About Me
Bonnie Macbride, EdD, MFT
Over the years, I discovered a practice: Survive. Do no harm. Seek and take steps towards what awakens and satisfies. Particularly in relationship—be it partner, family, therapy, school, work, community. I sought and weaved together frames, perspectives, and processes that enhanced this journey. Enlivening.
Through differences (fighting) with my partner, I readily discovered there’s not only an I and a you but a we. Much more satisfying to fight for the we than to fight against the you. The arrival of systems thinking.
Somewhere in the journey, I experienced the power of dependency needs met, both personally and as a couples therapist. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) offered a method to support couples to be healers for each other—making use of the attachment bond and mutually meeting dependency needs. Compelling.
At some point, I faced the reality that we also need to meet our own dependency needs. Systems Centered Therapy (SCT) offered theory and method in group settings to grow our independence, particularly at key moments. Powerful.
In more recent years, I tried out interventions with couples and groups to beckon forth the impulses to be both dependent and independent. By making these explicit in context, we discover we can choose which direction we need to hone. Satisfying.
My work together with you is a continuation of that journey.
We discover the forks in the road to choose a path. We set our sights towards self-fulfillment while simultaneously contributing to a system that supports all of us to do the same.
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Psychotherapy private practice
Specialization in working with couples and groups
Former Professor in Counseling Psychology
Research, Couples, Group, and Social Cultural Foundations
Broad experience working with multiracial populations
Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California
Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist and Supervisor
Extensive practice in Systems Centered Training
Systems Centered Training and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples
Systems Centered Therapy
https://www.systemscentered.comEmotionally Focused Therapy for Couples
https://iceeft.com -
2001–Present: Private psychotherapy practice, Berkeley, CA
2003–2011: Associate Program Chair and Core Faculty in Counseling Psychology, Argosy University
1997–2002: Co-director of Pathfinders, Growth and Leadership Groups, Berkeley, CA
1988–1993: Financial Retirement Planner
1979–1993: Mathematics Teacher, SF Bay Area Public Schools
