About Shannon Bernsten
Focus areas
Anxiety
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Stress
Childhood Trauma
Life Transition
Young Adult Issues
Confidence Issues
Relationship Struggles
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Individuals
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Adults (25-64)
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Existential
Compassion Focused
Exposure Response Prevention
Emotionally Focused
Family Systems
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Shannon Bernsten
I'm a Bay Area based therapist providing in-person therapy in Oakland and San Francisco, as well as virtual therapy throughout California. I work with teens, adults, and couples.
I'm naturally curious about people's stories and the experiences that have shaped them. I believe therapy offers an opportunity to better understand yourself, make sense of longstanding patterns, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. My hope is that our work together feels thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in genuine connection.
I earned my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies and my Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies from San Francisco State University.
My clinical training began at a low-fee Gestalt psychotherapy clinic, where I worked with adolescents, adults, and couples. I later completed my associateship under the supervision of an EFT-certified clinician and received additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
My work is grounded in attachment theory, relational and psychodynamic psychotherapy, parts work, and a humanistic, trauma-informed perspective. My goal is to help clients deepen self-understanding, build more secure relationships, and create lasting change.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My approach to therapy is grounded in the belief that we grow and heal through relationships, so the connection I build with my clients is one of the most important parts of our work together. My approach is rooted in meeting each person with warmth, respect, curiosity, and the belief that you are the expert on your own life. I show up authentically, bringing my personality and humanity into the room so we can build a relationship that feels genuine, trusting, and supportive.
This kind of work can help you better understand yourself, make sense of your experiences, and relate to yourself with greater compassion. Many people find that they feel more confident navigating difficult emotions, more connected in their relationships, and more able to make choices that reflect who they are and what matters most to them.
I hope you'll find our work together to feel refreshingly authentic and empowering. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, trust yourself, and create space for meaningful change in a way that feels authentic to you.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
In our sessions, I strive to create an environment that feels safe, open, and deeply accepting, where you can let your guard down and be yourself. Together, we'll explore what's been on your mind, what's weighing on you, and what matters most to you. I'll support you in uncovering your own insights and moving toward a life that feels more aligned with who you are, at your own pace and in your own way.
While I believe therapy is grounded in acceptance, it's also a place for honest reflection. I'll gently challenge the assumptions and beliefs shaping how you see yourself and your experiences, help you notice patterns that may be difficult to see on your own, and ask questions that encourage deeper insight. I'll always do so with care, curiosity, and respect for your pace.
No two people are the same, so my approach remains flexible and responsive to your unique needs. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, with my work primarily influenced by attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and psychodynamic psychology. In practice, this might mean exploring how your earliest relationships continue to shape the way you see yourself, connect with others, and move through the world today. It may also include slowing down to better understand your emotions and nervous system responses, building skills for self-regulation, and discovering new ways of responding to life's challenges. When it feels helpful, I'll also offer practical tools and strategies that you can use outside of our sessions. Regardless of the approaches I draw from, the connection we build together remains at the heart of the work.
Shannon Bernsten, LMFT is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Office location
Shannon Bernsten, LMFT also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- California Institute of Integral Studies, Master's in Counseling Psychology
Professional memberships
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
NPI number
1073364428
How soon can I make an appointment with Shannon Bernsten?
Generally, Shannon Bernsten has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Shannon Bernsten's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Shannon Bernsten accepting new patients?
Shannon Bernsten generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Shannon Bernsten's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Shannon Bernsten accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Shannon Bernsten is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Shannon Bernsten online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Shannon Bernsten using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Shannon Bernsten work with?
Shannon Bernsten works with Shannon Bernsten, LMFT #164610.
Where is Shannon Bernsten's office located?
Shannon Bernsten has 2 office locations, including in Oakland and san francisco, view full addresses on Shannon Bernsten's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Shannon Bernsten?
Shannon Bernsten frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Shannon Bernsten on their profile.
What languages does Shannon Bernsten speak?
Shannon Bernsten speaks English.