As a Doctor of Women's Spirituality and a psychotherapist, I believe we all possess an innate ability to heal ourselves. I aspire to help you awaken to your inherent wisdom, empowering you with tools to facilitate your own healing.

SPECIALTIES

Anxiety & Stress

Life Transitions & Rites of Passage

Relationships/Couples

Self-Esteem

Self-Injury

Adolescent Issues

Depression

Trauma & PTSD

Sexual Abuse

Spirituality

Read on for more details. . . .

I provide psychotherapy and integrative healing for youth, adults, couples and families. If you are a man, you may be surprised the extent to which my experience with women’s issues can help you (see male testimonials on my website at drplatner.com). My Master's degree is in Feminist Psychology. I hold a doctorate in Women's Spirituality/Philosophy & Religion from the California Institute of Integral Studies. My graduate research focused on utilizing spirituality as a vehicle for healing internalized oppression.

Part of my integrative approach includes weaving and creating rituals and rites of passage to help you leave your pain and trauma in the past so that you are no longer a victim to it. I believe that trauma, especially reoccurring trauma, imprints on a cellular level, thus the impetus for a more holistic path to healing. I endeavor to teach you how much you do know, helping you to access the dormant wisdom and knowledge that lives within.

Much of my practice has been devoted to working with girls and women, sowing the seeds of conscious resistance against the barrage of negative messages that impact girls throughout adolescence. As a result of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, many young women have turned to self-injury as a coping mechanism, one that is often misunderstood. This is one of my areas of expertise. Years of clinical experience have repeatedly demonstrated that possessing an understanding of women’s mysteries and spirituality can fortify a girl’s or woman’s self-esteem to the extent that she can avoid or begin to dismantle some of the damaging psychological effects of female socialization, internalized sexism and oppression.

I have several resources to draw on, depending on your specific needs. I practice Depth Hypnosis, a form of hypnotherapy that includes transpersonal psychology, Buddhist philosophy, and shamanism (see sacredstream.org). I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapeutic tool that facilitates the reprocessing of disturbing thoughts and memories in a relatively short period of time. EMDR can be used to treat a variety of issues from anxiety and phobias to PTSD and sexual trauma (see emdr.com). I often incorporate aromatherapy. I have also taken a Restorative Yoga teacher training in order to offer a somatic resource that can be incorporated into the healing process.

I bring a breadth of diverse experience to my practice. As Clinical Supervisor at Homeless Children’s Network, I ran the intern training program, conducting weekly trainings for clinical staff. In addition, I supervised a shelter-based mental health component, childcare consultation program, and provided clinical consultation, trainings and direct services to youth at Home Away from Homelessness. My time spent working for The Department of Human Services in the Sex Trauma Unit provided invaluable insights into the inner working of the Child Protective Services. There I worked closely with the San Francisco Police Department/Juvenile Division, the District Attorney, Office of the City Attorney, The Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center, The Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse Resource Center, and Community Mental Health. This knowledge continues to assist me in supporting both clients and clinicians in training.

Much of my clinical training took place in day treatment centers with at-risk youth and their families. I have also co-facilitated therapeutic wilderness trips with extensive follow-up programs for adolescent girls and their families, contributing therapeutic support, interventions, and crisis management, implementing curriculum, teaching and modeling communication skills and conflict mediation. All of my experience within mental health has been in the context of a team-based approach where, when appropriate, I have been interfacing with multiple service providers, schools, doctors, and community-based agencies to support my clients. I have extensive experience in working with diverse and multi-cultural populations in both my professional and personal life.

License #MFC37277

I have found that adversity – whether physical or emotional – is most often a gift in disguise begging for our attention – truly a catalyst for transformation. When we explore beyond symptoms to understand the root of the problem, heightened self-awareness and lasting change can occur.

My approach is non-intrusive, integrating the emotional, spiritual, and physical realms. Ultimately, this work is about being present, engaging with deep listening and great respect.

I create and hold sacred space that cultivates a sense of safety and trust. From this place, with fierce compassion, I encourage and challenge you in a reverent way.

Searching for the right therapist and making that first appointment is often a challenge in itself. For this reason, I offer an initial 20-minute complimentary consultation to determine whether we would be a good fit working together.

I have a beautiful office space in the Hobart Building in downtown San Francisco, easily accessed via public transportation at Montgomery Bart/Muni. Sutter Stockton garage, three blocks away, has the best rates on parking if you are driving. Day, evening, and some weekend hours are available. While I am not on any insurance panels, many of my clients with PPO plans receive reimbursement for our sessions. Payment is required at the time of service and I can provide you with a Super Bill to submit to your insurance company. Please do not hesitate to call upon me for more information. I look forward to speaking with you.

Delphyne,

There’s no way, if I tried for the rest of my life, that I could adequately express to you how grateful I am for your impact on my life. Your support and belief in me have changed me more than anything else I have experienced so far. Your confidence that I could change myself, heal, and grow deeply has transformed the way I interact both with my innermost being and with the outside world that I feel so called to help. Simply the revelation that I was a person of value who could have the courage to love myself and others deeply—much less the time and patience you have put into holding me in that process—both will serve me every day for the rest of my life and probably even beyond that. You are certainly the strongest and fiercest person I have ever met, and I’ll miss you when I go, though I plan on seeing you again and as often as I can. Thank you so much for everything.

Carolyn, 18

When I started seeing Delphyne, I really didn't know if any sort of therapy would help me. I was miserable in my life at school, but much more importantly I was experiencing a pervasive sadness whose origin I couldn't quite place. When I first met Delphyne, however, I felt that we totally clicked. I was immediately impressed with how involved she was, since most of the therapists that I had seen in the past just sat there and waited for me to talk my own problems out. Delphyne was never scared to challenge what I had to say or to offer suggestions. She was incredibly engaged. That said, she always encouraged me to tell her if something she said didn't apply to me, and I never felt like she was trying to tell me what my experience was. During my time seeing Delphyne, I was able to determine the roots of the sadness that I had been feeling. I realized that since my current situation was not the main thing causing me sadness, I would be able to get through high school. And as I began to feel better, I stopped cutting myself, which I had been doing for almost four years prior to starting work with Delphyne. I think that the reason I was able to stop was that we focused on the roots of the problem, not on the apparent symptom. Working with Delphyne gave me the ability to know that I had the abilities to heal myself, and that I inherently knew the right direction for myself. She gave me the courage to make choices for myself, not for those around me. While I still have times when I feel sad, it is much easier for me to figure out the root of the emotion and to exercise self-soothing techniques until the sadness passes. I feel like I am much more in touch with my emotions (both happy and sad) now, and have the ability to be much more present with them.

Lesley, 18

Life is short and there is suffering all around and within me. I’ve tried to ignore this, to run away from this, but to no avail. All my efforts have merely caused more suffering, fostered unhealthy habits, and supported an unsustainable lifestyle. In the midst of life, when I am able to slow down and feel my emotions, to really experience life, it becomes clear that I don’t know what to do. So slowly, slowly I awaken to a deeper truth—I need to ask for help. When I initially asked Delphyne to be my therapist I was doing so to satisfy a requirement for my own Counseling Psychology career. By the end of our time together I had not only fulfilled my necessary requirement for school, but I had addressed suicidal thoughts, alcoholism, intimate and familial relationships, as well as my spiritual purpose in life. During this time Delphyne helped me address my suffering, habits and personality without ever judging me. This non-judgmental approach was essential for me, as I needed an ally whom I could trust in order to really open my mind to alternative ways of being. As well as creating a safe space Delphyne inspired me to confront uncomfortable and unbearable thoughts, while reminding me of my growth along the way. Looking back on our time together I can honestly say that I don't know who I would be today without her. Now as I continue on my path to become a therapist I hope that I can embody some of her qualities in order to help others as she has helped me.

Will, 29

My whole life I have been hurt by the people closest to me whom I was supposed to be able to trust the most. I saw Delphyne from the time I was 13 – 17 years old. Before then, I had thirteen counselors, most of whom were so fake and trying too hard. It felt like these counselors kept trying to dig into me and had nothing to offer that was helpful except some textbook response. It was funny how they all spoke the same language. It seemed way too organized to be true. At 13, I thought, “If they’re being fake with me, why should I trust them?” They would sit there, all distant and cold, prompting me to tell them about my childhood. . . . Well, I was beaten, emotionally abused and starved. . . . I was cutting on myself as often as four times a day, getting high way too often to avoid the pain, ending up in a day treatment program and a group home as a result.

Delphyne was different in the way that she was present with me. She was down to earth and realistic, and I sensed that right away. I felt like she could truly see me and that I could be myself with her. Delphyne helped me to reclaim my power I thought I had lost forever. She taught me that everything I had endured was not ME. . . that it was not MY FAULT. . .that I could be my own person beyond everything I had been exposed to. By using rituals and rites of passage in a therapeutic environment, Delphyne helped to show me the way to finding who I was and at the same time provided a safe place were I could release the pain from the past. I realized how much the trauma I had experienced continued to affect me in everyday life AND that I had the power inside of me to let it go . . . .I felt so relieved. . . .like the burden that had been dumped on me was gone!

Dedra, now 21

I had proven myself to be extremely successful in the outside corporate world. There was no bigger compliment to me in business than "Wow, you are just like a guy!" I was never fully happy, but didn't know why. I never really considered looking inward for the source of my unease until my early 30's when I realized that I was missing a big part of myself. The part of myself that I was missing was the feminine. The problem was I always thought of the feminine as something weak, subservient, less than, so I didn't see the benefit of reclaiming it. Through the use of EMDR, deep understanding and compassion Delphyne was able to help me uncover the source of these harmful and limiting thoughts and feelings and let them go. She also introduced me to a myriad of books and resources that have opened my mind and heart to what the feminine really is and provided much relief in explaining perfectly what I was going through. As a result, I feel a sense of wholeness and comfort that no amount of money or external accolades could ever deliver. I now understand what a deep privilege and joy it is to be a woman. Delphyne is a much needed remedy and resource for both women and men, and I recommend her with out hesitation.

Cassandra, 33

When I first started seeing Delphyne, I had been suffering from depression for most of my adult life. I had seen several psychiatrists and therapists and had even tried medication on and off for years, but none of it had really helped. Then I started seeing Delphyne, and in just a few months of working with her, I made more progress than I had in years of seeing all those other therapists. The work Delphyne helped guide me through was truly life-changing. She was the first therapist I had ever seen who allowed me to figure out why I was so depressed and actually assisted me in working through that trauma and grief instead of just masking the symptoms with medication. Using everything from EMDR, yoga, and essential oils to just plain compassion—far more compassion than anyone had ever shown me before—Delphyne introduced me to a whole new way of seeing the world and myself. She introduced me to eye-opening books and exercises to do and gave me a lot more confidence that I could work through all the issues that had held me back for so long. Delphyne convinced me that I was capable of finding happiness and, more importantly, she was the first person to convince me that I actually deserved that happiness, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I feel like, because of Delphyne, I am finally on the path to finding that happiness and to becoming a better person. Delphyne has truly been a beacon of light in what was for me a dark time.

Jack, 34

I am currently serving on the Risk Management Committee, providing staff training and consultation for GirlVentures, an organization offering outdoor adventure programs dedicated to empowering adolescent girls to develop and express their strengths (see girlventures.org).

Rites of passage are significant transitions in life from which there is no going back. Some examples include birth, menarche/adolescence, sexuality, graduation, marriage, becoming an elder, death, and spiritual initiations. It is even my experience that grappling with a serious illness can also be a rite of passage, akin to a “shamanic healing crisis.” There are several components, or stages, that make up each rite, taking the individual from one form, or way of being in the world, into another. In this culture, for the most part, we fail to recognize or acknowledge the importance of these initiations. I believe that all humans, especially adolescents, crave ritual, and that if there is not a clear path of initiation then they attempt to create it for themselves (often in unhealthy ways). I feel that as elders, if not in actual age, but as individuals who have gone through those passages, that we have a responsibility to our young people to escort them through these transitions.

In the words of Eric Neumann:

“in modern man (where) collective rites no longer exist, and the problems relating to these transitions devolve upon the individual, his responsibility and understanding are so overburdened that psychic disorders are frequent. This is the case not only in childhood but also in puberty, in marriage and mid-life, at the climacteric, and in the hour of death. All these stages in life were formerly numinous points at which the collectivity intervened with its rites; today they are points of psychic illness and anxiety for the individual, whose awareness does not suffice to enable him to live his life.”

Lastly, I am available in a supervisory and consultation capacity for MFT and LCSW interns in earning hours towards licensure. I am committed to supporting each intern in cultivating her/his personal and professional strengths, style and theoretical orientation. Clinicians-in-training often report feeling pressure to practice in a model or methodology that feels prescribed or disingenuous. I encourage the interns to trust themselves, which allows them to work from a more authentic place. In addition to legal, ethical, and safety concerns, key issues to address in supervision are those of transference, counter-transference, vicarious trauma, and self care.

Testimonials from Clinicians

We (therapists, healers, artists) work in a field that can feel unsafe, isolating and insecure. Being a young Chicana therapist who entered the field at 25 years of age, I was granted the best possible tool that enabled me to build a solid foundation: Delphyne. I have had the pleasure and luck to receive supervision by Delphyne for the first two years of my career and continue to consult with her today. She has guided me in my work by evoking my strengths and tagging any dangers that may be lingering in the corner, whether it be counter-transference or legal and ethical issues. She holds a space for true cultural expression, simplicity without psychobabble, and remedies that not only aid in self-healing, but in healing a society. Delphyne is culturally able to hold a space of cultural sensitivity and exploration of taboo topics. She does not hide behind "politically correct" terms, but stands up in "messy" conversations for what she truly believes in. Her use of feminine imagery has empowered my work in a society that has been dominated by patriarchy. Delphyne shares her love of life, her abundant wisdom and most of all, her courage. Delphyne is a trustworthy guide in any walk of life.

Rosa Morrow, 28

As a beginning therapist I was bogged down with insecurities about all that I did know but Delphyne helped me to embrace the unknown and trust in my inner wisdom so I could become more effective in my work. Delphyne provides clinical supervision with heart. She is warm and real, encouraging honest self-exploration and creativity. Expanding my concepts of what it means to be a healer, she inspired me with her own work which incorporates healing traditions from around the world. With her years of experience in the field navigating complicated systems and knowledge of Bay Area resources, she is able to offer solid, practical guidance on a variety of issues clinicians encounter. As a social worker, it was especially important for me to recieve supervision from someone that could situate my work with homeless families within a social and historical context and Delphyne was able to connect the micro to the macro with ease. You are fortunate if you have the opportunity to experience Delphyne's passion for her work as she challenges you both as a student and human being.

Amy Ng, 28