Therapists for Mid-Life Adults

Parent Q&A

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  • Hi all - I’ve read some therapist reviews but thought I’d put my specific needs out there to see if anyone has suggestions. I’m looking for a female therapist who offers sessions via zoom to help me grow and to support me with parenting issues. I had a difficult childhood and parenting a preteen is driving home for me that I never fully learned skills like conflict resolution and managing emotions. The roots of the issues are so clear, but I’m stuck on how to move forward and want to do better for my kid. Thanks for any thoughts you may have. 

    Hi, I have had a wonderful experience working with Halle Brown for therapy during a challenging time in my life. She offers both on-line and in-person sessions. https://hallebrowntherapy.com/

    Sarah Sheretz is an incredibly skilled therapist. I've been working with her for years and I can confidently say that it's not only changed my life, but helped me be a parent who can regulate my emotions! https://www.integrationforgood.com/ 

    I started working with Jamie Robinson at the beginning of the year to work through issues tied to anxiety, parenting, etc. and she's been GREAT. I met with multiple therapists to find a good fit, and she brought both a depth of experience and thoughtfulness that resonated with me. (I do think meeting with multiple to find a good match can be helpful depending on your personality/the style that works best for you.) We meet over Zoom, happy to recommend her – I think she could be a good fit for the type of topics you're looking to discuss: https://jamielmft.com/

    Hi, I've been seeing Tess Roholt, MA, LMFT, to work on similar challenges. Her approach includes drama therapy and embodiment and has been super helpful to help me get in touch with what I'm feeling and manage it effectively. She is based in Oakland but our sessions are via Zoom. She offers free consultations (that's how I chose her!). https://www.tesslroholt.com/ 

    I've worked with Whitney for 4+ years (on an as needed basis) and she's been phenomenal. I highly recommend her: https://www.whitneywrightlmft.com/

    Maybe Molly Gales might be a fit?  https://authentictherapy.net/  She has been working with my kid for over a year now.  She also works with adults.  I have had many productive conversations with her re parenting and other personal issues.  She is someone I feel I can relate to.  

    I have had a good experience with Taryn Prosperi at California Counseling Associates in Alameda working through some issues around parenting and more personal understanding and wisdom. I began seeing her for pregnancy related anxiety and depression but have continued to see her regularly because I have found her helpful as I try to figure out parenting, my own identity and what direction I want to head in life. As you said, I've been feeling stuck, even if I recognize what the issues are. She has been helpful in re-framing things for me, helping me see a way forward and creating space for me to process emotions. She does both in person and online sessions. I've seen her both ways.

    Hi, I don't have recommendations but your ask resonated with me. I wanted to say, you are already doing right by your kid by seeking out help. It sounds like you have a lot of self-awareness and the motivation to break the cycle, as it were. I am a little bit worried about getting to this point with my child (still a baby) and really hoping that I'll improve at conflict resolution, managing emotions, and good communication about difficult issues by the time she's older. I am practicing by trying to be better about these things with my spouse, and learning by observing friends or family who I think do this well. I wanted to send you a virtual hug and say I think you're an amazing parent! 

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  • I'm searching for a therapist to help my Mexican-born partner excavate and work through some deeply held trauma that is showing up as a high level of anxiety in our relationship. A male therapist with cultural sensitivity or direct lived experience within the Mexican culture would be ideal; bilingual (English/Spanish) would be a bonus but not essential.  Thank you so much BPN for any advice!   

    (I am a Latina psychologist.).  I can recommend two directories to search:  https://latinxtherapy.com/find/  and https://www.therapyforlatinx.com/.  They have similar names but are two different directories.  

    Alberto Rangel, LMFT might be a good fit for what you're looking for.

    I recommend Pablo Martinez, he is bilingual, Mexican and works well with men who have experienced trauma: https://pmartineztherapy.com/

  • I'm looking for a therapist for myself, mostly because I need support and guidance regarding my young adult's alcohol addiction. Kid has his own good therapist, which is great, but I need help too! I have tried Al Anon, not sure it's for me, and of course, therapy is a different thing entirely. Would love to find someone in Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, or maybe Orinda. I suppose I would consider online as well, but it's not my preference. Any great recommendations for me?

    I wholeheartedly recommend Halle Brown. She has an office in Albany and was incredibly helpful when I saw her two years ago during a challenging time with my teenager. Her support made a significant difference, and if I ever need a therapist again, I wouldn’t hesitate to return to her.

    https://hallebrowntherapy.com/

    902 Carmel Avenue, Albany, California 94706

    Email: halle [at] hallebrowntherapy.com (halle[at]hallebrowntherapy[dot]com) Confidential voice mail: 510-216-4591

    I’m so sorry to hear this, and so glad you are both getting help. I have been very impressed by the family modules for CMC (Center for motivation and change) — both as a family member of someone struggling with addiction, and as a medical provider in the field of addiction medicine. 
    Their approach is focused on how loved ones can most effectively support recovery, as well as how to take care of yourself. Unfortunately they are doing telehealth unless you are in San Diego or NYC, but their approach is unique in that it is truly evidence-based. 
    If you haven’t already, checking out Al-anon (instead of AA) can also be of help — very informative about the patterns and habits we find ourselves in when we love someone with addiction. 
    Good luck to you

    I'm sorry you're in this situation with your son. It's a tough place to be. I've been in a similar situation with my now young adult for ~8years. I applaud you for looking for support for yourself.

    If Al-Anon is not for you, carefully vet any therapist you consider working with. My experience is that most are not knowledgeable about addiction (incl. to alcohol), and the majority of those I've interviewed or worked with over the years who say they specialize in treating addiction are steeped in the 12-Step model. While the 12-Step model is helpful for many, it's not for everyone. And, there are science- and evidence-based approaches available that take a more compassionate approach. For an alternative to Al-Anon, consider looking into The Invitation to Change (ITC) and SMART Recovery for Family and Friends for support.

    To find a therapist that treats addiction from a science- and evidence-based approach, look for a therapist trained in the ITC and/or CRAFT (ITC is based on CRAFT; I think of it as next-gen CRAFT). The Helping Families Help website includes a directory of ITC and CRAFT trained professionals. I'm working with a therapist at The Wise Mind Institute in Redwood City who is not trained in addiction per se, but is very helpful from a DBT and Harm Reduction perspective. The Wise Mind has an office in Berkeley. If you reach out, ask for an experienced clinician, not an intern.

    I wish you and your son well on this journey. 
    (Disclosure: I am a certified ITC group leader—the program has been and continues to be so helpful to me that I  become certified.)

  • I've decided to go back into therapy to address recurring depression. Looking for therapist/mental-health-practitioner recommendations. Me - female, mid '60's, live in West Berkeley. Thank you!  

    I wholeheartedly recommend Chloe Demisch. She is a clinician (LCSW) and really wonderful. Like most therapists she is not in-network for any insurers, but she will provide a superbill at the end of the month for reimbursement purposes, or you could use an FSA or HSA card to pay her. She is located in Temescal, north Oakland. She can do in-person and remote sessions. Google her name and you will find her website. 

    Anonymous, I highly recommend Susan LaCroix http://www.susanlacroixmft.com/ . She helped me through an unexpected silver divorce, helping me express my feelings and needs, and offering a feminist insight. It was a remarkable journey and I treasure every one of our sessions. Best of luck to you! 

  • Hi neighbors, I'm in a downward spiral with a mid-life crisis and am looking for recommendations for a counselor/therapist that can work with me to help work through some issues.

    Generally, the crisis is related to issues that I'm having in my career that I can't find a way to resolve, having experienced a painful set-back two years ago that I haven't been able to come back from.  This has led to some debilitating self-worth/confidence issues that are so overwhelming to me that I fear that my marriage and relationship with my children are being impacted.

    I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for therapists in or near Berkeley.  Thanks in advance!

    Lisa Lancaster is absolutely fantastic--I found her via other recommendations here on BPN and had amazing progress after just a few sessions. A truly insightful and skilled therapist. Good luck to you!

    Original poster here - I forgot to mention a critical piece of info that I have BlueCross BlueShield insurance and would hope to find a therapist that takes this insurance.  Thanks!!

    I wanted to just write and say I HEAR YOU!  I literally feel like I could have written almost the exact same post, and I wanted you to know you are not alone and there's nothing wrong with you!  I have been reading "Why We Can't Sleep" and it has been incredibly reassuring to know that my experience is actually quite normal, and that it will likely get better. I do have a great therapist but unfortunately, her practice is full.  Huge kudos to you for reaching out to others, and taking these positive steps forward for yourself.  Just keep walking and keep the faith. 

  • Somewhere along the line, I allowed my creative life to wither and die, and now, at the midpoint of my life, I'm bereft and I need to make some changes to sort out how to get back on track. I'd love to work with a therapist who understands this and has a no-nonsense approach. A caveat: I don't have much patience for woo. I like straight shooters. Thanks!

    Hey This is not exactly what you are asking for, but at the age of 40 and after a couple years of a break from artmaking I finally cracked open “The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron 

    it might be what you are looking for.., 

    for me just the Morning Pages assignment has been incredibly useful as a way to get back to my studio practice.

    good luck 

    Hi!  I would suggest an expressive arts therapist.  Some are woo. Some  aren't.  You'll get a vibe probably right away from each therapist's website.  I would suggest looking on Psychology Today, typing in your city.  You'll see a list of therapists in that city.  Then, on the left scroll down to 'Types of Therapy' and selecting Expressive Arts.  I hope that helps!  Best of luck!

  • I always thought that "midlife crisis" was just a moniker given to address impulsive adult decisions, but I'm realizing at 43 years old that it's exactly what's happening to me. I really need someone to talk to about this, as I feel every day like I'm on the brittle cusp of emotionally self-destructing and taking my marriage and family down with me. Does anyone have suggestions for a great therapist in the Oakland/Berkeley/Alameda area who can help me navigate these feelings? I don't have a preference between speaking with a male or female, but I am female myself if anyone thinks that might make a difference.  I would really appreciate any leads or advice.

    Laila Shamszad does tremendous work helping women find meaning amidst family and professional responsibilities. She is really grounded and wise and has helped me see difficult situations from a higher perspective many times. Her website is http://www.lailashamszadmft.com

    I recommend Karen Levine, MFT in Oakland.  Her website is karenlevinetherapy.com.  Karen has helped me understand the complicated dynamics of my own "midlife crisis," and has guided me in developing skills and awareness around my own patterns and feelings.  She has a real understanding of the challenges of being a parent and a partner, and has warmth and a sense of humor.

    I love Ellie Vargas on Berkeley/Oakland border on Telegraph. She's trained in Internal Family Systems and has really helped me build a strong relationship with myself through difficult times. Wishing you the best - congrats on seeking support!

    I loved seeing Susan LaCroix for my quarter-life crisis.  She specializes in life transitions.  She has in-office appointments, but she does a lot of sessions walking in Tilden Park, if that appeals to you!

    I highly recommend Audrey Martin, MFT. Having gone through the midlife transition a while ago I clearly remember the accompanying emotional and mental chaos and my strong wish to find help with navigating it. I had the good luck of finding Audrey to do just that: sorting through the old stories, evaluating the changing current mindset and finding a path to a future with more clarity and ease. Audrey has a calming and sensitive way of receiving your concerns and worries, of structuring them, of finding more self supportive ways of regarding them and most importantly, of helping you find a way to help yourself. Her life experience accompanied by a vast knowledge of her field and just plain human kindness make the experience of working with her a life line in the middle of disconcerting but necessary changes.

    Her office is in Rockridge area of Oakland and her phone number is 510 428 1505.

  • I'm looking for a therapist in the Walnut Creek/ Lamorinda area. Very much need support in the parenting teens- launching kids to college, grief-loss, aging parents, and general female 40's life.

    I have health net MHN so someone who takes insurance is important. 

    Not sure whether she takes MHN but Anne Case MFT is wonderful!