Mindfulness is the cultivation of paying attention to each moment, equally receiving whatever it brings.

 

During these unprecedented times, Covid-19 is causing tremendous fear and uncertainty globally. You may notice prior issues exacerbated – health anxiety for example – or alternatively are feeling calmer, or more conflicted, through sheltering in place. Whatever your response is, stresses can build.
From working on the medical wards of UCSF throughout the AIDS crisis, to my annual silent meditation retreats, I feel I’ve prepared my whole career for this time.
You may be facing economic uncertainty, including loss of employment related insurance. To accommodate your needs, call me to discuss how I can help, including a sliding scale if necessary. I’m prepared to go the extra mile, will you join me?

Psychotherapy based upon this practice of awareness is closely aligned with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Highly effective, its power lies in addressing distorted perceptions, attitudes and thinking. These distortions can lead to emotional reactivity, and at times regretful behavior. To what we attribute something (e.g. another’s behavior, motivation etc) often says more about our self, than another. This is a crucial distortion that can muddy our understanding.

Whether learning to tolerate unpleasant feelings, or difficult life events, mindfulness helps steady and focus the mind, alter actual brain physiology, and decrease reactivity both to inner states, or external circumstances. You’ll feel better equipped to respond to your internal life (thoughts), therefore experiencing less suffering through false understanding.

Psychotherapy outcome studies agree that the therapist-client connection is the most important element for change. My own long-term mindfulness practice has created an inner calm and spaciousness, allowing insights to arise. This significantly increases my ability to be deeply present with you. When I’m not distracted by external events or internal processes, I’m giving 100% of my attention to understanding your experience. From this perspective, I’m best able to help with whichever situations are problematic for you, restoring peace or resolution.

I’m available to bring my decades of psychotherapeutic and spiritual practices to help transform your suffering into vitality. I’ll feel honored helping you make the changes you want.

“Dr. Levine does powerful work…From an HIV+ man afraid to disclose, to a woman beset by inexplicably unresponsive physical symptoms, I’ve watched in wonder as their health and life considerably improved during their work with Josie. As a busy M.D., I’ve found her to be an invaluable asset to my practice.”

Mary Romeyn, M.D.