Aretha Hampton
I’m Dr. Aretha Hampton, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma, perinatal mental health, and attachment-based care. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of trauma.
Aretha Hampton, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma, perinatal mental health, and attachment-based care.
My clients often come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. Through approaches like EMDR, CBT, Internal Family Systems and attachment-focused therapy, I help them gain insight into their patterns, build emotional regulation skills, and strengthen their sense of self which supports clients to be more reflective, make different life decisions and enhance their communication and boundaries.
First session
Our first will include reviewing your goals for therapy, reviewing practice and Grow policies. Most of our time is me getting to know you.
Strengths
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is the blend of depth, warmth, and practicality I bring to the work. I integrate trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and evidence-based methods like EMDR and CBT in a way that helps clients both understand and feel their healing. My style is grounded yet relational—I focus on helping people make sense of their experiences, reconnect with their bodies, and find language for emotions that were once overwhelming. Clients often share that therapy with me feels safe and collaborative. How my clients identify and their cultural experiences are important to how they walk in the world. I express curiosity and desire to know about these important aspects of identity and how they inform how clients walk in the world.
Ideal clients
Many of my clients are used to being the strong one—the person others rely on at work, at home, or in their relationships. They often carry a lot of responsibility and spend so much time showing up for others that their own needs, stress, and experiences get pushed aside. They’re insightful, capable, and motivated, but may feel stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed, or tired of carrying everything on their own. My work is about creating a space where you can show up fully, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and develop tools to feel more grounded, connected, and aligned with the life you want.
Treatment methods
EMDR
When supporting clients through EMDR, I focus on safety, pacing, and attunement. Many of my clients have experienced trauma that shaped how they see themselves and the world. Before processing, we build stabilization skills—grounding, breathing, and identifying protective parts—to ensure the body feels ready. Together, we identify target memories connected to current triggers and core beliefs. During reprocessing, I monitor the client’s body cues and emotional shifts while maintaining a calm, grounded presence. EMDR is more than a protocol—it’s a collaborative and relational process that helps clients reframe their experiences, restore a sense of safety, and integrate healing into daily life.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I use an integrative approach that includes Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients better understand the different parts of themselves that emerge in response to stress, trauma, relationships, and life experiences. IFS helps clients identify protective patterns, increase self-awareness, and build greater self-compassion. I integrate IFS with trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR, CBT, attachment-based work, and Mindsight to support healing and lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Many of the people I work with have experienced trauma, anxiety, or relational stress, and CBT offers a structured way to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that keep them feeling stuck. Together, we explore core beliefs, practice reframing negative self-talk, and develop coping strategies that promote calm and clarity. My approach is collaborative and compassionate—using CBT not just to change thoughts, but to build insight, emotional regulation, and self-trust that support long-term healing and growth.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions3220 Sacramento St, Berkeley, CA 94702
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 65834