Offering more than 30 years experience as a licensed psychotherapist working with couples, adults undergoing midlife transitions, relationship issues and existential identity. I work within a spirituality-informed contemporary psychoanalytic psychotherapy perspective, which draws upon Jungian, existential, relational and cognitive behavioral orientations.
I am trained in pastoral counseling and psychotherapy and have a special interest helping people discover a healthy spirituality that is free from shame, guilt and fear. I work with many clients who combine 12-Step Recovery with individual psychotherapy.
I also work with survivors of emotional, sexual or physical abuse as-well-as individuals who identify as adult children of narcissistic parents who struggle with toxic shame, codependency and self-identity.
My background includes teaching, supervising, and mentoring. I serbved as a clinical supervisor and adjunct faculty at the John F. Kennedy Center for Holistic Counseling
for 18 years.
Licensure & Certifications
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 1989
Board Certified American Association of Psychotherapists
Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist, AACT, Diplomat
Certified Clinical Supervisor, CAMFT
The Ridhwan School for Spiritual development, 10 years
The Enneagram Institute, 3 years
The Diamond Logos Teaching, 10 years
Trauma Certification PESI
Supervision
Believing that much of our communication is by means of affect (non-verbal and emotional), as a clinical supervisor I am interested in developing both the analytic and intuitive functions of the therapist.
By listening to our own bodily sensations, feelings and reactions we become better equipped to assist our clients who are attempting to find words to describe their experience. Our task is to provide a safe place for the emerging creative-self to find his/her voice, and to accompany our clients on the path of discovery.
I supervise individuals as-well-as conduct group supervision for CPSC associates.
I am available for consultation in-person, by phone or via internet.
Please email me at: phcostertherapy@gmail.com or call (510) 548-1713.