Individual & Couples Therapy

Hi, my name is Ariella Leaffer and I provide psychotherapy to individuals and couples.

I know that being human can be hard. Many people start therapy when they are struggling with feelings of loneliness, frustration, anxiety, or disconnection from their partner. Others come because they are frustrated that no matter how hard they try to change, they keep repeating the same patterns. 

Therapy can be a space to explore difficult thoughts and emotions, past experiences, as well as dreams and fantasies. It can also be a space to try out new ways of relating to gain insight and stop feeling stuck. 

My work is informed by the belief that relationships, including the relationship with the right therapist, are healing. I believe that the process of therapy can lead to lasting change and more meaningful connections.

My Approach

I am a psychotherapist based in Oakland, California. My specialties include couple and marital therapy, and individual psychotherapy with adults. My approach is warm, collaborative, and direct. I have a psychodynamic background and draw from trauma-informed modalities informed by research including IFS and other somatic interventions, EFT and mindfulness.