My Story
I was drawn to this work from a young age. As I was completing my B.S. in Biological Psychology, it became clear to me that my interest with how our mind and emotions work deepened beyond a neuroscience level into the realm of the unconscious and the spirit. I had the privilege of meeting depth at a young age and it led me to try therapy. I've continued to do my own therapy. My personal experience that therapy works motivated me to become a therapist.
As a licensed therapist in the states of California and Colorado, I have had the opportunity to witness the forefront of the emotional and therapeutic revolution. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to become a therapist in the Bay Area, one of the places known for cutting edge therapy culture and practices.
I’ve been in practice for 10 years, and I’ve had the honor to help many people, in both shorter and longer term contexts. Being a witness to people’s growth, even in the context of end of life work, has been an absolute privilege.
My Professional Background
A Timeline of Integrative Psychotherapy
August 2006-
August 2010
Bianca received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Psychology at University of California, Davis
August 2011-
August 2014
Bianca attended a Masters of Integral Counseling Psychology program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco, which is a graduate program that emphasizes a holistic approach to counseling and psychotherapy. Grounded in the integral philosophy, this program integrates Eastern and Western perspectives, emphasizing mindfulness, somatic awareness, and cultural sensitivity.
Wilderness Therapy Guide
While training as a therapist, Bianca worked for a wilderness therapy program in Utah which specialized in guiding youth in juvenile delinquency. She learned how to guide youth in the wilderness using therapeutic elements.
August 2014-
November 2017
Marriage and Family Therapist Training in California
Bianca continued to train as a therapist at the Integral Counseling Center at Pierce Street in San Francisco, The Couples Center in San Francisco, Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center in the Bay Area, and Coyote Coast Youth and Family Services in Orinda.
November 2017-
Current
Integrative Psychotherapy with Bianca Aarons
Bianca is also a Co-clinical director at Denver Couples Center, check it out Here!
Professional trainings in order:
The San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis presents a rigorous two-year Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Training Program. This program places a strong emphasis on Psychoanalytic theory, extensive reading, and case consultation, providing participants with a solid foundation in psychoanalytic practices.
Sue Johnson’s EFT Training Level 1 is a specialized four-day course focused on couples work. Grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), this training employs vulnerability and connection as key tools to help couples achieve greater closeness and intimacy.
The C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco provides a year-long Jungian Oriented Psychotherapy training course. This in-depth program delves into various Jungian concepts relevant to therapeutic treatments, offering a comprehensive understanding of their application in clinical settings.
Stan Tatkin’s PACT Level 1 Training offers a comprehensive, year-long exploration of the psychobiological aspects of couples therapy. This program is designed to instruct therapists on effectively connecting couples and guiding them in managing attachment dynamics while fostering deeper bonds between partners.
Ongoing Couples and Individual Consultation Groups at The Couples Center, Grateful Heart Holistic Therapy Center, and at SFCP, located in SF and the east bay.
Naropa University’s 2023 Certificate in Psychedelic Assisted Therapies program, in conjunction with MAPS Public Benefit Corporation- An 8-month comprehensive training in psychedelic-assisted therapies, trauma-informed care, and spiritual integration for End of Life, PTSD, and more.
How I Work
Specialties
Relational Psychotherapy: In this therapeutic approach, we recognize that all therapy is inherently relational, given the therapist-client connection. Relational therapy, however, takes it a step further. Here, both the therapist and the client leverage their relationship to gain insights into other connections in the client's life. Focusing on attachment habits, traumas, and desires within the therapy relationship allows us to identify patterns that extend beyond these therapeutic sessions. This unique space provides an opportunity for open discussions about attachment feelings, helping clients better understand their experiences within the therapy room and facilitating the practice of applying these insights to relationships with loved ones.
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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Rooted in psychoanalysis and built upon the foundational work of Freud, modern Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is characterized by realism and compassion. Utilizing talk therapy, this approach delves into your personal story and narrative to establish connections, understand existing wounds, and unveil the unconscious mind, bringing it into consciousness. An illustrative example involves evaluating unconscious actions within the therapy framework, such as last-minute session cancellations or tardiness. By interpreting these behaviors on an unconscious level, we gain insights into underlying anxieties or concerns, such as anxiety or dread related to the therapeutic process.
Somatic Therapy and Mindfulness Training: Drawing on years of practicing Buddhism and somatic mindfulness, my training as a therapist incorporates techniques to help individuals track their breath, bodies, and awareness in the present moment. This integrative approach fosters a deeper connection with one's immediate experiences, promoting mindfulness and self-awareness.
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Pact Level 1 Training - Psychobiological Approach to Attachment: While initially designed for couples therapy, this training's knowledge is universally applicable. Led by Stan Tatkin, the training focuses on a psycho-biological approach to recognizing and understanding attachment. Participants are trained to use body language to track and regulate attachment fear responses, both in individuals and couples. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals and couples to regulate their nervous systems and enhance their understanding of each other's emotional landscapes.
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Non-Violent Communication and T Group (Circling): Non-Violent Communication (NVC) is a communication style that emphasizes expressing feelings without assigning blame. This contrasts with conventional communication patterns that often involve blaming others for negative emotions. In my therapist training, we engaged in T groups, or confrontation groups, where we honed our skills in expressing feelings and experiences without blaming or assuming negative intentions. Effective communication is crucial in various aspects of life, impacting relationships at work, with friends, family, and partners. The deeper work involves examining core beliefs around whether people are perceived as intending harm.
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Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Integration: Embracing a holistic approach to healing, I offer support in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Integration. This involves navigating therapeutic experiences facilitated by psychedelics and integrating the insights gained into one's personal growth journey.
Focuses
People coming to therapy are working through:
Adult Children of Narcissistic and Alcoholic Parents:
Therapeutic Approach: In therapy, individuals with a history of narcissistic and alcoholic parenting explore the impact of their upbringing on their self-perception, relationships, and coping mechanisms. The focus is on understanding patterns of interaction and developing healthier responses to foster personal growth and autonomy.
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Complex PTSD:
Therapeutic Approach: Complex PTSD is addressed through a trauma-informed lens. Therapy involves creating a safe space for clients to process and integrate traumatic experiences. Techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) may be employed to reprocess traumatic memories and alleviate symptoms.
Sexual Abuse Trauma:​
Therapeutic Approach: Therapy provides a confidential space for survivors to explore the impact of sexual abuse trauma on various aspects of their lives. Therapists use trauma-focused modalities to help individuals process and heal from the emotional and psychological effects of the trauma.
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Accountability:
Therapeutic Approach: Working through issues of accountability involves exploring one's actions, taking responsibility, and fostering self-awareness. Therapists guide clients in understanding the consequences of their behavior, promoting personal responsibility, and developing healthier patterns of accountability.
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Perfectionism:
Therapeutic Approach: Therapy for perfectionism focuses on challenging unrealistic standards and cultivating self-compassion. Clients explore the roots of their perfectionistic tendencies, develop a more realistic self-concept, and learn coping strategies to navigate challenges without the burden of excessive perfectionism.
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Social Anxiety:
Therapeutic Approach: Therapy addresses social anxiety by exploring underlying beliefs and fears related to social interactions. Exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques may be utilized to gradually desensitize individuals to social situations, fostering increased confidence and comfort.
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Love, Sex, and Relationship Issues:
Therapeutic Approach: Therapists work with individuals to explore relationship patterns, attachment styles, and communication dynamics. By addressing underlying issues, individuals can develop healthier relationship skills, navigate challenges, and build fulfilling connections.
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End Of Life:
Therapeutic Approach: End-of-life issues are approached with sensitivity and support. Therapy provides a space for individuals to explore their feelings, fears, and hopes surrounding the end of life. It may involve addressing unresolved issues, finding meaning, and enhancing the quality of remaining time.
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Parenting:
Therapeutic Approach: Parenting challenges are explored by examining family dynamics, communication patterns, and parenting styles. Therapy offers guidance on effective parenting strategies, fostering a secure attachment with children, and addressing any unresolved issues from one's own upbringing.
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Self-Esteem:
Therapeutic Approach: Therapy for self-esteem involves identifying and challenging negative self-perceptions. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to build self-awareness, self-compassion, and develop coping mechanisms to counteract self-doubt.
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Work Relationships:
Therapeutic Approach: Work relationship issues are explored by examining communication styles, boundaries, and dynamics within the workplace. Therapy provides tools for assertiveness, conflict resolution, and navigating professional relationships, contributing to a healthier work environment.