My name is John Henry, M.Ed., LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). I have practiced as a mental health clinician for thirty-one years. Prior to working in the mental health field, I was an educator for thirteen years. During ten of those thirteen years, I acquired an expertise in early childhood education where I conducted parenting workshops and provided supervision and consultation in early childhood education classrooms. My clinical mental health experience includes working with trauma, LGBQT issues, anxiety, depression, work issues, relationships including couples work, dealing with parenting challenges, and providing consultation for twenty years to teachers in Oakland, California after school programs. I have provided numerous parenting workshops over the years for assisting parents in developing effective communication skills with their children. These workshops included managing the child's behavior, understanding the underlying feelings and meaning of the behavior, and problem resolution. I have extensive work in providing individual, adolescent, family, couples, and adult therapy.
For about twenty-three years, I provided training and supervision to graduate school interns and mental health clinicians.
My experience is varied and across settings. I have worked mostly within a community mental health organization with additional experience in latency age children in a group home setting and as an adolescent and family therapist in a psychiatric hospital setting.
My theoretical approach is psychodynamic that focuses on the clients relationships with others in their life that impact their daily life functioning. Relationships are a key element in how we relate and interact with others. During the sessions, I am compassionate and empathic . I also use eclectic approaches such as trauma focused treatment, cognitive behavioral strategies, family structural work, solution based therapy, and client centered approaches.
Additional areas of focus: Stress and anxiety, Coping with addictions, Relationship issues, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Anger management, Motivation, self esteem, and confidence, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Isolation / loneliness, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Post-traumatic stress, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 31276
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for John Henry. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I have been working with John for much of the past few years as I navigate a major life transition. Our sessions have been an anchor for me in a really challenging time; they have been a space for me to process things, get perspective, gain a deeper understanding of myself and my relationships, and sometimes just to vent. Whether it's been a week or several months, John always remembers the major (and often the minor) points of what we have discussed. He is very knowledgeable and has been able to help me on a variety of topics, but most importantly, he approaches therapy with a great balance of kindness, reflection, gentle probing, and helpful suggestions. A session with him always leaves me feeling clearer and more able to engage positively and constructively with the important people in my life.
Written on Apr 24, 2026 after therapy with John for 2 years and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
I found my way to John during one of the most difficult chapters of my life—after being emotionally shattered by a narcissist who left me reeling for two solid months. From our very first session, John offered guidance that was both calming and deeply insightful. His experience and empathy helped me not only recover, but grow in ways I didn’t expect.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we’re least prepared, and during that time, I needed someone who genuinely cared. John does. He shows up for his patients with compassion and consistency. One of the things that sets him apart is his remarkable memory—he recalls past sessions with such clarity that I never have to rehash painful details. That alone has made therapy feel safe and productive.
I’ve seen my share of therapists who couldn’t remember our previous conversations, and that disconnect made me hesitant to continue. But John is proof that exceptional therapists exist. He’s one of them, without question.
Written on Sep 11, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 years and 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and adhd
I can’t say enough about how incredible my experience has been with John. He has an amazing ability to help me see things from new perspectives, unlocking insights I never would have reached on my own. His approach is compassionate, insightful, and truly transformative.
Every session leaves me feeling more empowered and with a deeper understanding of myself and the situations I navigate. John doesn’t just listen—he challenges me in the best way, offering thoughtful guidance that helps me grow emotionally and mentally.
If you’re looking for a therapist who genuinely cares, creates a safe and welcoming space, and has a gift for helping you shift your mindset in powerful ways, I highly recommend John.
Written on Feb 24, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 years and 8 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
John and I have worked together for a while now and I respect his opinion with my needs and guidance he has provided throughout.
Written on Jan 09, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 years and 6 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes
John Henry is a very knowledgeable therapist that provides a safe space to listen to what is going on in my life and how I process things. I would like more pointed advice or things to work on outside of therapy but at this time we have only had a few sessions and I’m very satisfied with his ability to listen and be non judgmental to my unique situation. I look forward to continuing my current therapy journey with him.
Written on Dec 05, 2024 after therapy with John for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
John changed my life. He listened and heard my situation. In the end, I turned it around and showed up as a better person.
Not only am I thankful for that. It’s given people around me so much more joy.
Written on Nov 22, 2024 after therapy with John for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes