Welcome...

Therapists...
  Yvonne Beyer
  Merry Wingfield
  Suzanne Berens
  Louis Bernstein
  Tess Brigham
  Karina Colliat
  Matt Foley
  Janice Graham
  Vida Grigaliunas
  Will Hector
  Chong-You Lin
  Evan Martineau
  Rebecca Olmsted
  Leah Platoni
  Pamela Poor
  Kelly L Ravenel
  Joanne Ricketts
  Katharine Robinson
  Sonia Telle
  Korë Williams
Groups...

Contact...

Links...

Our Therapists...

	Yvonne Beyer, M.A.,MFT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Body-Oriented Somatic and Transpersonal Psychotherapy -- Addictions Counselor By trusting your inner wisdom, you can heal old beliefs and negative thoughts that keep you stuck and unable to go forward in your life. As we embark upon the journey of your healing, I will be there to assist and guide you in co-creating your life's goals and dreams. In facilitating your process, I use various modalities, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), focusing, meditation and other body based therapies. My training is transpersonal and body-oriented, which means that I believe one way in "coming home" to yourself is through the inner wisdom of your own body. Please let me assist you in making lasting changes so that you, too, might enjoy more meaningful relationships with yourself and others, and find your inner peace. Please contact me at (510)601-0132 or visit my web page.
	Merry Wingfield, M.A., MFTI #59048 supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
I know how to listen deeply with an open heart and a good sense of humor, and I will help you accomplish your goals. I work effectively counseling couples (married & partnered), families, children, and adult individuals. I have successfully treated a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relational problems, substance abuse issues and trauma. With experience and advanced training in a variety of clinical modalities that are proven effective, I will help you identify your needs and overcome your problems. My style is supportive and collaborative. I work in partnership with my clients to get to the root cause of their problems. We work together to help you have a more satisfying life. I enjoy working with clients of diverse race, ethnicity, religion and sexual identity. I work through the body's knowledge, helping my client stay in the present moment. I also incorporate expressive arts, Sandtray, and Play Therapy with children, and Sandplay and Active Imagination with adults. I can be reached at (510) 601-1929, ext 19 or by email at merry@earthcirclescenter.com.
	Suzanne Berens, M.A., MFTI #53731 supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544, and Peter Coster, MFT #24853
Much of the transformative power of therapy comes from the relationship itself. With warmth, compassion and sensitivity, I offer you a way of experiencing yourself in a relationship that is healing. Through deep inquiry, body awareness and attending to moment to moment experience, we will explore ways to let go of old patterns that no longer serve you. As you shed less skillful ways of being and start to embrace more of your strengths and inner wisdom, you can begin to live in a more soulful, authentic and meaningful way. Humanistic-existential as well as body-centered and transpersonal modalities inform my work, and creativity, inner critic work and play permeate how I work with clients. I also am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). My spiritual path, the Diamond Approach, influences my practice by helping you bring awareness to distorted beliefs that get in the way of a more true version of yourself. I assist clients who are experiencing grief, trauma, boundary issues, anxiety and panic attacks. My passion is helping people deepen their sense of themselves and their potential, and I especially enjoy working with clients who are facing life transitions including changes in values, careers and relationships. I have a master's degree in transpersonal counseling psychology from John F. Kennedy University. I welcome you to contact me at (510)601-1929, Ext. 14.
	Louis Bernstein, M.A., MFTI #55424 supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
The focus of my therapy is to assist my clients in uncovering and unraveling the negative core beliefs that have them feeling stuck and unsatisfied in life; causing difficulties in their relationships, their self-esteem, and in finding their life's purpose. In a space of safety, compassion and unconditional regard, my clients are offered the opportunity to explore and to discover their own true self; a sense of being whole and complete, exactly as they are. The work is collaborative, as I assist the client in their healing exploration. My therapy style is intuitively adapted to match each client's needs and goals, drawing upon my various trainings and therapy skills, including: Transpersonal psychology, Body-centered therapy, Breath-work, Expressive Arts, and Sandtray. In addition, I have a MA in Counseling Psychology from JFK University, am certified in Hypnotherapy, and have been trained in EMDR and in Alcohol / Drug Treatment and Recovery. I offer therapy to adults, children, couples and families, with a special emphasis on Self Esteem and Relationship issues. (See my Healthy Relationships Therapy Group under Groups.) If you feel that it is time to reclaim your life and move towards healing, I invite you to call me at (510) 601-1929, Ext. 7 or send me email at louis@earthcirclescenter.com with your phone number.
	Tess Brigham, MA, MFTI IMF #51518 supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
It is my belief that we all have the ability to heal from the past and to change our present by examining how our thoughts and feelings can influence our actions. This process of examination can often bring about change. My methodology involves the exploration of the repetitive thoughts and beliefs that you use in your interpersonal relationships and in your decision making which have kept you from making the changes in your life that you desire. I establish a nurturing environment for you to share your experiences and through our collaborative therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will arrive at a place where you accept and like your authentic self. Having a family myself, I understand the overwhelming challenges of being a partner as well as a parent. My training is in addiction counseling and recovery, life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma recovery and crisis management. I look forward to working with individuals, couples, adolescents and families. You can reach me at (510) 601-1929 ext. 2 or send me email at tess@earthcirclescenter.com .
	Karina Colliat, MFTI supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
Description coming soon.
	Matt Foley, MFTI supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
Description coming soon.
	Janice Graham, MFTI supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
Description coming soon.
	Vida Grigaliunas, MFTI #59076 supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
Life can be full of struggles, disappointments, trauma, and despair; psychotherapy can be a wonderful tool to finding solutions and inner peace. I believe that every experience you have ever had is still located in the body at a cellular and neurological level. As a therapist, I will gently guide you to challenge yourself to look at those experiences that might feel as if they are holding you back from a life that can be more fulfilling. By exploring and honoring your past and then learning how to be present and mindful you can move toward healing and wholeness. I primarily work from Psychodynamic, Relational, Gestalt, Experiential, and Somatic theories, including Trauma work and EMDR. I'm a compassionate person who will work with you with understanding and true acceptance. I provide psychotherapy for individuals, couples, teens, families, and children. I can help you find your path to resolution and transformation. Please call me at 510-601-1929 Ext. 4 to schedule an appointment.
	Will Hector, M.A. MFTI #59835 supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
Soma is the Greek word at the heart of somatic psychotherapy. It refers to one's personal experience as perceived from within the body. Somatic psychotherapy, then, utilizes this first-person perception as a tool for deepening understanding, self-awareness, and agency in the world. Somatic observations are immediate and factual because they are your own. My work honors this direct experience and therefore can contribute to your sense of being seen and understood, and to uncovering the patterns, behaviors, and psycho-emotional states of being that comprise everyday functioning. I hold a master's degree from the JFK University School of Holistic Studies in Counseling Psychology with a somatic emphasis. I have trained extensively with Stanley Keleman in Formative Psychology and with Bill Bowen in Psycho-Physical Therapy, and am trained in EMDR. I have a particular interest in ecopsychology and in how we use our highly evolved, movement-oriented and tribally-entrained bodies and psyches in an urban, technological, and largely isolating society. The methods I utilize include sensory awareness, movement, self contact, breath work, and working with motoric organization in order to focus on building somatic self-awareness and somatic resources to move forward more creatively in the world. Contact me at 510-601-1929, ext. 16.
	Chong-You Lin, MFTI supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
Description coming soon.
	Evan Martineau, M.A.,MFTI supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
Therapy is a journey of self discovery. It can be simple like finding a solution to the issue that led you to seek help. It can be more complex like learning who you are and how you interact with others. I hold a Master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and have worked for the past 25 years in the human services field. Working with individual adults with mental health issues has been my occupation for the past 18 years. Assisting couples with improving their communication skills is a strength. Finding ways to help adolescents and young adults with life transitions, while exploring new options, and helping them improve relationships is an evolving passion. Helping people to explore issues related to loss and grief is becoming a major focus and exploration in my practice. Learning how to work with children and discovering their excitement is leading to new insights and knowledge. Working with expressive arts, sand tray and other modalities will assist us along the journey we will take together. Please contact me at (510) 601-1929 ext 9 and leave a message or email evan@earthcirclescenter.com so we can arrange an appointment.
	Rebecca Olmsted, MFTI #58503 supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
A graduate of the California Institute of Integral Studies specializing in somatics (body oriented psychology), I have training in the Hakomi method, which uses an approach of mindfulness, compassion, and curiosity to guide the client through his/her own experience. I also love to incorporate creativity and expressive art into the practice of psychotherapy. My approach is practical, and in the present moment, seeing you as a whole person, of body, soul, and spirit. My belief is that for therapy to be successful, it is as important for you to be able to access your aliveness, your hopes and dreams, as it is important for you to be able to access what has hurt you or what limits you. Most of our wounds happen in relationship to others, so my goal in therapy is to let our relationship serve as a healing experience. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and elders, and with issues of chronic illness, disability, end of life, and trauma. I can be reached at 510 601 1929, extension 15 or by email at rebecca@earthcirclescenter.com.
	Leah Platoni, MFTI supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
You are not alone. Any form of grief is collective. Let's examine, together, your struggles for greater insight and resolution. My therapeutic foundation is client-centered and strength-based - this is about your journey and your ability to move forward while learning from the past. I use meditation and Gestalt techniques during sessions - our process of therapy may include experiential components that work with your immediate present. Also, my trainings in bodywork and devotion to my dance and yoga practices have contributed to my somatic orientation; I focus on the interrelationship between psychological and physiological processes and strengthening an awareness of the inherent unity of the mind, body, and spirit. Further, I offer ecotherapy, to look at our fears and despair concerning the seriousness of our ecological and social crises. Overall, facing and working with difficult emotions is precisely what can heal us, increase our resilience and help us navigate through the massive transformations underway. You are welcome to bring your whole self. I look forward to being available for any emotional, physical, cognitive, spiritual, and energetic changes that are asking to happen for you right now. I offer safety, understanding, and compassion to assist you on your journey towards creating fluid relationships with yourself, others, and your environment. I offer counseling sessions for elders, adults, adolescents, and children, and I specialize in grief and loss work and addiction. Please call with questions or to make an appointment at 510-601-1929 extension 12. I look forward to hearing from you!
	Pamela Poor, M.S., IMF #47551 supervised by Gillaan Yates, MFC #37844 and Patricia Cavanaugh, MFC #29882
It takes courage to look deeply within oneself and explore past and present circumstances, identify what is not working, consider new possibilities, and create change. At times, this can be an uncomfortable and frightening process. However, I believe that a compassionate therapeutic relationship can provide the safety, support and guidance necessary to: sit with your feelings, explore who you are and who you want to be, heal pain and trauma, improve communication and open to your inner light and power. I bring sensitivity and mindfulness to our work, and respect your pace as we journey together on your path toward greater insight, balance and personal freedom. Modalities I utilize include psychodynamic and family systems, transpersonal, existential and art therapy, with a personal background in art, dance and performance. I have training and experience working with grief and loss, substance abuse/dependence and recovery, depression and isolation, spirituality and creativity, codependency, domestic violence and life transitions, with clients ranging in age from 5 to 80. Individual adults, children, couples, and families are welcome. I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at (510)601-1929.
	Kelly L Ravenel, M.A., MFTI supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
In my work as a therapist I emphasize building awareness around areas of one's growth and potential development that may be stuck or stagnant. I am trained in trauma recovery, eating disorders, identity issues, sexuality, lifestyle patterns and their somatic organization, couples counseling, group therapy, career choices, anxiety, panic, and questions of the spirit. A client's psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual issues are all seen as connected parts of an interwoven system that is healed somatically. The Soma (Latin for body), like a compass, will help navigate which direction therapy needs to go. Unlike more traditional forms of psychotherapy, this method is unique in its emphasis on building resources for the client through movement, somatic patterning interventions, breath work, meditation, and hands-on-work. I practice from a heart-centered place, supporting the notion that each of us has within us the source and capacity for establishing our own well being. I have been an active advocate of the healing arts for the last ten years, and as a Vipassana meditator, yoga teacher, and dancer, I practice mindfulness through movement to encourage a radical expansion to live more fully everyday. I received my M.A. in Counseling Somatic Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. You can reach me by phone at (510) 859.3383 or by email at kelly@earthcirclescenter.com.
	Joanne Ricketts, MFTI supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
Description coming soon.
	Katharine Robinson, M.A., MFTI #59095 supervised by Yvonne Beyer, MFT #36544
We all have our unique life stories that make us the individuals who we are today. I honor and respect that uniqueness within us all and work from a place that welcomes and supports your experience. Through active listening and supporting you in all of your experiences, I will help you access your own innate wisdom that will allow you to identify not only what you need but how to get those needs met. My areas of expertise are working with individuals and couples who are dealing with challenges related to trauma, anxiety/panic, self esteem, body image, and relationships. I have a humanistic, transpersonal style that draws heavily from past and present family dynamics and Self psychology. I am also trained in EMDR and use it to work on a wide variety of issues. My MA is in Counseling Psychology from CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies) and my BA is in Sociology. Along with my education and experience in psychotherapy, I have extensive experience in the birthing/parenting community and am a trained Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator and Lactation Educator. Please feel free to call me at 510-601-1929, Extension 11 at Earth Circles.
	Sonia Telle, M.A., MFT #45964
My therapy practice is informed by various trainings as well as the strong belief that there is, in all of us, a natural source of health that instinctively moves us towards happiness and well being. The approach is body centered. It is from our bodies (our home) that we can access our great wisdom, heal past wounds and remember how to be more present, alive and connected with our true essence. For this, my work combines psychotherapy together with various somatic practices, movement, meditation, trauma work and sometimes some expressive arts and sandplay. Another aspect of my counseling is working with cultural diversity issues, often within multicultural marriages or addressing intergenerational aspects of culture, race, identity and sense of belonging. My work is held in Spanish and French as well as in English I have an M.A. in somatic psychotherapy from CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies), and I am also certified in Holotropic Breathwork from the Grof Transpersonal Training (GTT). I am currently completing the 4th year in bioenergetics. I offer counseling sessions for individuals, couples, families and children. You are welcome to contact me if you have any questions or would like an appointment by phone at (510)601-1929 or at sonia@earthcirclescenter.com. Español: Psicoterapia somatica y compasiva. El énfasis de mi trabajo se centra en la sabiduría del sanador interior que habita en todos nosotros y tiende hacia el bienestar. Mi trabajo combina la psicoterapia asi como diversas prácticas somáticas, movimiento, meditación, trabajo con trauma y artes expresivas. Mi trayectoria personal me lleva a trabajar con aspectos relacionados, entre otros, con la diversidad cultural y los problemas multigeneracionales de raza e identidad. Ofrezco terapia a individuos, parejas, familias y niños. Si desea una cita o más amplia información puede contactarme llamando al (510)601-1929 o al sonia@earthcirclescenter.com.
	Korë Rebecca Williams, M.A., MFTI #40811 supervised by Elena Felder, MFT #37248
I am most inspired in life by the capacity we all share to heal, grow, and reach for the joy and connection that is our birthright. I witness this capacity every day in my clients' courage to transform past hurts, memories, and present day obstacles into deepening relationships with themselves and the freedom to make richer choices in their lives. In the safety of compassionate acceptance and deep presence, I create the space for you to do the same, where you can learn to feel more relaxed, empowered, and alive, and create loving, trusting relationships with others. Using a gentle blend of somatic focus and relational style to help guide insight into old patterns and resolve issues such as loss, depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and anxiety, I hold our work together within a transpersonal perspective to support you also in strengthening your individuality, spiritual wholeness, and resiliency in a very complex world. I specialize in healing sexual and emotional trauma, eating disorders and addiction, and currently lead a therapy group for women with eating disorders. (Please see Groups.) I warmly welcome individuals, couples, and families from all ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations, and have been trained to work with issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia. Please contact me at (510)601-1929 ext. 6 or korewilliams@earthcirclescenter.com.