Depression Therapists in Oakland, CA
So many of us have been harmed by other people, by systems of oppression, and by experiences of collective trauma. These experiences disconnect us from ourselves and from each other, so that we may blame and attack ourselves, or lash out at those around us, or feel compelled to be perfect at the cost of our wellbeing, or numb our feelings, or feel insecure and unsafe in relationships. People who work with me are curious, wanting to know more about how past experiences are showing up in their feelings, bodies, sense of self, behaviors, values, and relationships today.
So many of us have been harmed by other people, by systems of oppression, and by experiences of collective trauma. These experiences disconnect us from ourselves and from each other, so that we may blame and attack ourselves, or lash out at those around us, or feel compelled to be perfect at the cost of our wellbeing, or numb our feelings, or feel insecure and unsafe in relationships. People who work with me are curious, wanting to know more about how past experiences are showing up in their feelings, bodies, sense of self, behaviors, values, and relationships today.
Most people who reach out to me feel like there's some sort of a gap between what they want and what they have. This gap is uncomfortable, upsetting, or might be painful. And often it's unclear why this gap exists or what can be done to close it or at least narrow it down a bit. Each one of us has a set of life circumstances that need to be taken into account when attempting to improve on our lived-experience. Psychotherapy is the arena in which those personal circumstances, individual preferences, needs, wants, and struggles can be explored.
Most people who reach out to me feel like there's some sort of a gap between what they want and what they have. This gap is uncomfortable, upsetting, or might be painful. And often it's unclear why this gap exists or what can be done to close it or at least narrow it down a bit. Each one of us has a set of life circumstances that need to be taken into account when attempting to improve on our lived-experience. Psychotherapy is the arena in which those personal circumstances, individual preferences, needs, wants, and struggles can be explored.
Some areas where I specialize are working with artists and with people seeking support with anxiety, depression, major life transitions, relationship challenges, gender and sexuality struggles and explorations, chronic illness/pain, and issues with food and body.
One of the more meaningful things we can do for ourselves and each other is get to know who we are. Engaging this process with a trusted other can be especially helpful for making contact with vulnerabilities and strengths that may be outside of our conscious awareness. A little about me: I enjoy working with clients who are seeking a collaborative and engaged experience. My relational style is warm and straightforward with a well placed sense of humor and I have extensive experience navigating intense and complicated thoughts, feelings, and interactions.
Some areas where I specialize are working with artists and with people seeking support with anxiety, depression, major life transitions, relationship challenges, gender and sexuality struggles and explorations, chronic illness/pain, and issues with food and body.
One of the more meaningful things we can do for ourselves and each other is get to know who we are. Engaging this process with a trusted other can be especially helpful for making contact with vulnerabilities and strengths that may be outside of our conscious awareness. A little about me: I enjoy working with clients who are seeking a collaborative and engaged experience. My relational style is warm and straightforward with a well placed sense of humor and I have extensive experience navigating intense and complicated thoughts, feelings, and interactions.
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.
Life can be challenging. Some people need support in responding to unexpected changes in their lives, some may be struggling with unresolved trauma, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When one’s coping skills are overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, doubt, anxiety, stress, or despair, therapy can be helpful.
Life can be challenging. Some people need support in responding to unexpected changes in their lives, some may be struggling with unresolved trauma, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When one’s coping skills are overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, doubt, anxiety, stress, or despair, therapy can be helpful.
Whether it be with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, general life, or work stressors, therapy is a safe space to explore and develop skills to cope with life’s stressors and work toward personal goals.
You don’t have to go through it alone, it is my passion to support you and help you learn ways to cope with and navigate life’s challenges effectively.
Whether it be with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, general life, or work stressors, therapy is a safe space to explore and develop skills to cope with life’s stressors and work toward personal goals.
You don’t have to go through it alone, it is my passion to support you and help you learn ways to cope with and navigate life’s challenges effectively.
The kinds of issues I typically work with include relationship problems, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, personality disorders, grief and loss, life transitions, career issues, trauma, abuse, and problems related to sexuality.
Therapy can help you overcome difficulties, live creatively, and feel more alive. Many people become stuck in ways of thinking and living that no longer serve them. Through a caring therapeutic relationship, you can develop the courage to live in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Over the past 27 years, I have helped people with a wide variety of issues work through significant challenges, freeing them to make better choices. In addition to my clinical work, I taught and supervised at various training programs throughout the Bay Area, and was the Director of Counseling at California College of the Arts for 15 years.
The kinds of issues I typically work with include relationship problems, depression, anxiety, creative blocks, personality disorders, grief and loss, life transitions, career issues, trauma, abuse, and problems related to sexuality.
Therapy can help you overcome difficulties, live creatively, and feel more alive. Many people become stuck in ways of thinking and living that no longer serve them. Through a caring therapeutic relationship, you can develop the courage to live in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Over the past 27 years, I have helped people with a wide variety of issues work through significant challenges, freeing them to make better choices. In addition to my clinical work, I taught and supervised at various training programs throughout the Bay Area, and was the Director of Counseling at California College of the Arts for 15 years.
Navigating everything from depression and anxiety to relationship and intimacy issues, crisis and loss to major life transitions.
Live your truth. Follow your bliss. Do you. Sounds simple, right? Except that, all too often, we convince ourselves that who we are is not enough, that what we want is undeserved. So we stifle our talents, ignore our truth and deny our deepest desires. Before we know it, we’re living someone else’s life, satisfying everyone’s expectations but our own. All to earn the love and acceptance we don’t feel worthy of otherwise. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Navigating everything from depression and anxiety to relationship and intimacy issues, crisis and loss to major life transitions.
Live your truth. Follow your bliss. Do you. Sounds simple, right? Except that, all too often, we convince ourselves that who we are is not enough, that what we want is undeserved. So we stifle our talents, ignore our truth and deny our deepest desires. Before we know it, we’re living someone else’s life, satisfying everyone’s expectations but our own. All to earn the love and acceptance we don’t feel worthy of otherwise. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
I'm accepting new clients! I offer sliding scale for healers, movement workers and folks that are being disproportionately impacted.
I'm looking to work with folks who want to prioritize their healing, lean into difficult conversations, and embrace change in their lives. If you struggle with anything from life transitions or relationships, to managing the stress of systemic oppression, then we may be a good fit for each other. As a Bay Area native and Oakland resident, my healing work draws inspiration from the political and cultural movements of the Bay, integrating principles of liberation, decolonization, and collective care.
I'm accepting new clients! I offer sliding scale for healers, movement workers and folks that are being disproportionately impacted.
I'm looking to work with folks who want to prioritize their healing, lean into difficult conversations, and embrace change in their lives. If you struggle with anything from life transitions or relationships, to managing the stress of systemic oppression, then we may be a good fit for each other. As a Bay Area native and Oakland resident, my healing work draws inspiration from the political and cultural movements of the Bay, integrating principles of liberation, decolonization, and collective care.
We will work together to understand these issues, whether that be anxiety, depression, etc
If you are seeking deep personal change or going through a life transition, it may feel difficult to make choices. If you are experiencing conflict or suffering and know that something needs to change, psychotherapy will provide a structure where you can identify patterns that have previously led to unhappiness or frustration. I will help you develop new ways of understanding yourself and relating to others in your life. I am a warm, experienced and compassionate psychotherapist that will help guide you through this process of change so that you can be your most authentic self and live your life with increased comfort and meaning.
We will work together to understand these issues, whether that be anxiety, depression, etc
If you are seeking deep personal change or going through a life transition, it may feel difficult to make choices. If you are experiencing conflict or suffering and know that something needs to change, psychotherapy will provide a structure where you can identify patterns that have previously led to unhappiness or frustration. I will help you develop new ways of understanding yourself and relating to others in your life. I am a warm, experienced and compassionate psychotherapist that will help guide you through this process of change so that you can be your most authentic self and live your life with increased comfort and meaning.
People come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves and others, whether because of anxiety, depression, grief or the persistent pain of past experiences.
Through increasing awareness we have more room to do something different, to see things in a new light, to feel more at ease with a wider range of experience. With greater awareness emerges new possibilities of relating to oneself, to others, and to the world.
People come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves and others, whether because of anxiety, depression, grief or the persistent pain of past experiences.
Through increasing awareness we have more room to do something different, to see things in a new light, to feel more at ease with a wider range of experience. With greater awareness emerges new possibilities of relating to oneself, to others, and to the world.
I can work with you to navigate the ups and downs of anxiety and depression, the hopes and fears of life transitions, the joys and challenges of creative pursuit, the pain of grief and loss, and the wounds of trauma and abuse.
I also have particular interest and experience in helping people resolve and move through creative blocks, including people who struggle with the question of whether they are or can be creative; navigate second career transitions and retirement; and people struggling with questions of spiritual identity and practice.
I can work with you to navigate the ups and downs of anxiety and depression, the hopes and fears of life transitions, the joys and challenges of creative pursuit, the pain of grief and loss, and the wounds of trauma and abuse.
I also have particular interest and experience in helping people resolve and move through creative blocks, including people who struggle with the question of whether they are or can be creative; navigate second career transitions and retirement; and people struggling with questions of spiritual identity and practice.
I specialize in using creativity, humor, and the arts in working with adults who are having intimacy and relationship issues. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, especially couples who are experiencing the stresses and complexities of family life. People have described me as inquisitive, insightful, curious and warm. I offer a solid presence, as well as a fresh, down-to-earth, and direct point of view to support you in your life's pursuits. 5 years of training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and 5 years of training in PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy). PACT Level 3 completed.
I specialize in using creativity, humor, and the arts in working with adults who are having intimacy and relationship issues. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, especially couples who are experiencing the stresses and complexities of family life. People have described me as inquisitive, insightful, curious and warm. I offer a solid presence, as well as a fresh, down-to-earth, and direct point of view to support you in your life's pursuits. 5 years of training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and 5 years of training in PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy). PACT Level 3 completed.
Combining distress tolerance practice, mindfulness skill building, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skill building, healing the effects of trauma, depression and anxiety and replace that with well-being.
When you tend to act impulsively and habitually this practice helps in regaining focus and calm.
Combining distress tolerance practice, mindfulness skill building, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skill building, healing the effects of trauma, depression and anxiety and replace that with well-being.
When you tend to act impulsively and habitually this practice helps in regaining focus and calm.
Cathy Swift Nagel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with adults and older adults who are adjusting to life’s changes, including grief, anxiety, retirement, health concerns, or changes in independence. Many feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what comes next. They want someone who understands this stage of life, listens without judgment, and offers practical tools to help them cope, feel more like themselves again, and move forward with greater confidence and peace.
I work with adults and older adults who are adjusting to life’s changes, including grief, anxiety, retirement, health concerns, or changes in independence. Many feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what comes next. They want someone who understands this stage of life, listens without judgment, and offers practical tools to help them cope, feel more like themselves again, and move forward with greater confidence and peace.
Whether you're looking for short-term or long-term therapy, I provide a safe and caring place for you. Our sessions are focused on what is important to you, as well as what is important for you. I give special consideration to your cultural background, and work with you in a way that is respectful and effective. I don't just listen without commenting, but interact with you and help you express thoughts and feelings if that is what you need. Therapy can be painful and frustrating, but is almost always beneficial. I look forward to working together.
Whether you're looking for short-term or long-term therapy, I provide a safe and caring place for you. Our sessions are focused on what is important to you, as well as what is important for you. I give special consideration to your cultural background, and work with you in a way that is respectful and effective. I don't just listen without commenting, but interact with you and help you express thoughts and feelings if that is what you need. Therapy can be painful and frustrating, but is almost always beneficial. I look forward to working together.
People turn to therapy when they are in too much emotional pain, stuck in intractable situations with intimate partners or at work, or acting in ways that are self-destructive or harmful to others. When other solutions have not worked, therapy offers a chance to address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work. It offers the possibility of exploring new ways of relating to ourselves and others that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. The therapist must provide a place of safety and be a partner in this process.
People turn to therapy when they are in too much emotional pain, stuck in intractable situations with intimate partners or at work, or acting in ways that are self-destructive or harmful to others. When other solutions have not worked, therapy offers a chance to address and change outmoded ways of being. The therapeutic relationship is key to this work. It offers the possibility of exploring new ways of relating to ourselves and others that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. The therapist must provide a place of safety and be a partner in this process.
Welcome I am glad you are here. I am an expressive arts therapist, and I have dedicated my career to anti-oppression work. Creativity heals and can deepen the work you want to do, for those that want to explore in that way. I view therapy as both personal, interpersonal, social and that systemic issues impact healing. Therapy with me is honest, we may laugh together, or I may hold with you your biggest sorrows. You are the leader and I am here to facilitate and co-create the change you wish to achieve. We will chip away at stuckness together
Welcome I am glad you are here. I am an expressive arts therapist, and I have dedicated my career to anti-oppression work. Creativity heals and can deepen the work you want to do, for those that want to explore in that way. I view therapy as both personal, interpersonal, social and that systemic issues impact healing. Therapy with me is honest, we may laugh together, or I may hold with you your biggest sorrows. You are the leader and I am here to facilitate and co-create the change you wish to achieve. We will chip away at stuckness together
You might struggle with complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, work stress, or a persistent sense of guilt, shame, or “something is wrong with me
I offer trauma-informed, evidence-based psychotherapy in English or Mandarin sessions. My work integrates CBT and DBT for symptom relief, Emotion-Focused Therapy for attachment and relationship repair, and psychodynamic therapy for deeper insight and long-term growth.
We work not only to reduce pain, but to understand why and how to change at the root.
You might struggle with complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, work stress, or a persistent sense of guilt, shame, or “something is wrong with me
I offer trauma-informed, evidence-based psychotherapy in English or Mandarin sessions. My work integrates CBT and DBT for symptom relief, Emotion-Focused Therapy for attachment and relationship repair, and psychodynamic therapy for deeper insight and long-term growth.
We work not only to reduce pain, but to understand why and how to change at the root.
My counseling style is very warm and interactive. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe in meeting everyone where they are, within their own unique experiences, and provide a safe, non-judgmental space to work on self-healing.
My counseling style is very warm and interactive. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe in meeting everyone where they are, within their own unique experiences, and provide a safe, non-judgmental space to work on self-healing.
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Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.