EMDR and talk therapy for those seeking transformative change.

Locally based in the Bay Area, California

Are you tired of being too hard on yourself? Overtaken by anxiety? Or feeling defeated, shut down or disconnected?

Hi, I’m Ruth Kleast, LCSW, a therapist located in the heart of Berkeley, California. The clients I work with, tell me they are looking for more than just positive self-talk. They want real shifts of change and to experience what life is like on the other side of anxiety or shut down. They want to feel like the person they are meant to be.

Welcome to Presence Psychotherapy

The mission of my therapy practice is to provide a trusted source of in-person therapy that is adaptable to help people from all walks of life. My practice specialty is in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and talk therapy in treating anxiety, panic, PTSD and other stress responses. My goal is to help you feel accepted while also challenged to grow and change. 

I offer appointments in-person (and virtually to those living throughout California or Michigan).

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Appointments are available 5 days a week, Monday through Friday in-person or virtually.

Schedule a Consultation

About the office

Located in the heart of Berkeley: It’s a 10 minute walk from the North Berkeley BART station, right off the West Street path connected to the Ohlone greenway for cyclists and pedestrians. If coming from the UC Berkeley campus, it’s directly on the 51 bus route. Metered or street parking is available.

 

Therapy for Anxiety and Trauma

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    EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)


    Help to shift patterns, behaviors or symptoms that are difficult to change.

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    Attachment and Parts Work

    Helping you to understand the various parts of yourself and why you do what you do in relationship to yourself, others and the world.

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    Talk Therapy


    Learn to recognize patterns and themes in your life and how you’d like to integrate what you’ve learned along the way.

See More about Services

  • “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

    —Maya Angelou

I’m glad you’re here and honored to work together.

Contact Ruth