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About MeI arrived in San Francisco in 1981 from Boston where I pursued a career in retailing. In my free time, I loved to walk the beaches of Cape Cape and hike the back roads of New England. Moving to California brought about many changes, including returning to graduate school to study psychology. I had tapped into my passion for exploring the complexity, depth and mysteries of life.
My studies and life experience have informed my therapy practice which invites and encourages discovering more of the authentic you - underneath all the layers of who you have been told you are, who you think you are, or who you should be. We begin where you want to begin, and go as far and as deep as you want to go. I view my role and presence as helping you be more YOU. From a nonjudgemental position, we will explore your experience and use that to guide your therapy. There are many ways to approach therapy. My experience is that both talk therapy and body awareness are helpful. My personal style is interactive, engaging, open and respectful. I invite and encourage a more relaxed, holistic, and meaningful life experience . By exploring the mind-body connection, I will work with you to make changes in your life that are often transforming. I draw from modalities such as Hakomi Body Psychotherapy which compliments my Humanistic Psychology roots, and Rosen Method Bodywork. My focus is on your relationship with yourself, with others, and with me. I work best with those who choose to be in therapy even when it feels challenging. They value the investment in themselves and how it impacts the quality of their lives. I have completed the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute's 3 year (216 hour) training certificate program. SE is a psychobiological method for addressing physical and emotional trauma, PTSD, overwhelm, and stress related conditions. In a slow and supported way, SE offers the opportunity to engage, complete, and resolve the body's instinctual fight, flight and freeze response. This method does not require a re-telling or re-living the stressful event. SE resets the nervous system, restores inner balance, enhances resilence to stress, and increase's vitality, equanimity, and capacity to actively engage in life. |
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In addition to in-depth psychotherapy training and 20+ years of working with clients, I have been greatly influenced by many who have inspired, guided, and challenged me over the years: therapists, spiritual advisors, professors, body workers and mentors. This overall experience contributes to my work. My initial career at Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Levi Strauss & Co. brings an understanding of the stressors, challenges, and personal dilemmas that can be part of that corporate culture. I received my Master's Degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I am a Certified Practitioner in Rosen Method Bodywork having received training and bodywork directly from Marion Rosen. I am also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. My passion for this work comes from observing and experiencing inner and outer transformation. Clients continue to inspire me with their life stores, experiences, struggles, desires and courage. |
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"I believe that the most effective psychotherapy is a right blend of knowledge, skills, and heart. For 20 years I have known Yvonne Guertin to combine these ingredients in work with clients of many backgrounds and needs. She is truly a creative guide through the challenges of self-insight, healing, and growth." Vern Haddick, Ph.D Professor Emeritus Integral Counseling Psychology "Bringing a maturity born in meeting life as it unfolds, a deep understanding of the wisdom of the body, and the commitment to mindfulness as connection to the deepest truths, Yvonne offers an invitation to the wholeness of being through her work." Carol Schira, MFT Psychotherapist "In the 20 years that I have known Yvonne Guertin she has been a lively, intelligent and creative therapist and supervisor. She is known for her sensitivity and somatic orientation. My involvement with her was as a supervisor and trainer in the humanistic tradition, with client centered orientation, as well as an outstanding Rosen Method practitioner. I always enjoy my contact with her." Lucanna Grey, MA, MFT CIIS, Integral Counseling Psychology Faculty and Professor Emeritus 
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