Therapist for Relationship Issues

Parent Q&A

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  • Hi there. I am looking for a therapist/psychologist for myself. One that specializes in marriages, relationship issues with family and self help. Would be wonderful if they took insurance but willing to go to one out of network if really great. Thank you.

    I recommend Bowbay Feng, who is a marriage and family therapist in Berkeley. My spouse and I had met with her for  couple of sessions to address a specific issue that we couldn't agree on. She helped us see each other's perspective, and provided us with tools on how to improve communication with each other. I highly recommend her. I don't know if she takes insurance but her fee is quite reasonable. 

  • I am in a long term relationship and we are considering moving in together. The problem is that I feel his boundaries around his children are not consistent w/ mine. I also find myself questioning some values around $ as it pertains to what he is teaching his children. That being said, I need recommendations for a smart, engaged and assertive therapist who can help me figure out why my buttons are being pushed and how I can manage my feelings. I really love this man and want it to work between us. Albany, Berkeley, el cerrito areas preferred and must have someone who takes MHN insurance. 

    We've been seeing Michelle Sicula near the Berkeley/Oakland border (Rockridge area) for about a year and a half. I think she's excellent. She's a former attorney turned therapist; clearly very smart, warm, and keeps the work focused on whatever issue you're bringing. She's definitely prevented us from getting derailed and opening up too many boxes, which I think is key for a couple's therapist. I'd highly recommend.
    We started seeing her for stress around infertility, and now have been seeing her as we prepare to welcome a baby into our lives. She utilizes EFT, emotionally focused therapy with couples.

    David Shaddock on Grand Avenue across from Lake Merritt is a senior psychotherapist who is excellent with couples.

    Blue Oak Therapy Center has a number of excellent counselors--and they're quite affordable. My partner and I have used Uzma Knauss: she is fantastic!

Archived Q&A and Reviews

 


Therapist to help w/ codependent relationship

Oct 2006

After years of trying to figure out why I am the way I am, I have come to realize that I am in a mother-daughter ''codependent'' relationship. I know many therapists don't whole-heartedly subscribe to the theory, but whatever you want to call it, I need to learn some coping skills so that I can stop wasting my life trying to gain the approval of my mother and others. I have behavioral health insurance coverage through Aetna, but can't fathom blindly picking a random name off an extensive list of providers. I live in the Walnut Creek/Concord/PH area. Anyone know of a good therapist in the area that might help those w/ ''codependent'' characteristics work through their issues? Any and all names, male and female are appreciated...I can check insurance coverage before calling. Thanks anon


I would recommend Debra Lyman 510.594.4099 3120 Tel. Ave, Ste. 9, Berkeley, CA 94705. She has an amazing background and is well rounded in her practice analuz


Linda Blackstone, LCSW has an office in both Concord and Oakland/Berkeley border. She is one of the best therapists I know (I'm in the Social Work field .)Everyone I have ever referred to her both for addiction/co-dependency issues and other issues, have thanked me even for years afterwards. Her number is (925) 676-3054 Good luck. Betty


Dianne Donnelly in Lafayette is great. I went to her years ago - not sure if she specializes in co-dependency, as you described it but worth a call... Good luck! anon


This is not silly or outdated at all. Codependence is real, and I can speak to it, and got great help with it through my therapist Kathryn Hirt who works in Oakland and SF. She is fantastic, and really understands how things work- what the hooks are, what the behaviors look like, what attitudes are underlying all this- she is extremely insightful and at the same time very down-to -earth and REAL, and compassionate. And sometimes funny. Call her-510-220-3558. She'll help you through this and give you great support and feedback. Good luck to you! Sarah


Gheorghe Cosmin, Licensed MFT was my teens and my family therapist for almost 3 years. He is great with kids and adults and families. Before I found him we went through 5 different therapist and programs without any success. He help my teen son to recognize and cure from drug dependencies. He help my whole family to deal with it. It was almost tree years back. Then Cosmin left for New York. Now he is back and he opens his private practice in San Francisco 5-10 min walk from Momtgomery BART. You can see his website at: http://www.synergiscounseling.com Also he gives free seminars: http://www.synergiscounseling.com/EVENTS.html His phone: 415 279 8240 His email: cosmin [at] synergiscounseling.com If you have questions you are welcome to email me jvk