Our Staff: Ben Ringler

Ben Ringler, MA

Registered MFT Intern, IMF #52936
Supervised by Jan Messer
Licensed MFT, # MFC 27368

We are all continuously unfolding towards greater wholeness, a process that can be experienced and impeded in a variety of ways. As such, I consider myself an active witness and a willing participant in facilitating this process. In particular, developing one's awareness of both those impediments and the strengths inherent to each of us can unleash joy and liveliness that brings more meaning to our lives. I consider the mind-body connection as the primary vehicle for such an endeavor.

I consider what I practice to be a holistic psychotherapy, integrating a variety of modalities, including Somatic Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Theory, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, Jungian Psychology, Buddhist principles, and Shamanism. Doing so, I provide a safe and compassionate space to help illuminate both old patterns and one's internal resources. These resources serve as anchors in each present moment as we relate to both the world and to ourselves.

I specialize in the following areas of counseling:

• Depression and Anxiety
• Self Esteem issues
• Anger Management
• Sexuality
• Emotional Impact of Physical Pain
• Relationship Building
• Life Transitions
• Masculinity and Identity
• Love and Intimacy issues

My Masters degree is in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies. I have also completed the two-year Comprehensive Training in Hakomi Body-Oriented Psychotherapy as well as several other somatic systems. I offer counseling services to adults, children, couples and families.

Working with Men

The quest and struggle to understand what it means to be a man has been a personal voyage for me. As a result, I am particularly interested in providing a healing space for men to grapple with such a question, simultaneously supporting them where they are and empowering them to step into their true Selves. I work with men both individually and in group settings, providing an opportunity for men to experience themselves unapologetically.

Moving Thru Fear Workshops

Our relationship to fear has tremendous impact in our lives. The suffering is not in our fears but rather in our efforts to avoid them. In reality, fear is an opportunity, a signal. It is a path that guides us directly towards freedom.

In these workshops, I will teach you to move towards your fears. Thru inter/intrapersonal work, movement, and other mindfulness exercises, I will offer ways for you to feel your fear somatically, and help you transform your relationship to it. Please contact me for more information.

Please contact me at (510) 649-9818 (Blue Oak Therapy Center) for more information

© Blue Oak Therapy Center
3101 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705    Phone: (510) 649-9818
Clinical director is Stuart Sovatsky, PhD, MFT Licensed #MFC 19173.