Shannon Bernsten, AMFT
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”-bell hooks
Hi, I’m Shannon.
I’m a Bay Area-based therapist dedicated to creating a warm, supportive space where you can feel safe to explore your emotions, heal from past wounds, and build more meaningful, connected relationships. I see clients in person in Oakland and San Francisco, and virtually throughout California.
I specialize in working with trauma, relationships, and self-discovery, drawing from humanistic, relational, and trauma-informed psychology. My work is rooted in empathy and collaboration, and I aim to help clients deepen their self-awareness and navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship difficulties, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, I’m here to help you move through those experiences with compassion and care.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from San Francisco State University. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade working in childcare, education, and with teens and young adults affected by domestic violence and sexual harm. This work gave me a lasting appreciation for the innate strength all humans possess, and it continues to shape how I show up as a therapist; with steady presence, deep respect, and trust that you already hold the wisdom to take the steps that are right for you.
In my work with clients, I bring together my clinical training, personal experiences, and a deep understanding that healing looks different for everyone. Growth isn’t always linear, and you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll meet you exactly where you are, with warmth, openness, and a genuine commitment to your well-being.
My Therapeutic Style
My approach to therapy is grounded first and foremost in the belief that you are the expert on your own life. My work is rooted primarily in Rogerian, or person-centered, psychology which is a warm, respectful, and human way of connecting that honors your unique experience and inner wisdom.
In our sessions, you can expect a space that feels safe, open, and deeply accepting. Together, we’ll explore what’s on your mind and heart, and I’ll support you in uncovering your own insights and moving toward growth and healing at your own pace, and in your own way. As a therapist I show up with authenticity, bringing my personality and humanity into the space to create a felt sense of safety, and build a genuine rapport with each person I work with.
Part of how I show up for you is by offering gentle, compassionate challenge when it feels right. I will invite you to look at patterns, I ask deep questions, and encourage you to consider new perspectives. I’ll always do this with care and respect, grounded in the trust we build together.
You might find our work to be a mix of collaborative exploration, deep reflection, and meaningful insight. While my foundation is person-centered, I also integrate other approaches when helpful, like mindfulness, body awareness, attachment exploration, and other practical tools you can carry into your everyday life. Regardless of the interventions I bring in, the relationship we create, one that is based on trust, authenticity, and genuine connection, is always at the heart of the work.
This approach can be profoundly healing. By being truly seen and heard within an authentic therapeutic relationship you may begin to experience greater self-acceptance, clarity, and a deeper sense of trust in yourself. Over time, many people find that they feel more grounded, empowered, and connected to who they really are. It can lead to stronger emotional awareness, healthier relationships, and a growing confidence in making life choices that feel aligned with their values.
If you’re new to therapy, or if you’ve had past experiences that felt too clinical or distant, this way of working may feel refreshingly human. It’s not about changing who you are, it’s about coming home to yourself, with support, clarity, and honest encouragement.
Get In Touch
sbernstentherapy@gmail.com
(415)-857-4189