Rebecca Vanita Kunert, LMFT
Experience and training
As a therapist I am intuitive which allows me to see into the heart of your issues and I can guide you to find your own way. As a warm and engaging therapist, I will ask you a series of questions about your experiences. Using my practical coaching skills, I help you cope better with the issues in your life. More importantly, I create a supportive relationship for you to explore the uncomfortable aspects of your concerns.
Clinical Experience
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 12,734). My Masters degree in Clinical Psychology was earned from John F Kennedy University. Licensed for over 30 years now, I have a strong foundation in traditional mental health including chemical dependency and 12 step programs. Currently, I utilize a growth perspective in counseling clients. I am able to quickly assess symptoms for concerns such as depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug problems. My specialty is relationship counseling with a focus on interactions between individuals while examining their context.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Experience
After serving as the internal manager of the employee assistance program (EAP) for PG&E for 20 years, I retired. My experience of working with distressed employees, supervisors, and managers provides me quick assessment tools for pinpointing workplace concerns such as conflict with co-workers and bosses. Crisis intervention and stress reduction were important features of my EAP role.
Work on Myself Continues
After retiring from PG&E, I took a sabbatical for my own growth and personal development. During this important transition, I renewed myself before starting a private therapy practice. Peeling away layers of defenses via experiential self awareness and communication workshops, I realized ways to be more genuine. Now I allow this authenticity to emerge in therapy sessions.
Ongoing Professional Development
I regularly participate in professional training seminars, clinical consultation, and conferences.
From March to June 2019 I participated in an online continuing education course conducted by Martha Kauppi, LMFT, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Insititute for Relational Intimacy, on “Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy.” This course focused on issues such as desire discrepancy of couples and how to emphasize connection with each other over performance.
In January 2019 I completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and now use the Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work with couples. I utilize a comprehensive online assessment tool, Gottman Relationship Checkup which is based on the Gottman’s research on 3,000 couples. I utilize practical homework methods so that couples can practice new habits at home.
In May 2017 I completed a 9 month training program about the developmental model of couples therapy from The Couples Institute (founded by Ellyn Bader, PhD and Peter Pearson, PhD).
I perceive the strengths in my clients and assist them in implementing these into their lives. I empathize with their emotional pain and conflicts, yet I believe people
determine their own destiny.