As a biracial and tri-cultural woman of color I am adept at addressing the personal impact of issues related to race and systemic inequality on ourselves, our relationships, and our work.  My practice is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy for treating trauma and dysfunction that prevent us from attaining wholeness by keeping us mired in stress, anxiety, depression, overwhelm, confusion, loneliness and despair. 

 

My approach is rooted in the belief that we are hard-wired to bond with loved ones. When this bond is somehow disrupted, we find ways to cope that can sometimes be helpful and sometimes harmful. Treatment is geared towards helping individuals to recognize and shift dysfunctional patterns to fully realize the potential of each individual and each relationship.  

 

I am licensed in California and Texas.

 
DrMelissaLambert

More About Me

Just a snapshot

Education

I received my PsyD. in Clinical Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies where I was provided a solid foundation in psychodynamic psychotherapy for treating trauma and dysfunction.  My dissertation was a phenomenological study titled "The Experience of Community Among Biracial Individuals that Identify as Filipino and White".  I also founded and co-facilitated The Beloved Community, a monthly group addressing personal experiences around issues of race and diversity.  I also hold a B.A. in History from the University of California at Berkeley.

 

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Diversity Training

I am clinically competent in cross-cultural and diversity issues, having trained with Pacific Education Group, Stirfry Seminars and Consulting, and Cross Cultural Communications.  My clinical work is also informed by my training with Dr. Joy DeGruy and Dr. Kenneth Hardy.

DrMelissaLambert

Clinical Work

At Erikson School/Learning Services of Northern California I treated adolescents with learning disabilities and behavioral challenges; At the Marin Treatment Center, I worked with a harm reduction model to treat current and past substance abuse and dependence. At the UCSF Child Trauma Research Program I received a strong foundation in addressing trauma using the CPP model.  I also used CPP as a Mental Health Clinician at the Healthy Homes program, part of StarVista, a First Five San Mateo funded program.  I also have over six years working with both “at risk” and “gifted” adolescents at Bay Area public high schools.  

 

I would like to beg you, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language.  
Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them.  
And the point is to live everything.  Live the questions now.  
Perhaps, then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer....
-Rainier Maria Rilke