Aaron Testard
 |
510-763-0308 Visit Website |
I believe that therapy is about taking a journey to a new place, and I find no greater privilege than to accompany people on their personal path to wellness and growth.
I know that path is uniquely yours. I've spent 20 years studying a variety of therapy methods so I can best treat the person(s) I'm with rather than an idea. Whether your path is short with a clear end-goal in mind, or longer, winding, and uncertain; whether it includes recovery from trauma, addiction, and unstable relationships, or is just about having a more fulfilling life; I'm interested in your unique needs and how to achieve the best outcomes for YOU. In my experience, therapy is not just about feeling better, it's also about having a new and expanded sense of yourself. I work from the perspective that we are a team. I also believe that ultimately, you are your own expert and that the tools, information, and resources I provide you with are all in the service of tapping into your own wisdom.
I promise to treat your journey with the reverence it deserves while also being fully human. I lead with empathy and kindness while also being truthful and direct. I was a theatre artist in my last career, which may inform my interactive style, often incorporating humor and creativity. I also aim for that sweet balance of interaction and stepping back to give you reflective space.
When you begin with me, I will take time to get to know you, gather information, and assess for clarity around what you are seeking. I am interested in whether you want brief, targeted treatment for a particular issue (or issues); or a more exploratory and longer-term process of uncovering layers. From there, we will visit your progress regularly with the understanding that your needs may change as you change.
I start with the idea that your current experience and choices are tied to early relationships--especially with parental figures--and environment. That said, repair and change happen by focusing on the present. So I use a multi-layered approach to keep us in the "here and now", and to access different routes to consciousness and healing via mind, emotions, body, and spirit.
Main office:
1335 Park Ave., Suite A, Alameda, CA 94501
Office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Disability access? No.
Additional office(s):
5412 N. Clark St., Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60640
Disability access? No.
Telehealth
Offers Telehealth in these states:
- California
Background
Professional Degree:
MA (Expressive Arts Therapy)
Professional License:
LMFT, LPCC (# MFC 45320) since 2008
Specialized Populations:
LGBTQ
Finances
Insurance plans: None
Sliding Scale: Yes
Low fee: No
