Esther Lerman, LMFT/ Oakland Couples Therapy
Couples therapy
Welcoming all races/ethnicities/religions, identities(LGBTQ)
Has your relationship become like roommates or a war zone or you just feel that something's missing but you don't know what it is? Maybe you feel the connection is lost. You may both feel isolated, hurt and angry.
In therapy I'll help you to improve communication. We'll unpack "old baggage" from the past to understand its impact on the present. You may be longing to get your needs met and to feel heard. We'll tackle issues such as escalating arguments, walls of silence, infidelity, shame and anger. I offer you interactive, nonjudgmental guidance. I use my insight, empathy and sense of humor to help you. Let's talk. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation,
For struggling couples it's rarely just one person's problem, it's the dynamic between you, and it can change. In working with me, you'll each feel heard and learn to truly listen. You'll develop greater empathy for each other. Intimacy that you've lost can return. We may unravel the pain of old or new relationship wounds still affecting both of you.
Every couple is different and I strive to meet you where you're at. In my 30+ years of experience, I have helped a great many individuals and couples of varied ethnicities, religions, classes, gender identities and sexual orientations. By working with you interactively, empathically and respectfully, I can help you too.
Blog Posts
Education/Training
Antioch University West, BA, 1980
John F Kennedy University, MA, 1983
Advanced Clinical Training program, The Psychotherapy Institute, Completed 1990
Supervision Study Program, The Psychotherapy Institute, Complete 2000
Bio
As the oldest child in my family and being a natural caretaker, my path to becoming a therapist was unconsciously planted very early. My mother was an immigrant struggling to assimilate and my father was a workaholic, so they both needed me to be mature, nurturing, responsible and to care for my younger sisters. It was good preparation for my as yet unknown profession.
I began my career as a volunteer counselor at the Berkeley Women's Health Collective in the late 70's. I loved helping people through their various struggles and had a natural talent for it. I went back to college and eventually got my BA and then my MA. I eventually got my MFT (marriage and family therapist) license and never stopped loving the work.
Memberships
Member: The Psychotherapy Institute
Former member: East Bay CA Association Marriage and Family Therapists
Past supervisor: The Women's Therapy Center
Past supervisor: The Pacific Center
Past supervisor; The Grief Project (of Alameda County Crisis Support Services)
Past supervisor: The Berkeley Free Clinic
Payments Accepted
Check, cash, zelle, venmo
Hours:Wed. 10:30am - 6:30pm IN PERSON only
Cost/Session
Full fee $195(some sliding scale available)
License:MFT22591
Helpful Links
 Why do they say you marry your mother or your father?:
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Relationship stress with a New Baby:
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Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Marriage Counseling
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Men's Issues
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College Students
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Premarital Counseling
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Couples
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Relationship Issues
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Women's Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Certified Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor (MFCC)
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