Terese Gjernes

Terese Gjernes is a Professor at the School of Professional Psychology and Health at California Institute of Integral Studies. She specializes in Counseling Psychology and Somatic Psychology, with a focus on psychotherapeutic interventions for C-PTSD, therapeutic touch, and somatic/movement therapies. Pronouns: she/they.

Education:

• Psy.D. in Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies

Research Interests:

• Developing somatic approaches to trauma resolution, particularly for complex PTSD
• Therapeutic touch as a tool for nervous system regulation and attachment repair
• Integrating movement therapy into somatic psychotherapy frameworks

Professional Activities:

• Co-developer of the 0-5 Program at A Better Way, Berkeley, California
• Former adjunct faculty at John F. Kennedy University and Saybrook University
• Trainer with Chabot Los Positas Community College District and Alameda County on early childhood mental health
• Presenter at the Zero to Three National Training Institute

Practice & Background:

• Maintains a somatic-based private practice in Berkeley, California
• 30+ years of experience in yoga, somatics, Authentic Movement, and contact improvisation
• Extensive background in dance and embodied practices for therapeutic applications

Awards & Endorsements:

• Reflective Practice Facilitator II endorsement
• Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist endorsement