Shannon Bernsten, Psychotherapist
I earned my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies and my 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 young people affected by domestic violence and sexual harm. These experiences shaped my understanding of human development, the importance of safe and attuned relationships, and the lasting impact our environments can have on emotional well-being.
My clinical training began at a low-fee Gestalt psychotherapy clinic, where I worked with adolescents, adults, and couples. I later completed my associateship under the supervision of an EFT-certified clinician and received additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. While these experiences introduced me to different therapeutic approaches, they all shared a common thread: helping people better understand themselves through their emotions, relationships, and lived experiences.
Today, my work is grounded in attachment theory, relational and psychodynamic psychotherapy, parts work, and a humanistic, trauma-informed perspective. My goal is to help clients deepen self-understanding, build more secure relationships, and create lasting change.
“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 providing in-person therapy in Oakland and San Francisco, as well as virtual therapy throughout California. I work with teens, adults, and couples.
I'm naturally curious about people's stories and the experiences that have shaped them. I believe therapy offers an opportunity to better understand yourself, make sense of longstanding patterns, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. My hope is that our work together feels thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy traveling, cooking, exploring new places around the Bay Area, spending time with loved ones, and relaxing at home with my two cats. These moments help keep me grounded and remind me that healing isn't found only in the therapy room, but also in the relationships, experiences, and everyday moments that give our lives meaning.
My Therapeutic Style
My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that we grow and heal through relationships, so the connection I build with my clients is one of the most important parts of our work together. My approach is rooted in Rogerian, or person-centered, psychology, which emphasizes meeting each person with warmth, respect, curiosity, and the belief that you are the expert on your own life. As a therapist, I show up authentically, bringing my personality and humanity into the room so we can build a relationship that feels genuine, trusting, and supportive.
In our sessions, I strive to create an environment that feels safe, open, and deeply accepting, where you can let your guard down and be yourself. Together, we'll explore what's been on your mind, what's weighing on you, and what matters most to you. I'll support you in uncovering your own insights and moving toward a life that feels more aligned with who you are, at your own pace and in your own way.
While I believe therapy is grounded in acceptance, it's also a place for honest reflection. I'll gently challenge the assumptions and beliefs shaping how you see yourself and your experiences, help you notice patterns that may be difficult to see on your own, and ask questions that encourage deeper insight. I'll always do so with care, curiosity, and respect for your pace.
No two people are the same, so my approach remains flexible and responsive to your unique needs. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, with my work primarily influenced by attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and psychodynamic psychology. In practice, this might mean exploring how your earliest relationships continue to shape the way you see yourself, connect with others, and move through the world today. It may also include slowing down to better understand your emotions and nervous system responses, building skills for self-regulation, and discovering new ways of responding to life's challenges. When it feels helpful, I'll also offer practical tools and strategies that you can use outside of our sessions. Regardless of the approaches I draw from, the connection we build together remains at the heart of the work.
Over time, this kind of work can help you better understand yourself, make sense of your experiences, and relate to yourself with greater compassion. Many people find that they feel more confident navigating difficult emotions, more connected in their relationships, and more able to make choices that reflect who they are and what matters most to them.
If you're new to therapy, or if you've had experiences that felt overly clinical or impersonal, I hope you'll find our work together to feel refreshingly authentic and empowering. My goal isn't to change who you are, but to help you better understand yourself, trust yourself, and create space for meaningful change in a way that feels authentic to you.
Get In Touch
sbernstentherapy@gmail.com
(415)-857-4189