Stephanie Bain (she/her)

A large portion of my practice is dedicated to partners work. I'm passionate about getting couples out of frustrating loops of conflict and to be better able to see and feel seen and increase trust and intimacy. I work integratively, calling on multiple techniques and philosophies, to give space for what's most important and to be the most effective therapist for you.

Working together, we will collaborate on the practical problems arising in your life *and* the deeper aspects of your experience. We will hold space for the traumas you have personally experienced as well as traumas that happen in community-specific and global ways. This would include looking at your family dynamics, your history of experiencing oppression, your beliefs, how you show up in relationships, your feelings, your dreams, and your understanding of the world around you.

Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) is a psychological reaction to trauma that can develop as a result of prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, particularly in interpersonal relationships. It is often associated with experiences such as childhood abuse, neglect, or prolonged trauma, for example, being in an abusive relationship. I use a mix of insight talk therapy, tools/skill building, parts work, and EMDR when working with trauma.

I approach personality disorders with compassion, curiosity, and an understanding that they often develop in the context of complex trauma. These patterns aren’t signs that something is "wrong" with a person. These patterns are ways people have learned to survive in a world that didn’t always meet their emotional needs or protect their sense of safety.

As a queer person myself, I understand the cultural subtleties and need for acceptance, understand and non-judgement. I completed my clinical training at Pacific Center for Human Growth, the oldest LGBTQIA+ center in the Bay Area, whose focus is providing affordable, accessible, and culturally humble therapy services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Being able to not only feel tolerated but feel celebrated and encouraged to show up authentically is crucial for healing in the therapeutic relationship.

I approach personality disorders with compassion, curiosity, and an understanding that they often develop in the context of complex trauma. These patterns aren’t signs that something is "wrong" with a person. These patterns are ways people have learned to survive in a world that didn’t always meet their emotional needs or protect their sense of safety.

I approach personality disorders with compassion, curiosity, and an understanding that they often develop in the context of complex trauma. These patterns aren’t signs that something is "wrong" with a person. These patterns are ways people have learned to survive in a world that didn’t always meet their emotional needs or protect their sense of safety. I integrate psychodynamic therapy with DBT, IFS parts work, and EMDR.

I work with families, friends, and partners looking for a therapist who “gets it.” Queer, poly, kinky, and non-traditional folks welcome! I hold our therapeutic relationship with deep respect and care, making room for your story and your experiences without judgment. You are not too intense, too much, too sensitive, too “out there.” The whole of you is welcome with me. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and integrate other modalities.