The major focus of my work is to lead clients towards self acceptance, connecting themselves more deeply with themselves and others, and facilitating their movement through barriers to self expression, empowerment and accomplishment of their goals. My approach is client-centered, and I integrate somatic and trauma focused modalities with relational and contemporary psychodynamic theories. I have been practicing psychotherapy for the last twelve years. I graduated from the Somatic Psychology Program at Antioch in 1990, and became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 1994.

Currently, I have a private practice in San Francisco where I work with individuals and couples, and I specialize in helping people with relationship issues (including domestic violence) and resolving affects of trauma. In addition, I treat a broad range of issues including PTSD, depression, anxiety, addictions and childhood abuse and neglect. For the last three years, I have been the Clinical Director at Woman, Inc., a non-profit agency which serves survivors of domestic violence, where I supervise and train MFT interns, staff and volunteers. I also provide consultation for therapists working with survivors of domestic violence.

How I Work

I begin with addressing the current issues that bring the client into therapy. We may start to explore and gain understanding of how current patterns and dynamics manifest in the body and how they relate to their past and any possible trauma. I may provide some psychoeducation about trauma or how current patterns relate to past relationship dynamics, to help a client understand their feelings, symptoms and behaviors. At the same time, we begin to identify and build on the client's strengths and resources in order to improve upon and give more room to what does work in their life. If there is unresolved trauma, I help the client begin to process through it and explore how old, no longer useful, and sometimes trauma-based patterns manifest in the body in response to particular situations. Addressing these together, we gain awareness of how the client "holds" his or her body in response to particular situations. As we become more mindful of sensations, impulses, movement of energy and feelings (and with the help of introducing alternatives and new resources), the client starts to process and resolve trauma, as well as, unlearn these body patterns that contribute to unhealthy dynamics or being stuck. Through this exploration there is often a natural grieving process that occurs allowing one to let go of the past in order to move forward in one's current life situation.

I always keep in mind the client's unique set of needs and comfort level so that the therapeutic environment feels as safe as possible. I work collaboratively with each client to set goals and decide what to focus on as issues arise in their life and in the session. We go at a pace that feels most comfortable and is best for them. We may explore issues that come up between the client and me, so that the therapy can become a kind of laboratory to practice behaviors that they can then begin to incorporate into their other relationships and lives. For example, I might encourage a client to express feelings that they have towards me or questions or concerns about things I say or do. This is one way to establish and build trust in others and in the self, which I see as essential in order to bring about healing, growth and the capability to operate in the world in a way that feels comfortable and empowered.

Phone: 415-289-2241    Email: bethc@sonic.net

Office Address

5028 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94118