I really love people. 
And I’m passionate about helping you unlock you. For me, getting to the core of what holds you back is like solving a puzzle. As a bodyworker, I delighted in discovering how best to communicate with each body. I would ask: what is the key to supporting this person to unwind? The answer might range from deep tissue, to rocking, or tapping to holding and stillness. 

It’s about listening and entering a metaphoric dance. 

As a psychotherapist, I ask myself similar questions. And I bring a range of approaches to the inquiry. I then equip you with tools to continue the dance with yourself, to ask yourself: What will support me in the deepest way to release limiting beliefs in order to expand into my full self?

Why Somatic Psychotherapy? 
Listening to the body can provide wisdom that is not available to the mind alone. Our bodies hold great wisdom and contain a record of all of our past experiences.

When the subconscious feels safe, it lets us see the patterns and beliefs that lie under the surface and that run the show. Ordinarily, these patterns are hidden from view, and are at the root of suffering, causing us to feel blocked and to recreate the pain of the past. 
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​Humans are incredibly resilient.
Often the blueprint for healing and growth is contained within our suffering. Together, we’ll seek to unlock that healing. We will rely on the innate healing wisdom of your body to guide our work. An added benefit to this approach is that your body can be an ongoing resource for you. My work is informed by neuroscience and physiology. I’ll bring resourcing techniques  to promote a sense of safety and wellbeing, that serve to regulate your nervous system.

How I work
Sessions look very different according to who you are and how you are on any given day. We may talk, try experiments, use mindfulness, incorporate touch, use elements of expressive arts, and hopefully laugh, one of my favorite tools. When therapeutic touch seems appropriate, I will always get your consent in the moment.

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Contact Pamela for Free Consultation

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies
• Group Therapy Training Program The Psychotherapy Institute one-year training program offering an in-depth study of the theory and practice of group therapy facilitation. 
• ​Training in DBT skills: 6-week video course with Marsha Linehan, 8-week observation of a class at Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center. 
• Brainspotting Trauma healing technique Level 1 & 2

Hakomi

• Certified Hakomi Therapist
• Assisted Hakomi Comprehensive Training 2012-2013 and Hakomi Graduate Level course at California Institute for Integral Studies.
• Trained in ReCreation of Self. Assisted RCS trainings. 
• Trained in Trauma healing at Hakomi Institute: From Trauma to Dharma-A Mindfulness-based Trauma Therapy Training

Touch/Bodywork

• Certificate in Relational Somatic Healing 
• Certified Advanced Relax and Renew Restorative Yoga Teacher by Judith Lasater
• Bodywork/massage practitioner from 2003-2013. 750 hours of training in various modalities 

Couples Work

• Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples
• Advanced Hakomi Couples training with Rob Fisher
• PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) Level 1

Social Justice

• Teacher Training for Social Justice with Marin Shakespeare

• 2017-Ongoing. Taught weekly drama therapy group at Deuel Vocational Institution prison in Tracy, CA with Marin Shakespeare's Shakespeare for Social Justice.
• 2016-2017 worked with Marin Shakespeare's Troupe for Returned Citizens
• Volunteered with Community Works West's programs: One Family and Restorative Justice Circles

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​Creativity

• Professional training and experience in acting, physical theater and ensemble theater creation
• Worked in children's theater & street theater in Italy

Professional affiliations 
Relational Somatic Healing, Gaylesta, East Bay CAMFT, NCCEEFT, Therapy Den