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The Psychotherapist Association for
Gender & Sexual Diversity

Eric Samuels

 

Member profile details

First name
Eric
Last name
Samuels
Organization
Ignite Change Therapy
 

User photo

Member userpic
 

Background

Welcome
Are you dealing with an issue that you don't know how to solve? Does the same problem keep reoccurring? Are you experiencing a life transition? Concerns about your relationships? My practice is named "Ignite Change Therapy" because I believe that therapy can ignite change in a person's life. What "change" takes place is up to each client. I believe that "change" can range from greater awareness of oneself to changing specific behaviors. I offer clients a safe space and work with adults (individuals and couples) and adolescents. I specialize in supporting young adults and college students, men, LGBTQIQA individuals, and people with disabilities.

My approach is compassionate, genuine, and respectful. I focus on client strengths, separate the person from their "problem," and teach clients skills. I consider how cultural and environmental factors impact clients. Clinical issues that I work with include depression, anxiety, life transitions/adjustment, stress, relationship difficulties, work/career problems, sexuality/gender identity, disability, and masculinity.
Additional thoughts
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 29311) and graduated with a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA.

I completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley Counseling & Psychological Services and a Doctoral Internship at Indiana University Counseling and Psychological Services. Other previous experience includes working at City College of San Francisco, Highland Hospital, UCSF Alliance Health Project: Services for the LGBTQ and HIV Communities, and Options Recovery Services.

In addition to my private practice, I have served as an Adjunct Professor at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, San Francisco and as a supervisor of first-year students at The Wright Institute. I also currently serve as the President-Elect for the Alameda County Psychological Association.

I will work to create a safe and respectful environment by connecting with what you are sharing and expressing positive regard and interest. I emphasize a collaborative, client-centered approach. I frequently ask clients for feedback to ensure their needs are being met. Therapy can be hard, and I will encourage you to push beyond your normal comfort zone.

We will discuss your specific goals for therapy and how we will evaluate your progress towards those goals. We will orient our work around your motivations for change. Understanding your desire for change will lead to a deeper awareness of strategies for success.

We are all impacted by our cultural and environmental contexts. In our work, we will consider these factors. I consider cultural sensitivity to be critical in establishing a successful therapeutic relationship. The interplay of our identities is a valuable tool in our work.

We will bring forth hidden strengths and develop new skills that you can utilize to improve your situation. By emphasizing that you are not the problem, you will realize that you can take control of your situation. I will also teach you coping strategies, encourage you to expose yourself to your fears, and help you to re-evaluate your cognitive thought processes.

Relating to others is a core human need. Examining past relationship patterns can be a vital tool to improve your current relationships. Challenging ourselves to build better relationships is at the heart of therapeutic work.
 

Main Office

Work phone
(510) 683-5441
Office #1: Address
436 14th Street
Suite #1311
Office #1: City
Oakland
Office #1: State
CA
Office #1: Zip
94612
Office #1: Disability access?
Yes
Office #1: Disability details
The building has elevators; there are single-stall restrooms
 

Demographic info (optional).

Gender
  • Male
Sexual orientation
  • Gay
Ethnicity
  • White/Euro American
  • Jewish
 

Credentials (required)

Prof. degree
  • PsyD
Prof. degree concentration
  • Clinical Psych.
Year degree obtained
2016
Educational institution
The Wright Institute
License type
  • Psychologist
Year originally licensed
2017
License number
PSY 29311
License expiration date
July 18, 2021
 

Background and practice info

Theoretical approaches to my work
  • Client Centered / Person-Centered
  • Cognitive Behavioral
  • Humanistic
  • Narrative
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relational
Clinical techniques
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • Relaxation Training
Clinical specializations
  • Abuse/IPV: Male Survivors
  • Adolescents
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • BDSM / Kink Aware
  • Bisexual Issues
  • Career / Vocation
  • Coming Out
  • Couples / Relationships
  • Depression
  • Disability / Chronic Illness
  • Discrimination / Stigmatization
  • Eating Disorders
  • Ethnic or Cultural Issues
  • Families: Alternative
  • Gender Identity / Trans / GNC
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Religious - Homosexual Conflict
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexuality
  • Size Acceptance / Body Image
  • Spirituality
  • Stress / Burnout
Specialized populations
Young Adults; Men; People with Disabilities
Types of therapy
  • Brief (Time-Limited) Therapy
  • Counseling
  • Individual Therapy
  • Long-Term Therapy
Languages (used in therapy)
  • English
Client ages
  • Teens / Adolescents
  • Adults
Sliding scale
Yes
Low fee
Yes
Insurance info
None
Private insurance plans
  • Anthem
  • Blue Cross PPO
Available 24 hrs?
No