Phyllis Klein, LCSW
I work in Palo Alto and San Francisco seeing individuals and couples. I lead a Writing for Healing group through Meet up that currently meets twice a month in Palo Alto.
Are you feeling stuck with a problem or feelings that won't go away? Do you have flashbacks from the past or fears about the future, trouble sleeping, worries that go on and on? Have you tried therapy before but don't know where to turn now for help?
Therapy is an important part of healing and finding the right fit is really important. I try to be as sensitive to your needs as possible, using my years of clinical experience, intuition, and theoretical training to help you find your way. I take your needs and wishes seriously and find ways to collaborate towards your desired goals.
I am trained in using EMDR for healing trauma and other problems.
I also have a special interest in writing for healing and using poetry for therapy. I use writing with individuals if it is helpful and indicated, and also with groups.
Education/Training
I received my Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Michigan in 1975.
I worked in Michigan in a Community Mental Health Clinic until 1984 when I relocated to California.
In California I worked at several agencies, non-profit and for profit, and eventually moved over to full-time private practice.
I was Certified as an Employee Assistance Professional. I received a certificate in Critical Incident Stress Management in 2003. I received certification as a poetry therapist in 2005.
I have taken special classes and trainings in the following areas: Family Therapy, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Short-term Therapy, Poetry Therapy, Employee Assistance, Couples therapy, Psychodynamic psychotherapy (3 year training including monthly day-long training and group consultation with emphasis on treatment of trauma, the therapeutic relationship, and developing empathy), Anxiety treatments, Post traumatic Stress Disorder, How the brain effects behavior, and more recently focusing oriented therapy for trauma, and EMDR Levels 1 and 2..
Bio
My training and experience:
I have been working as a therapist since getting my Master’s Degree in 1975. Most of my work has been in outpatient settings in mental health clinics or private practice. I have also worked in non-profit agencies and for Employee Assistance Programs. Employee Assistance Programs help people through the workplace offering free counseling services for assessment (understanding the problem) and referral to the right place to get help.
After receiving my degree I have studied many different theories and strategies to maximize the help I can provide. These include family therapy, hypnotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, eating disorders therapy, chemical dependency, couples counseling, group therapy, stress and anxiety reduction, and poetry therapy. I am certified as a poetry therapist. I am trained in EMDR. I use these theories and specialties as needed. I make a great effort to work with each person or couple I see in a unique and individual way.
Memberships
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Santa Clara Valley Chapter
EMDRIA EMDR International Organization
ISSTD International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
Northern California Art Therapy Association
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, credit cards
License:LCS11342 CA
Helpful Links
 An article i co-authored about poetry therapy published in the therapist magazine:
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An article about grief and loss for women:
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A blog entry on a poem about trees and how to use the poem for your own writing:
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A blog entry on another poem about trees:
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A blog entry about writing and healing grief featuring a poem by perie longo:
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Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Grief and Loss
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Addiction
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Group Therapy
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Anger Management
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Life Transitions
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Anxiety and Panic
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Loneliness
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Arts Therapy (Expressive)
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Marriage Counseling
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Body Image Issues
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Relationship Issues
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Chronic Illness
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Couples
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Stress Management
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Depression
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Trauma and PTSD
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Divorce
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Women's Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Work and Career Issues
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EMDR
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Licenses/Certifications
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EMDR Part 1 and 2 (EMDRIA)
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Licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
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