MY STORY
I’m Rachael. I’m a licensed clinical social worker striving to help individuals navigate the uncertainties in life and work towards transformance. Few of us get through life without experiencing struggle and challenge; although uncomfortable or difficult, these moments are how we grow. Being human can be inherently painful at times with unexpected losses, relationship problems, life stressors, or other experiences that challenge our resilience and resourcefulness. The pandemic has put so many of us in acute stages of panic, grief, burnout, isolation, reflection, languishing, and transition. Even as we are moving through, you may be noticing increases in restlessness, anxiousness, sadness, or confusion. I hear you, see you, and feel this with you.
Prior to opening this practice, I had a former life as a practicing attorney and made a career shift later in life. Returning to life post-graduate studies, I spent a number of years working in an outpatient mental health and medical clinic, with individuals with a range of issues including complex trauma, substance abuse, severe mental illness, grief, and chronic health issues. This work has been deeply meaningful and challenging. Time and time again, I have found that when you feel connected with your therapist, the experience can be transformative.
I identify as a clinical social worker, a therapist, an empath, and a social justice advocate. I also identify as Black/mixed, cisgendered, pansexual in a heteronormative partnership, queer-affirming, and a spiritually-curious woman. I come from a multiracial, culturally Jewish, and blended family. I'm also a proud Bay Area native, a mother, a trauma survivor, someone managing their own mental health journey, and a constant student. I approach life with curiosity. I work hard to acknowledge the areas where I hold privilege and deeply cherish the importance of fluidity and non-binaries in life. Like you, I am ever growing and appreciate the power of repair when the inevitable misstep occurs.
EDUCATION
Smith College School for Social Work, MSW, 2015
UC Berkeley Law School, JD, 2009
Oberlin College, BA Biopsychology (multidisciplinary studies in neuroscience and psychology), 2004
CERTIFICATES
Certification in Perinatal Mental Health, Postpartum Support International (PSI)
EMDRIA Certified EMDR practitioner
AEDP Level 2 Therapist
TRAININGS
AEDP Essential Skills 1 Training, Summer 2021
EMDR Part 1&2 Trainings, 2021
PSI Certification of Completion Program for Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal Mental Health Training (Bringing Light to Motherhood), Winter 2020
AEDP Immersion Course, Fall 2020
Clinical Coalition of Social Work (CCSW), Extension Division Program: Year One, 2019
San Francisco Veterans Affairs, CBT Training (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), 2014
San Francisco Veterans Affairs, IPT (Interpersonal Therapy), 2014