Celebrating Community at the Behavioral Health Friendsgiving – Nov 18
Mind Therapy Clinic is honored to participate in the 3rd Annual Friendsgiving Potluck for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals on Monday, November 18, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Lagoon Park in San Rafael.
Friendsgiving has become a simple tradition we love – sharing food, stories, and thanks with colleagues who care for our community every day. There’s no program and no agenda. Just a table full of potluck dishes and a chance to connect across agencies, roles, and disciplines.
This year’s gathering is a collaboration among Mind Therapy Clinic, Crownview Psychiatric Institute, Foundations San Francisco, and CPN Wellness / Doyen Consulting. We’re grateful to stand alongside so many dedicated professionals – clinicians, case managers, program teams, trainees, and partners – who support individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges across the Bay Area.
What Friendsgiving means to us
Gratitude: making space to appreciate the work and one another.
Collaboration: strengthening relationships that make care more seamless for patients.
Community: showing up as neighbors, not just organizations.
If you’re a behavioral health professional and plan to stop by, there’s a simple RSVP below that helps with headcount. Attendance is entirely informal; bring a dish if you’d like, or simply bring yourself.
Date/Time: Monday, Nov 18 • 12-2 p.m. Location: Lagoon Park picnic tables, San Rafael
From all of us at Mind Therapy Clinic: thank you for the meaningful work you do and for the spirit of community that makes that work possible. We’re looking forward to sharing a meal together.
For many years, treatment for substance use disorders and trauma followed a sequential model – address one problem first, then the other. That approach often produced incomplete care and outcomes. Today, research and clinical experience point to a more effective path: integrated treatment.
In this practical, evidence-informed session, Tim Worden, Ph.D. and Matt Blagys, Ph.D. will:
Ground participants in the neurobiology of addiction and trauma.
Explain the bidirectional influence each has on the other.
Translate these insights into integrated assessment and treatment strategies you can use now.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
Identify the primary neurochemicals and brain structures involved in addiction.
Describe how trauma impacts the nervous system.
Explain the bidirectional relationship between trauma and addiction and implications for integrated treatment.
Who Should Attend
Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, social workers, counselors, and other clinicians who treat co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders.
Presenters
Tim Worden, Ph.D.
Speaker
Tim Worden, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, specializing in addictions and health psychology. He developed a unique psychotherapeutic approach called Neuro-Emotional Therapy (NET), which emphasizes the neurologically based emotional-motivational factors involved in change.
Dr. Worden received his doctorate from the University of South Florida over 25 years ago. His work in substance abuse includes inpatient (Palo Alto VA), outpatient (Linn County Drug & Alcohol Program), and several residential treatment centers as a staff psychologist, including clinical director positions at New Seasons Recovery and Summit Malibu. He has been a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Florida focusing on pain management and neuropsychology, as well as the clinical director of a neuro-rehabilitation program where he functioned as a neuropsychologist and rehabilitation psychologist for 10 years.
During this time he developed his unique psychotherapeutic approach called Neuro-Emotional Therapy (NET), which emphasizes the neurologically based emotional-motivational factors involved in change. He has dove-tailed this therapeutic approach with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which emphasize emotional regulation. He has co-authored several articles on anger, anxiety and health, and has developed the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Human-Styles Questionnaire, the Values Clarification Inventory, and co-authored the Work Attitudes Inventory, which focuses on Integrity in the Workplace. He is completing books on eliminating guilt and shame, relapse prevention: a motivational approach, and life satisfaction.
Matt Blagys, Ph.D.
Speaker
Matt Blagys, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with advanced training from Harvard/Mass General and the Austen Riggs Center. He specializes in complex psychiatric and addiction cases and serves as the clinical director at Mind Therapy Clinic. Click here for more.
Continuing Education
Information on Continuing Education Credit for Health Professionals
• CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
• LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFTs, and other mental health professionals from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
• SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes.
Welcome Dr. Pappas & Postdocs, Free 2 CE Webinar and More
FALL UPDATES
Your quarterly roundup of new faces, therapies, tips, and upcoming events from Mind Therapy Clinic.
Welcome, Christine Pappas, PsyD
We are excited to welcome Dr. Pappas as the newest psychologist on our team. With over 25 years of experience in the mental health profession, Dr. Pappas worked intensely with a variety ofpopulations and treatment programs ranging from a private practice setting, Residential Program,Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). Read more >
2025-26 Postdoc Fellows
Meet Drs. Gustafson and Lucitt
At Mind Therapy Clinic, postdocs gain practical experience with diverse populations through individual, couples, and family therapy. They also facilitate groups in our IOP/PHP, and complete rotations customized to their clinical interests. This year's fellow, Dr. Gustafson brings expertise in LGBTQIA+, eating disorders, and substance use. Dr. Lauren Lucitt specializes in adult psychotherapy and has worked across a wide range of clinical settings. Read more >
Taming Anxiety
A group for teens
This Fall, we are starting a group that would be helpful for teenagers ages 14-18. This group therapy is designed for individuals who experience:
Persistent nighttime worries, leading to sleep disturbances.
Social anxiety, which may manifest as a reluctance or inability to attend social gatherings.
Self-doubt regarding their abilities, preventing them from pursuing values-driven opportunities (e.g., auditioning for a play, applying to a competitive college).
Insecurities stemming from comparisons with their peers.
This group offers participants a safe space in a group setting to explore and process topics that offer insight and skills while navigating sobriety and life. The group is for those who want to explore and foster healthier tools and skills to manage sobriety, as well as gain insight into the layers that fed the addiction(s). Read more >
Relapse Prevention Skills Group
For those in early recovery
This new group is designed for individuals in the early stages of transforming their lives and behavior. The curriculum is scientifically grounded, structured, and informative, integrating education with practical skills training and group discussions. Read more >
Bridging the Gap: Free 2 CE Event
Integrated Treatment for Trauma and Addiction
Monday, November 17th at 11:00 a.m. PST
For the past century, it was commonly believed that substance use disorders and trauma should not be treated at the same time. Addiction treatment providers advocated for addressing addiction first, while mental health professionals argued that underlying trauma and other mental health disorders should be prioritized. However, empirical research has now demonstrated that the most effective approach to treating both trauma and substance use disorders is through an integrated method that addresses both conditions simultaneously. In this webinar, Drs. Tim Worden, Ph.D. and Matt Blagys, Ph.D., will focus on the links between trauma and addiction and their implications for an integrated model of treatment.
We understand that securing an appointment with a specialized clinician can be frustrating, especially at a time when mental health care is critically needed and resources are limited. The shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists, particularly in the area of addiction and co-occurring disorder treatment, can leave many feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
At Mind Therapy Clinic, we are committed to making high-quality care accessible. Our experienced trauma and addiction specialists are available for immediate appointments for a full range of treatments.
If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma and addiction, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can send a request or call us at (415) 945-9870 to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation.
This past weekend, Mind Therapy Clinic was honored to join the 7th Annual Bay Area Chuseok (Korean Harvest) Festival at the Presidio Main Parade Lawn: a vibrant community celebration of Korean culture, food, music, and connection hosted by Korean Center, Inc. The festival welcomed families, students, and neighbors across generations for a joyful day under the clear fall sky.
At our booth, our team connected with the Asian community who stopped by to talk about Asian American mental health, ask questions, and pick up resources. Many shared stories about young people juggling academic pressure, identity, and belonging – conversations that echo what we see in our clinics and in recent research on AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) youth.
Why show up at a cultural festival to talk about mental health? Because community spaces like Chuseok bring down walls. They make it easier to start real conversations about stress, stigma, and support right where families already gather.
Why this matters
Nearly 1 in 2 AANHPI youth (48%) screen at or above moderate depression on a standard PHQ-9 measure; an indicator that usually warrants a treatment plan and follow-up.
93% report experiencing at least one race-based discriminatory incident in the past year, which the study links to negative mental health impact.
For Asian American youth ages 15–24, suicide is the leading cause of death; a stark reminder that we must keep showing up, listening, and connecting young people to care.
At the same time, there are bright spots we can build on:
Over half (53%) of AANHPI young people say they feel comfortable talking to their parents or caregivers about a tough time – showing that family conversations can be a powerful entry point.
Youth consistently point to friends and community spaces as helpful supports – exactly the kind of connections that blossom at festivals like Chuseok.
(Data collected by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) through the 2024 Beyond the Surface youth mental health report.)
What we shared
Throughout the day, we offered:
Relevant information about what the main causes and issues are regarding mental health
New treatments being offered for any young adult patients interested in our clinic
Local and virtual referral pathways: clinicians, groups, and crisis resources
A psychiatrist on site for anyone that wanted to have a conversation about their mental wellness
We also spotlighted how community wellness spaces – from cultural festivals to peer groups – rank among the most desired supports for young people, right alongside accessible, culturally knowledgeable professionals.
Keep the conversation going
If you or a young adult you love is navigating stress, identity pressures, or anxiety, we’re here. Mind Therapy Clinic provides culturally informed care for youth and families – including individual therapy, group programs, and care coordination tailored to your needs.
When we talk about trauma, we often think about emotions and memories. But healing isn’t only about what we think or feel—it’s also about how our nervous system responds.
In our recent webinar, When Trauma Recovery Stalls: What’s Next?, Dr. Kelly Callahan and Dr. Sarah Dropman explored how understanding the nervous system can unlock new pathways for healing. They pose the question for clinicians, “am I supporting the client’s nervous system?”
Trauma Lives in the Body
Trauma isn’t just something that “happens in the past.” It can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, shaping how the body responds to stress, relationships, and everyday challenges. To start the process of checking in with the nervous system, it can be helpful to reflect on what is happening in the “here and now.”
For example:
Some people find themselves in a state of high activation, called hyperarousal. This could look like an elevated heart rate, feelings of anxiousness or panic, racing thoughts, or hyper-vigilance.
Others fall into a state of low activation, hypoarousal. This could look like lethargy, numbness, depression, or brain fog.
Many oscillate between the two.
These two states are the body’s survival strategies, designed to protect us when things feel overwhelming. They are integral parts of the Polyvagal Theory, a framework that allows us to better understand the functional responses of the nervous system.
The Window of Tolerance
Another important part of Polyvagal Theory is the window of tolerance, which describes the “zone” between hyper- and hypoarousal where we feel balanced and engaged.
Inside the window, we are at an optimal state of arousal. We can think clearly, manage emotions, and connect with others.
Outside the window, we tip into hyperarousal or hypoarousal.
Therapy often focuses on helping clients expand their window of tolerance—so they can stay regulated as they work through trauma.
Supporting the Nervous System in Recovery
It’s valuable in trauma recovery to use techniques that recognize the body’s role in healing. The goal is to help clients regain flexibility and choice, bringing them back into the window of tolerance. Supporting regulation can take place in many different areas, and may include practices like the following.
Somatic. Movement, orienting within the room, or completing a breathing exercise.
Intellectual. Reading, writing, learning something new, or a different creative task.
Relational. Visualization of a safe individual, a hug, or connection with an animal.
Nature. Walking in the grass or looking and listening out the window.
Spiritual. Prayer or yoga.
Moving Toward Healing
Understanding the nervous system is more than science—it’s hope. When clients understand their responses as functional survival strategies, shame begins to ease. From there, healing becomes possible, and trauma work can progress.
👉 If you’re ready to explore how trauma has impacted your body and mind, and how to move toward healing, reach out to Mind Therapy Clinic today.
When faced with painful memories or overwhelming emotions, many people try to push them away. This response is called avoidance, and it’s one of the most common—and understandable—reactions to trauma.
In our recent webinar, When Trauma Recovery Stalls: What’s Next?, Dr. Kelly Callahan and Dr. Sarah Dropman explained why and how avoidance shows up, and what therapists and clients can do to gently move past it.
Avoidance Is a Survival Strategy
Avoidance isn’t laziness, denial, or lack of commitment—it’s the nervous system’s way of protecting us from pain. Compassionately bringing awareness to its functionality is key when addressing avoidance.
After trauma, people may avoid people, places, things, or internal experiences that are trauma reminders. In the short term, avoidance can bring relief. But in the long run, it often keeps people stuck—preventing the very healing they’re hoping for.
How Avoidance Shows Up in Therapy
Avoidance can appear in many forms, such as:
Postponing trauma work. Skipping sessions or changing the subject when trauma becomes a part of the conversation.
Using strategies to numb. This may look like using substances or coping with suicidal thoughts, but could also present as dissociation, intellectualization or panic.
These are not signs of failure. They are signs of a nervous system working hard to stay safe.
Working Through Avoidance Safely
It is vital to approach avoidance in trauma work with compassion. Therapists can help clients address and manage avoidance by:
Destigmatizing it. Using trauma-informed psychoeducation to help clients understand avoidance as a behavior with a function.
Naming it. Thoughtfully identifying avoidance to take the first step toward shifting it.
Praising generously. Validating a client when they approach instead of avoid.
Self-reflection. As a therapist, recognizing avoidance in yourself and reflecting on the ways you can approach as well.
Moving Toward Healing
Avoidance is part of trauma recovery. With the right support, clients can move gently from avoidance into engagement—opening the door to deeper healing.
At Mind Therapy Clinic, our clinicians are experienced in recognizing and working through avoidance, helping clients feel safe enough to face what they’ve been carrying.
👉 If you feel like avoidance is keeping you from healing, contact us today to learn how we can support your journey.
Healing from trauma takes courage—but it also takes connection. Research consistently shows that one of the most powerful factors in therapy isn’t just the technique being used, but the relationship between client and therapist.
In our recent webinar, When Trauma Recovery Stalls: What’s Next?, Dr. Sarah Dropman and Dr. Kelly Callahan highlighted how essential the therapeutic alliance is for moving trauma recovery forward—and why it can sometimes be the very place where things get stuck.
Why the Relationship Matters
Psychologist Edward Bordin described the therapeutic alliance as having three parts:
Agreement on goals – working toward a shared vision of healing.
Agreement on tasks – clarity about how therapist and client will work together.
Bond – the trust and sense of connection that make therapy safe.
When all three are in place, therapy becomes a collaborative journey. For trauma recovery, that bond is especially important—because trauma often happens in relationships, and healing must also happen in relationship.
The Catch-22 of Trauma and Trust
Here’s the challenge: the very thing needed for healing (trust) is often the hardest thing to build after trauma. Clients may feel wary, distant, or unsure about opening up. Therapists may feel discouraged when progress feels slow.
But this isn’t resistance—it’s part of the process. Trauma impacts attachment, and rebuilding trust takes time, patience, and compassion. The therapist’s role is to recognize the effects of trauma on the alliance and manage the relationship between client and clinician.
Ruptures in the Alliance
From the perspective of the therapist, obstacles in the alliance can show up in many different ways, including but not limited to:
Frustration with the client. The therapist may be struggling with negative thoughts about or feel like they are working harder than the client.
Feeling unable to help the client. The therapist may be feeling like they are a ‘bad therapist’. This can also happen in tandem with frustration toward the client.
Seemingly inconsistent goals between client and therapist. Despite the therapist’s best efforts to listen, engage , and revise the treatment plan, the client may continually disagree with the therapist’s understanding.
How to Strengthen the Alliance and Get Unstuck
Clinicians know that the therapeutic alliance is the foundation of all effective trauma work. Here’s how we nurture it:
Destigmatize the effects of trauma. Highlight the symptoms and behavioral patterns that clients exhibit as survival strategies.
Cultivate compassion. Recognizing the therapeutic relationship as a potential source of threat for the client.
Co-create understanding. Clients are the experts on their own internal experiences, and therapists can offer maps to help them understand what’s unfolding.
Connection as a Path to Healing
When recovery stalls, its often a signal to return to the function: the therapeutic alliance. A strong relationship can provide the stability needed to move into deeper trauma processing.
At Mind Therapy Clinic, we believe that healing begins with connection. Together, clients and therapists can build the trust that makes recovery possible.
👉 If you’re seeking a safe, supportive place to begin or continue your trauma recovery, contact us today.
-1.png?width=320&upscale=true&name=Pic%20(2)-1.png)
.jpeg?width=322&upscale=true&name=unnamed%20(2).jpeg)
.jpeg?width=320&upscale=true&name=shutterstock_2126740931%20(1).jpeg)
