You are invited to a FREE 2 CE webinar TMS, ECT, and KAP Treatments

Join Karen Palamos, LMFT, and Mark Schiller, MD, as they explore the clinical applications of KAP, TMS, and ECT, uncovering their distinct mechanisms and therapeutic focuses. Gain valuable knowledge on patient selection criteria, comparative effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant disorders, and optimal treatment protocols with engaging discussions and interactive presentations.

Welcome Helen Chao, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to Mind Therapy Clinic.

Helen, a DBT psychotherapist, employs trauma-informed techniques rooted in psychodynamic theory, relational group work, and liberation psychology. Specializing in addressing emotion dysregulation and complex trauma, she approaches therapy with curiosity and inclusivity, while maintaining organization and structure to support patients in achieving their treatment goals consistently.

Discovering the Power of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is more than just a trendy buzzword; it’s a transformative practice that can enhance our daily lives in profound ways. At its core, mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged at the moment, without judgment or attachment to thoughts, feelings, or outcomes. It’s about cultivating awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings with openness and acceptance.

Welcome Rachel Gluck, MD, Psychiatrist to Mind Therapy Clinic!

Dr. Rachel Gluck is a Board-Certified General Psychiatrist currently completing specialized training in Addiction Psychiatry at UCSF. A transplant from the East Coast, she attended Emory University for her neuroscience degree, medical degree, and residency training, with a brief stint at St. Andrews in Scotland to complete an M.Phil also in neuroscience. 

The new E Street House Website is now LIVE!

Explore our dedicated website for E Street House to access comprehensive details about our support services. Our emphasis lies in cultivating sustainable independent living skills, achieved through personalized guidance, practical skills training, and creating a self-sufficient environment.

Be sure to visit and bookmark: EStreet.House

As we usher in the new year, let’s make 2024 a year dedicated to elevating our mental well-being. Here are some resolution ideas for a healthier mind, with the added support of Mind Therapy Clinic:

Through presentations and the use of interactive conversations, a family therapist, Julie Sauber, PsyD, and a certified interventionist, Patricia Pike, LAADC, CADC-II, ICAADC & CIP, share their knowledge on mental health interventions and their impact on families.

Welcome Alex Del Prete, PsyD, Postdoctoral Fellow!

Alex’s therapeutic approach is informed by her Level 1 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) training. She emphasizes cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed care, and the belief that individuals possess the innate capacity to heal and flourish. Her integrated orientation draws from attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, affective neuroscience, and developmental theories. In her work with clients, she also incorporates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills to help them achieve their therapeutic goals.

We’re excited to announce that we have open positions waiting for talented individuals like you. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a dynamic team, explore the opportunities on our website for more information. Take the first step towards a rewarding career with us today!

You are invited to a FREE 2 CE webinar Supporting Families: Intervention & Family Treatment

Through presentations and the use of interactive conversations, a family therapist, Julie Sauber, PsyD, and a certified interventionist, Patricia Pike, LAADC, CADC-II, ICAADC & CIP, will share their knowledge on mental health interventions and their impact on families.

At the end of the program, participants will be better able to:

• Describe intervention options and how they are used

• Plan the required resources before, during, and after an intervention

• Create communication and behavioral strategies for each family member in an intervention

• Identify and prepare therapeutic options for family members who need their own treatment

Welcome Jennifer Zanoli, PsyD, Postdoctoral Fellow!

Meet Jennifer M. Zanoli, a psychological associate with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the University of San Francisco and a Masters (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy from the same institution. Her extensive clinical background spans diverse settings in San Francisco and Marin, where she has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Welcome Alex Peterkin, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow!

Dr. Alex Peterkin, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Mind Therapy Clinic, utilizes humanistic therapy to guide clients in discovering their true selves and overcoming obstacles. With a background in psychology and extensive training, Dr. Peterkin offers individual, family, and group therapy for adults, focusing on depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal stress, adult ADHD, and men’s mental health. While his approach is humanistic, he is skilled in incorporating structured methods like CBT and ACT when necessary.

Welcome, Karen Palamos!

Karen’s natural affinity for working within creative states led to an interest in also working with altered states of consciousness as an avenue to explore deeper meaning and to catalyze personal growth. In this spirit, she engaged in specialized training with the Integrative Psychiatry Institute to obtain her certification as a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Provider. Karen received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the California College of Arts and Crafts, a Master’s Degree of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the Graduate School for Holistic Studies at John F. Kennedy University, and a Master’s Degree of Arts in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. 

Welcome, Dr. Quezada!

At Mind Therapy Clinic, Dr. Quezada provides medication management and/or psychotherapy in various modalities for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Welcome Emily Clark!

Emily utilizes an integrative approach encompassing various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Insight-Oriented Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Self-Compassion. This comprehensive approach allows her to effectively assist clients who are facing challenges related to trauma, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, and related disorders like Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors.

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Welcome Julie Vaccaro!

In her practice, Julie uses an integrative approach to wellness, understanding clients’ presenting concerns through the lens of their early life experiences. She teaches practical coping skills using Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). When working with clients, she is committed to a person-centered approach, practicing empathy and a non-judgmental stance, creating a caring and meaningful relationship with the client to facilitate further healing. In her free time, Julie enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and reading.

Art therapy is a powerful tool that can help people explore their emotions and experiences in a safe and creative way. The benefit of a group setting is that it also provides an opportunity for participants to build meaningful connections with other group members. It can be a powerful source of support and understanding.

This group will help clients build inner resiliency through exploring personal expression using the arts. Our aim will be to alleviate depression, soothe anxiety, and create meaningful connections.

Explore your identity in recovery and develop a sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance.  Various identities may be explored including race, ethnicity, color, culture, religion, sex, age, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, relationship status, and physical/mental abilities.  Explorations of contextual, cultural, and environmental factors that influence identity and social justice issues will also be a focus of this group. 

Topics will include the critical voice, disability justice, shame resilience, explorations of trauma and family of origin issues, character exploration, and personal meaning.

This Group Meets on Tuesdays at 3PM to 4:20PM and is facilitated by Jessica Lief, LCSW

The surge in demand for mental health help is not a surprise in 2023. But how do you navigate the changing landscape of treatment options? Get the latest information on how medication works with psychotherapy, and discuss best practices with leading psychiatrists.

Join our webinar on Nov 1 to discuss emerging therapies using hallucinogens in addiction treatment. Through presentations and the use of interactive conversations, Jeff Devido, MD, and Martin Epson, MD will focus on four hallucinogens and neurobiological reasons for why they are emerging as effective treatment for addictive disorders.

Join addiction psychiatrist, Jeff DeVido, MD, and Matt Blagys, PhD to learn about complex cases and how to help families when faced with difficult situations.

Get the latest information about complex cases – those presenting with co-occurring disorders

Equip yourself with information on how you can help families/clients (upstream before they are faced with negative health conditions)

Learn the importance of integrated care and what that means

This CE training is provided to Mind Therapy Clinic’s partners free of charge.

Reserve your seat by clicking here.

Every human on the planet will suffer grief. However, each of us will grieve and process loss in

our own way. How can we best support a grieving friend or family member? What are some practices we can develop so that grief becomes an integrated process in our lives and not just an “event”?

National Grief Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on these questions. It’s observed annually on August 30. Dr. Mary Lumia will explain the science behind bereavement and to convey an understanding of how we adapt to death as a part of life.

Through the sequence of slower conscious movements, group members increase physical strength, and flexibility, and bring balance to the mind. Brief guided meditations are included to improve concentration and focus levels. These practices help reduce stress, improve physical stamina, and cultivate a positive attitude to life. All levels are welcome.

This Group meets in person on Fridays at 3:00 PM to 4:20 PM.

The Goal Setting group is a skills-oriented group that helps clients identify what is most important and how to make small changes over time in order to be more aligned with their values. With peer and clinician support, members learn to identify, set goals, and work through barriers in order to improve mental health and move towards what they are most passionate about in life.

This Group meets in person on Thursdays from 11:30am to 12:50pm.

This group is for clients who want to gain insight into what is currently getting in the way of choosing healthier ways to cope and provide them with a safe, judgment-free space to address unhealthy cycles of coping.

This Group meets in person on Thursdays from 3pm to 4:20 pm.

This group will provide a supportive environment for us to shine a collective light on what motivates our unhealthy behaviors; once we have identified these behavioral triggers, we can learn and practice healthier ways of coping with them.

This Group meets in person on Tuesdays at 11:30 am to 12:50 pm.

Welcome Dr. Van Bezooyen, MD to the team. He joins us after completing Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at USCF this year. He has also served as Chief Resident at VA Medical Center and Emory University where he also did an additional two years of specialized training in psychotherapy. He received his medical degree from Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California. During his fellowship, he worked at San Francisco VA Hospital to obtain additional training in addiction psychiatry.

Join addiction psychiatrist, Jeff DeVido, MD, and Matt Blagys, PhD to learn about complex cases and how to help families when faced with difficult situations.

Get the latest information about complex cases – those presenting with co-occurring disorders

Equip yourself with information on how you can help families/clients (upstream before they are faced with negative health conditions)

Learn the importance of integrated care and what that means

This CE training is provided to Mind Therapy Clinic’s partners free of charge.

Reserve your seat by clicking here.

Welcome Dr. Marin Epson!

Dr. Epson earned his medical degree from Columbia University, his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School, and Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. Dr. Epson completed training in adult psychiatry and forensic psychiatry at Oregon Health & Science University.

Board certified in general adult and forensic psychiatry, Dr. Epson has more than ten years of experience treating individuals undertaking personal reckonings and transformations. He has experience treating trauma, psychosis, depression through medication and therapy – supporting a renewed sense of meaning in the lives of his patients.

Dr. Epson holds appointments as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Weill Institute for Neurosciences with the University of California San Francisco, as a staff psychiatrist with the San Francisco Veterans Administration, as a staff psychiatrist in the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, and formerly was on faculty at the University of Colorado as a Consultation/Liaison Psychiatrist.

Dr. Schiller has updated his very popular article on the role medications play in trauma treatment. First published in 2016, one might argue that this update including TMS and Ketamine treatments, is even more relevant today.

Ketamine.

There has been quite a lot of interest in the use of ketamine in the treatment of depression. Ketamine has been used since the 1970’s primarily as an anesthetic. It is an NMDA receptor antagonist which accounts for much of its activity and its actions as a hallucinogen and dissociative agent. The latter also accounts for its potential for abuse. However, other effects of ketamine, perhaps a transient increase in glutamate transmission and causing an increase in the connectivity of neurons, may account for ketamine’s ability to act as an antidepressant. There is also research into the use of ketamine in the treatment of PTSD. In the most prominent studies, depressive symptoms, often present in people with PTSD did improve, but there were inconsistent results in whether specific symptoms of PTSD improved.

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).

While not a medication treatment, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS or TMS) is a physical treatment which is approved for the treatment of depression. In TMS, a magnetic coil is placed over a targeted area of the head. A magnetic field goes through the skull and causes a small electric current in the brain in an area associated with depression. This area is connected to other parts of the brain which may also be secondarily stimulated and likely treat depression through increasing connections between neurons. TMS is being investigated as a treatment in a number of other psychiatric disorders including PTSD. Studies appear consistent in showing improvement in depressive symptoms in PTSD. Though further research needs to be done to draw more definitive conclusions, a number of studies have shown TMS to be well tolerated and effective in treating some of the specific symptoms of PTSD.

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We are pleased to welcome Julie Sauber, PsyD. Dr. Julie Sauber is a licensed psychologist and clinical supervisor, holding a Psy.D. in clinical psychology and M.S. in counseling psychology. With nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field, her work has been dedicated to helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are affected by substance use disorders and co-occurring diagnoses, such as PTSD, OCD, anxiety, panic, and mood disorders.

We are pleased to welcome Annie Don!

We are pleased to welcome Stephanie White, LPCC who is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has greatly impacted everyone. When the pandemic began, Mind Therapy Clinic moved quickly to a virtual platform which has allowed us to provide care to our clients and those from greater distances from the clinic.

We feel it is now safe and feasible to return to live care. We believe live care has many benefits including increased intimacy and connection to Mind Therapy Clinic staff and client peers as well as decreasing the sense of isolation and separation that has characterized the pandemic for so many people. It also provides opportunities for social engagement and offers greater access and accountability.

We are pleased to welcome Betsy Thompson, LPCC who is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

Betsy has experience providing individual, group, and family therapy to adolescents and adults. Betsy has obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and completed her master’s degree at the University of Denver in Denver, CO. Betsy has worked in various therapeutic settings including residential treatment centers, outpatient private practice, and outpatient clinics.

Betsy has experience working with clients with PTSD, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, change of life issues, social skill struggles, and behavioral concerns. Betsy utilizes an integrative approach with an emphasis on Psychodynamic Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Dr. Matt Blagys shares what our clients can gain from supportive housing.

Are you in the process of working through issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as illnesses such as obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Is your current living situation getting in the way of your recovery or preventing you from independent living. Here is a quick test to see if you can expedite your recovery by living at a supportive housing.

Should You Seek Professional Help?

October observance brings attention to the need for depression awareness and mental health screenings. Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, but it can affect anyone at any time. So, it is important to take steps and seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

Depression Anxiety Stress Screener

We are pleased to welcome Anna Lacey, LCSW to our clinical team. Anna is a licensed clinical social worker

Anna has worked in the mental health arena for her entire adult life. She has worked and studied in several Latin American countries but has called the Bay Area home since 2005. Anna loves to work with individuals, families and couples. She has an extensive background supporting adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety and depression, survivors of trauma, as well as individuals battling substance addiction. Anna received her Master’s in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, and is also an alumnus of Carleton College and the University of Chile.
Anna incorporates mindfulness and self-compassion in therapy sessions and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy in her practice. She endeavors to create a safe space for clients in order to address the real issues causing distress and to develop effective strategies to maintain a higher quality of life.

Celebrate with Us the Opening of Mind Therapy Clinic’s E Street Supportive Housing

We are thrilled to offer E Street Supportive Housing, a beautiful Victorian home in central San Rafael for those individuals who need a structured environment to support their mental health treatment.

Are you a passionate therapist committed to helping your clients and seek an opportunity to develop and grow as a leader? Do you have clear ideas that you want to develop and need a strong supportive clinical team to help you?

We are looking for highly motivated licensed therapists to provide Family and Couples Therapy as well as Individual Therapy as part of our multidisciplinary clinical team. We are offering a unique opportunity to create and lead new programs. You will have an opportunity to create new group therapies training programs and be a team member of highly skilled professionals working on some of the most complicated and innovative areas of mental health. This is an opportunity to advance your career while doing what you are most passionate about.

Dr. Perez shares her thoughts on the new Multi-Family Group. What makes this group different is – that myself and the co-lead of the group, a young adult can jointly connect to the members at a deeper level. Working with Jesse Rentz, PsyD has created this unique advantage. I relate to the parents in the group having brought up 3 sons who are now adults, while Jesse is a young adult who can speak for the offspring or family member growing up in today’s world and can offer the parents an age appropriate viewpoint. The combination of these age-related developmental stages offers the group participants a very credible understanding.

Here are a few books and videos that I often suggested to clients and families when it comes to early recovery. In particular, I recommend the 12 Stupid/12 Smart things series, written by a psychologist in his own recovery. It’s a really nice mix of core recovery principles with an understanding of psychology/emotion regulation, etc. which I used to put some groups together at my work. These are also fairly short books (which I really like!).

Are you a parent or loved ones of troubled teens, stuck young adults or those who struggle with mental illness or substance abuse/addiction? This group will help you identify effective approaches for reestablishing healthy roles, create constructive communication approaches and practice strategies to encourage healthy boundaries and self-care.

Mind Therapy Clinic is looking for a highly motivated licensed therapist to provide Family and Couples Therapy as well as Individual Therapy as part of our multidisciplinary clinical team. In this position, the therapist will be expected to carry a caseload of couples, families, and individuals and lead 1-3 therapy treatment groups per week. Expertise with DBT, CBT, ACT, or other evidenced-based treatment modalities is desired. The individual will also be responsible for developing professional education opportunities for our team and the greater Bay Area therapy community and supervising interns or trainees.

Become your true authentic self by removing obstacles.

Join Jesse Rentz, PsyD and Alina Belohlavek, MFT Associate on Mondays at 10am for Authentic Relating group therapy. The goal of the Authentic Relating group is to help group members gain a deeper understanding of what is blocking or preventing them from becoming their true authentic selves.

This group aims to help clients increase their awareness of their internal experiences, so that they can develop a deeper honesty with themselves and with others in their daily lives.

I am extremely happy to announce Matt Blagys, PhD, as our new Clinical Director.

Dr. Blagys has a robust clinical background which includes a number of years working at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital psychiatric department, Yale’s Child Study Center and the Austen Riggs Center in Massachusetts. More recently, he has served as Clinical Director of Alta Mira and of Reflections, two premier, dual-diagnosis residential treatment programs. I have collaborated with Dr. Blagys for many years while he was at these facilities and have known him to be a wonderful therapist and excellent administrator. We feel incredibly fortunate that Dr. Blagys will be bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to our clinic at this challenging time.

Dr. Blagys will provide individual and family therapy for our clients, with a particular focus on the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, and substance use. He will also lead a new group, Family Issues, on Wednesday afternoons.

Work on processing and developing coping skills and self-soothing techniques for anger, sadness, and guilt and shame. Issues and themes will center on exploring issues related to grief, loss, and sorrow, as well as issues related to self- worth and self-compassion.

This group takes place on Tuesday 1:30 to 3:00pm

Are you a licensed therapist with expertise in delivering DBT, CBT, and other evidenced-based modalities? We have just the position for you. To apply click here.

We are grateful for your participation with us in our new reality. If you have resources or hope to give to those who may be in need this season, please be willing to bring comfort and healing when you can.

We wish you and those you love a meaningful and hopeful holiday season.

Distress Tolerance is one of four modules that make up Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Distress tolerance skills help individuals tolerate and survive crisis situations without making things worse (crisis survival skills), especially when one cannot make the situation better right away. Distress tolerance skills also teach individuals how to use acceptance as a tool to reduce suffering and build a life worth living (reality acceptance skills). Additionally, this group will cover a set of skills to utilize when the crisis one is dealing with is addiction.

Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) is an attachment-based treatment for individuals who struggle with emotion dysregulation, chaotic and unstable interpersonal relationships, and difficulty managing interpersonal conflicts. The focus of this group is to help group members build the capacity to “mentalize” – that is, to hold one’s own state of mind and the state of mind of another together. This group can benefit anyone looking to understand their interpersonal relationships better and increase their sense of curiosity and engagement through the inevitable ups and downs of any relationship.

Free Webinar Friday, May 15: Helping Clients Get the Change They Want: Co-Constructing Goal Building Conversations

Join Mind Therapy Clinic’s staff for clinical training May 15 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Ethan Schwartz, PhD presents providing tools that tap into clients’ agency and strengths to mobilize change quickly. Free training. CEs for clinicians $25.

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Beginning Monday, April 20, a free virtual multi-family parent support group opens to friends and family of Mind Therapy Clinic, from 5:30 Pm to 6:30 PM.

Co-facilitated by Mind Therapy Clinic Clinical Director Katy Tarella, LCSW, and Program Director Amelia Howard-Smith, MFT, the group will focus on skill-building, limit-setting and support for parents.

Mind Therapy Clinic is happy to announce that it has become an approved Spravato® center. Spravato® has a very different action in the brain from commonly used antidepressants. For those suffering from depression that hasn’t responded to a number of antidepressant trials, this new treatment may be a valuable options. Spravato® is a newly FDA approved treatment for difficult to treat depression. This medication is a variant of ketamine and is administered nasally. The FDA requires that the treatment takes place in approved centers.

Hello Mind Therapy Community,

Mind Therapy Clinic is open during the current COVID situation. However, with the Bay Area-wide shelter in place orders, we have implemented virtual visits or “teletherapy” for individual and group therapy sessions for the near future. Only some medical appointments involving physical treatments will continue on-site.

Please be on the watch for emails coming from your Mind Therapy Clinic’s clinicians from which you will be able to join individual and group video sessions. Mind Therapy Clinic is using a HIPAA compliant system to ensure confidentiality. We are also asking everybody to complete a Telehealth Consent Form. This is available below and at https://www.mindtherapyclinic.com/client and can be scanned or sent back from a photo to info@mindtherapyclinic.com. In addition, we can also send you the form using an electronic signature program if you prefer.

We are very sorry for this turn of events, though our greatest concern is for the health and safety of our patients and our community. We hope that all of you are doing well in this difficult time. We look forward to returning to business as usual soon.

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Free Training Friday, April 10: Mindful Dating in the Digital Age

Join Mind Therapy Clinic’s staff for clinical training Friday, April 10, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Ellis Edmunds presents on using tools to address Mindful Dating. Free training. CEs for clinicians $25.

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Congratulations to Dr. Schiller for being elected to Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, effective January 1, 2020.  He joins an elite group of psychiatrists with this honorary distinction who continue to make significant contributions to the field of psychiatry.

Dr. Schiller will be honored and acknowledged at the 2020 Convocation of Distinguished Fellows, during APA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA.  The ceremony will be held on Monday, April 27, 2020, from 5:30 – 6:45 pm, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Level 200 – Hall B.   

Ethics & Boundaries for Mental Health Professionals

Friday, December 6
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Mind Therapy Clinic, Room 7,
240 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera 94925
2 CEs – $25

The Training

This course provides ethics and boundary information relevant to mental health professionals. In addition to discussions on responding to common ethical and boundary dilemmas, topics include HIPAA, California-specific laws, mandated reporting laws, informed consent and confidentiality.

Attendees at this presentation will be able to:

• Describe informed consent and limits of confidentiality

• Discuss established ethical and legal requirements contained in the relevant statutes and ethical codes.

The training is free for all clinicians and the public. Two Continuing Education units are offered for $25.

Join Mind Therapy Clinic for a Professional Training with Kenneth Perlmutter, PhD

When: Tuesday, November 19, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Where: Mind Therapy Clinic, 240 Tamal Vista Drive, Corte Madera CA 94925, Upstairs Classroom

Presenter: Kenneth Perlmutter, PhD, Founder, Family Recovery Institute

For Clinicians

Clients requiring intensive treatment for complex psychological issues, including addiction and mood, eating and trauma-based disorders, developed in family systems wounded by legacies of loss from which the members have never fully recovered. Communication patterns among members of such families are fraught with distortions, assumptions, accusations and misdirection. This two-hour workshop will uncover the nature of family system woundedness using the Stress-Induced Impaired Coping model developed by the presenter. Strategies to engage members in the clinical conversation and promote more effective communication among them when outside the office will be presented.

Participants will be able to:

• Describe the common environmental characteristics of wounded family systems

• Use experiential exercises to deepen family treatment

FREE. 2 CEs for $25.

“Our hormones are sensitive to sunlight,” said Mark Schiller, MD, medical director and founder of Mind Therapy Clinic psychiatric outpatient services. “Hormones regulate our moods and sleep.” If you or a client is affected by SAD, then you can expect the disorder to reoccur every winter, he noted.

Because it is hormonally-based, SAD is probably not completely preventable, but there are many actions you or clients can take to lessen SAD’s effects.

Do you or your clients experience Seasonal Affective Disorder? Take the SAD Self-Inventory here.

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Join Mind Therapy Clinic for a Professional Training with Galia Schechter, PsyD

When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Where: Mind Therapy Clinic, 240 Tamal Vista Drive, Corte Madera CA 94925, Upstairs Classroom

For Clinicians

Time-limited dynamic psychotherapy (TLDP) is an interpersonal, time-sensitive approach for patients with chronic, pervasive, dysfunctional ways of relating. The goal is not symptom reduction but rather to change ingrained relational patterns. The training is an attachment-based, empirically supported, brief approach that offers experiential learning.

This training will offer a conceptual clinical framework that is attachment-based to support clinicians’ understanding of clients’ relational challenges that often affect depression, anxiety and other common presenting problems and guide their clinical interventions. Clinicians will be able to apply the framework to their work with clients and understand how to offer corrective emotional experiences that are experiential, existential and rapidly effective.

Objectives

• Participants will be able to describe the TLDP model

• Participants will learn how to apply the TLDP model in their clinical work

Free. 2 CE for $25

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Psychotherapy Process-Oriented Group

This process group usually consists of a group of people who meet regularly for the common purpose of finding out more about who they are and what they would like to change in their personal lives and relationships with other. The members and the group as a whole are assisted with guided feedback and process comments from Caleb Birkoff, an experienced psythotherapists, and co-leaders.

The group members will have the opportunity to talk as openly as they possibly can about their interactions and experiences of each other as well as any aspects of the group experience that may come to mind. Many thoughts and feelings associated with the activity of the group may arise and are often reflective of the particular stage of the life cycle in which the group is encountering. By engaging with one another on different emotional levels, individuals can freely gain wider perspectives about the various ways they relate to their inner world, and how this becomes reflected in their relationships with others.

Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder in Outpatient Settings

Presenter: Katy Tarella, LCSW
When: Friday, Sep 20, 11:30am – 1:20pm
Where: Il Davide Ristorante, 601 A Street, San Rafael
Cost: $25, includes 1.5 units Continuing Education

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Freedom from Burnout for Helping Professionals with Presenter Ellis Edmunds, PsyD

Join Mind Therapy Clinic’s staff for a clinical training Friday, August 30, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Ellis Edmunds presents on using tools to address professional burnout. Free training. CEs for clinicians $25.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

DBT was originally developed to help clients struggling with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Many of these clients also have PTSD, and vice versa. DBT helps clients analyze their emotional and psychological issues and teaches them to enact new behaviors. It encourages clients to identify their emotional experiences and manage them through the skills they learn and practice in therapy. DBT teaches mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills with real-life scenarios. With DBT-PTSD, clients are guided to transfer these skills from therapy to real life and use them to cope with the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and co-occurring mental and emotional issues.

We have added new groups on Wednesdays to accommodate the IOP/PHP programming, and in response to many of you requesting additional group options. Check out the program calendar to learn more about these new weekly Wednesday groups.

• Mindful Process – led by Neil Kobrin, PhD

• The Early Recovery Group – led by Amelia Howard-Smith, LMFT

• Radically-Open DBT (RO-DBT) is led by Katy Tarella, LCSW

• Expressive Arts Group is facilitated by our newest member, HAZAL SELÇUK , AMFT, RDT, REAT, RSME/T.

Multi-Family Group is a group designed to educate and support family members of individuals who are diagnosed with mental health and substance use disorders. Group members will learn about mental illness and addiction, how to support a loved one who is struggling with mental illness and/or addiction, and most importantly, how to take care of oneself in the face of supporting a loved one who is struggling with these issues.

“Love Me” and “The WilliNewbies” are two wonderful stories in a series of books for children…..each with a much needed message for parents beautifully written by Mind Therapy Clinic’s Dr. Claudia Perez.

Stories that reminds parents to love and honor their children, every day and in every way, to love unconditionally and see each child as unique and special, regardless of what life throws their way.

“Emotional Well-Being: Embracing the Gift of Life”, by Mind Therapy Clinic’s Dr. Neil Kobrin shows us how through mindful awareness and embracing the present moment, we can transform our life. It provides a rich illustration of how we developed emotionally and what we can do as adults to lead a happier, more meaningful life.

Pick up a copy at Mind Therapy Clinic or submit your request for a copy.

DBT for Substance Use Disorders: Advances in a Novel Approach for Clients Struggling with Chronic Emotion Dysregulation and Addiction

Substance abuse frequently co-occurs with Borderline Personality Disorder and may cause heightened symptoms in either disorder. Learn how this well researched modality is used to help clients struggling with substance abuse and bring home some DBT skills that can be taught to your clients.

REGISTER HERE

Intergenerational Narratives: Working with Trauma and Resiliency Within Identity

Presenter: Jennifer Chen Speckman, LCSW
When: Friday, April 19, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Where: Il Davide Private Dining Room, 901 A Street, San Rafael
Cost: $25, includes 1.5 units Continuing Education

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MYnd Analytics is using artificial intelligence to help treat mental health issues like depression and PTSD. Dr. Robin Smith, chairman of the board at MYnd Analytics, explains how it works.

Check out Mind Therapy Clinic on the recent episode of This Is SF on CBS5 aired on January 26th and February 3.

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For Clinicians

We’d love you to join Mind Therapy Clinic’s staff at our clinical training the evening of February 15. Tea and light snacks will be offered.

When: Friday, February 15, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Where: Mind Therapy Clinic, 240 Tamal Vista Drive, Corte Madera CA 94925, Upstairs Classroom

FREE with no CEs. $25 for 2 CEs.

RSVP here by Friday, February 8.

For questions, please contact Jacqueline Perlmutter, Director of Professional Relations, 415-846-8409

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The latest paper by Mind Therapy Clinic’s Dr. Mark Schiller reviews significant contributions to the evidence for the use of quantitative electroencephalography features as biomarkers of depression treatment and examines the potential of such technology to guide pharmacotherapy.

More recent machine learning approaches such as the Psychiatric Encephalography Evaluation Registry (PEER) technology and other efforts analyze large datasets to develop variables that may best predict response rather than test a priori hypotheses. Frequency band abnormalities such as alpha and theta band abnormalities have shown promise as have combinatorial measures such as cordance (a measure combining alpha and theta power) and the Antidepressant Treatment Response Index in predicting medication treatment response. Nevertheless, studies have been hampered by methodological problems and inconsistencies, and these approaches have ultimately failed to elicit any significant interest in actual clinical practice. Technologies such as PEER may go beyond predicting response to a particular antidepressant and help to guide pharmacotherapy.

Read the full article here.

We are thrilled to announce, Katy Tarella, LCSW, joins Mind Therapy Clinic as assistant clinical director and brings her expertise in borderline personality disorder treatment from her previous position at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA. Katy is a licensed clinical social worker, trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (DBT-PTSD), MBT for families, and General Psychiatric Management (GPM).

Learn more about Katy

As family members, we would love it at our get-togethers if members could relax and enjoy each other. However, when a member experiences depression, anxiety, social anxiety, addiction struggles and personality disorders, we may have to adjust that dream picture of cozy camaraderie and stress-free relationships. A key tool of this readjustment is to cultivate our own inner peace, acceptance and equanimity. Here are some tools to help move into peace of mind and create the space for joy and gratitude.

Clinicians: Join Andrew Sidoli, MSW, Executive Clinical Director, Recovery Ways Treatment Programs to learn more about effective trauma treatment for families with a member in treatment. Moderated by Katy Tarella, LCSW, Assistant Clinical Director at Mind Therapy Clinic, we’ll review the neurobiology of attachment, examine current theory about attachment trauma and discuss and practice the use of the attachment interview as a practical therapeutic tool.

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It can be confusing and worrisome for kids when a parent is suffering, but there are things you can do to help kids cope.

Congratulations to Dr. Schiller and MYnd Analytics! The FDA has awarded breakthrough device designation to a MYnd Analytics’, PEER 4.0, a technology that identifies the medications most likely to work in patients with mental health conditions.

Read about how Mind Therapy Clinic uses PEER 4.0 – EEGs, Diagnostic Brain Imaging – as a part of its integrated psychiatric treatment services.

In the words of famous neuroscientist Donald Hebb, “Neurons that fire together, wire together.”  Thus, the conditioning that led to abnormal neural circuit activity can be recognized, and new patterns of thinking and behavior can be strengthened through conditioning that installs healthier patterns through the mechanisms of neural plasticity (e.g. changes in number of synapses for communication between neurons within a network and number/sensitivity of the neurotransmitter receptors on the postsynaptic neurons).