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ABOUT

Hello!  My name is Melissa Foster and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Art Therapist. For the past ten years, I have been working in private practice to help clients create healthier patterns in life, deal more effectively with stress, and improve relationships.

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I was drawn to the field of psychology by a curiosity of human behavior and neuroscience. My desire to help others led to a career as a psychotherapist in an effort to support people on their path to growth and healing. My sensitive and compassionate nature enables me to attune to others and create a safe relationship for exploration and expression. I believe that the power of being heard and understood can lead to transformation.

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My therapeutic style is warm, accepting and collaborative. I draw from a variety of theoretical orientations including psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, attachment theory, and interpersonal neurobiology. I also utilize cognitive behavioral techniques and trauma focused interventions. I am trained in EMDR and my work with couples is informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) .

Melissa Foster, 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

MFC43302

Education:

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  • Masters, Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy

Notre Dame de Namur University, 2002

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  • Bachelors, Psychology and Studio Art

University of Vermont, 1995

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Experience and Affiliations:

  • Therapist, Private Practice, 2008- Present, San Francisco, CA

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  • Therapist, 2002-2008, Stand! Against Domestic Violence, Concord, CA

 

  • MFT Trainee, 2001-2002, Center for Domestic Violence Prevention, San Mateo, CA

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  • Research Assistant, 1994-1996, Substance Abuse Treatment Center, University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry    

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  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT)

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  • San Francisco California Association of Marriage Family Therapists (SFCAMFT)

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Areas of expertise include: 

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  • Trauma

  • Past or current abuse

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Divorce

  • Grief and Loss

  • Family conflict

  • Parenting Support

  • Self-esteem 

  • Personal Growth

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