Ben Bernstein, AMFT
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Message from Ben
Before I went to therapy, I did the same thing again and again while hoping for different results. I would get excited about a person, a project, or an idea, and then lose interest quickly. I had friends, some money, and an impressive resume, but I couldn’t figure out why I felt empty and confused. In therapy, I began to realize that I couldn’t tolerate my own fears long enough to stay when things got real. I started to see that the artfulness of life, the texture, the meaning, is in the real, not the projection, not the achievement, not the ego. In your therapy, we will create a safe place to take risks and explore your blind spots. In a nonjudgmental context, you can experiment as you search for your truth, your real. We can examine early attachments while paying gentle attention to the body and the mind, using tools to get us out of the head and into the deeper layer of feelings and intuition. I primarily work with adults, couples and teens. My style is reflective, directive, and body-based. I help you navigate anxiety, stress, getting out of your head, feeling burnt out, and feeling stuck. If any of these issues are affecting you, let’s unpack them together. Book a consult: benbernsteinpsychotherapy.as.me/schedule.php
About Ben's practice
Weekdays After 5pm
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Weekdays Before 9am
$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
Body-based
In-person available: Yes
Virtual available: Yes
Masculinity-Related Stress
Mood
Existential Crisis or Transition
Dating
Codependency
Life Transitions
Depression
Anxiety
Out of network providers
CA
Why state matters
Get to Know Ben
"I highly recommend Ben for anyone looking for help navigating interpersonal relationships. Ben's wealth of knowledge on relationship dynamics will be a strong asset for all his future clients."
Aeri Schwartz, MA AMFT, Colleague
"Ben has a calm authentic quality that creates a safe and inviting space. He has a gift for making others feel understood."
Tracy Sondern, MA AMFT, Colleague
"A deeply kind empath, a scholar who is as open-minded and curious as he is knowledgeable, a seeker, and a forward thinker - Ben is as thoughtful and capable as they come. No doubt his clients feel seen and supported in their journeys!"
Sarah Stifler, MA AMFT, Colleague
What led you to become a mental healthcare practitioner?
Before I went to therapy, I did the same thing again and again in relationships while hoping for different results. I couldn't tolerate my own fears long enough to stay when things got real. I used people and experiences as a way to distract myself. Therapy let me re-parent myself, and the process has captivated me every since.
What is the best part of the work for you?
My favorite part of being a therapist is how I can do the same thing: be present with unconditional positive regard for my clients, and how something different happens each time. By committing to the process of really being with my clients, they can actually be their unique selves. The same becomes different when we do it well. It's a beautiful thing!
How long should I commit to being in therapy, at least in the beginning?
How long you stay in therapy is up to you. I have had clients with success in just a few sessions, and clients who grow over years. I do suggest giving therapy at least a few months to build a relationship before making a decision on continuing, changing therapists, or stopping therapy.
How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?
Therapy is always for you, but when appropriate I may share my own experiences to support yours. I am a person, not a blank slate, and I bring that into the room, which can help make our work more effective.
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
I am happy to when called for, but I usually do not. I frequently recommend books, techniques and guided experiences, but our therapy is for you and only for you, there is no cookie cutter.
How will our relationship be different than relationships I have with friends/loved ones?
Our relationship is completely safe, non-judgmental and boundaried which makes it such fertile ground for growth. Unlike everyone else in your life, I have no agenda!