California Psychotherapy Collective
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    • Elaine Chan-Scherer, LCSW
    • Maureen Fisher, MFT
    • Terry Potente, LCSW
    • Tina Smelser, MFT
    • Julie Terraciano, MFT
    • Brenda Wong, MFT
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Terry Potente, LCSW

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Languages:
English

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Little did I realize as a kid  that the idle time spent  watching old movies and observing the characters in my extended family would be such good preparation for the practice of psychotherapy. Becoming comfortable with a wide range of human expression and behaviors, coping methods and styles was great training for being with people in all kinds of life situations. I guess I learned to breathe deeply at a young age and then could notice  repetitive patterns.  Natural curiosity led me to wonder about alternatives for those who were unhappy, stuck, controlled by others or by life circumstances, and to look for the secrets of those who were less weighted down and more alive to possibilities. 

Now research on trauma and brain plasticity is documenting the interplay of experience, biology, behavior, and belief in mental  and physical health.  While research is guiding the  evolution of the practice of psychotherapy, the evidence is clear that connectedness to caring others, a therapeutic relationship, is integral to healing and growth.    That we have the capacity to grow and change until we die is a spiritual and scientific truth full of possibility for anyone, in any situation, at any life stage and is dependent on relationship.  Yup, just as I thought.  When someone has a good connection to  a caring calm other, relief will be felt. Isolation and avoidance  make almost everything worse. 

In my practice of psychotherapy I’ve been fortunate to be able to become skilled in techniques of  EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mind-body-spirit awareness to deepen the  therapeutic process. While the therapeutic relationship fit is  primary,  therapeutic techniques  guide the process of  healing and growth, finding  alternatives and relief for individuals, couples, and families. To participate in the process of enabling change within and between people is a great privilege.  It remains endlessly fascinating and wonderfully rewarding.  And breathing deeply is a wonderful practice. 

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Terry Potente is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW 28045). She can be reached at (415) 373-0875 or terrypotente@gmail.com.
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​We are a collective of psychotherapists in private practice who share in a mission to aid the healing transformation of individuals, couples, and families from all backgrounds through the integration of psychotherapy and spirituality. We maintain our commitment to providing high quality services by working as a community and supporting each other in our professional development.
Find a Therapist
  • Home
  • Services
  • Find a Therapist
    • Elaine Chan-Scherer, LCSW
    • Maureen Fisher, MFT
    • Terry Potente, LCSW
    • Tina Smelser, MFT
    • Julie Terraciano, MFT
    • Brenda Wong, MFT
  • Contact
  • New Client Forms
  • Blog