Many people in Oakland, CA are exploring open relationships and need support that fits their unique situations.
Finding a therapist who understands the challenges and dynamics of these relationships can make a big difference.
Therapists experienced with open relationships help individuals and couples navigate communication, trust, and boundaries.
With the right therapist, people can gain tools to build healthy connections and improve their relationship satisfaction.
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1) Laura Northrup – specializes in couples therapy for polyamorous and open relationships in Oakland near Lake Merritt
Laura Northrup is a licensed therapist based in Oakland, close to Lake Merritt.
She has experience working with couples in polyamorous and open relationships.
Her approach draws from somatic, relational, and feminist therapy methods.
Laura helps clients with codependency, sexual trauma, adult children of alcoholics, and LGBTQ issues.
Learn more about her practice at Laura Northrup Psychotherapy and on Polyfriendly Professionals.
2) Natasa Nordman, LMFT – experienced in sexuality and relational dynamics in open partnerships
Natasa Nordman, LMFT, works with people in Oakland and the East Bay.
She supports individuals and couples exploring open relationships.
She has more than 10 years of experience with anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.
Natasa helps clients find balance and fulfillment in their personal lives.
Learn more on her professional website and her Psychology Today profile.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Michael Schimek, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – skilled in addressing open relationship challenges
Michael Schimek is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Oakland.
He works with couples and individuals dealing with relationship concerns, including those exploring open relationship dynamics.
Michael creates a comfortable space to talk about honest communication and boundaries.
He helps clients learn healthy ways to manage stress and disagreements.
Learn more about Michael Schimek’s therapy approach at his practice website or Yelp profile.
4) Suzanne Berens, XY Counseling – focuses on inclusive therapy for diverse relationship structures
Suzanne Berens is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Oakland.
She has experience working with couples, individuals, and families.
Berens welcomes clients from a variety of relationship structures, including open and non-traditional.
XY Counseling offers support for issues such as communication, intimacy, and life changes.
Berens has provided therapy since 2010.
Learn more about Suzanne Berens and XY Counseling.
5) Eve Livingston, Ph.D. – expert in communication and intimacy for polyamorous clients
Eve Livingston, Ph.D., provides therapy for individuals and couples, including those in open or polyamorous relationships.
She focuses on improving communication, trust, and self-awareness.
Her background includes relationship counseling, life coaching, and professional development.
Dr. Livingston is recognized for her supportive and nonjudgmental approach.
Learn more about her at her Oakland practice, AllBiz profile, and LinkedIn.
6) Marni Levy, MFT – provides holistic couples therapy in Oakland with emphasis on non-monogamous relationships
Marni Levy, MFT, offers holistic therapy for couples interested in exploring open or non-monogamous relationships.
She uses a mix of somatic and mindfulness approaches that support open communication and growth.
Levy has experience working with individuals and couples in the Oakland area.
She also supervises therapy interns and is the founder of True Yang Somatic Ketamine Therapy.
Learn more at her Psychology Today profile.
7) Krista Niles and Associates – offers specialized counseling for open and polyamorous couples
Krista Niles and Associates provides counseling for couples and individuals in Oakland, including those in open or polyamorous relationships.
The practice offers relationship-focused therapy, with training in Gottman Method couple counseling and sex-positive approaches.
Clients can receive support for communication, trust, and navigating non-monogamous dynamics.
Sessions are available through video chat and in-person in Oakland.
Learn more at their official website and Yelp page.
8) DOT Center, Downtown Oakland – integrates EMDR and culturally sensitive approaches for relationship therapy
DOT Center in downtown Oakland offers therapy for individuals and couples, including those in open relationships.
Their team uses EMDR for trauma and includes culturally sensitive methods to support diverse backgrounds.
The therapists are experienced in helping clients explore relationship needs in a safe setting.
Sessions focus on self-esteem, communication, and emotional wellness.
For details, visit the DOT Center official website and view their therapist profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Therapists in Oakland, CA specialize in various aspects of open relationships, from communication to setting healthy boundaries.
Knowing what to look for in a therapist and understanding common topics in therapy gives individuals and couples the support they need.
How can I find a therapist in Oakland, CA who is experienced with open relationships?
People can search for therapists with direct experience in non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships, like Laura Northrup in the Lake Merritt area.
Specialized online directories and local counseling practices also list professionals skilled in open relationship dynamics.
What qualifications should I look for in a therapist to discuss non-monogamy?
Look for licensed therapists, such as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) or Ph.D. level clinicians, who note experience working with non-monogamous relationships.
Therapists like Natasa Nordman, LMFT, focus on sexuality and relational dynamics in open partnerships.
Experience and open-mindedness toward diverse relationship structures are important qualifications.
Are there specific therapy approaches recommended for individuals or couples in open relationships?
Therapists often use relational, somatic, or attachment-based approaches to help people navigate the unique aspects of open relationships.
Inclusive therapy, like that practiced at XY Counseling, is focused on support for diverse relationship structures.
What are the common challenges addressed in therapy for those practicing open relationships?
Therapy often addresses jealousy, communication issues, trust, and concerns around intimacy.
Couples also explore aligning motivations, emotional boundaries, and managing time or expectations with multiple partners.
Professionals such as Michael Schimek are skilled in working through these challenges.
Can a therapist help in negotiating and establishing boundaries in an open relationship?
Yes, therapists help clients talk about and set clear, healthy boundaries.
They guide discussions about agreements, personal needs, and consent within non-monogamous relationships.
Experts like Eve Livingston, Ph.D. focus on supporting strong communication for setting boundaries.
What is the average cost of therapy sessions for couples in open relationships in Oakland, CA?
Therapy costs in Oakland usually range from $120 to $250 per session, depending on the therapist’s experience and the length of each session.
Some therapists offer sliding scale fees to help make sessions more affordable for couples and individuals.
Details about payment and insurance coverage are often found on a therapist’s website or during the initial contact.
