Grief counselors and therapists in Berkeley, CA

I have been on my own healing journey for 40+ years and so I know personally how much courage and effort it can take to heal and grow. I also know how amazing life and relationships can get as a part of that healing process; I wish that experience for everyone.

I work with people who are thoughtful, self-aware, and a little tired of the usual answers. My practice draws from existential therapy, Buddhist psychology, and Gestalt three traditions that share one core idea: that lasting change comes from understanding yourself more deeply, not managing yourself more efficiently. I wrote a book about this, Growing Through Crisis, because I believe that the moments that crack us open are often the ones that matter most. I work with individuals and couples, including those navigating LGBTQ+ identities, non-traditional relationships, and kink or sex-positive lifestyles. I hold a trauma professional certification and bring that lens into grief work, relationship ruptures, and major life transitions.

Hi and Welcome! My names is Jessica Ambroz and I am a therapist & licensed clinical social worker. My background includes working with trauma, child abuse, anxiety and depression. I have extensive work in the foster care system, parenting and working with substance abuse and mental health challenges. I am a doctorate candidate at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and my focus of study is strength and experiences impact functioning.

I’m Meghan Smith, LCSW, and I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, and acute stress. I use EMDR, CBT, ACT, and DBT within a trauma-informed framework — tailoring every treatment plan to you. Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded, and at a pace that feels safe. I’m here to walk alongside you, not push you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years experience. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work with focus on Children and Families, a Master's Degree in Sociology with a Certificate in Criminology and Corrections, and a PhD in Social Work (all but dissertation) with focus on trauma, sexual abuse and assault, and domestic violence. I was the Director of a private, non-profit Foster Care and Adoption Agency, I worked in a women's shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault. I worked in a Level 4 men's prison, and I worked as a Supervisor for mental health therapists serving school systems. I have always had a private practice as well. I have worked in teletherapy for approximately 8 years.

My name is Marissa Ruiz and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in California with nearly 5 years of professional work experience as a therapist and over 20 years experience in the social work field. Some of my other titles include mother, wife, ex-wife, sister, daughter, niece, grandmother and friend. Sharing these titles are important to me because they represent relationships my clients have which helps to improve the rapport. I survived my obstacles in my life with the help of a therapist and hope to help you through yours.