Life Coaching Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Stephen Kusch, PhD, Psychologist
Stephen Kusch
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Do you ever find that the more you try to get rid of painful emotions, the more overwhelmed you feel? Life can sometimes feel like a straw finger puzzle: the more you pull, the tighter the grip. This is partly because life is challenging. It is also because in times of stress, we are wired to protect ourselves by focusing on potential dangers. Although adaptive for some situations, this wiring can become a closed feedback loop: the harder you try, the more you see only problems; and the more problems you see, the more you lose sight of the strengths and resources that facilitate change.
Do you ever find that the more you try to get rid of painful emotions, the more overwhelmed you feel? Life can sometimes feel like a straw finger puzzle: the more you pull, the tighter the grip. This is partly because life is challenging. It is also because in times of stress, we are wired to protect ourselves by focusing on potential dangers. Although adaptive for some situations, this wiring can become a closed feedback loop: the harder you try, the more you see only problems; and the more problems you see, the more you lose sight of the strengths and resources that facilitate change.
(510) 788-2349 View (510) 788-2349
Photo of Olisha Hodges, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Olisha Hodges
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Not accepting new clients
Are you experiencing a difficult time? Looking for support? My therapeutic approach is tailored to meet your individual needs, as you are the expert on your life! My goal is to partner with you as you navigate through this difficult time. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years experience working with children and families in various non-profit, school and county capacities. My private practice is dedicated to supporting school-age, teen and adult clients to make the most out of their resources and relationships. I provide psychotherapy services to those in need.
Are you experiencing a difficult time? Looking for support? My therapeutic approach is tailored to meet your individual needs, as you are the expert on your life! My goal is to partner with you as you navigate through this difficult time. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years experience working with children and families in various non-profit, school and county capacities. My private practice is dedicated to supporting school-age, teen and adult clients to make the most out of their resources and relationships. I provide psychotherapy services to those in need.
(510) 907-6476 View (510) 907-6476
Photo of Bret T Alderman, PhD
Bret T Alderman
PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
As a life coach with a doctorate in depth psychology, I work in a psychologically savvy way, without losing the dynamism of coaching. I facilitate ‘lucid living’ in my clients – an ability to act, think, and feel in agreement with one’s truest self. Whatever issue you are addressing, I assume that something in you knows the right approach to it, although discovering this may require the help of others. I also assume that no-one wants to merely make the dysfunctional functional: We all desire exceptional levels of vitality, creativity, and resilience.
As a life coach with a doctorate in depth psychology, I work in a psychologically savvy way, without losing the dynamism of coaching. I facilitate ‘lucid living’ in my clients – an ability to act, think, and feel in agreement with one’s truest self. Whatever issue you are addressing, I assume that something in you knows the right approach to it, although discovering this may require the help of others. I also assume that no-one wants to merely make the dysfunctional functional: We all desire exceptional levels of vitality, creativity, and resilience.
(628) 240-0896 View (628) 240-0896
Photo of Shannon Rucker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannon Rucker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a Licensed Therapist with over twenty years of experience, it’s my continued goal to help my clients navigate beyond depression, trauma, fear, and anxiety. By committing to their healing, my clients learn to stop being stuck in patterns that impair their ability to have the life, relationships, and professional aspirations they desire.
As a Licensed Therapist with over twenty years of experience, it’s my continued goal to help my clients navigate beyond depression, trauma, fear, and anxiety. By committing to their healing, my clients learn to stop being stuck in patterns that impair their ability to have the life, relationships, and professional aspirations they desire.
(415) 598-2357 View (415) 598-2357
Photo of Gabriele Goodman, PhD, Psychologist
Gabriele Goodman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
I am a psychologist for sport, health, and life. I have spent 15 years studying, writing, teaching, and coaching people on how to perform at their best. I have worked with world-class performers from the arenas of sports, business, healthcare, and the United States Army. I have special expertise in Performance Psychology and train clients on how to strengthen the mental and emotional skills that underlie human performance excellence and sustainable resilience. I am a subject matter expert in the field of self-regulation techniques that promote optimism, resilience, alertness, and composure in high-pressure situations.
(510) 662-0036 View (510) 662-0036
Photo of Porscha Nichole Castillo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Porscha Nichole Castillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I help clients deal with an array of life problems such as; depression, anxiety, IPV, trauma, assault, chemical dependency, co occurring conditions, maternal and postpartum, infertility, grief, etc. Previous clients have expressed therapy sessions with me have led to; better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and reduction of feelings of stress.
I help clients deal with an array of life problems such as; depression, anxiety, IPV, trauma, assault, chemical dependency, co occurring conditions, maternal and postpartum, infertility, grief, etc. Previous clients have expressed therapy sessions with me have led to; better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and reduction of feelings of stress.
(510) 616-9768 View (510) 616-9768
Photo of Sonia Telle, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sonia Telle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
I strongly believe that the most healing aspect of therapy is directly related to the safe connection with the therapist. Trainings inform the therapy but only feeling safe and seen will provide the ground for deep exploration and emergence of the new... almost like a birthing process. Client based, my style is warm, compassionate, nonetheless, assertive. Experience and various trainings keep supporting the importance of breath, grounded presence and mindfulness in any therapeutic setting and healing/life process. Therefore, those are central to my work. My sessions combines several psychotherapy approaches together with various somatic practices such as bioenergetics, movement, mindfulness & trauma work.
I strongly believe that the most healing aspect of therapy is directly related to the safe connection with the therapist. Trainings inform the therapy but only feeling safe and seen will provide the ground for deep exploration and emergence of the new... almost like a birthing process. Client based, my style is warm, compassionate, nonetheless, assertive. Experience and various trainings keep supporting the importance of breath, grounded presence and mindfulness in any therapeutic setting and healing/life process. Therefore, those are central to my work. My sessions combines several psychotherapy approaches together with various somatic practices such as bioenergetics, movement, mindfulness & trauma work.
(510) 788-2703 View (510) 788-2703
Photo of Alissa Benporat, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alissa Benporat
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
(510) 330-1145 View (510) 330-1145
Photo of Paul E. Rammer, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul E. Rammer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I am an active psychotherapist - listening, asking questions, exploring new ways to understand your experiences and helping you find new strategies. My approach to therapy is one of warmth, empathy, insight and a focus on goal setting. The goal of therapy is to establish internal clarity, more happiness and an increased sense of success. Some people seek counseling to feel happier and more connected in their intimate relationships or relationships with friends and coworkers. I believe one can experience movement towards a whole and satisfying life with yourself, significant others and the world at large.
I am an active psychotherapist - listening, asking questions, exploring new ways to understand your experiences and helping you find new strategies. My approach to therapy is one of warmth, empathy, insight and a focus on goal setting. The goal of therapy is to establish internal clarity, more happiness and an increased sense of success. Some people seek counseling to feel happier and more connected in their intimate relationships or relationships with friends and coworkers. I believe one can experience movement towards a whole and satisfying life with yourself, significant others and the world at large.
(510) 924-0343 View (510) 924-0343
Photo of Maurice C Shaw, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maurice C Shaw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Your new life is within reach and we will get there together.
My goal is to empower individuals who call the Bay Area home to live their best lives by utilizing my education, skills, and experience to enhance evidenced based practices. My experience as a child welfare social worker has gifted me with the ability to support individuals who are struggling with the most challenging issues which could include attachment issues, behavioral challenges, family discord, couples issues related to parenting, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and anger management. Additionally, I have a passion for working with the underserved African American and L.G.B.T.Q. community.
Your new life is within reach and we will get there together.
My goal is to empower individuals who call the Bay Area home to live their best lives by utilizing my education, skills, and experience to enhance evidenced based practices. My experience as a child welfare social worker has gifted me with the ability to support individuals who are struggling with the most challenging issues which could include attachment issues, behavioral challenges, family discord, couples issues related to parenting, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and anger management. Additionally, I have a passion for working with the underserved African American and L.G.B.T.Q. community.
(510) 945-3678 View (510) 945-3678
Photo of Deanna Jimenez, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deanna Jimenez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
My life's passion is supporting you to become the architect of your life.
I am called to support individuals and couples ready to liberate themselves from stress and overwhelm to create more fulfilling relationships and lead happier, more balanced lives. Despite what brings you to therapy, my goal is for you to leave with the ability to respond effectively to life's challenges. I provide a safe, supportive environment for you to begin exploring your feelings, needs and internal reality. Through mindfulness, interactive dialogue and practical wisdom we will invite compassionate curiosity around old patterns that no longer serve you. Visit me at www.deannajimenez.com.
My life's passion is supporting you to become the architect of your life.
I am called to support individuals and couples ready to liberate themselves from stress and overwhelm to create more fulfilling relationships and lead happier, more balanced lives. Despite what brings you to therapy, my goal is for you to leave with the ability to respond effectively to life's challenges. I provide a safe, supportive environment for you to begin exploring your feelings, needs and internal reality. Through mindfulness, interactive dialogue and practical wisdom we will invite compassionate curiosity around old patterns that no longer serve you. Visit me at www.deannajimenez.com.
(510) 275-7180 View (510) 275-7180
Photo of Charlotte Parker, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Charlotte Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to not only make situational changes, but life changes.
I have 20 years experience working with individuals and couples who have a desire to make positive changes in their lives. My motivation is to support you as you journey through your personal exploration and growth; and assist you in finding the answers for yourself. Within my practice, I offer a formal and professional relationship that is authentic and accommodates your development of self-awareness and self - responsibility. My personal philosophy incorporates the provision of a safe environment from which you can explore your thoughts, emotions, experiences and perceptions within framework of acceptance.
My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to not only make situational changes, but life changes.
I have 20 years experience working with individuals and couples who have a desire to make positive changes in their lives. My motivation is to support you as you journey through your personal exploration and growth; and assist you in finding the answers for yourself. Within my practice, I offer a formal and professional relationship that is authentic and accommodates your development of self-awareness and self - responsibility. My personal philosophy incorporates the provision of a safe environment from which you can explore your thoughts, emotions, experiences and perceptions within framework of acceptance.
(510) 270-4296 View (510) 270-4296
Photo of Laila Villaume, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laila Villaume
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I have a strong passion for helping individuals feel empowered and strive to live their best lives by finding meaning and purpose within themselves. Let’s face it, life can be difficult, but those difficult experiences do not have to define you as a person. By creating a safe and healing space my goal is to tap into your own personal power and natural strengths to focus on what is most important to you and your wellness.
I have a strong passion for helping individuals feel empowered and strive to live their best lives by finding meaning and purpose within themselves. Let’s face it, life can be difficult, but those difficult experiences do not have to define you as a person. By creating a safe and healing space my goal is to tap into your own personal power and natural strengths to focus on what is most important to you and your wellness.
(510) 306-1974 View (510) 306-1974
Photo of Albania Alegria, Coach, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Albania Alegria
Marriage & Family Therapist, Coach, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Welcome! You are here because you are the kind of person who is highly self-aware but still feeling stuck and know that it's time to receive support. You’ve tried some coping skills, but still find yourself trapped in the mind and it doesn't feel good to your body. You’re finally ready to go beyond talking-your-problems-out because it’s not leading to deep change. I get it. It doesn't have to be that way. I'll show you how to skillfully get unstuck because you're ready to live life with more ease, groundedness, and peace.
Welcome! You are here because you are the kind of person who is highly self-aware but still feeling stuck and know that it's time to receive support. You’ve tried some coping skills, but still find yourself trapped in the mind and it doesn't feel good to your body. You’re finally ready to go beyond talking-your-problems-out because it’s not leading to deep change. I get it. It doesn't have to be that way. I'll show you how to skillfully get unstuck because you're ready to live life with more ease, groundedness, and peace.
(415) 430-9634 View (415) 430-9634
Photo of Quincy L Wilkins, MS, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Quincy L Wilkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Life isn't always easy. Whether you're dealing with an existing challenge, a current stressful situation, or you're turning a page to start a new chapter of your life, I believe we all can benefit from someone helping us to manage these changes and transitions. My therapeutic goal is to help you better manage your life's challenges and to provide you with tools and strategies to achieve your personal goals.
Life isn't always easy. Whether you're dealing with an existing challenge, a current stressful situation, or you're turning a page to start a new chapter of your life, I believe we all can benefit from someone helping us to manage these changes and transitions. My therapeutic goal is to help you better manage your life's challenges and to provide you with tools and strategies to achieve your personal goals.
(510) 900-8769 View (510) 900-8769
Photo of Jianne Gimian, PhD, Psychologist
Jianne Gimian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
If you are having difficulty with relationships, at work, with parents or children, I can help you identify the issues causing discomfort and learn new strategies for coping, managing and getting more joy in life. If you need someone to talk openly with about your challenges in life, I can listen and help you gain insight so that you can choose the best ways to proceed. If you feel isolated and judged, I can help you build confidence. If you are stuck in grief, I can help you get through it. I can help you see pathways where you might be inclined to see barriers.
If you are having difficulty with relationships, at work, with parents or children, I can help you identify the issues causing discomfort and learn new strategies for coping, managing and getting more joy in life. If you need someone to talk openly with about your challenges in life, I can listen and help you gain insight so that you can choose the best ways to proceed. If you feel isolated and judged, I can help you build confidence. If you are stuck in grief, I can help you get through it. I can help you see pathways where you might be inclined to see barriers.
(510) 974-7019 View (510) 974-7019
Photo of Marcella Strickland-Ramsay, MSW, ACSW
Marcella Strickland-Ramsay
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
In an effort to support my clients, I incorporate life skills, modeling and practice, which includes helping individuals, youth, and families resolve conflict, build and restore relationships, and resume a sense of balance in their lives.
Therapy doesn't have to be taboo. We all fall down and need help to get back up. You deserve support. Your distressed thoughts and behaviors do not have to be your reality or future. The behavior is only the symptom of what is going on. My role is to be the ambassador of your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. My goal is to encourage, promote, and integrate all aspects of the therapy process. As a client centered therapist, I ensure empathy, compassion, and unconditional positive regard. I am dedicated to social justice, youth development, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services .
In an effort to support my clients, I incorporate life skills, modeling and practice, which includes helping individuals, youth, and families resolve conflict, build and restore relationships, and resume a sense of balance in their lives.
Therapy doesn't have to be taboo. We all fall down and need help to get back up. You deserve support. Your distressed thoughts and behaviors do not have to be your reality or future. The behavior is only the symptom of what is going on. My role is to be the ambassador of your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. My goal is to encourage, promote, and integrate all aspects of the therapy process. As a client centered therapist, I ensure empathy, compassion, and unconditional positive regard. I am dedicated to social justice, youth development, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services .
(510) 288-5335 View (510) 288-5335
Photo of Cheryl Kehner, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cheryl Kehner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients. I have available teletherapy appointments and will soon start provinding In-person sessions. Are you experiencing low motivation, worries, and feeling down? Are you wanting to feel more confident and move forward in life? If this sounds like the change you want, please call me for a free 15 minute consultation to see if my approach meets your needs. Therapy can support your path to a more authentic you.
Accepting new clients. I have available teletherapy appointments and will soon start provinding In-person sessions. Are you experiencing low motivation, worries, and feeling down? Are you wanting to feel more confident and move forward in life? If this sounds like the change you want, please call me for a free 15 minute consultation to see if my approach meets your needs. Therapy can support your path to a more authentic you.
(925) 261-4963 View (925) 261-4963
Photo of Barry Steven Friedman, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Barry Steven Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
The essence of effective psychotherapy is found in the therapist's understanding, empathy and caring for you. Trust in our relationship develops from that foundation. My primary commitment to you is to help you grow in self-awareness and self-empowerment, and to help you take the necessary actions that will actualize your growth and development in the world. If you struggle with feelings of fear, shame, helplessness, worthlessness and anger; traumatic emotional, physical and sexual experience; challenges in relationship; dysfunctional behaviors; unfulfilled aspirations; questions about your life's meaning; and physical illness and aging, I can help you.
The essence of effective psychotherapy is found in the therapist's understanding, empathy and caring for you. Trust in our relationship develops from that foundation. My primary commitment to you is to help you grow in self-awareness and self-empowerment, and to help you take the necessary actions that will actualize your growth and development in the world. If you struggle with feelings of fear, shame, helplessness, worthlessness and anger; traumatic emotional, physical and sexual experience; challenges in relationship; dysfunctional behaviors; unfulfilled aspirations; questions about your life's meaning; and physical illness and aging, I can help you.
(510) 499-6900 View (510) 499-6900
Photo of Alecia Christensen, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alecia Christensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603
I primarily work with clients who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, feeling out of control, life adjustments, and feeling unsatisfied within their lives.
Hi! My name is Alecia and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 14897! My areas of focus within practice are primarily trauma and anxiety, while also treating other diagnoses. I believe we can find emotional regulation and security even amidst uncertainty and lack of control. I am a therapist who will walk alongside you on this journey of healing. My main goal is to collaboratively work with you through your current life stressors, providing you with tools for your tool kit to live a life you enjoy. I believe in a holistic approach, shifting my therapeutic interventions to meet the needs of each individual client.
I primarily work with clients who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, feeling out of control, life adjustments, and feeling unsatisfied within their lives.
Hi! My name is Alecia and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 14897! My areas of focus within practice are primarily trauma and anxiety, while also treating other diagnoses. I believe we can find emotional regulation and security even amidst uncertainty and lack of control. I am a therapist who will walk alongside you on this journey of healing. My main goal is to collaboratively work with you through your current life stressors, providing you with tools for your tool kit to live a life you enjoy. I believe in a holistic approach, shifting my therapeutic interventions to meet the needs of each individual client.
(323) 973-2780 View (323) 973-2780
1
...
Life Coaching Therapists

What can I expect from life coaching?

Clients and coaches will typically start by identifying the problem area(s) that the client hopes to address—then, the coach will help the client brainstorm potential solutions and explore concrete techniques to help the client attain their goals. Coaching is typically short-term and focused on finding solutions in the here and now, rather than exploring a client’s past. In addition to strategies aimed at the client’s specific concerns, coaches may encourage general stress management techniques such as meditation.

Can a life coach help treat anxiety?

Because the majority of life coaches are not licensed clinicians, they are not qualified to diagnose or treat anxiety. Anyone struggling with anxiety or another mental health condition should seek help from a licensed mental health practitioner. However, some coaching clients who struggle with subclinical anxiety report that working with their coach on other problems—such as career dissatisfaction or unhealthy habits—has a positive effect on their anxiety.

Can life coaching be done online?

Yes. While life coaching often happens in person, many coaches conduct sessions over the phone or via online platforms such as Zoom or Skype. Because life coaches are not subject to local licensing regulations in the same way that therapists are, they are able to see clients who live in other locations.

How long does life coaching last?

Life coaching tends to be a shorter-term process than therapy, though it does not always unfold over a specific period of time and is instead based on the coach’s or the client’s preferences. Coaching often takes place over three to 12 months but may be shorter or longer if necessary.