Alissa Blackman, MFT

Specialties

When difficulties are too much to handle or when the next level of growth seems just out of reach, you may find yourself living with stress. While some stress in life helps people grow, chronic stress has a negative effect on your mind, body, emotions and spirit. Under stress, you may find yourself using old mental, physical and emotional coping tools to survive and feel powerless to make the changes you want to make.

Through Somatic Psychotherapy or Mindful Bodywork I can help you get centered and gain perspective in mind, body, emotions and spirit. As your therapeutic ally, I offer a supportive, warm presence so you can explore your difficulties, feel heard, and imagine new possibilities. I’ll help you discover (or rediscover) your strengths. I’ll also help you gain simple yet powerful tools to live a more vibrant joyful life.

I help individuals from all walks of life to ease stress, anxiety, depression, work & relationship problems, trauma experience, & many other difficulties. I support couples of all constellations & individuals of all ages.

I am an ally to clients whose sexualities or gender identifications may include lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, genderqueer, transgender, and/​or who identify as polyamorous, non-​monogamous or «kinky.» I also support those struggling with the effects of race, class and gender inequities. I accept clients in the CA Victims of Crime compensation program.

Meet the Business Owner

Alissa B.

Business Owner

Alissa Blackman, MA, MFT, CMP, gained her MA in Counseling Psychology (Somatics) in 2005 from California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She has also served as adjunct faculty in the Somatic Psychology department at CIIS, teaching the Somatic Psychology Integrative Seminar and Adolescent Psychotherapy course. She has also served as Co-​Director of the California Council on Youth Relations, a mental health advocacy organization for «at risk youth.»

Alissa earned her Marriage Family Therapist License in 2010 (LMFT: #MFC48159) & maintains a Somatic Psychotherapy practice in North Oakland where she works with families, couples, & individuals of all ages. A massage therapist/​bodyworker since 1993, Alissa currently maintains a separate Bodywork practice and is a CA Certified Massage Practitioner (#30 470).

Regardless of the many tools & techniques she offers, Alissa believes the client-​therapist relationship is the most important part of the work.