Therapists for Mid-Life Adults

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Parent Q&A

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  • Therapist for navigating aging parent

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    Feb 26, 2025

    Hi hive mind, I’m looking for a therapist who can help me navigate my relationship with an aging parent. She has been in a downward spiral since divorcing 10 years ago. She has a general victim mentality and I’ve experienced years of manipulation which makes it hard to decipher what are real vs perceived needs. She is aging and is also having financial challenges and I’m spinning on how to support her in a way that doesn’t make me drown in the process. I have limited mental health benefits through work (UnitedHealthcare) but willing to pay out of pocket for a strong therapist. Thank you!

    Feb 26, 2025

    No responses received.

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  • Looking for therapist with Eastern philosophy

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    Feb 10, 2025

    Hello! I am working on taming my ego, which I believe is causing me to feel angry and resentful against some people in my life. I believe these people have wronged me, but I believe that finding a way to let go to move forward will be best for everyone. Does anyone know of a therapeutic practitioner (of any modality) that could help with that? 

    Feb 10, 2025

    No responses received.

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  • Therapist for Mexican-Born Partner's Anxiety, PTSD

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    Dec 7, 2024

    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!   

    Dec 7, 2024

    (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.  

    Dec 11, 2024

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

    Dec 11, 2024

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

    Dec 11, 2024

  • Need a therapist for me, for support around child's addiction

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    Nov 12, 2024

    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?

    Nov 12, 2024

    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

    Nov 18, 2024

    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

    Nov 18, 2024

    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.)

    Nov 18, 2024

  • Therapist for recurring depression

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    Oct 18, 2024

    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!  

    Oct 18, 2024

    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. 

    Oct 23, 2024

    I love Joan Gold. She’s been my life saver. https://www.eastbayholistictherapy.com/about-joan-gold-east-bay-psychot…

    Oct 29, 2024

    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! 

    Nov 22, 2024

  • Therapist Recommendations for Mid-Life Crisis

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    Jan 20, 2021

    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!

    Jan 20, 2021

    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!

    Jan 27, 2021

    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!!

    Jan 27, 2021

    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. 

    Jan 27, 2021

  • Therapist who works with creatives in midlife?

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    Aug 18, 2019

    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!

    Aug 18, 2019

    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 

    Aug 21, 2019

    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!

    Aug 21, 2019

  • Need therapist to address female "midlife crisis"

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    Feb 28, 2018

    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.

    Feb 28, 2018

    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

    Mar 7, 2018

    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.

    Mar 7, 2018

    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!

    Mar 7, 2018

    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!

    Mar 8, 2018

    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.

    Mar 12, 2018

  • Seeking MHN therapist in Walnut Creek/ Lamorinda - 40's life

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    Feb 27, 2018

    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. 

    Feb 27, 2018

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

    Feb 28, 2018