Grief counselors and therapists in Walnut Creek, CA

Maybe you’re newly sober, or not sure you want to be. Maybe you lost someone and the world kept moving when yours didn’t. Or maybe you’re trying to hold yourself together while everything feels like it’s falling apart. If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place. I've spent the better part of a decade working with individuals, couples, and families in the fields of addiction and grief; in both substance abuse treatment settings and solo as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist. I’ve also worked in hospice and I’m experienced in working with people with complex trauma and mental health challenges.

Are you an adult feeling stuck after difficult experiences, a major life change, or a season of self-doubt? I support adults working through trauma, life transitions, stress, and questions of identity and self-worth. Together, we can make space for what you have been carrying and reconnect with your strengths. I believe you are capable of healing and building a life that feels meaningful to you. My role is to listen with care, meet you where you are, and help you discover what works for your whole self.

If anxiety, depression, or the weight of past trauma has started to feel like it's steering your life instead of you, that's exactly where I do my best work. I'm Erica, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and I think of myself as your therapeutic GPS — you set the destination, and I help you find the route. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples, and I bring genuine respect, real-world knowledge, and yes, some humor to every session, because feeling comfortable with your therapist actually matters for getting better.

My name is Jeffrey W. Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and California, currently based in Sacramento. I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and college counseling, along with a an academic background teaching psychology, religious studies, and the history of science in higher education from UCSB, FSU, and 10 years at SJSU to various community colleges in the Puget Sound region and in North Florida and cross-cultural experiences such as living in Taiwan, Zambia, Germany and traveling around the world; I studied Spanish, German, and Chinese language, world history and religions, psychology, evolutionary psychology and the cognitive science of religion; was raised Catholic but ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand; and continue to meditate, explore and read broadly. One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman writer, Terence: "I am human and there is nothing human foreign to me." (or, Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. -- Publius Terentius Afer, 165 BCE)

My clients are the “overthinkers” in the world...with big feelings that are hard to explain. They feel misunderstood, lonely and isolated while striving to please others at the expense of themselves. They’re exhausted, overworked, and over-stressed, feeling like they’re never enough. They have a vision for life, but aren’t sure how to bring it together, especially after a life-changing event. They're also eager for change.

Does this sound like you? If so, I warmly welcome you to my practice.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping people feel like themselves again. I provide compassionate, evidence based care for anxiety and depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.My goal is to create a judgement free space where patients feel heard and receive personalized treatment that fits their lives

I’m an LCSW. I really enjoy getting to know my clients and building a strong therapeutic relationship with them. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, sense of self, and also high achievers. Many things can stir up emotions, past experiences and trauma. My goal is to help you understand and work through those experiences and feelings. I'll help you reconnect with your inner strength and resilience, moving past the painful experiences that may be holding you back. I can support you in letting go of negative self-views, reducing your levels of distress, and building a renewed sense of confidence, worth, and peace. This process is about helping you both heal and rediscover the core strengths and values that make you, you.

Trauma can leave you feeling on edge, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that insight alone hasn’t changed. I help adults and older teens navigate traumatic experiences, anxiety, grief, and relationship difficulties. With over 20 years in the field, I bring a warm, direct, collaborative approach to helping you feel more grounded and connected. I offer gender-affirming therapy and LGBTQ+, kink, and polyamory-supportive care that respects your identity, relationships, and goals. I also welcome people living with chronic mental illness.

I veiw the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and peerceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help clients look at their options, evaluate choices towarda healthier outcome. My work has involved in helping clients toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that counseling / psychotherapy can provide a safe place where personal challenges can be processed, and finding choices toward enhancing the quality of life and improve relationships.

I'm not here to just listen while you talk — I'm here to work with you. I show up warm, engaged, and genuinely invested in your growth. I'll ask thoughtful questions, offer honest feedback, and, when the moment feels right, gently challenge the beliefs or behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. You'll always feel heard and respected here, never judged.

Before earning my Masters in Counseling, I earned a PhD in social and personality psychology. This background deeply informs how I show up as a therapist. I help clients address unresolved trauma and grief, anxiety and OCD, address relationship issues, as well as "problems of everyday living." My style is active, engaged, and practical.