building healthier, more intentional connections: virtual sessions across the Bay Area and California
Therapy for Relationship Issues, Breakups, and Family Estrangement in Oakland, CA
You replay interactions in your mind, worry you hurt someone, or wonder if you’re “doing relationships wrong”
If you’re here, it probably means you’re tired of the same relationship patterns repeating, unsure whether to stay or leave, or feeling like you keep losing yourself in the process. Maybe you find yourself overthinking every interaction, replaying old arguments, or wondering why the same conflicts keep showing up in your relationships. You’re ready to understand what’s really happening beneath the surface and start relating to yourself and others in a way that actually makes sense.
As a California therapist offering individual and couples therapy, I help clients explore recurring patterns, attachment dynamics, and communication challenges. These struggles might be present in your romantic partnerships, friendships, or family connections - I specialize in working with all kinds of relationships. Through therapy, we work together to develop insight, practical tools, and emotional resilience so that you can create partnerships and a sense of self that feel authentic, sustainable, and fulfilling.
Meet Ariel: Helping You Navigate Relationship Conflict,
Breakups, and Family Estrangement in Oakland & Online
About Me
I understand what it means to track the influences of multiple cultures, and also how to hold the unanswered questions that arise when stories get lost in the process of migration and assimilation. These experiences shape how I approach the challenges of relationships, identity, and life transitions, and how they intersect with family, culture, and community.
My experiences in activism, including work supporting the struggle for Palestinian liberation, have shaped how I see mental health as connected to larger social systems and the legacies of colonialism and inequality. At the same time, I have witnessed the strength and resilience within communities and relationships, and how they help us reclaim agency and grow.
Together, we can cultivate clarity, connection, and empowerment in your relationships and life.
I’m a man of Moroccan and Tunisian Jewish descent who grew up navigating the space between my parents’ experiences and my own life. Moving between the cultures I was raised in and those I embraced in adulthood has given me a deep curiosity about how family, history, and social context shape the ways we relate to ourselves and others. Developing an anti-zionist framework has been central to my personal process.
I bring a sense of curiosity to therapy, supporting exploration of how your past, culture, and social context shape who you are and fostering healing that extends into the relationships and communities that matter most. Click the button below to learn more about me and the therapy services I provide for residents of Oakland, the Bay Area, and across California.
You might notice things like…
constantly pushing people away, or bending over backward to keep them close
struggling to be emotionally close or show vulnerability
breakups, separations, or relational grief that hit harder than expected
messages you grew up with about how to behave or relate that still shape your choices
relationships that feel messy, ambiguous, or where things keep getting swept under the rug
This is where I come in.
Working With Me
I take an integrative approach, combining Experiential Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), parts work, Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and DBT. Every client’s experiences and goals are unique, so I tailor my approach to what fits best, helping you explore emotions, uncover patterns, and take meaningful steps forward. My work emphasizes present-moment processing, pausing with clients to fully notice and understand what’s happening internally before moving forward. All therapy sessions are provided virtually on a secure video platform.
Some of the ways I support clients:
Experiential and Emotion-Focused Work (EFT and parts work) – Engaging directly with emotions and inner parts to uncover underlying experiences and patterns.
Psychodynamic Exploration – Examining early experiences to understand how they shape current thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
Narrative Therapy – Helping clients re-author their personal stories and uncover new perspectives to make sense of their experiences.
DBT Skills – Offering practical tools to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and navigate challenging situations.
Present-Moment Awareness Practices – Guiding clients in observing and describing experiences without judgment, staying fully engaged in the moment, and connecting with what’s alive internally.
If you’re located in Oakland, the Bay Area, or anywhere in California reach out for a free consultation to learn more about working with me.
Take the first step
toward clarity, connection,
and choice in your relationships.
My Values
Deep Connection
I believe that strong, healthy relationships are the foundation of resilient communities. By nurturing connection and trust, we create spaces where people can support one another and stand together against oppression. Healing in relationships strengthens both individuals and the communities they belong to.
Contextual Awareness
I pay attention to the ways your culture, history, and social environment shape your experiences and identity. Understanding these influences helps us see patterns, uncover meaning, and approach challenges with clarity. Your story is shaped by many forces, and honoring them is central to growth and healing.
virtual therapy services provided in Oakland and throughout California
Collaborative Growth
I work alongside you as we explore patterns, build insight, and uncover the strengths you already have. Therapy is a partnership where your voice, goals, and choices guide the process. Together, we create space for meaningful change and deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships.
What I Offer
Individual Therapy
I offer virtual talk therapy for adults facing a wide range of relational challenges (see specialties). Together, we’ll explore recurring patterns and ask the kinds of unique questions you might not ask yourself, or that friends and family are not equipped to ask. I draw from narrative therapy, parts work, EFT, DBT, and psychodynamic approaches to help you understand your experiences and reclaim a sense of agency in your relationships.
Couples Therapy
I provide couples therapy for a range of partnership styles, including polyamorous, non-monogamous, and companion-based relationships. Together, we’ll explore recurring patterns and communication difficulties that may be keeping you and your partner from feeling connected. I draw from psychodynamic theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and parts work to help partners understand each other, improve communication, and relate with more empathy and intention.
Pricing
I provide therapy in Oakland and throughout California, exclusively via video call. Sessions are $185 for 50 minute individual sessions and $275 for 75 minute relationship therapy sessions. I do offer a sliding scale for those who need, which we can discuss further in our free consultation. While I don’t accept insurance directly, I’m happy to provide a superbill for potential reimbursement. Click the button below to begin.
