ABOUT ME
Esther Lerman is a Marriage and Family Therapist (license #MFC22591) specializing in couples and individual therapy. She has been in private practice in the Rockridge area of Oakland, California for over 27 years.
She is a graduate of JFK University and works with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are relationship counseling, co-dependency, depression, self-esteem, identity issues, LGBT concerns, grief and loss. She also has a strong interest and committment to working with interracial and interfaith couples and their adult children.
In addition to being a long standing relationship therapist, Esther has created and facilitated classes, groups and workshops on Couples Communication and Intimacy, Divorce Recovery, Women and Aging, Compulsive Eating and Women's Support. She has taught many psychotherapy trainees and interns about conducting marital and couples counseling.
Esther is an interactive, collaborative therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support, insight and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates various approaches and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client or couple. She meets clients where they are at, appreciating they are doing the best they can while struggling to face their challenges. With compassion and understanding, she works with each couple or individual to help build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Education
Antioch University West, BA, 1981
JFK University, MA, 1983
License
Marriage and Family Therapist License #MFC22591 (1986)
Additional Training
Advanced Clinical Training, The Psychotherapy Institute, 1988-90
Supervision Study Program, The Psychotherapy Institute, 1998-2000
Sandtray Therapy Training with Anthony Guarnieri, 1989
Professional Activities and Memberships
Member CAMFT (California Assn of Marriage and Family Therapists)
Member East Bay CAMFT chapter
Member The Psychotherapy Institute
Member The Womens Therapy Center
Former Supervisor:
Berkeley Free Clinic
The Grief Project
The Pacific Center
The Psychotherapy Institute
The Womens Therapy Center