510.228.2224
Kaley Berlin, LCSW, PPSC
Therapist · Counselor · Life Coach
We often seek mental health counseling, therapy or life coaching because something in our lives—perhaps the way we feel about ourselves, our relationships, or our work—is out of balance. We might also turn to getting help when we are having trouble dealing with overwhelming stress. All of these situations may result in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and a myriad of other problems. Getting support is about regaining equilibrium in our lives.
In an atmosphere of acceptance and trust, we will work together not just to alleviate your symptoms and discover solutions, but also to find greater meaning in your life. I believe we each have an innate healing potential that is waiting to be discovered. Together, we will find yours.
About Me
Building trust: The most important aspect of our work together is the establishment of a trusting therapeutic relationship. Working toward healing is a collaborative process and it is essential that you feel there is a good fit between us and that you are comfortable working with me, and asking questions about our work together.
I started working with youth and families in 2002. After holding a Bachelor's of Arts in Humanities at New College of California, I pursued an education and career in community mental health, obtaining a Master's of Social Work from California State University, East Bay. I was trained in Family Systems, Family Structural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), while holding a Relational and Pyschodynamic lens. My background as a clinical social worker trained in psychotherapy allows me the flexibility to move between various approaches in response to your unique needs. In our initial meeting, we will discuss not only what brings you to therapy, but also which approach is best for you and how we will proceed.
Counseling, therapy and life coaching are fundamentally about becoming more of who we are meant to be. My training allows me to listen closely to how you think about problems and how you may operate unconsciously in ways that undermine your intentions to solve them. Together, we will listen for and identify images, ideas and feelings that will help us undo your psychic blocks—obstacles that may be keeping you stuck in depression, anxiety, relationship problems, or other difficulties. As your symptoms or struggles decrease, you will discover new energy that allows you to live a more fulfilling life.
"I am mine. Before I am ever anyone else's."
- Nayyirah Waheed
Schedule a Session
Fees:
$200 - $250 per 50 minute individual/EMDR session
$300 - $375 per 75 minute individual/EMDR session
$300 - $350 per 75 minute family session
$100 per 60 minute group session (max 6 people per group)
(I provide a superbill for clients who are reimbursed by PPO insurance plans)
Office Address:
1035 San Pablo Avenue
Suite 8 Office 1
Albany, CA 94706
Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) LCSW#75045
510.228.2224
NPI# 1871926527
Services
I provide therapeutic support with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, fertility, relationships, career issues, transitions, identity, topics of privilege and interracial/intercultural relationships. I also provide alternative Medicine Counseling for clients to integrate plant/alternative medicine journeys into daily life.
Anxiety
Anxiety: The fast pace of today’s world creates anxiety for many of us. When insecurities and fears become pervasive, or turn into anxiety attacks or phobias, it’s time to consider seeking help. Anxiety has a physiological aspect, and learning practical calming techniques will help reduce your symptoms as we uncover the feelings that are causing them. Together, we will work toward understanding the meaning of your worries and building your sense of inner calm.
Depression
Depression: It’s often hard to seek help when we need it the most, and this is especially true when we experience the loss of energy that accompanies depression. When feelings of sadness won’t go away, it’s helpful to have an experienced guide to reduce distress. We will begin by focusing on practical steps to relieve some of the heaviness that accompanies depression. Together, we will look at how the past continues to influence the present and explore the relationships, losses or situations that contribute to your depression. Through this process, you will discover a new sense of self as well as renewed energy.
Relationships
Relationships: you might seek support because any of your relationships in your life are struggling or in crisis. If necessary, we will first focus on the steps needed to establish stability. Next, we will explore the unconscious patterns operating in your relationship and how each of you contributes your own set of struggles, beliefs, and complexes. As you learn to be responsible for your own needs, building skills such as empathic listening, dispute resolution and meaningful connection, your relationship can become stronger and more intimate.
Grief and Loss
Grief & Loss: A significant loss may cause not only sadness, but also a confusing mixture of anger, fear, remorse and guilt, making the process of letting go even more difficult. In addition to the loss of a loved one, life experiences such as chronic illness, disability, divorce, or unwanted life transitions can bring about feelings of grief. We are often encouraged to “get on” with life instead of moving through the mourning process at our own pace. Our work will give you the space and time you need to fully experience your loss, transform unmanageable feelings and gain a sense of comfort and healing.
Trauma and Abuse
Trauma & Abuse: Whether long past or recent, traumatic experiences can overload our brains, leaving us with unprocessed feelings that result in symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive images and flashbacks, numbness, and overwhelming emotions and sensations. As victims of trauma we may have trouble finding words for our experiences, especially if the trauma was suffered at the hands of a childhood caretaker. These problems prevent us from living fully in the present and can disturb our capacity for relationships. The first goal of therapy is to minimize distress that can disrupt daily life. Next, we will focus on how to regain what has been lost—including the ability to feel and to trust yourself and others—and reclaim the life you were meant to live.
Career Issues
Career Issues: Work can be emotionally sustaining, but it can also rob us of energy. Doing the work we were meant for can make a crucial difference in our lives. Are you uncertain as to whether your job or career is right for you? Perhaps you are struggling with a work relationship or are unable to strike a healthy balance between work and your personal life. Therapy will focus on finding a relationship to work that is in alignment with your core self.
Transitions
Transitions: You may feel lost as you let go of familiar roles or places such as parenting, a job or being married. You may find that former notions of success feel empty. Transitions can cause us to face limits, which can be a potential source of anxiety and depression. Through therapy, you can re-evaluate and explore life choices in order to make the most of the transition. As we reexamine your values, we will create opportunities to redefine what is really important to you, and in doing so, redefine yourself.
Privilege
Privilege is often the elephant in a room, from race to gender, sexuality, age, ability and social class. You may be struggling with a partner who exercises power and privilege in your relationship, or perhaps you are in a position of power and privilege and would like to explore this very important aspect of your relationships. I will hold the flashlight into the difficult or uncharted territory of this aspect of your life with you.
Interracial/Intercultural Issues
Intercultural and interracial relationships are subject to special stresses and strains beyond those experienced in homogenous relationships. That's because such relationships have a built-in difference in areas that can be especially sensitive. Whether it's in the workplace or personal relationships, we will re-examine the growing edges and push through, courageously, into the shadows of racism, classism, and issues of power to gain better understanding of the self and others.
Plant/Alternative Medicine Integration
Alternative medicines like Ketamine deepen the work of therapy by enhancing psychodynamic frameworks, opening new doors and insights, and exploring somatic techniques. I support clients to integrate journey work into daily outlook on life and mental health. I also facilitate group ketamine integration coaching.
I do not provide or prescribe alternative medicines, however, I do collaborate with Nue Life for Ketamine Integration. My specialty is in the integration process of the alternative medicine journey work post-journey.