Being a human in the state of the world right now feels distinctly impossible. We are living through challenging conditions – to say the least – while being expected to navigate our day-to-day life as though nothing is happening. If this has left you feeling burned out, overwhelmed, angry, or anxious, you are not alone.

The antidote to living in a world that often feels impossible, is connection. That is where I come in. I work relationally with clients to foster self-awareness, engage in self exploration, and cultivate hope – for not just surviving, but thriving.

I fundamentally believe that therapy can not only change the life of an individual, it can be a tool for social change. In my practice, I create space for clients to ‘be’ as an antidote to the near-constant pressures of having to ‘do.’ I believe that connecting to ourselves, regulating our nervous systems, and changing patterns that are not serving us, can be powerful acts of resistance.

Before becoming a therapist (and still!) I have worked in the field of social change for 25 years. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to stay grounded and connected in the midst of late-stage capitalism, and yet it feels more important now than ever. To that end, my commitment is to support clients in upholding their own wellbeing by being an empathetic ear, a deep listener, and a connector of ideas across sessions.

In my life and in the therapeutic space alike, I identify as a critical thinker and a futurist. As a critical thinker, I see how our social arrangements are hurting all of us. As a futurist, I believe that change is always possible, but first we must imagine it.

In my therapy practice, I listen deeply to understand the nature of each client’s suffering. I look closely at who the person is underneath the traumas large and small, the self-doubt, and the ‘shoulds.’ I believe that underlying all of that is a Self that is waiting to come forward. I have a keen eye and am adept at working with clients to help them define who they want to be, and how they want to be in the world.

I have both a Master's degree and a PhD in Social Work and have advanced training in ecotherapy, somatic work, spiritual counseling, and equine therapy.

My sessions typically begin with an invitation for a mindfulness exercise to help mark the transition from the outer world to the inner. In the session my approach is warm, relational, and gently direct. I show up as a flawed, but earnest self, always honored to be invited into such a sacred space.

• Young Adult: 18-25
• Adults: 26-65
• Seniors: 65+

• Individuals

• Healthcare Workers
• Highly Sensitive People
• Neurodivergent
• Queer
• Therapists
• Women

• Anxiety
• Burnout
• Grief or Loss
• Intergenerational Trauma and Healing
• Pregnancy, Pre-Natal, Birth, Postpartum Care
• Self-Esteem/Worth/Compassion
• Stages of Life

• Gestalt Therapy
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Jungian Psychology
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• Somatic Psychotherapy
• Transpersonal Psychology
• Trauma-Informed

• Highly Sensitive Person
• Neurodivergent
• White / European Descent
• Woman

• Land/Earth-Based Spiritualities
• Spiritual (non-specific)

Berkeley, CA

• Credit Card

$210

$100 - $210

• Evenings
• Weekdays

Please schedule an intake through https://calendly.com/dr-rreno/30min

Michael Marsman, LCSW #92899

10/01/2025