Therapists for Mothers' Issues
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Therapists for Mothers' Issues
July 2011
Parents: Who have you found who is great with mothers, both
helping us with our issues but also with parenting our
children, in the Berkeley area?
Thanks, Fiona
Yes! Wonderful in mother issues and parenting at all
stages, located in Berkeley:
Melissa Rapp, MFT: 510-595-4618.
Good luck!
I think Diane DuBois, MFT is a really excellent therapist
for mothers, as well as couples. She is sensitive, while
helping clients come up with practical solutions. She is
herself a mother, and can relate to many of the issues we
face. Unlike some therapists I've come into contact with,
she is interactive and engaging, while being extremely
supportive and professional. I highly recommend her. Although she is
not in Berkeley, she has an office in
Montclair which is just a few minutes away, as well as an
office in San Francisco. You can reach her at 510-339-3241.
Fellow Mother
There is just such a wonderful therapist for mothers! Her
name is Laurette Schiff Gennis, PhD and she has offices in
both Rockridge and SF. She has been in clinical practice for
about 25 years and trained at Mt Zion and CPMC. The reason
I thought of her is that she has run groups for pregnant
women and has treated women and new moms in individual
therapy for a wide range of issues. Besides all that, she
is a warm and thoughtful mother herself! You can reach her
at 415-773-8990. Best of luck.
A Mom Who Understands
Virginia Vanden Bergh on College Ave in Rockridge is a
wonderful therapist. She brings tremendous personal (though
very professional) warmth and gentle insights about
motherhood, parenting, body issues, and relationships.
(510)654-6096
Anon
You are looking for Dr. Laureen Wong, Ph.D.! She is a licensed
clinical psychologist with many years experience working with
children and families. She specializes in developmental, behavioral
and social-emotional issues in young children. She is great at
supporting FAMILIES. Look her up at
www.networktherapy.com/LaureenWong or call her at 510-289-7331.
Glad to recommend a talented and caring therapist
I know of a wonderful mothers' therapist in Berkeley. A kind
and gentle heart, bold and confident disposition, supportive
and intuitive comments, nurturing suggestions and then
leaves you assured you are not alone, feeling good about
your role as mother in whatever stage, and a few concrete
goals to keep you moving forward. She runs a group called
''Moms Blossoming Salon.'' Lovely lady, you should meet her.
She is Rosy Aronson: Rosy@RosyAronson.com
Rachel
June 2006
I'm looking for a therapist, preferably in Berkeley, who can help
work through issues related to new motherhood, marriage, and loss
of identity. I want a female therapist who works in an
analytical, straightforward way without a lot of new age or
pseudo-spiritual lingo. Also would like someone who can see me
and my husband together if necessary. I've looked through the
archives but all the relevant recommendations are at least 6
years old.
looking for help
I am seeing Maxine Berzok in Berkeley for similar issues. She is
very practical and is good at zeroing in on the heart of the
matter. Her office is near whole foods
Mom in Oakland
Alisa Genovese, 286-7599, although she's in Kensington. I saw
her after my oldest son was born and have been seeing her on and
off ever since. She's great; she's nice, straightforward,
honest, and she never let me get away with anything!
Jill
Here is a female therapist who I've worked with that I'd like to
recommend. Her name is Dr. Joanne Chao and her office is located at
the Oakland / Berkeley border. She is very straightforward, tells it
like it is, but is also compassionate and easy to work with. She does
individual work as well as couples therapy. I am a new mother and also
had some marriage issues. Dr. Chao has help me greatly through all
this. Her # is (510) 594-4003, website: www.drjoannechao.com
anon.
March 2000
Can anyone recommend a therapist/psychiatrist for my daughter. We are on
HealthNet. My daughter was once diagnosed with a tendency toward depression
(in fifth grade) but because the doctor thought we might be dealing with
adolescent hormonal things he opted not to treat her. This was a mistake.
Many years later after much heartache my daughter got pregnant and her
whole disposition changed. She became once again the sunny personality she
was as a child. I was very happy and welcoming of this thinking we were
finally
over that "stage" She's turning 20 in a few days. However now, just a few
short weeks after the birth of her child I see the dark sad moods have come
upon her again, though she loves her baby dearly and is a good mother. The
sunshine is gone again and I need to get her help.
Call Shoshana Bennett, with Postpartum Support for Mothers at 727-4610
Hutcheson-Wilcox Family
Sept 1999
If there are any bulletin subscribers that have seen either Fran Diyan or Esther Brass for
psychotherapy,
I would welcome any comments. Both names were given to me as referrals for therapy from CARE
services.
I am dealing with some transitional work issues as well as those around being in my 40's and the
married
mother of two young children, being frequently exhausted, etc.
On the other hand, if anyone out there has seen other therapists (I am with Health Net) that they
would
recommend for the above issues, I would welcome any and all comments. I live in the Berkeley
area, but
could travel within 5 miles or so as needed for appointments.
Thank you.
I and my daughter worked with Fran about 6 years ago when my husband passed
away. I liked her a lot. Nancy
June 1999
I am looking for recommendations for a therapist that supports and is
sensitive to working mothers (ideally, someone with experience with the
particular challenges of academia), can help with issues having to do with
stress and time management, as well as deeper, emotional issues, and offers
a sliding scale. Any suggestions?
I would definitely recommend contacting Michael Simon,M.S. in Oakland
(Rockridge area). He works on a sliding scale and works a lot with
parents, parenting issues (working moms/dads; single parenting; parenting
through divorce, etc.) as well as having a background in academia. He's a
great therapist in general but has expertise in those areas. His phone
is (510) 433-2959.
-- Kirsten
July 1999
I'm a new first-time mom with a 3 month old baby and I'm looking for
recommendations for a good therapist in the Berkeley area who can help me
sort through all of the baggage of my own childhood/mal-adjusted family so
that I can hopefully be a better parent to my child. I'd like it to be
somebody who is also experienced with all of the issues of lost identity as
well as lost time and "control of my life". Not to mention, the struggles of
the new relationship that my husband and I are trying to get a grip on.
(i.e., is it "normal" for a husband and wife relationship to go through such
a hard adjustment period?????) Any recommendations on therapist and words of
encouragement are greatly appreciated! Thanks to you all.
Joan Bonnar, Ph.D., is a fabulous therapist. I have seen her alone and
with my husband for the very issues you describe. She is warm,
intuitive but also intellectual. She has a great analysis of how hard
it is to be a woman in our culture but rather than spend time raging
against the machine she focusses on how to handle it in a healthy
fashion. When she does couples counselling she is scrupulously fair to
both partners, even though she has a long-term relationship with me.
Not too mushy, so my husband is comfortable with her.
Shoshanna Bennett in Castro Valley is a very good therapist who specializes
in pregnancy and postpartum issues. I saw her during my pregnancy
privately and also went to a post-partum depression group - while I was
pregnant. Both were very helpful. I'm sorry I don't have the number but
I'm sure she is listed.
I can't recommend a Berkeley therapist, but I would like to comment on the rest
of your message. I also grew up in a dysfunctional family and wanted to learn
to interact in a more healthy way with my , by that time, pre-teen daughter.
Things were getting more difficult between us and I felt I didn't know the
"right " ways to nurture a teen who, of course, pushed the limits often. I felt
I was a loving mother, but that I had raised her using some of the methods my
parents used, which were much too critical and judgmental. I feel this affected
her self-confidence. I was able, through
Alameda Family Services, a wonderful nonprofit
organization in Alameda to arrange for family counseling for my daughter and
myself. They work with a sliding scale pay system and have wonderful interns and
accredited therapists. Their phone # is (510) 522-8363. I can personally
recommend Dr. Debra Capwell. My daughter got on well with the therapist and so
she started seeing her alone after about 6 weeks. I then began therapy ,with a
different therapist, to work on my parenting issues. I also worked on my
self-image/self-worth issues (which were not nurtured as a child) and (major)
problems I was having in my romantic relationship. I went to therapy for about
two years, and it all boiled down to one main issue!! When I started looking at
my personal and work relationships, both past and present, it became obvious
that my self-worth /self-image/insecurities were the root cause. If you don't
feel good about yourself, you don't believe anyone else does either. You
distrust people and their motives. You, perhaps are very defensive and
confrontational. You feel that you have to be in control of every situation,
and don't know when, or how to back down, etc. My boyfriend and I had a few
sessions together, also. I can safely say that I feel much better about myself
now and my relationships show that. I can now deal with my daughter in a
relatively calm manner (usually). My boyfriend and I have been together for
four years now, and this last year has been much quieter! We argued and fought
alot the first two years especially. My regret in all this, is that I
desperately wish I had gotten therapy MUCH earlier in my adult life!!! Things
in general would have been much easier for me (and others in my life), I'm
absolutely sure!!!
I strongly urge you to go to therapy, both as a couple and separately. Be sure
not to use the same therapist for couples and personal therapy. That happened
to us at first, and it didn't work out well!! If your husband won't go, go by
yourself!!! This is especially important, because many of the issues revolve
around you feeling better about yourself, and that is something only YOU and
your therapist can resolve. Sorry this is so long (and personal), but my heart
went out to you when I read your message! I felt it was essential to answer in
this way!! I wish you the best of luck!!
I realize that you are perhaps looking for a one-on-one situation, but
thought I'd also recommend that you find a local "Mother's Group"
mediated by a therapist. The groups are usually arranged by
the birthday of the babies.
I attended one in Albany run by Sherry Reinhardt 524-0821. It was great
because:
1. It was a huge relief to hear that other first time moms were
experiencing the same struggles that I was... and that our babies (and
husbands) had similar habits.
2. Sherry has a very encouraging, relaxing aura.
3. Five years later, I'm still very close to several of the moms I met
from the group and my child has been friends with the other kids since
he was a newborn.
So, try Neighborhood Moms or Bananas for a recommendation near your
home.
I really liked my therapist of four years, Nancy Rothschild. She worked with
me successfully on many of the issues you want to address. Her number is
655-6903 and she's located at 6239 College Ave.
-Kim
I highly recommend Dr. Dee Tivenan in Orinda.
She was very helpful in resolving some rather serious problems we had
regarding becoming parents. She asks difficult questions in a
sympathetic, nonjudgmental, but incisive manner. Her number is (925)
631-7975.
Re: New mom with old baggage to sort through (July 1999)
To the person looking for a good child psychologist to help with "new baby"
feelings: Try Cherry Wise PhD 848-9713 She is very good.
This is for the woman who was seeking recommendations for a woman
therapists to help her address adjustment issues around the birth of her
child and more longstanding family of origin issues.
I highly recommend Women's Therapy Center
in El Cerrito. It is staffed by
MFCC's and Ph.D.'s, both licensed therapists and interns. The basic
orientation is long-term psychodynamic with feminist and socio-cultural
sensitivity.
The intake is by telephone and then you are matched with a
therapist who fits your needs. Also, very fair sliding scales; private
insurance may work too.
I also recommend Russell House in Berkeley. This too is staffed by
licensed therapists and interns (MFCC and Ph.D.'s) and specializes in
women's issues.
For both, the intake is by telephone and then you are matched with a
therapist who fits your needs. Also, very fair sliding scales; private
insurance may work too.
Other advice:
As to whether the adjustment is hard, yes, yes, yes! Your relationship
is very different from what it was. Your patterns are all out of
whack. Even if you talked a great deal about what family means and what
kind of family you want to have, there will always be
subconscious/unspoken fears and expectations on BOTH your parts. Your
husband has his issues too, even if he had a "normal" upbringing. But
it can work out. In my experience, even to BEGIN working on the
problems brought relief.
I can't recommend a Berkeley therapist, but I would like to comment on the rest
of your message. I also grew up in a dysfunctional family and wanted to learn
to interact in a more healthy way with my , by that time, pre-teen daughter.
Things were getting more difficult between us and I felt I didn't know the
"right " ways to nurture a teen who, of course, pushed the limits often. I felt
I was a loving mother, but that I had raised her using some of the methods my
parents used, which were much too critical and judgmental. I feel this affected
her self-confidence. I was able, through Xanthos, a wonderful nonprofit
organization in Alameda to arrange for family counseling for my daughter and
myself. They work with a sliding scale pay system and have wonderful interns and
accredited therapists. Their phone # is (510) 522-8363. I can personally
recommend Dr. Debra Capwell. My daughter got on well with the therapist and so
she started seeing her alone after about 6 weeks. I then began therapy ,with a
different therapist, to work on my parenting issues. I also worked on my
self-image/self-worth issues (which were not nurtured as a child) and (major)
problems I was having in my romantic relationship. I went to therapy for about
two years, and it all boiled down to one main issue!! When I started looking at
my personal and work relationships, both past and present, it became obvious
that my self-worth /self-image/insecurities were the root cause. If you don't
feel good about yourself, you don't believe anyone else does either. You
distrust people and their motives. You, perhaps are very defensive and
confrontational. You feel that you have to be in control of every situation,
and don't know when, or how to back down, etc. My boyfriend and I had a few
sessions together, also. I can safely say that I feel much better about myself
now and my relationships show that. I can now deal with my daughter in a
relatively calm manner (usually). My boyfriend and I have been together for
four years now, and this last year has been much quieter! We argued and fought
alot the first two years especially. My regret in all this, is that I
desperately wish I had gotten therapy MUCH earlier in my adult life!!! Things
in general would have been much easier for me (and others in my life), I'm
absolutely sure!!!
I strongly urge you to go to therapy, both as a couple and separately. Be sure
not to use the same therapist for couples and personal therapy. That happened
to us at first, and it didn't work out well!! If your husband won't go, go by
yourself!!! This is especially important, because many of the issues revolve
around you feeling better about yourself, and that is something only YOU and
your therapist can resolve. Sorry this is so long (and personal), but my heart
went out to you when I read your message! I felt it was essential to answer in
this way!! I wish you the best of luck!!
You might also check out the book, "When Partners become Parents," by
Philip and Carolyn Cowan, family therapists/professors from UC Berkeley.
Especially enlightening is their forthrightness in describing their own
difficult transition to parenthood and the stresses it added to their
relationship. The book describes research done with a large sample of
couples both before and after the birth of their first babies and should be
a relief to anyone worried that it's abnormal for the couple relationship
to feel strained with the onset of parenthood!
There are so many fine therapists in this area and I am sure others will
post here. I will note a few of the many reliable people who I think
might be of help.
Women Therapists who do individual and couple support:
Gayle Peterson 526-5951
Allison Ehara Brown 525-1635
Gail Alter 433-2972
Leah Fisher 527-0107
Men who offer Fathers Groups and Couple Support:
Marti Sochet 930-9350
Bruce Linton 644-0300
Warmly,
Sherry Reinhardt, RN,MPH,MOM
Support Services for Parents
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