Anita Bardsley (she/her)

MA, LMFT 134882
Accepting Clients

Supporting adults, young adults & college students who feel anxious, stuck, or uncertain despite appearing capable on the outside.

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Orinda, CA

Verified · License #LMFT #134882 (CA)

Free Initial Consultation
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Free 15-minute call, no obligation.

Services
  • Individual

About My Clients

Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything right, but something still feels off? You may appear capable on the outside, but inside, feel anxious, stuck, or uncertain about your direction. You might overthink decisions, question yourself, or feel pressure to have it all figured out. Many of the clients I work with are navigating life transitions and want more clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of self and direction in their lives.

My Background and Approach

My approach is relational and depth-oriented, grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens through understanding, not just managing symptoms. In our work together, we slow things down and gently explore the patterns shaping how you relate to yourself, your emotions, and others. This includes paying attention not only to what you’re experiencing, but also to what unfolds in the therapy relationship itself. I draw from psychodynamic, attachment-based, and integrative approaches to help you make sense of anxiety, self-doubt, and life transitions at a deeper level. Rather than offering quick fixes, I support you in developing insight, emotional clarity, and a more grounded connection to yourself. Over time, this work can help you feel less anxious, more steady, and more confident in your direction, with a stronger sense of who you are, what you want, and how to move forward.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe that meaningful change happens when you feel truly seen, understood, and accepted. Many of the people I work with have spent much of their lives meeting expectations, staying strong for others, or trying to get things “right,” often at the cost of feeling connected to themselves. Therapy can be a space to slow down, be more honest about your inner experience, and begin to understand yourself more deeply. My passion for this work is rooted in my own experience of feeling genuinely seen in therapy. That experience showed me that change doesn’t come from pushing harder or fixing yourself, but from developing awareness, compassion, and a different kind of relationship with yourself over time. I value authenticity, curiosity, and emotional depth in the work we do together. I aim to create a space that feels warm, grounded, and non-judgmental, where you can explore what’s been difficult and begin to move toward a life that feels more aligned, meaningful, and fulfilling.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Integrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Relational Therapy
Other Techniques
  • Attachment Theory
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Existential Therapy
  • Holistic Therapy
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Relational Therapy
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)
  • Integrative Therapy
  • Trauma Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Anxiety Grief or Loss Self-Esteem
Other Issues
  • Aging Concerns
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Body Image Issues
  • Burnout
  • Cancer
  • Child Issues
  • Codependency
  • Depression
  • Grief or Loss
  • Immigration/Acculturation
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum
  • Self-Esteem
  • Spirituality
  • Women's Issues

Qualifications

License
MA, LMFT 134882, State of California · #LMFT #134882
Verified by
TherapyDen · license checked against the California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Years in practice
7 years
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealthcare (Optum)
I offer online counseling in the following states:

Hours & Availability

New clients welcome
Currently accepting new clients
In-person & Telehealth
Both available

Location

Primary Location

23 Altarinda Rd
Suite 201
Orinda, CA 94563
925-259-3145

Access & Transport

  • Gender-neutral bathrooms
Open in Google Maps ↗ · GPS: 37.8843727°, -122.1832726°

At A Glance

  • Experience: 7 years of practice
  • Rate: $180/session

Info

Email Anita
23 Altarinda Rd
Suite 201
Orinda, CA 94563

Reach out to Anita