Compassionate Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, Trauma & Neurodivergence
Trauma & Somatic Therapy for Teens & Adults | LGBTQ+ Affirming

Hello, I’m Cadence.

I’m a somatic and trauma therapist helping teens and adults in Oakland heal from depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional pain. I also support neurodivergent individuals navigating life with ADHD and autism. If you're searching for a therapist who works with your whole self—mind, body, and emotions—you've found the right place.

You've Already Shown Incredible Strength

Getting here wasn't easy. Depression, anxiety, trauma, and mental health challenges can make even small steps feel impossible. Yet here you are, advocating for yourself and seeking support. That courage matters, and I'm here to honor every part of you that's brought you this far—while helping you release what no longer serves you.

Therapy That Goes Beyond Talk Therapy

Traditional talk therapy isn't for everyone. I work with your mind, body, and emotions to unlock your natural capacity for healing. Drawing from somatic therapy, narrative therapy, and creative approaches, I customize treatment to match your unique needs and goals.

My Specialties

• LGBTQ+ & Gender-Affirming Therapy: Transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming clients will feel truly seen in our work together. As a queer, transgender woman, I understand the challenges of navigating family dynamics, societal rejection, and self-discovery. I provide affirming support as you step into your authentic, beautiful self.

• Trauma-Informed Therapy & PTSD Treatment: Our bodies hold our stories. Through trauma-informed somatic approaches like sensorimotor psychotherapy, we'll work with the mind-body connection to heal trauma, PTSD, and attachment wounds. Healing happens by reconnecting with your body's wisdom, building awareness of how your body holds emotion, and learning new ways to respond.

• Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy: Living with ADHD or autism in a neurotypical world requires constant adaptation. I honor the ways neurodivergent minds work and help you build strategies that fit you, not the other way around.

• Depression & Anxiety Treatment: Whether you're experiencing persistent sadness, mood swings, panic, or overwhelming stress, I help you develop sustainable coping practices and reconnect with what brings you meaning and joy.

• Creative Approaches: For the creatively inclined, I can incorporate expressive arts methods—including art-making, creative writing, or movement—into our sessions to access emotions and insights that words alone might not reach.

My Approach to Therapy

I'm a "lean-in" therapist—fully engaged as your partner in healing. Our work together is:

• Liberation-Forward – Therapy is inherently political. I center intersectional feminism, anti-racism, and decolonization, staying mindful of power dynamics both in society and our therapeutic relationship.

• Collaborative & Client-Centered – You're the expert on your life. I don't impose a one-size-fits-all approach but co-create a healing space that honors your wisdom and lived experience.

• Trauma-Informed – Painful experiences shape us, but they don't define us. I bring trauma-informed care to every session, respecting how your past influences your present healing journey.

Education & Credentials

I am a Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of California. I hold the following degrees:

• MA, Counseling Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies

• BA, Creative Writing, the Evergreen State College

My work is supervised by Dr. Juliana Ybarra, PsyD (PSY28799). Dr. Ybarra is a multiethnic (Latinx, Black, Indigenous, Italian) queer psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in trauma, sexual assault, relationship issues, and supporting BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.