Greetings,

After 20+ years as a psychotherapist in private practice, the last few of them online only, and 15 years as a mindfulness teacher, I have retired. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, as I have truly enjoyed this work, and felt privileged to play such a positive role in the lives of my clients and students.

If you’re looking for a psychotherapist, there are many excellent ones out there, but good luck trying to find one who’s on your health insurance panel! Instead I’d advise you to think of therapy as an investment in your long-term well-being (of course, if you can afford it) and be prepared to pay cash, as well as shop around. Ask a friend or your doctor for a referral. Many therapists offer a free initial consultation. Most offer video sessions, which allows you to see anyone who is licensed in the state where you live. (I wish I could point you in a more specific direction, but unless you’re a former client I really can’t offer more guidance.)

If you’re in search of a mindfulness class, I recommend trying one of these meditation centers that offer online as well as “on land” classes: Spirit Rock, in Marin County; the Insight Meditation Center, in Redwood City; which is not to be confused with the Insight Meditation Society, in Barre, Massachusetts (home of Sharon Salzberg). Access MBCT is an online international directory of teachers who specialize in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, for the relief of anxiety, depression, and chronic worry.

If you’re interested in learning more about me and what I’m up to now, read on:
Prior to going into private practice, I enjoyed a 20-year career in the world of Employee Assistance Programs, working in a wide variety of organizational settings, including hospitals, a university, federal and state government agencies, financial institutions, and a public utility. That also was interesting and rewarding work (most of the time).

Now I’m hoping to have 20 more good years to pursue other interests, like more time for friends and family as well as for hobbies and travel. However, the social worker in me will not let me just sit at home and knit, while my country is wrecked by a bunch of crackpots, grifters, and self-serving sociopaths! So I’ve already volunteered for a civics education project with the League of Women Voters, as well as raising public awareness about the threats to our democracy through groups like Indivisible.

As my clients and students know, I look for the opportunities in the midst of a crisis. Since one thing most Americans can agree on is the need for health insurance reform, I see an opportunity to increase awareness of the benefits of a universal, single-payer system, like they have in most countries, perhaps starting here in California. That’s how the Canadian national healthcare system started, with one province. I look forward to engaging in that.

For now, I can still be reached via eMail or at (510) 881-2540.

Rebecca Stanwyck, LCSW - 12/5/25