About Bethany

Welcome. I provide psychotherapy for adolescents, adults and couples. My practice is holistic incorporating attachment theory and somatic psychotherapy. I have specialized training in couples therapy, addiction medicine, and trauma.

I support the whole person. My approach to treatment is to understand and explore the depth of the psyche, to allow for integration, and a sense of well-being.

Services:

Couples Counseling

I offer evidence based emotion focused couples therapy (EFT). Are you stuck in a negative cycle with your partner? Are you longing to feel more connected to your partner? EFT allows couples to build secure bonds and co-regulate one another. Relationships transform into a safe and nurturing bond. EFT is based on attachment theory and guides individuals in understanding each persons need to feel seen, heard, valued, understood, and sexually satisfied.

Feminine Psychology

I specialize in providing support for clients that self identify as female. The feminine identity is tied to social constructs that can feeling limiting, dis-empowering, sexualized, perfectionistic, and much more. My goal is to help clients better understand their connection with themselves and gain understanding of one’s authentic emotions. I help women with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, workaholism, substance use concerns, adult children of alcoholics, family issues, relationship issues and trauma.

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Somatic experiencing is a holistic intervention that helps to restore the body mind connection. Developed by Peter Levine SE helps the nervous system move toward balance by aiding in the release of chronic stress and held trauma. SE supports individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse, trauma, burnout from over-working and emotional overwhelm.

Addiction  & Recovery

I offer a holistic approach to substance use disorders. I incorporate the latest scientific understanding of addiction with trauma based treatment modalities. I can support you in understanding your relationship to substance use and guide you in formulating goals to cut-down or stop your substance use. I support individuals in learning new ways of coping without the use of substances.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is the process of moving closer to one's authentic self. My approach to psychotherapy is gentle. The psyche naturally directs a person toward healing and a therapeutic relationship supports this healing and transformation.

In our therapeutic sessions, we will begin by uncovering your story. It's important to me that I honor your individuality and cultural diversity.  

Increased insight is a natural product of our work together. Insight can help one move toward better ways of being in the world and a greater sense of connection.

Who Can Benefit From Treatment?

I provide treatment for people that have diverse life experiences and multifaceted backgrounds. It is my personal goal to provide counseling that acknowledges your race, ethnicity, spirituality, religion, socio-economic status, culture, sexuality, gender, age, and other forms of diversity.  

I work with people looking to create meaning and live an authentic life. I have experience working with clients that face difficulties with anxiety, restlessness, depression, relationship issues, life stressors, sexual identity, and trauma. 

Orientation & Experience

I hold a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist No.103572.  I earned my Masters degree in counseling psychology from Pacific Graduate Institute of Psychology.

I have experience working in diverse mental health settings including Adolescent Counseling Services, Pyramid Alternatives, La Cheim Behavioral Health, The Lotus Collaborative Eating Disorder Clinic, Kaiser Permanente Addiction Medicine Clinic, and private practice settings. I have experience working with adolescents, families, adults, and couples.

I offer a holistic treatment approach based on my training in yoga, meditation, attachment theory, somatic experiencing, and Jungian psychology. I have engaged in a yearlong training at the San Francisco Jungian Institute. I have also completed the Emotion Focused Couples Therapy Externship and Core Skills. I am passionate about integrating a treatment approach that combines these treatment modalities to best support your goals for treatment.

My style is relational and supportive.

Prior to working as a psychotherapist, I studied social sciences. I have worked at The Refugee Development Center providing education in English language skills and supporting displaced families and individuals. I was awarded a research fellowship and studied the social justice aspects of the cotton industry and the impact of trade agreements in developing countries. I have a passion from human rights and learning how to bridge social and economic divides.

My approach to treatment is integrative.

I incorporate the following therapy models:

Attachment theory:

how we connect to our early childhood caregivers forms a basis for our current relationships. Therapy can help clients form securely attached relationships. 

Somatic psychology:

body-oriented practices to promote healing and integration of mind and body. Including yoga postures, deep breathing, and meditation. 

Mindfulness:

nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment helps to break-up automatic thinking and behavior. Practicing Mindfulness leads to healthier strategies for experiencing intense emotions and coping with life stressors. 

Psychodynamic theory:

early childhood experiences shape who we are today. Getting to know oneself through therapy can help to make our unconscious thoughts conscious.