San Francisco Psychotherapist Uses Integrative Mode
Students majoring in psychology have a variety of professions to consider in San Francisco. While the fastest rising occupation in the country is industrial-organizational psychologists, there is a continuing need for specialists in individual and families services, education, veteran's health care and many others, with several positions open in San Francisco. One leading Bay Area psychologist, author and educator with decades of clinical experience, agrees corporate wellness is needed more than ever. Leslie Davenport paused briefly from her distinguished work to share some of her personal background as well as career advice for psychology students.
What is your background and education?
"I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist, with an M.S. in counseling psychology, and author of "Healing and Transformation Through Self Guided Imagery." But I also have an M.A. in dance, and my former career in the arts has proven to be a true asset in creatively approaching career options and in helping the clients I work with think outside the box, tapping into fresh ways to live a fulfilling life."
What type of services do you provide?
"I designed an Integrative Psychotherapy model in a medical clinic that brings an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to healing and wellness. I also supervise students working toward licensure and teach at two Bay Area Universities."
What advice can you offer to students interested in a career in psychology?
"Be creative in your career vision. Psychological support is rapidly moving beyond the walls of an agency or private practice. My path began by creating a hospital internship when there had never been one before. It evolved over 25 years into a visionary model of care, integrating M.D.s with acupuncturists, nutritionists, artists and body workers. But learning healthy choices that align the mind, emotions and behavior adds value to every human endeavor."
"Corporate wellness is needed more than ever, supporting children in schools, bringing resiliency tools to advocacy work, working with veterans, offering resources to stressed moms, and promoting deeper healing in cultural divides. The underlying values of bringing awareness to and transforming distorted beliefs and unhealthy habits can benefit everyone and bring greater wholeness to individuals and organizations. If we all bring our passion and insightful strategies to the settings that call and inspire us the most, it also serves to transform our society at large."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.