Benyapa Bakewell
Hello, my name is Benyapa (ben-yah-pah). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides support through a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens. As a therapist, an important foundation for me is that clients feel seen and heard.
With nuanced and complex understandings of abuse and interpersonal violence, I collaboratively explore with clients how larger structures of family/friends, community, and societal systems impact one's well-being.
I strive to help clients feel less alone in their struggles as well as better equipped with language that affirms their experience. Through our work together, clients can gain a deepened understanding of themselves in relation to communities and systems. I support clients in fostering a renewed sense of empowerment, based on agency and choice.
First session
In our first session I will acknowledge your courage in showing up, introduce myself, and review structure/expectations in the therapeutic process. I will invite you to share about what brings you to therapy in this time of your life, any previous experiences exploring your mental health, as well as your hopes/goals in our work together. Depending on your comfort in our first session, I would love to hear a bit about your upbringing, your current relationships, and things that enliven your sense of joy and/or safety (people, animals, places, activities, etc.). I will respectfully listen, witness and reflect back what you share so you can get a sense of how our dynamic feels, and also to be sure I'm best understanding your current needs.
Strengths
My professional experience includes school-based, non-profit, and private practice settings where I've worked with youth and adults navigating trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, and depression. With nuanced and complex understandings of abuse and interpersonal violence, I collaboratively explore with clients how larger structures of family/friends, community, and societal systems impact one's well-being. Drawing from multiple modalities including TF-CBT, somatic therapy, and IFS, I ground therapeutic work in empowerment, creativity, and authentic expression. Through softness, humor, and curiosity, I honor each client's unique pace and numerous strengths.
Ideal clients
I look forward to working with folks who hope to strengthen their sense of self worth and are open to acknowledging even the "messy" or "shameful" parts of themselves.
Treatment methods
Trauma-Informed Care
Bodies are geared to keep us safe, and in a world where so many of us experience harm, deep uncertainty, and significant isolation, of course we find ourselves consciously/unconsciously "working overtime" to maintain a sense of stability! We can practice truly witnessing how emotions *feel* in the body. We can reorient your nervous system to safety and connection. I offer compassionate understanding and affirm your process of meeting those parts of you that feel "too-much." I uplift your agency and choice, so that you may feel empowered in all the ways that are right for you.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 130135