Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in the Bay Area, CA
Is This You?
You're functioning — work gets done, responsibilities get met — but inside it feels like you're running on empty. Maybe you recognize yourself in some of these:
Your mind races at night, replaying conversations and catastrophizing about tomorrow
You feel a persistent low hum of worry that never quite goes away
You've lost interest in things that used to bring you joy
You're exhausted but can't rest — always waiting for the next thing to go wrong
You hold yourself to impossibly high standards and feel like a failure when you fall short
You snap at the people you love and then feel crushing guilt
You've been told you "seem fine" — but you know you're not
You've tried to push through on your own, but the same patterns keep coming back
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common — and most treatable — mental health challenges. You don't have to keep white-knuckling it alone.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health challenges faced by individuals today. They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or anxious, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone and that help is available.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is your nervous system's alarm system — designed to protect you from danger. The problem is that in modern life, that alarm often gets stuck in the "on" position, firing even when there's no real threat. The result is a constant state of alertness that is exhausting, overwhelming, and hard to turn off.
Anxiety shows up differently for different people. For some it looks like constant worry and overthinking. For others it's physical — a tight chest, a racing heart, difficulty breathing. For many high-achieving people, it hides behind perfectionism, overworking, and a relentless drive to control everything around them.
Common forms of anxiety I work with include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) — persistent, hard-to-control worry about everyday things
Social anxiety — fear of judgment, embarrassment, or not measuring up in social situations
Perfectionism and performance anxiety — the relentless pursuit of impossible standards
Health anxiety — excessive worry about illness or physical symptoms
Panic attacks — sudden, intense waves of fear accompanied by physical symptoms
Burnout — when chronic stress has depleted every last reserve
"Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” — Brené Brown
Understanding Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad. It's a heaviness that settles into every corner of your life — making even simple tasks feel monumental, draining the color from things that used to matter, and whispering that things will never get better.
Depression often coexists with anxiety — many people experience both, caught in a cycle of anxious overthinking followed by exhausted withdrawal. It can also be masked by busyness, irritability, or a relentless focus on work or achievement.
Signs of depression I often see in clients include:
Persistent low mood or emotional numbness
Loss of motivation, pleasure, or interest in life
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Changes in sleep — too much or not enough
Withdrawing from relationships and activities
Negative self-talk, shame, or a sense of hopelessness
Going through the motions without feeling present
Depression is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It is a real, physiological condition — and it responds very well to therapy.
Acknowledging the need for help is a vital first step toward recovery.
Therapy can make a significant difference if you are struggling with anxiety and/or depression. Therapy with me offers a safe and supportive environment to explore your thoughts and feelings. Through therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you will learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to your distress. You will also learn coping strategies to manage overwhelming emotions and stressors in your life. Additionally, the therapeutic relationship we build will foster a sense of understanding and validation, helping you feel less isolated in your struggles. By guiding you toward self-awareness and resilience, therapy will empower you to regain control over your life and foster lasting emotional well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT is one of the most evidence-based psychological interventions for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Research has found that even a short program of CBT can improve clients' psychological stress and physical symptoms, such as insomnia.
Taking the first step toward therapy can be daunting, but it’s a powerful move toward healing and improved mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, reach out for help today.
How We Work Together
My approach to anxiety and depression is active and collaborative — I don't just listen and reflect. I bring tools, ask hard questions, and work with you to understand the specific patterns driving your distress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) We identify the thought patterns that fuel your anxiety or depression — the catastrophizing, the self-criticism, the all-or-nothing thinking — and we work to replace them with more flexible, accurate ways of seeing yourself and the world. You'll leave sessions with practical tools you can use right away.
EMDR for Anxiety Rooted in Past Experiences For anxiety or depression that has roots in past difficult experiences, I often incorporate EMDR. This is especially helpful when the same themes keep coming up despite CBT work — suggesting that the issue is stored not just in your thoughts, but in your nervous system.
Mindfulness and Somatic Awareness We also work with your body — learning to notice physical signs of anxiety before they escalate, and developing the ability to self-regulate your nervous system in the moment.
How Long Does It Take?
Many clients begin to feel meaningful relief within 8–12 sessions. For longer-standing anxiety or depression — especially when rooted in past experiences — deeper work over several months often leads to more lasting change. During our consultation I'll give you a realistic sense of what to expect based on your specific situation.
Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in the East Bay
I offer therapy for anxiety and depression in person at my office in Richmond, CA, serving the East Bay including El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley, Kensington, and Oakland. Online therapy is available throughout California.
I am currently accepting new clients and offer a free 15-minute consultation. Sessions are available Monday through Friday.
Relief is possible — and closer than you think.
You've been carrying this long enough. Book your free 15-minute consultation and let's talk about what's been going on and how I can help.
Recommended Reading
Recommended Listening
Feeling Good Podcast — hosted by Dr. David Burns, author of the bestselling Feeling Good book His podcast brings CBT concepts to life with real therapy sessions and practical tools for anxiety and depression.
The Anxiety Coaches Podcast — practical, calming episodes for people dealing with anxiety, panic, and stress. A reassuring listen between sessions.