Our Staff: Rozelle Vogelman

Rozelle Vogelman MA, MFT

Licensed MFT, MFC #45107

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening
that is translated through you into action.
And because there is only one you in all time,
this expression is unique.
And if you block it,
it will never exist through any other medium.
The world will not have it.
It is not your business to determine how good it is,
nor how valuable,
nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly,
to keep the channel open.”

Martha Graham

My Philosophy:

My approach to therapy is informed by three overarching principals:

• Therapy needs to fit the individual needs and goals of each client and not the other way around.
• The personality desires to evolve out of its unconscious conditions - beliefs, assumptions, behaviors - and experience itself in its fullness and wholeness, and there is an innate force within us that wants to unfold towards healing, wholeness, and fullness.
• Therapy helps facilitate this process by removing the obstacles and blocks, and reconnects us with this organic process.

The way I work:

I believe that therapy needs to fit the client. So depending on your needs, we may embark on a journey of deep self discovery, or a brief solution focused type therapy, or both. Whatever your goals are, my approach emphasizes self empowerment - both as an outcome and as a resource.

The toolbox of techniques and modalities from which I draw includes EMDR, Hakomi & Sensorimotor (both somatic/body oriented therapies), Cognitive-Behavioral, Transpersonal, Developmental, Attachment, Jungian, and various Psychodynamic therapies.

I am passionate about my work, and find it enormously gratifying. Witnessing and facilitating the transformation of individuals, their relationships and their lives, as they break free of dysfunctional core beliefs, attitudes, assumptions, patterns and behaviors that no longer serve them. Witnessing them develop deeper, more satisfying levels of connection and intimacy, both with themselves and others. -What could be more gratifying?

Areas of focus:

I work with a wide variety of issues including:

I have extensive experience and specialize in the areas of addiction and trauma. I work with both addicts and their families, and have aided in the recovery of numerous addicts, and in the healing of their families and relationships. I use both the abstinence and harm reduction models in working with addiction.

In addition to individuals, I work a lot with couples and families. I find this work particularly rewarding, and have a special love for, and enjoyment of it.

Groups

I facilitate small recovery support groups which are designed to be both supportive and educational. There is currently an ongoing group for those newly in recovery, and an upcoming group for those contemplating recovery.

Influences/Education:

Having lived in different countries in the world, and being born and raised in Africa, I always bring a multicultural perspective to the work, and a particular sensitivity to marginilized communities and persons. I also bring a great deal of life experience. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in film and theater for over 20 years. Whilst in this world, I spent many years studying Jungian psychology, metaphysics, astrology, and worked with shamans. Hereafter, I spent some time counseling addicts both privately and in a substance abuse residential rehab facility.

Whilst studying for my masters in Transpersonal Psychology at JFK University, I encountered somatic psychotherapy, and thereafter pursued the two year comprehensive training in Hakomi. I also completed the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy training for trauma, and am certified in EMDR therapy.

In addition to my private practice, I currently work as a trauma and addictions therapist in a substance abuse residential treatment facility, where I see both individuals and their families, and facilitate different groups. I became a licensed MFT in 2007 and have been a Registered Addictions Specialist in California since 2004.

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