core issues in your life and relationships. We will work together to foster personal growth and empowerment.

Hello, I’m Sharon Hill-Anderson, LMFT. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who takes a person-centered, collaborative approach to working with adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where you can begin your journey toward healing and personal growth. I value open, supportive, and non-judgmental conversations. My style is rooted in active listening, ensuring you feel heard and understood. This space is for you—to reflect, explore, and grow at your own pace.

Hello! I'm Matt and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), currently licensed in Arizona and California. In my life, I’ve seen many people with a broad spectrum of challenges. I’ve also seen that hope and relief are possible. I offer a unique perspective in getting you that help. I enjoy seeing individuals and families solve problems and feel closer together. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, autism, Asperger's syndrome, depression, stress, relationship and family issues, life transitions, parenting, and caregiving issues in a variety of settings. My approach and therapy style draws influence from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It is important that you and I work together as a team using a collaborative approach and that I meet you where you are.

Hello, my name is Jamal and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with seven years of experience collaborating with diverse communities including preteens, adolescents, adults and older adults, and underrepresented groups. Most of my work consists of processing trauma and assessing the relationships we have with others to build more hope for the future. I personally believe that though things may be hard right now, no one is 'crazy' and that in some way, the way we are makes sense due to our past experiences. That means we can understand and create experiences now and in the future that are more adaptive and true to how we want to live. -I currently am not seeing clients under the age of 18 nor couples due to my availability. My apologies in advance for any inconvenience-

Are you anticipating (or already amidst) a life change? I specialize in therapeutic work related to what I respectfully call “portals”--- with an interest in helping you honor where you’ve been, where you’re at, and where you’d like to go next. Hello! I'm Emily; a San Francisco-based, dually licensed therapist with a deep belief in the healing power of self inquiry in the context of a therapeutic relationship. I trained as a drama therapist at California Institute of Integral Studies following several years working in theater and education.

I ONLY SEE ADULT CLIENTS and I DON'T SEE COUPLES. I’ve wanted to be a therapist since I was 18; I knew that I was a very self-aware, emotionally sensitive, and insightful individual. I have a genuine desire to get to know each client as a human being. I find it very easy to listen to others and am interested in solving personal problems. I like to observe and analyze people. In high school, my friends always confided in me about their problems because they saw that I was trustworthy. Before becoming a therapist, I was a medic in the US Army. Whether you are struggling with porn and sex addiction, depression, anxiety, or trauma, I’m honored to support you. I specialize in helping adults get to know themselves and feel empowered to advocate for their well-being. As we work together, you will reflect, expand your awareness, and gain tools to manage adversity and grow.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward emotional well-being. With a holistic approach, I integrate various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic techniques, to address a range of mental health challenges. My goal is to create a safe and compassionate space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and reconnect with their values to lead more fulfilling lives.

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.

I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in California, offering telehealth services to clients statewide. I work with adults who are ready to take an honest look at their lives and make intentional changes. My areas of focus include anxiety, life transitions, depression, and boundary-setting. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and other modalities based on each client’s needs. While we may reflect on past experiences to gain insight, the focus is on using those insights to make better choices and set higher standards for your future.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California, providing telehealth therapy for adults facing anxiety, depression, identity concerns, and major life transitions. I specialize in helping clients gain clarity around their emotional experiences through thoughtful assessment and accurate diagnosis, which lays the foundation for effective, individualized care. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), combining evidence-based strategies with a collaborative, compassionate style. I help clients identify unhelpful patterns, develop coping tools, and reconnect with their values to build meaningful change. If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or just ready to better understand yourself, I seek to offer you a clear, supportive path forward.

Ideal clients for my Couples Counseling practice are couples seeking improved communication, conflict resolution, and a deeper emotional connection. With 10 years of experience, my approach combines proven and innovative techniques, including eco-wellness. If you're open to transformative guidance that blends traditional therapy with modern strategies, you're an ideal fit for my services.

My name is Nikki, I’m a therapist with seven years of experience, specializing in helping clients address anxiety, depression, and trauma. Using EMDR and a personalized approach, I guide clients in overcoming limiting beliefs and building resilience for a more empowered, fulfilling life. Together, we can navigate life's obstacles, build resilience, and rediscover your inner strength. Taking that first step toward healing is an act of courage, and I’m here to provide the empathy and support you need along the way.

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor licensed in California with over seven years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, personality disorders, and substance use. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, EMDR and TRM, and dialectical behavioral counseling. It takes courage to reach out and take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

If you are reading this then you have already taken the first step to addressing whatever challenge you are facing or questions you may be asking yourself. Perhaps you are unsatisfied with your life and don't know how to change it. Perhaps you know what the underlying issue is but are afraid to tackle it. Maybe you struggle with co-parenting after a divorce or your teenager is self-harming and you want to help but don’t know how. Maybe you struggle with addiction or self-medicate to avoid dealing with emotional pain. I help clients to examine their core values and also identify any limiting beliefs they may have so that they can better align with their core values.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my master's from National University in California and have been in practice for 27 years. I specialize in several mental health issues. I'm additionally trained in women's issues such as menopause, empty nest, pre-menopause, post-menopause life transitions and grief. I'm also experienced in anxiety, depression, self-worth issues as well as trauma.

Hi, I’m Luke Lorefice, a therapist and college/career counselor dedicated to helping young adults, including neurodivergent students and those facing emotional or academic challenges, find clarity, confidence, and purpose. I hold a Master’s in Social Work from Simmons University and a College Counseling Certificate from UCLA Extension. My work blends mental health expertise with practical career guidance to support individuals navigating education, employment, and life transitions. Through Grow and my private practice, Wave Point Counseling, I help clients explore meaningful paths—whether that’s higher education, a career pivot, or rediscovering a sense of direction.

I'm an LPCC credentialed in California, holding an MA in Counseling from LMU. With four years of experience in community mental health, I help clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to manage life's stressors. I believe in a strong therapeutic alliance, often using humor to reframe and process clinical challenges. I understand that therapeutic progress can be slow-paced, and significant change unfolds over time. My priority is to foster a secure and trusting relationship in sessions, creating a space where clients feel safe enough to engage in a truly transformative experience.

Hey there! Feeling weighed down by depression or gripped by anxiety? Lost in life's twists and turns? Your journey matters, and I'm here to walk alongside you. I specialize in supporting those facing depression and anxiety by offering a compassionate hand to guide you toward healing and growth. I also assist those feeling adrift, helping them rediscover their purpose and direction. Our sessions are anything but cut-and-dried. They're dynamic, engaging, and full of possibilities. Bring a pen and notebook as we co-create strategies to propel you toward your aspirations. With EMDR therapy training, Certified Breath Coach, and expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I bring a diverse toolbox to our partnership. Your well-being is my top priority, and together, we'll illuminate the path to a brighter, more fulfilling life. Ready to take that courageous step toward greater well-being? Let's embark on this transformative journey together.

Hello, I'm Natasha, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Fresno, CA. Do you feel like you’re constantly overthinking, putting others first, or avoiding conflict to keep the peace? Anxiety has left you feeling exhausted and disconnected, or past trauma makes it hard to feel safe and grounded. You want to break free from these patterns, set healthy boundaries with confidence, and experience emotional stability. Your goal is to feel calm, confident, and in control of your life, but you’re unsure how to get there. If this sounds familiar, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I specialize in supporting people struggling with anxiety, trauma, and patterns of people-pleasing or overthinking. Using a compassionate, person-centered approach, I help you build healthy coping skills, process difficult experiences, and create healthier relationships with yourself and others. Together, we’ll work to help you find peace and confidence. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you're already showing strength by exploring your options. You deserve support, healing, and a space where you feel heard. I offer virtual individual therapy for clients in California, providing compassionate care tailored to your needs. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing, I’m here to help. https://www.clarkfamilycounseling.com

Hello, My name Chris, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. If you are in search of a warm and genuine environment to explore the issues preventing you from living the life you want, you have come to the right place. My main priority is that you feel heard and safe, without any fear of judgment. I know from my years of experience how difficult it can be to take these first steps toward wholeness and healing. We all need a little support sometimes, that is what led you here. I work in a collaborative manner and will never assume to be the expert in your life. Together, we will create a plan to get you living the life you are meant to live. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

As a therapist, I am passionate about creating a safe , compassionate, and collaborative space for individuals navigating through anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and life transitions. My goal is to walk alongside clients as they move toward greater self-awareness, deeper connection, and a more authentic fulfilling life. I blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with attachment-based, person centered, and compassion focused approaches. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, empowered, and supported as you grow.

Hi there! I’m Jazmin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I specialize in working with young adults who are navigating anxiety, eating disorders, and the everyday stressors that come with school, work, relationships, and the ongoing journey of figuring out who you are. In our sessions, we’ll explore your emotions, develop ways to manage stress, and build practical tools to help you feel more grounded and confident in your day-to-day life. My approach is warm, conversational, and tailored to your unique needs. I create a space where you can show up just as you are—no pressure, no judgment. If you’re interested in working together, I’d love to connect. You can learn more about me at jazminalarcontherapy.com

Are you struggling to feel connected to your spouse or finding it hard to express your needs? Are there struggles that you are facing as a parent that you feel are hard to address? Would you like to show up differently in either or both of these relationships and ready for support? My goal to normalize the struggles that are common in our most valuable relationships and help people see that they are not alone. I do so by providing a safe, compassionate space for clients to express vulnerability with their partner(s) or about their struggles with parenthood, and discover what they truly want out of their relationships. I approach therapy with a humanistic, client-centered, holistic and goal-oriented lens, focusing on reconnecting back to the self. The relationship we have with ourself has the power to transform our lives for the better, and increase the quality of our relationships with others. I emphasize both in therapy.

In our work together, I will focus on understanding your unique needs and helping you prioritize your mental health. My goal is to guide you toward becoming the healthiest version of yourself, finding moments of peace to make each day a bit lighter and brighter. I’m committed to honoring your cultural, religious, and spiritual principles, ensuring that you can both care for yourself and continue to support others. With a diverse professional background, I tailor therapeutic interventions to fit your individual needs, offering a personalized approach to your well-being.

Professional with over thirty experience collectively in mental health/clinic-based care and in an educational capacity. Bilingual fluency in both English and Spanish. Extensive work experience with culturally diverse populations throughout San Diego County and Ventura County. Knowledgeable in working with co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and a variety of mental health disorders. Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor since an intern in 2006.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with clients California wide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults while specializing in stress, life transitions, anxiety, and depression. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, while tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. I welcome you to reach out whenever you feel ready to begin. I’m here to provide a safe and supportive environment, where you can thrive and be yourself.

Are you BIPOC or Queer? Hi, I’m Ligia. I help First Gen BIPOC and Queer folks in individual therapy heal from guilt and shame so they can feel more at peace with their sense of self. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “not enough,” put everyone else’s needs before your own, or felt pressure to shrink yourself to fit in, you’re not alone. I specialize in helping clients untangle these experiences, understand their emotions, and heal from attachment wounds in a way that honors your cultural background and lived experiences. My goal is to support you in living in a way that feels honest, spacious, and aligned with who you truly are. Together, we’ll create a safe, affirming space to explore, unlearn, and grow—so you can move through the world more authentically, joyfully, and unapologetically.

Hi! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is licensed in multiple states (Arizona LPC 21251, California LMFT 46032, Montana LMFT 62275, New Jersey LMFT 37F10021560, Idaho LMFT 9031, California LPCC 1250). I received my Masters from California State University and have been practicing for over 20 years. I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, sadness, loss, and infertility issues from a faith based perspective (if desired). I am passionate about coming alongside people to hear their story and to assist them in finding a new path forward.

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.

Hi my name is Joanna! I am licensed in California with over 8 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, understanding, and compassion. I enjoy collaborating with clients on creating goals that are unique and specific to their needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I enjoy going on walks with my dog, hanging out at the beach, and going to the gym. I live my life by the principle: ‘we rise by lifting others’ - Robert Ingersoll.

I am a bilingual and first generation Honduran American Marriage and Family Therapist who is based in California, born and raised in Los Angeles area. I received my masters at Pepperdine University and have been practicing therapy for the past 5 years. Over the past couple of years I have been working with young and older adults dealing with depression, anxiety and past traumas such as sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

I enjoy working with individuals, children and couples that are hoping to gain confidence in healthier communication skills. Getting to understand you and getting to know one another will help improve our relationships. This will help recognize where you are hoping to improve your qualities in daily functioning. Building an alliance with me can create a safe place to practice and process your thoughts and feelings. Being able to process your past experience will allow you to identify and process ongoing needs within your daily lifestyle. Therapeutic alliance helps individuals grow within and become aware of their own needs

Hi, my name is Michael (Mike) Chavez, LCSW, and I provide individual therapy to adults facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll explore what’s not working in your life and develop practical tools and strategies to create positive, lasting change. Sometimes that means identifying and replacing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with ones that better align with your values and goals. My goal is to help you feel more empowered, balanced, and resilient.

About Me: As a compassionate mental health therapist, I believe that each person has the ability to unlock their own potential and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. However, the challenges we face in life can sometimes cloud our vision and make it hard to see the way forward. My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you can reconnect with your true self and rediscover your path. In our work together, we’ll explore your personal experiences and uncover the patterns or beliefs that may be holding you back from living the life you deserve. Whether you’re facing past pain, trauma, or difficult emotions, I’m here to help you process, heal, and reclaim your narrative. We’ll also celebrate the strengths that make you unique, building on them to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. I’m committed to creating a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, we will work together to help you navigate these challenges and empower you to thrive. I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you build resilience and self-compassion every step of the way. Let’s work together to unlock your potential and create lasting positive change in your life.

Hello. I am a California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor that is living in Florida. I am also licensed in Florida and Idaho. I have worked in the mental health field in various roles since 2010. My desire to work with clients stems from always having a desire to help those suffering. I believe that mental health treatment needs to be uniquely individualized to meet the unique needs of each person. This may mean treatment that is culturally sensitive, or just meets the person where they are at regarding their motivation for change.

Hello and Welcome to my therapy practice. I have 15 successful years experience with counseling adults to further build self-awareness and greater relationships with themselves and others. I educate clients on practical coping skills to manage their moods leading to improved quality of life. My advanced Compassionate Focused Therapy training is one of my leading therapeutic skills that compliments clients wanting to increase self-compassionate language and behaviors that are encouraging rather than discouraging. I'm passionate about helping others and have been very successful at assisting people in reducing their critical voice within & updating their mindset to access their compassionate brains.

Sometimes we all need a little extra support during tough times. Let me be that support for you. Therapy can be a very scary process for many people. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for you and to provide you with the tools and resources needed to get through your day to day struggles. I strive to facilitate a space where clients can process shame, guilt, isolation, self-forgiveness and hopelessness. I am passionate about what I do. When you are ready to begin your journey and start your healing process, I would love the opportunity to walk along with you.

I am a highly experienced practitioner with 45 years of clinical experience, willing to work with more complex cases. I have a calm demeanor (California beach style) but communicate directly, with transparency and tact. My goals are. to ensure your safety, assist you in developing the skills and insights to approach a vast array of situations., with the best possible outcomes. I seek to provide you the means to manage immediate issues, but also techniques to become more independent in facing the inevitable future challenges of life. I have a tool kit of therapeutic approaches to find what best works for you, but also have extensive experience administering large behavioral health programs, where I can support the challenges of dealing with complex systems. I can listen attentively, educate you, and at times, assist you in accessing supportive resources, you may not have known are available or that you qualify for, to develop a holistic and comprehensive plan for continued wellness. I have accepted very complex cases, but stay within my areas of competency. These do not include primary chemical dependency treatment, LGBTQI+ issues, or eating disorders. I do not work with PC 290 registrants, those in court ordered treatment, workmen's compensation cases, or any others involving the legal system. I only do individual therapy. No couples or groups. I do not write letters for emotional support animals. I will complete FMLA/CAFRA paperwork for your employer and/or short-term disability forms once we have met long enough for us to have a sense of one another, typically 8-10 sessions. My clinical license information is linked below: https://search.dca.ca.gov/details/2002/LCSW/9561/945099cb09db3ad408421b2df2e9f7d4

My name is Shant Bardakjian and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Glendale, California. I currently work with children, adolescents and adults within the greater Los Angeles area. My approach to therapy is tailored to the client’s needs. I enter into therapy with whatever the client brings into the session. If you need a creative approach to solve your problems, then I would use Narrative Therapy. If you need to fix your problem right away, then I would use Solution Focused Therapy. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. I use an eclectic approach with a person centered lens that can be flexible for whatever need is brought into the room. My communication style is calm and approachable. I would like my clients to feel at ease in sharing whatever is on their heart without fear of judgment. I decided to become a therapist because I have wanted to help people discover their best selves. I have been drawn to helping people discover their innate ability to heal past whatever is keeping them stuck in life. My aim is for whoever works with me to be able to define a goal that can be accomplished and for trust to be gradually built within the therapeutic relationship. In this way, the progress that is seen in therapy will in turn translate to improvements in multiple areas of your life. In our first session together, you can expect the primary focus to be for me to hear your story of what brought you to therapy. The first session is to determine if there is an initial connection and also questions that would enable me to better understand what would work best for you as treatment progresses.