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» What is Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy?
» Why are psychotherapy and physical therapy used together?
» Why can't I resolve my problems by just talking about them?
» How can I tell if my pain is emotional or physical?
» I have a chronic condition that includes pain and limitations or disability. How can you help me?
» What are the differences between psychotherapy and coaching? Which one do I need??
» What are Dr. Bernstein's credentials?
» Wilhelm Reich seems to have fallen out of favor in the world of psychology. Why does the Bernstein Institute still use Reich's principles in their work?
» What is armoring?
» How long will my therapy last?
» How will I know if my therapy is helping me?
» I've tried so many therapies. How is yours different?
» I'd like to reduce or eliminate my dependence on medication. Is this possible?
» What services do you offer?
» What are the advantages of team treatment
» What are your rates?
» How do you charge for your services?
» Do you accept insurance?
» Where are you located?
» I live at a distance from your office. What kinds of treatment can you offer me?
» I'd like to learn Reichian-Myofascial Release techniques. Do you offer seminars?
» What can you offer fellow professionals in the way of training or consultation?
» Do you speak any other languages?
» What is the Women's Program about?
» How can I contact you?
» How can I get more information?
» Is there anything I can read to help me understand your work?
» What can I expect when I come in for treatment?
» What do patients wear during the bodywork part of the treatment?
» How do you work with someone who is embarrassed or self-conscious?
What is Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy?
Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy combines two proven, successful treatments for pain: Reichian psychotherapy, which treats the causes of emotional pain, and myofascial release physical therapy, which treats the causes of physical pain. Reichian psychotherapy is a proven psychological protocol that utilizes both conversation and body work to resolve emotional trauma. Myofascial release is a highly effective form of physical therapy that uses physical manipulation techniques to unwind and release tissues distorted by trauma. Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy is a new healing modality that produces unprecedented results, without the use of drugs.
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Why are psychotherapy and physical therapy used together?
Because of the intimate connection between the body and the mind, the line between emotional, or subjective pain and physical, or objective pain can be hard to determine. Emotional stress can often produce physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, a tight jaw, and other symptoms of distress. Prolonged physical pain can be depressing and emotionally debilitating. Regardless of whether pain is rooted in emotional or physical trauma, ultimately it's just pain and needs to be treated by addressing the whole person. Combining psychotherapy with physical therapy enables us to customize your treatment and heal your unique pain in a way that meets your needs.
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Why can't I resolve my problems by just talking about them?
Early in his training, Dr. Bernstein came to recognize that in spite of the best efforts of good therapists with excellent tools and training, the progress a patient makes in talk-only psychotherapy often doesn't hold when the patient encounters difficulties in their life. He wanted to find a way to bring true, long-lasting healing into people's lives. He thought the body might play a part in emotional healing, and decided to explore the mind-body connection. Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy is the product of his quest to help his patients achieve real results and real healing, without using drugs. Briefly, emotional trauma is stored not only in the mind, but also in the body. Any therapy which fails to address both body and mind will fail to resolve all the buried material causing emotional pain.
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How can I tell if my pain is emotional or physical?
It can be confusing to try to understand whether pain is emotional or physical in nature, or where one kind of pain stops and another starts. At the Bernstein Institute, we treat both emotional and physical pain. We believe that healing pain is more important than precisely determining the exact nature of the pain, if that is even possible. Regardless of whether pain is rooted in emotional or physical trauma, ultimately it's just pain and needs to be treated by addressing the whole person.
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I have a chronic condition that includes pain and limitations or disability. How can you help me?
Many chronic, painful conditions involve damage to the fascia, or connective tissue, either through inflammation or scarring. Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy releases fascial restrictions and restores elasticity to tissues, resulting in greater range of motion with less pain. Reichian-Myofascial Release also addresses the emotional complications - depression, frustration, anxiety, discouragement, grief - that often develop as a result of prolonged physical pain.
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What are the differences between psychotherapy and coaching? Which one do I need?
Coaching is a relatively new approach to resolving personal and emotional challenges. Because life coaches currently do not need to submit to oversight or licensing by any governing body, potential clients don't always know whether a coach is fully qualified to help them. Psychologists and psychotherapists must complete rigorous training and be licensed by their state in order to practice their professions.
In general, coaching is most effective when a client seeks skills-based help combined with some encouragement or accountability. Examples of this might be hiring a coach to help you lose weight, get in shape physically, or be better organized. For some clients, help from a knowledgeable expert might be all that's needed for success. Other people, however, who may have tried to lose weight in the past, for example, discover that their lack of success had very little to do with a lack of information. They wonder why, despite their desire to weigh less and enjoy better health, they repeatedly abandon their eating plans and sabotage their own efforts. Coaching cannot address the emotional issues behind such frustrations and failures as effectively or completely as psychotherapy.
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What are Dr. Bernstein's credentials?
Dr. Bernstein is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice since 1974. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology, specializing in Reichian psychotherapy, from the International College. Dr. Bernstein earned post-doctoral recognition and Diplomate status from the American Psychotherapy Association and is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Academy of Pain Management, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. As of 2006, he has completed over 350 hours of training in myofascial release physical therapy, is certified in massage therapy, and has been certified as a Body Therapist by the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.
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Wilhelm Reich seems to have fallen out of favor in the world of psychology. Why does the Bernstein Institute still use Reich's principles in their work?
Reich was a brilliant protégé of Sigmund Freud. His research into the mind-body connection in emotional trauma pioneered many of the most effective bodywork modalities practiced today, including Reichian psychotherapy. As with many pioneering men somewhat ahead of their time, Reich explored some topics which his contemporaries in the psychiatry establishment thought were "on the fringe". Still, his principles of muscular and character armoring are as valid today as when he formulated them and provide a solid foundation for truly effective therapy.
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What is armoring?
Armoring is a kind of physical defense, or a shield, that people use to protect themselves while hiding the emotional damage, or trauma, that remains deeply buried in their bodies and minds. Wilhelm Reich, a protégé of Sigmund Freud, coined the term "armoring" to describe the body reactions he observed when his patients discussed very emotional experiences. Armoring hurts because it hardens and tightens the body's structure, making you feel stiff, rigid and tense. Armoring also takes place in the realm of character. Our repressed emotions reflect themselves in our attitudes and behavior, often without our awareness that we appear stiff and removed.
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How long will my therapy last?
The length of your therapy depends on your goals. We provide short-term therapy to help people get through a life crisis as well as longer-term therapy to help people make lasting change in their lives and achieve significant personal growth.
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How will I know if my therapy is helping me?
Successful therapy does not just produce "good patients". Dr. Bernstein measures a patient's success by the quality of life they achieve outside of his office. You will know your therapy is working when you are better able to manage the demands and stresses of your life. You will also find yourself maturing personally and in your relationships. Your life will become more satisfying, and ultimately you will be able to describe yourself as "thriving".
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I've tried so many therapies. How is yours different?
At the Bernstein Institute, we treat the whole person. We look beyond your symptoms to the core issues creating pain and difficulty in your life. We are uniquely qualified to address all your needs, emotional and physical. Our depth and range of experience, interdisciplinary approach, and unswerving commitment to real, practical results, without the use of drugs, enable us to promise you that our therapy is truly effective.
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I'd like to reduce or eliminate my dependence on medication. Is this possible?
Drugs eliminate or cover over symptoms - they do not cure. In most cases, reducing or eliminating dependence on drugs is definitely possible . . . and it is always a goal. Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy treats and heals the core issues that cause the symptoms of emotional and physical pain. The Bernstein Institute collaborates with a network of professionals who are experienced at helping people reduce their medication levels safely. Working together, we can create a program to help you.
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What services do you offer?
The Bernstein Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy offers individual psychotherapy, Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy, couples and family counseling, group therapy, a Women's Program, treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grieving, acupuncture, professional training and consultation, and access to a network of professionals in related fields.
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What are the advantages of team treatment?
At the Bernstein Institute we use the team approach in all aspects of treatment. Teamwork is a major part of our approach to healing. Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy is much more effective with more than one practitioner, so it brings greater healing to a patient in a shorter amount of time. Women in therapy can also appreciate the presence of women practitioners on their treatment team.
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What are your rates?
Dr. Peter Bernstein and the Bernstein Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy possess a depth and range of experience, interdisciplinary approach, and unswerving commitment to real, practical results rarely equaled in the psychotherapy world. We provide a broad range of outstanding services, always applied with integrity, compassion and sensitivity. Our rates are comparable to other clinics whose work is of the highest standards. Also, our rates are very reasonable for the number of professionals involved. Please contact us for our current rates.
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How do you charge for your services?
Most of our services are charged at the same rate, by the hour, and prorated for any portion of an hour. Charges for group therapy and acupuncture are somewhat less than for other services. Charges for professional training are more expensive.
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Do you accept insurance?
We will be glad to assist you with your insurance paperwork, but we expect payment at the end of each appointment. Please check with your insurance carrier for details of your coverage, and have them reimburse you directly.
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Where are you located?
The Bernstein Institute is located in the rolling hills of Sonoma County, northwest of the historic town of Petaluma, California. The setting
for our clinic is private and restorative, nestled in a grove of California oaks that looks out over Two Rock Valley. Driving time from San Francisco
is approximately 1¼ hours. We'll be happy to provide you with a map and directions.
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I live at a distance from your office. What kinds of treatment can you offer me?
The Bernstein Institute can create a customized treatment plan based on your needs, your schedule, and your budget. Intensive Treatment plans can be coordinated for a visit of several days, a week, or more. We can help you with travel and accommodations planning.
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I'd like to learn Reichian-Myofascial Release techniques. Do you offer seminars?
While we do not currently offer formal seminars, we do offer Reichian-Myofascial Release training to certified professionals through our Therapy for the Therapist program. A series of training DVD's is currently under production and will be available in the near future.
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What can you offer fellow professionals in the way of training or consultation?
Our Therapy for the Therapist program can provide individual treatment, mentoring, instruction and skill enhancement, and consultation and adjunct treatment for practitioners in the healing professions. We will work with you to customize a plan to meet your personal and professional needs.
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Do you speak any other languages?
The Bernstein Institute can provide treatment in English or Spanish.
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What is the Women's Program about?
The Women's Program at the Bernstein Institute addresses women's issues including self-worth, relationships, marriage, and parenting. We also address health concerns such as hormonal imbalance or recovery from breast cancer surgery, and life transitions such as motherhood or stages of menopause. Participation in the program can include individual psychotherapy, Reichian-Myofascial Release therapy, couples or group therapy, and consultation with a network of medical professionals. We will create a customized plan based on your needs and budget.
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How can I contact you?
You can contact us at (707) 781-3335 or email us at info@bernsteininstitute.com. Dr. Bernstein or a member of his staff will respond to you promptly and confidentially within 24 hours.
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How can I get more information?
Please explore our website resources or contact us and we will mail you an introductory folder.
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Is there anything I can read to help me understand your work?
Our website has a wealth of information about our treatment. Papers and DVD's describing our work are available as downloads or streaming video.
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What can I expect when I come in for treatment?
Dr. Bernstein conducts a thorough intake interview with each new patient, reviewing their physical, medical and emotional history, and any medications the patient is taking. He explores the present life circumstances that bring them to the Institute and their goals for therapy. Dr. Bernstein then creates a treatment plan that can include individual psychotherapy, Reichian-Myofascial Release Therapy, couples or family counseling, and adjunct treatment by medical professionals in our network.
A typical individual psychotherapy session begins with a time of conversation. The patient reviews the events in their life since their last appointment and problems are shared and discussed. This is followed by a time for Reichian-Myofascial Release bodywork to help the patient soften their physical and emotional armoring. After their bodywork, patients have the opportunity to share feelings or memories that came up during their session. At this point, the patient is usually most open to the helpful direction and perspective they need to bring about the change they long for in their lives.
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What do patients wear during the bodywork part of the treatment?
We recommend patients wear clothing such as athletic clothes or gymwear. Women generally wear shorts and a sports top. For men, a pair of shorts is appropriate.
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How do you work with someone who is embarrassed or self-conscious?
Dr. Bernstein and his staff of certified practitioners are accustomed to working with patients who are not familiar with bodywork or feel embarrassed or self-conscious. Our work is done with sensitivity and compassion towards each person that comes in . . . customizing the therapy for each individual. Our goal is to ensure that every patient experiences the Bernstein Institute as a trustworthy and safe place.
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