Varida Kautner, Ph.D., LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I am an independent practitioner in Alameda, CA. My specialties are marriage counseling, individual counseling, and facilitating "Dream Appreciation Groups". In individual and marriage counseling, we address the stumbling blocks affecting your current life circumstances. Our sessions are client-centered, lively conversations. During the first and second sessions, we usually talk about what you'd like to accomplish in your therapy, as well as historical information that will help paint a full picture of your life journey to the present time. Of course if you are in crisis, we will concentrate on this situation first, and then we will tackle the less critical, but just as important, reasons for your decision to enter therapy. My approach is humanistic in that your sessions are individually tailored to You, the only person(s) like you on earth. I've found that EMDR, a therapeutic approach, has been extremely effective for alleviating painful struggles (including for trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse) more quickly than traditional or psychodynamic methods—but, once again, you will be able to decide how you want your sessions to move forward. I also do non-psychotherapy dream groups for people who would like to explore their dreams in a confidential and safe social environment. Although the groups are not psychotherapy, they are usually very therapeutic—people participating in these groups have experienced growth on many levels, that is, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. If you believe that you would feel comfortable in any of these settings (individual, marital, or group), I would be glad to meet with you so that we can see whether we're a good fit together. I hope to hear from you soon!
Education/Training
Prior to become a psychotherapist, I received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in physical therapy. I was a licensed PT for 20 years. Much of my physical therapy experience was in home health, primarily helping older individuals who needed rehabilitation for fractures, strokes, and other physical problems. In 1990, I received a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Santa Barbara, California and, after three years as an intern, I became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Then, in 2005, I was awarded a Ph.D. in psychology, with a focus on humanistic and transpersonal studies, from Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center (now Saybrook University) in San Francisco, California. I completed levels one and two of EMDR training in 2009 and am working towards certification with the EMDR International Association. I am also trained in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, experience I gained while working with the Survivors' Fund.
Bio
I have over 20 years of experience providing marriage, individual, and family counseling. In 2011, I returned to California after practicing as a therapist for twelve years in northern Virginia. My experience as a psychotherapist includes working in an adolescent treatment facility for teens with drug and alcohol abuse and dependence, as well as concurrent issues of depression and family problems. I have also had the opportunity and privilege to work with terminally ill individuals and their families. I have a solid background working with LGBT individuals, as well as people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. I was a subject matter expert and orals examiner for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, as well. In August 2001, less than a month after my move to Virginia, the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred. Since I lived close to Washington, DC, I took a job as a case manager with the Survivors' Fund, an organization that gave direct support to surviving family members of those who died, to the wounded, and to first responders of the Pentagon attack. This experience, interacting with individuals traumatized by a catastrophic event, has helped shape the way I work with people who have histories of trauma.
Memberships
California Assn. of Marriage and Family Therapists
EMDR International Association
Payments Accepted
Major Credit Cards, Checks, Cash
Hours:11:00 AM-5:00 PM Mondays and Fridays, Groups Second Saturday and Fourth Sundays of the Month
License:MFC31124, CA
Helpful Links
 A website dedicated to the legacy of Montague Ullman, creator of the "Dream Appreciation Group":
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Practice Areas/Issues Treated
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Therapy
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Group Therapy
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Addiction
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Life Transitions
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Anger Management
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Loneliness
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Marriage Counseling
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Caregiver Issues
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Men's Issues
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Chronic Illness
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Relationship Issues
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Couples
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Depression
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Divorce
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Stress Management
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Trauma and PTSD
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Gender Identity / Transgenderism
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Women's Issues
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Grief and Loss
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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EMDR Part 1 and 2 (EMDRIA)
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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