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The Psychotherapist Association for
Gender & Sexual Diversity

Aaron Testard

 

Member profile details

First name
Aaron
Last name
Testard
 

User photo

Member userpic
 

Background

Welcome
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 over 18 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.
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Additional thoughts
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.
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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

Work phone
510-763-0308
Office #1: Address
2006 Dwight Way, Suite 103
Office #1: City
Berkeley
Office #1: State
CA
Office #1: Zip
94704
Office #1: Disability access?
Yes
Office #1: Disability details
I am located on the first floor of my building, and there are no stairs.
Office hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Office directions
Located on Dwight Way, between Shattuck and Milvia and across from Alta Bates Herrick campus.

I am a ten minute walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART station. There is metered parking in front of the building, and ample non-meteted parking nearby.
 

Demographic info (optional).

Gender
  • Male
Sexual orientation
  • Gay
Ethnicity
  • White/Euro American
 

Credentials (required)

Prof. degree
  • MA
Prof. degree concentration
  • Expressive Arts Therapy
Year degree obtained
2003
Educational institution
California Institute of Integral Studies
License type
  • LMFT
  • LPCC
Year originally licensed
2008
License number
MFC 45320
License expiration date
January 31, 2021
 

Background and practice info

Theoretical approaches to my work
  • Client Centered
  • Cognitive Behavioral
  • Existential
  • Jungian
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relational
  • Self Psychology
  • Somatic
Clinical techniques
  • Art Therapy
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
  • Dance / Movement
  • Drama Therapy
  • Dream Work
  • EMDR
  • Expressive Arts Therapy
  • Guided Imagery
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Relaxation Training
  • Somatics
Clinical specializations
  • Abuse: Female Survivors
  • Abuse: Male Survivors
  • ACA / Codependence
  • Adolescents
  • Adoptees: Adults
  • Aging
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Artists / Creativity
  • BDSM / Kink Aware
  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Bisexual Issues
  • Career / Vocation
  • Coming Out
  • Couples / Relationships
  • Depression
  • Disability / Chronic Illness
  • Discrimination / Stigmatization
  • Dissociative Disorders / DID
  • Ethnic or Cultural Issues
  • Gender Identity / Trans / Gender NC
  • Grief / Loss / Dying
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Married:LGBT in Hetero Marriage
  • Midlife Issues
  • Personality Disorders
  • Polyamory / Non-Monogamy
  • Pre-Marital Counseling
  • PTSD
  • Religious - Homosexual Conflict
  • Religious - Spiritual Abuse
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexual Addiction
  • Sexuality
  • Spirituality
  • Stress / Burnout
Specialized populations
LGBTQ
Types of therapy
  • Brief (Time-Limited) Therapy
  • Counseling
  • Couples / Relationship / Marriage Therapy or Counseling
  • Distance Therapy (Phone or Internet-based)
  • Individual Therapy
  • Long-Term Therapy
Languages (used in therapy)
  • English
Client ages
  • Teens / Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Elders
Sliding scale
Yes
Low fee
No
Available 24 hrs?
No
 

Group Therapy Information

Group #1: Member demographic
  • Therapists