About Onward Leading
We call our therapy practice Onward Leading because it is about helping you move forward. Our inspiration comes from our journey where we discovered that there are many different ways get unstuck and to develop inner peace. The work we do integrates techniques from many different traditions. Through these, you will encounter unconscious drives, motivations, emotions, and narratives that shape your behavior and decision making. By opening to these parts of yourself and healing from past traumas and difficulties, there can be a deep release that creates a new foundation for living.
Overcome past trauma with our various therapeutic techniques.
Overcome challenges as a couple and foster healing.
Overcome PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and OCD.
DBT, IFS, ACT, DBT, CBT, Mindful Self-Compassion, and More.
Our Team
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I am a private practice licensed clinical social worker serving clients in and around Oakland, California. As your therapist, it is my priority to create a therapeutic atmosphere that promotes growth and positive change, for you. I look forward to working with you to address your challenges and realize your goals. Therapy is a process that can move you toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the life you desire.
I will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your goals and concerns. I use a variety of approaches to address my clients unique needs. Many successful treatment plans will utilize a foundation of cognitive-behavioral (CBT), compassion focus therapy (CFT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, internal family systems (IFS), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT).
Additionally, there is a growing body of research that supports the practice of self-compassion and mindfulness in psychotherapy. Neuroscience research reveals individuals that practice these techniques are happier, more resilient, and better equipped to heal painful memories from the past. It is my honor and mission to help my clients move past what’s blocking them from reaching their full potential individually and in their relationships.
Therapist
Hi! I’m Supraja, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), Reiki Master, and Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist offering remote therapy services in California.
I believe that every‘body’ has an innate capacity for healing and transformation. However, unresolved past trauma and unprocessed emotions can keep us stuck in survival patterns that no longer serve us. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your inner world without judgment.
I was raised in India before moving to the US, and bring a deep understanding of diverse cultures, spiritual traditions, and the challenges of major life transitions. Through my own journey of inner healing and transformation, I recognize the importance of using a gentle, trauma-informed approach to therapy that prioritizes client autonomy and collaboration. I believe in creating a space where clients can feel safe, supported, and empowered to take control of their healing process at their own pace.
I specialize in trauma-focused, experiential therapy modalities such as Somatic Experiencing (SE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based practices, and art therapy to help uncover and release emotional blocks that may be holding you back. Together, we’ll explore what’s keeping you stuck so we can work toward healing past wounds, building resilience, and helping you reconnect with your inner strength. With couples, I draw from Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), grounded in attachment theory, to help partners get to the root of their relationship struggles, improve communication, and build secure emotional bonds. My approach is also informed by Polyvagal Theory, focusing on creating safety within the nervous system to support healing and resilience.
No matter what challenges you’re experiencing, whether it’s trauma, anxiety, relationship struggles, or life transitions, I’m here to meet you where you are and guide you toward healing and transformation.
Certificates and Training
Areas of focus
Languages spoken
English, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil
Therapist
Hi, I’m Araceli Pimentel, and I specialize in helping people navigate relationship issues. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of conflict, longing for deeper connections, or facing personal challenges, I’m here to offer a guiding hand on your journey toward healing and connection. With a warm, empathetic approach, I create a safe, supportive space where individuals and couples can explore their feelings, communicate more effectively, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
I work with people dealing with anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, PTSD, people-pleasing, and marital or pre-marital concerns. My clients often tell me that I’m down-to-earth, easy to talk to, and that they feel comfortable opening up without fear of judgment.
My approach is holistic and focuses on psychodynamic, humanistic, and somatic orientations. I use a variety of methods tailored to fit your unique needs, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Emotion Focused Couples Therapy. I’m trained in culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices to help you feel safe, supported, and truly seen.
I strive to build a trusting relationship so you feel comfortable healing at your own pace. Together, we’ll determine which issues to tackle and which approaches will work best for you. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward growth and transformation!
Our Values
With our approach and caring environment, our therapy services go way beyond “talk.”
Our staff work to create a caring and environment to help address your issues.
In-person appointments available in the Bay Area and we also do telehealth.
We combine traditional therapies with spiritual-based approaches.
Our therapies help you build your confidence and self-compassion.
Most importantly, we want our therapies to help you heal and move on, no matter what’s happened.
We are a dedicated team inspired to help you on your path to recovery, no matter what help you need. We are one of the top-rated therapy teams for Oakland, the Bay Area, and beyond.
FAQs
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Oakland DBT, EMDR, ACT, and IFS Therapist Offering Psychedelic and Buddhist-Based Therapy Options. In-Person Appointments & Telehealth Available.
Offering: EMDR, ACT, DBT, IFS, and Other Therapeutic Services
Jeffrey Gianelli, LCSW – Onward Leading, 446 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Copyright © 2024, Onward Leading
