Stephen Kusch, Psychotherapist in Oakland, 94618

Stephen Kusch, PhD

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Psychologist - 15441

My Approach to Helping

Are you going around in circles, in search of solutions to the things that bother you? Do your attempts to overcome unhealthy habits end up making you feel more ashamed and guilty? Do you and your partner struggle to find ways to improve your relationship, only to exacerbate the troubles you are trying to solve? Do you ever find that the more you try to get rid of painful emotions, such as frustration, sadness, or regret, the more overwhelmed you feel?

Life can sometimes feel like one of those straw finger puzzles: the more you pull, the tighter the grip. This is partly because life is inherently challenging. It is also because in times of stress, human beings are wired by evolution to protect themselves by focusing narrowly on potential dangers. Although adaptive for some situations, this wiring can also become a closed feedback loop: the harder you try, the more you see only problems; and the more problems you see, the more you lose sight of the strengths and resources that would facilitate change.

For over twenty years I have helped individuals, couples and families discover alternatives to the narrow feedback loops created by stress, depression and worry. Through a careful, respectful process of listening and questioning, I can help you clarify your goals, find new perspectives and identify pathways to change that do not rely upon self-blame or pressure. I can help you identify and strengthen your own skills - or discover new ones - for dealing with difficult, or overwhelming, feelings. I can assist you and your partner in identifying effective strategies for exiting from painful cycles of blame, hurt and withdrawal. And I can help you and your children discover - or rediscover - ways of being together that are based on shared goals, and on mutual respect and trust.

More Info About My Practice

My full fee is $150 for a fifty minute session. I also have a sliding scale. I am not a member of any insurance network, but will help provide clients with necessary paperwork for reimbursement by private insurance. I have appointments available from 8:00am to 7:00pm. My office is located a block from the Rockridge BART station.