Highly Recommended Oakland Trauma & PTSD Therapist | Ron Burg, Ph.D.
I get it—you're dealing with something that's affecting your work, your relationships, maybe even how you see yourself. A lot of the men I work with don't initially think of their struggles as "trauma." They just know something isn't working the way it should. With 27 years of experience and over 30,000 sessions under my belt, I've helped hundreds of men get unstuck and reclaim their lives.
Meet your Oakland trauma specialist
Ron Burg, Ph.D.
I specialize in helping men work through trauma and childhood experiences that are still running the show in their adult lives, often in unexpected ways. What sets me apart is my integrative approach—I've trained extensively in everything from EMDR and Somatic Experiencing to Internal Family Systems, so I can tailor the work to what you actually need. My work is focused on getting you real results in a practical, efficient way.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Location: Virtual in Oakland
Virtual therapy? Yes, available across California
What sets my practice apart from other Oakland PTSD therapy providers
Here's why men choose to work with me:
Nearly three decades in practice: I've seen it all and know how to help.
Extensive personal therapy and training: I've done my own deep work and invested in continued learning.
Results-focused approach: I don't just sit back and listen passively; we get to work and move things forward.
Integrative methodology: I’m trained in 15+ modalities, including EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, IFS, and ISTDP, so I can match the approach to your needs.
Specialization in working with men: I understand male psychology from the inside out.
The bottom line? Therapy is expensive, and you deserve results. I've honed my approach to help you get unstuck as efficiently as possible.
Common signs of trauma and PTSD
You're professionally successful but your personal life is a mess; relationships keep failing or you can't seem to start one.
You're weighed down by persistent anxiety or stress that won't let up, even when things are going well.
You're harder on yourself than you'd ever be on anyone else—that inner critic just won't quit.
You find yourself repeating the same destructive patterns in relationships, almost like you're drawn to people who hurt you.
You feel emotionally numb or disconnected, like you're going through the motions but not really living.
Your body holds tension, pain, or unexplained physical symptoms that doctors can't quite explain.
You struggle with anger that feels out of proportion, or you shut down completely when conflict arises.
You have a hard time trusting others or letting people get close, even when you want connection.
What to expect from the therapy process
Step 1: Free intro meeting to see if we're a fit
We'll start with a brief conversation where you can get a sense of what it's like to talk with me. I'll ask about what's bringing you in and make sure it's something I'm equipped to help with. This is a no-pressure way to see if we click.
Step 2: Identify what's actually going on
Most men have no clue how their minds work or what the real internal problems are. Our first order of business is figuring out precisely what's getting in your way—what I call your "outdated operating system" from early development.
Step 3: Do the work to get unstuck
We'll meet weekly or biweekly to build momentum. Using whatever modalities fit your situation—whether that's working with blocked emotions, trauma held in the body, negative thought patterns, or relationship dynamics—we'll tackle what's keeping you stuck.
Step 4: Phase out and maintain progress
As the heavy lifting wraps up, we'll gradually phase out to monthly check-ins, then eventually to tune-ups as needed. You'll always be welcome to come back and run something by me.
FAQs about trauma therapy
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If you're feeling stuck—whether in relationships, at work, or in how you feel about yourself—and traditional therapy hasn't quite cut it, trauma work might be what you need. Most men don't realize that their struggles stem from early adverse experiences. The fact that you're researching this is already a good sign that something deeper might be going on. And you don’t need a formal diagnosis of PTSD for this work to benefit you—therapy can help even if you’re not sure whether what you experienced is considered trauma.
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Trauma therapy goes deeper than traditional talk therapy. While regular therapy often focuses on current problems and conscious thoughts, trauma work addresses the implicit memories and patterns stored in your nervous system from early experiences. We're not just talking about what happened—we're actually working to update those old operating systems so they stop running your life.
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There's not just one best type of therapy for trauma—different approaches work for different people. That's exactly why I've trained in multiple evidence-based modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and IFS. I'll draw from whichever tools are most effective for your specific situation, rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Yes, insurance often covers trauma counseling, but it has limitations that can impact your progress. I operate on a private pay basis and don't work with insurance companies. While this means therapy is an out-of-pocket investment, it also means complete confidentiality (no diagnoses sent to insurance), no session limits, and the freedom to work at whatever pace serves you best. Many clients find the investment worthwhile given the life-changing results.