Therapist In-Person San Rafael, CA
& Online Therapy in CA
For trauma, anxiety, health issues, and life transitions
Therapist in San Rafael, CA and online therapist in California
Who knew when you started googling find a therapist near me that you would’ve found so many therapists in San Rafael, CA and online in California. It can feel like they are all saying the same thing. How do you find someone who understands what YOU are all about and can support YOU through an illness, loss, an important transition, or can help you resolve trauma that has been a part of you for so long?
My name is Michelle Baumgartner. I have always loved working with people and have over 35 years experience working with those with physical and mental health challenges. My first career was as a registered occupational therapist, where I worked in hospital, home care, and community settings. From that I bring a strong foundation in neuroscience, development, psychology, and the creative processes. I treated those with physical or mental health issues, helping them to have more independent, productive, stress-free, and meaningful lives.
I then added a masters degree in social work in from the University of California-Berkeley with a focus on women’s health and integrative medicine. As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring an understanding of people in their environments and the challenges they face individually, in their families, or in society. I focus on people’s strengths, on connecting to internal and external resources, and on initiating action in one’s life.
I then went on to develop my skills as a psychotherapist, primarily working with adults of all ages, in both agency work and private practice. My work is relational, experiential, somatic/body-focused, integrating mind-body-spirit. I utilize mindfulness and compassion practices, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for trauma, guided imagery and hypnotherapy, expressive arts, and cognitive behavioral strategies for a variety of clients with anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment, complex medical issues, acute and complex trauma, and grief/loss.
I value that healing takes place through the body, through a connection to nature, through creative processes, and often through a connection to Spirit as one defines it.
I know it can feel like a big step to call a therapist, but I’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15 minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how or if I can help. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person.
Schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation here for therapy in San Rafael, CA or online in California.
Education & Training
-
Master of Social Welfare, University of California-Berkeley, 1999;
LCSW 21472, 2003
B.S. Occupational Therapy, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1984;
OT 2773
-
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed
Relational and Attachment
Mindfulness/Buddhism
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Guided Imagery, Hypnotherapy
Creativity / Expressive Arts
Shamanism and Earth-based
-
The Spiritual Healing Journey taught by Thomas Hubl through The Academy of Inner Science, 11/2023-4/2024
Post Partum Support International-Perinatal Mood Disorders: Psychotherapy Training, 2022
NICABM Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma, 2022
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Levels 1 and 2, developed by Pat Ogden, Ph.D, 2013, 2016-17
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Immersion Course, 2015
Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Professional Training, 1998. MBSR participant through Kaiser Permanente, 2017, 1999
Certified Hypnotherapist in the Spiritual Counseling Practice of Depth Hypnosis as taught by Isa Guccardi, PhD at the Foundation of the Sacred Stream, 2021
Applied Shamanic Practitioner as taught by Isa Guccardi, PhD at the Foundation of the Sacred Stream, 2021
Women’s Cancer Resource Center Certificate in Cancer and illness, 2016
JFK University Interactive Guided Imagery Coursework, 2015-2016
Guided Imagery as developed by Belleruth Naparstek and others, 2003, 2006
Professional Program in the Study of Loss and Grief, University Extension at the University of California, Berkeley, 2012
Person Centered Expressive Arts Training Program, Levels 1-3, developed by Natalie Rogers, Ph.D, 1994-1996; other arts workshops-2006-2008, 2015