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The Psychotherapist Association for
Gender & Sexual Diversity

Aaron Testard

 

Member profile details

First name
Aaron
Last name
Testard
 

User photo

Member userpic
 

Background

Welcome
I believe that therapy is about taking a journey to a new place, and I find no greater privilege than to accompany people on their personal path to wellness and growth.

I know that path is uniquely yours.  I've spent 20 years studying a variety of therapy methods so I can best treat the person(s) I'm with rather than an idea.   Whether your path is short with a clear end-goal in mind, or longer, winding, and uncertain; whether it includes recovery from trauma, addiction, and unstable relationships, or is just about having a more fulfilling life; I'm interested in your unique needs and how to achieve the best outcomes for YOU.  In my experience, therapy is not just about feeling better, it's also about having a new and expanded sense of yourself.   I work from the perspective that we are a team.  I also believe that ultimately, you are your own expert and that the tools, information, and resources I provide you with are all in the service of tapping into your own wisdom.

I promise to treat your journey with the reverence it deserves while also being fully human.  I lead with empathy and kindness while also being truthful and direct.  I was a theatre artist in my last career, which may inform my interactive style, often incorporating humor and creativity.  I also aim for that sweet balance of interaction and stepping back to give you reflective space.
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Additional thoughts
When you begin with me, I will take time to get to know you, gather information, and assess for clarity around what you are seeking. I am interested in whether you want brief, targeted treatment for a particular issue (or issues); or a more exploratory and longer-term process of uncovering layers. From there, we will visit your progress regularly with the understanding that your needs may change as you change.
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I start with the idea that your current experience and choices are tied to early relationships--especially with parental figures--and environment. That said, repair and change happen by focusing on the present. So I use a multi-layered approach to keep us in the "here and now", and to access different routes to consciousness and healing via mind, emotions, body, and spirit.
Currently accepting new clients?
Yes
 

Telehealth (for Referral/Org. members only)

Telehealth: primary state
California
 

Main Office

Work phone
510-763-0308
Office #1: Address
1335 Park Ave., Suite A
Office #1: City
Alameda
Office #1: State
CA
Office #1: Zip
94501
Office #1: Disability access?
No
Fax
866-488-0555
Office hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
 

Demographic info (optional).

Pronouns
  • he/him/his
Gender
  • Male
Sexual orientation
  • Queer
  • Gay
Ethnicity
  • White/Euro American
 

Credentials (required)

Prof. degree
  • MA
Prof. degree concentration
  • Expressive Arts Therapy
Year degree obtained
2003
Educational institution
California Institute of Integral Studies
License type
  • LMFT
  • LPCC
Year originally licensed
2008
License number
MFC 45320
License expiration date
January 31, 2025
 

Background and practice info

Theoretical approaches to my work
  • Client Centered / Person-Centered
  • Cognitive Behavioral
  • Existential
  • Jungian
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relational
  • Self Psychology
  • Somatic
Clinical techniques
  • Art Therapy
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
  • Dance / Movement
  • Drama Therapy
  • Dream Work
  • EMDR
  • Expressive Arts Therapy
  • Guided Imagery
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Relaxation Training
  • Somatics
Clinical specializations
  • Abuse/IPV: Female Survivors
  • Abuse/IPV: Male Survivors
  • ACA / Codependence
  • Adolescents
  • Adoptees: Adults
  • Aging / Geriatrics
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Artists / Creativity
  • BDSM / Kink Aware
  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Bisexual Issues
  • Career / Vocation
  • Coming Out
  • Couples / Relationships
  • Depression
  • Disability / Chronic Illness
  • Discrimination / Stigmatization
  • Dissociative Disorders / DID
  • Ethnic or Cultural Issues
  • Gender Identity / Trans / GNC
  • Grief / Loss / Dying
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Midlife Issues
  • Personality Disorders
  • Polyamory / Non-Monogamy
  • Pre-Marital Counseling
  • PTSD
  • Religious - Homosexual Conflict
  • Religious - Spiritual Abuse
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexual Addiction
  • Sexuality
  • Spirituality
  • Stress / Burnout
Specialized populations
LGBTQ
Types of therapy
  • Brief (Time-Limited) Therapy
  • Counseling
  • Couples / Relationship / Marriage Therapy or Counseling
  • Distance Therapy (Phone or Internet-based)
  • Individual Therapy
  • Long-Term Therapy
Languages (used in therapy)
  • English
Client ages
  • Teens / Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Elders
Sliding scale
Yes
Low fee
No
Public insurance plans
  • MediCal
Available 24 hrs?
No
 

Additional Offices

Office #2: Address
5412 N. Clark St., Suite 207
Office #2: City
Chicago
Office #2: State
IL
Office #2: Zip
60640
Office #2: Disability access?
No
 

Group Therapy Information

Group #1: Member demographic
  • Therapists