As a mindfulness-based psychotherapist specializing in individual therapy, I enjoy working with people from many cultures and walks of life who arrive with very different emotional, physical and mental difficulties, and are asking for help to reduce their suffering.
All the education and training Stanford and UC Berkeley offered me (detailed below), as well as the experience I had working with people with disabilities in India for 3 years are put to use in this work. Over the course of more than 30 years, I have had the great opportunity to offer help to infants and children and their families, and to adults: people with brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic medical conditions including severe pain, people who are coming to the end of their lives in hospice, and those who are physically healthy but suffering emotionally.
In addition to traditional training as an insight-oriented and also as a cognitive behavioral therapist, I have developed skills in helping people to breathe more comfortably and healthfully, and to use breathing to help reduce anxiety. Body scanning, gentle yoga, meditation; and compassion, lovingkindness, and paradoxical thinking practices are integral to the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction-based (MBSR) and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) courses I teach, and are available to clients who are interested in learning them.
I serve as a senior MBSR instructor in the SF Bay Area, offering MBSR courses and workshops for corporations, including Google, Inc. and Apple Computer, health clinics, and public and private schools and universities.
Education
Stanford University: BA Psychology
UC Berkeley: MSW (Children & Families, Clinical/Medical); and MS program in Health & Medical Sciences
(Neuroanatomy/Neurophysiology, Physical Diagnosis, Educational and Psychological Testing, Clinical Interviewing Training, Interdisciplinary studies)
UC Santa Cruz: Pre-Med Training, Basic Sciences, Photography
University of Massachusetts, Center for Mindfulness: professional training courses and conferences
Center for Mindful Self-Compassion - residential teacher training and continuing education
Mindsight Institute at UCLA: Training in Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) with Dr. Dan Siegel
License, Certifications & Awards
LCSW, Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Acupressure Certification
Additional Training
Photojournalism, Documentary and Editorial Photography, Graphic Design and Production
Professional Activities and Memberships
NASW, Private Practice specialization
Mindsight Consultation Group, founder/facilitator
Circle of Mindfulness Community, co-founder
Flowering Tree Sangha (Meditation community practicing in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh), founder, facilitator
Other Websites:
- www.mindfulnesshealth-psychotherapy.com
- www.GoodTherapy.org (go to therapist finder)
Renee Burgard, LCSW
650-269-4807
300 Plaza South
Los Altos, CA 94022
BBSE License #08952
Serving the areas of:
Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, Portola Valley, Woodside, Burlingame, San Mateo, and surrounding areas in the SF Bay Area, California
Specializing in:
Mindfulness-based psychotherapy, MBSR/Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and MSC/Mindful Self-Compassion Programs - Classes, Workshops, Retreats
Private 1:1 mindfulness training sessions are also available.
Blog Posts Expert Contributor at www.GoodTherapy.org:
Untying Knots in the Body to Untie Knots in the Mind and Heart
Renee Burgard, LCSW
Psychotherapist in Palo Alto
