Hi, I’m Rebecca Goettsche

I’m a psychotherapist, but you might also call me an emotional interpreter, a practical philosopher, and an ally in this whole "being human" thing.

I am an engaged, welcoming, and (at times) silly therapist.  I know from 15 years of doing this work with folks, and my own journey, that emotions aren’t just a barrier to getting stuff done…even though it may seem like that sometimes.  Emotions inform our beliefs and actions, and those actions, repeated, create patterns.   

I help people who have accomplished so much and yet never feel like what they do is enough.  Often this originates from a belief that who they are isn’t enough either.  I help them approach and prioritize their own values and needs with the dedication they commit to other ventures and support them in making sense of the barriers to doing this for themselves.  We can then explore how to create healthy patterns, so that they can feel a sense of agency in their lives, while gaining capacity and tools to cope with and accept the things that are out of their control.

I am deeply invested in recognizing the subtle (and not so subtle) impacts of socio-cultural influences on all our lives.  My clients come from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds and identify all along the spectrums of gender and sexuality.

I believe that listening to what’s inside your suffering will change your life.
 

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In terms of schools of thought, I am a Relational, Existential, Cognitive, and Somatic therapist who uses Sex-Positive and Anti-Oppression lenses. 

Relational - Since we develop and play out patterns in relationships, I often use my experience with you and your experience with others to understand some of these patterns.  Our relationship is also a place to "try on" different ways of relating and assess how new modes are serving you.  Perhaps there’s an opportunity to set boundaries or share more honestly with others in your life?

Existential - Some suffering is a part of being human: losses, disappointments, attachments, and some levels of worry are non-negotiable.  What is in our power is how we relate to, respond to, and cope with these challenges.    

Cognitive - Our thoughts have a huge impact on how we feel and behave.  Becoming conscious of unconscious beliefs and thinking patterns can shed light on why you feel how you feel and why you do what you do.  Plus, if you’re aware of it, you have more agency in the system.  

Somatic - Our bodily experience is a valuable tool in understanding emotional injuries, identifying boundaries, coping with anxiety, and healing trauma.  Western culture tends to teach us to ignore or control our bodies.  I'd love to support you in developing a responsive and informative relationship with yours. 

Anti-Oppression - I am always thinking about the impact of socialization and cultural messages on our experience and want to help people to recognize, interrogate, and reject internalized societal bullshit.  I also want to support us all in developing ways to cope with historic injuries and the perpetual assaults of kyriarchy*.  Intersectional feminism is a big part of this...but as bell hooks* reminds us, “feminism is for everybody.”

Sex-Positive - Sex is a part of our humanity, and the shaming that occurs in our culture is harmful and straight up terrible.  Unfortunately, the history of psychotherapy has caused a lot of damage in this area to queer, trans, non-binary, and kinky folks.  I believe in creating more spaces where all aspects of one’s sexuality and desire can be expressed and explored within the context of curiosity, openness, consent, and satisfaction.
 

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EDUCATION

PhD in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Depth Psychology --- Pacifica Graduate Institute

  • Dissertation Research: Analysis of the Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual clients’ experiences working in both cross and shared-orientation therapeutic relationships including perspectives on how all clinicians can provide more effective and sensitive care.

MA in Counseling Psychology --- John F Kennedy University
BA in Philosophy --- Tufts University

TRAINING 

  • California College of the Arts - (2 years) Counseling clinic serving undergraduate and graduate art students

  • Women’s Therapy Center - (2 years) Social justice and feminist oriented low-fee clinic

  • Community Institute for Psychotherapy - (2 years) Low-fee community clinic

  • Ohlhoff Recovery Center - Outpatient substance abuse treatment

  • Pacific Center for Human Growth - Queer community center

  • EMDR Training - John F Kennedy University

Professional Affiliations:

  • APA - Division 35, 39, & 44

  • Bay Area Open Minds

  • NCSPP

  • WTC

License

Licensed in California as a Clinical Psychologist, PSY#28557