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Gerard Artesona

Counseling Psychotherapy Therapist in Oakland, California, United States
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  • Therapist Info

    About Me:

    Gerard Artesona is an Oakland based psychotherapist specializing in integration therapy.

    His therapeutic approach bridges western psychology and entheogenic ritual & practice in order to support his clients on their healing journeys. He has worked in mental health for over 15 years.

    Outside of his private practice, Gerard has worked in an inpatient hospital setting and has conducted integration groups supporting those undergoing ketamine assisted psychotherapy. Gerard has also taught yoga and mindfulness to inmates and has worked in group homes and in community mental health, where he focused on serving San Francisco’s Central American migrant population.

    Gerard embraced the healing potential of plant medicines, principally ayahuasca (or yage) over 12 years ago. The perspectives surrounding these traditions have inspired and deepened his professional approach and overall understanding of wellbeing.

    Description of Services:
    There is a fine balance of knowing when to take things at face value and to sit with the mystery. Good, bad, ecstatic, or terrible, all of the flavors of psychedelia have something to teach us if we have the right disposition to be receptive to it. Even the most challenging of experiences can yield greater degrees of personal growth and empowerment if integrated properly. The balance between psyche and spirit is one that is dynamic and constantly up for examination. In our work together, we can gain a better understanding of how your experiences apply to the larger story of your life.
    I like to try to meet people where they are at and gain a good understanding of what is standing between them and where they would like to be. My style is very personable and I don't seek to reinforce any unnecessary power dynamics between patient and practitioner. Trust and understanding is mutually cultivated in the container that we create, and is not something that I am expected to be given without doing the work on my part.
    Credentials & Certifications: Masters of Counseling Psychology 2012, CIIS CPTR 2018, Ketamine Training Center 2021, RYT 200 HR 2017
    Licenses: LMFT #130446

  • Details

    Remote Practitioner: Yes
    Specializing In: Anxiety and Depression, Psychedelic Preparation and Integration, and Trauma
    Price Range: $180 with sliding scale offered

  • Our Process

    Overview of Experience:

    My background in mental health and psychotherapy started back in 2005 and has led me to work with several populations in different settings. This includes migrants, incarcerated persons, foster youth, and persons managing severe psychiatric distress amongst others.

    I currently work primarily with adults and blend my experience with over 12 years of intimate practice and study with sacred plant medicines with ayahuasca or Yaje being my principal plant teacher. I have had the chance to become acquainted with it in its natural setting with traditional healers mainly of Tukanoan lineages, and the intersection between it and mental health is my forte.

    Intake Process:

    I begin with strong relationship building as our connection is one of the sole anchors for any depthful exploration that would later place. I assess for possible contraindications, such as use of certain substances or medications and the presence of particular psychiatric disorders and make referrals as appropriate. I also find it important to understand how my clients think and how they are currently dealing with adversity and to ascertain what their expectations are and what their level of willingness to do the work is. After all, magic mushrooms are not magic bullets.

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  • Business Info

    Oakland
    Oakland, California, 94605
    United States

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