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Category

Behavioral Health

Dec 03
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Kristin Avicolli, LCSW

Meet Kristin Avicolli, LCSW

By Behavioral Health, Featured Clinician

At Comprehensive Wellness, we enjoy working with a diverse team of clinicians to bring our patients the most comprehensive care in the area. Over the course of the next few months, we will be introducing you to each member of our clinical staff to share with you, our patients, more of what makes us love what we do. Today, we introduce Kristin Avicolli, LCSW.

What is your current role at Comprehensive Wellness?

I am a mental health clinician at Comprehensive Wellness. I have been working here since we first opened our doors in 2017.

What do you like best about your role?

I truly love what I do! I feel humbled and honored to be able to support people in the way that best works for them.

What drew you to your current role?

I went through an intense experience and was fortunate to have the support of many people along the way. I am grateful for the work I get to do with people each day. I believe people already have what it takes to heal, they may simply need a little help in accessing their strength and courage.

What about Comprehensive Wellness drew you to join our practice? What do you feel makes Comprehensive Wellness special?

The comprehensive model allows us to treat the whole person. We can collaborate instantly and treat both the mind and body. The fatigue people experience having to navigate multiple systems is alleviated. The practitioners at Comprehensive Wellness are passionate about what they do and it shows. The staff is responsive and kind. I feel very fortunate to be able to serve my clients in this innovative way.

Tell us a bit about yourself—something we might not know.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area, however, spent many years in other states. I went to college in Seattle, worked at a ski resort in Colorado and started our family in Philadelphia. I have three children, a spouse, a Bernese mountain dog, and because we didn’t have enough going on, we just recently just added an English bulldog!

Is there anything else you would like to share with our patients?

I am grateful to all of our patients for their willingness to seek care with our practice. I am always open to feedback and hope we can be a safe, comforting place for you and your family to land. We appreciate your trust in caring for both your physical and mental health needs.

Dec 02
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Allyson Mayo, DBH, receives award from Constellation Behavioral Health

Dr. Allyson Mayo, DBH, honored for her work in the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders

By Behavioral Health, Health & Wellness, In the News

Every year, Constellation Behavioral Health honors four exceptional professionals for their innovation, advocacy on behalf of children and/or adolescents, empowerment and leadership, and outstanding lifetime service in the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders. This year, Dr. Allyson Mayo, Chief Wellness Officer and Doctor of Behavioral Health, was honored by Constellation Behavioral Health for her work in creating innovations in the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders. Her work with the PEACE Project (providing easier access to care everywhere) and Behavioral Fitness, both aimed at mental health and addiction, are widely recognized as groundbreaking programs in the field.

Learn more about her work with the PEACE Project and  Behavioral Fitness.

Learn more about Dr. Allyson Mayo

Oct 28
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Meet Dr. Alan Brast, CCHT, CSA, NLP

By Behavioral Health, Featured Clinician

At Comprehensive Wellness, we enjoy working with a diverse team of clinicians to bring our patients the most comprehensive care in the area. Over the course of the next few months, we will be introducing you to each member of our clinical staff to share with you, our patients, more of what makes us love what we do.

Meet Dr. Alan Brast, CCHT, CSA, NLP

What is your current role at Comprehensive Wellness and how long have you held it?

I am an emotional trauma specialist, one of the clinicians at Comprehensive Wellness.

What do you like best about your role?

I love being able to make a difference in the lives of my patients who suffer from a variety of emotional traumas which include severe anxiety/phobia issues, suicidal ideation, emotional and physical abuse as well as other emotional trauma issues.

What drew you to your current role?

I had been a “one-man show” running a solo practice for a long time when I was invited to join Comprehensive Wellness. One of many frustrations in operating alone is the lack of collaboration with other clinicians when referrals to a different specialty are required for a patient. As such, it required looking to outside professionals to refer to, ask opinions of, etc. In addition, I had to manage all of the moving parts of scheduling, having an assistant to do billing, make reminder calls and all of the myriad duties required when operating alone.

What about Comprehensive Wellness drew you to join our practice? What do you feel makes Comprehensive Wellness special?

Comprehensive Wellness is just plain AWESOME! I can now work in collaboration with a group of like-minded clinicians where all of us have first and foremost, the best interests of our patients. Every one of my CW partners is an expert in their fields of practice allowing us as a group, to take the time we need to give our patients the very best possible care anyone could ask for. I cannot think of another medical practice that offers the multi-disciplinary care along with the quality and dedication that Comprehensive Wellness offers. I LOVE being a part of this team and I look forward to each and every hour I spend working there.

Tell us a bit about yourself—something we might not know.

I grew up in Chicago and after a record snowstorm accompanied by -10˚F temperatures, my wife and I decided there had to be a more temperate place to raise our children. We have been so very fortunate that our three daughters, sons-in-law, and six grandchildren all live within 20 minutes of us. My wife and I love the outdoors, she into gardening and myself into hiking, bike riding, pickle ball and being dressed in as little clothing as possible in our glorious warm weather. Even our beloved miniature schnauzer Zoe, is a born and bred fan of our beautiful Northern California environment.

I have been a musician since childhood and still play my guitars and trumpet on a regular basis. Sitting in our yard on a beautiful day singing and playing my guitar is to me, the personification of paradise!

I spent many years running a financial services firm here in the bay area with a partner and volunteering time in mental health as an avocation rather than as my primary occupation. This dual occupational existence ended seven years ago when I sold my firm and decided to practice in my area of mental health expertise on a full-time basis. It has been a wonderful and refreshing change to be able to spend all of my working time taking care of people which is my passion.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our followers/patients?

Comprehensive Wellness is not only special but totally unique in every aspect of the word. Every member of our team is a totally dedicated, caring, and talented professional whose primary desire is to offer our patients the gold standard in care, expertise, and concern. This dedication includes every member of our staff, our support people as well as our clinicians. I am proud and honored to be a member of this outstanding team of professionals.

Featured Clinician: Dr. Alan Brast and Family
Sep 04
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COMMUNITY EDUCATION: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Cannabis

By Behavioral Health, Events, Health & Wellness

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Cannabis.

Our youth are more savvy than ever. Without the right information, our children are in danger. Get the facts.

The legalization of recreational cannabis is having a profound impact on our community and children. While the industry assembles the appropriate regulations, our youth are frequently experiencing the unintended consequences.

An increase in Emergency Department and Psychiatric visits are propelling the medical and Public Health communities to take action. There is too much inaccurate information related to recreational cannabis use. It is not reasonable to rely on law enforcement and the cannabis industry to keep our communities safe. As a community member and a parent, it is our responsibility to become adequately informed on how to best respond to this legalization and recreational cannabis use being experienced by our youth.

The experts are now bringing this information to you in your community. Join Comprehensive Wellness, in a partnership with the Cannabis Safety Team, to become informed—and help ensure the safety of our children.

Join us for this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from experts in the medical and public health community.

Monday, October 14, 2019
6:30-8:30pm
1450 Treat  Boulevard
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

$100

Register Today
What every parent needs to know about cannabis
Jul 29
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CW NEWS: New Clinicians Join Our Practice

By Behavioral Health, In the News, Musculoskeletal Health, Our Practice, Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, Women's Health

Seth Eberlin, MD  is a Yale graduate and a board-certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in body contouring, breast, and facial surgery. Combining his knowledge of the most cutting-edge procedures and techniques with a sharp eye for aesthetics, Dr. Eberlin is able to provide superior care to his patients. He values the importance of understanding and developing a personal, collaborative relationship with each patient.

Learn more about Dr. Eberlin

Seth Eberlin, MD
Simret Nanda, MD Board Certified Child/Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist

Simret Nanda, MD, is a Board Certified Child/Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. She provides psychiatric evaluation and treatment for children, teens, and adults. Dr. Nanda is an expert in treating eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder and has worked in eating disorder residential treatment programs. She specializes in treating major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.

Learn more about Dr. Nanda

Emily Noonan, DPT, CMFT, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, as well as a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT).  She specializes in the education and physical therapy treatment of pelvic floor health issues for all ages and sexes. Dr. Noonan is particularly passionate about helping women during their prenatal and postpartum journey. She has experience treating common, but not normal, conditions such as diastasis recti, incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

Learn more about Emily Noonan, DPT

Emily Noonan
Jul 09
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FREE WORKSHOP: Talking to Teens Today

By Behavioral Health, Events, Health & Wellness, Women's Health

Let’s Talk Teenagers
Important Tools for You and Your Teen.

Bring your sons and daughters and join us for a fun and informative evening where we will learn about how to introduce important conversations about sex, develop tools to manage stress and approach test-taking, and address challenges facing teens today.

Monday, July 15
6:00-8:00pm

1450 Treat Boulevard, Thompson Room
Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Comprehensive Wellness is proud to be a John Muir Health Community Connect Practice. This event is FREE and open to the public. Call 925.818.8062 with questions or for more information.

RSVP Today
FREE Workshop: Talking to Teens Today

Patty Geraghty, MSN, FNP-BC, WHNP, is a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience.  She is a fun and engaging speaker, nationally recognized for her contributions to women’s health.

Rebecca Berke, BCH, is a board-certified hypnotherapist and mindfulness teacher/coach who facilitates self-leadership in positive ways. Her talent lies in the ability to help clients create clear and confident visions for their lives.

Jul 03
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FEATURE: Discover the Presence in Your Life!

By Behavioral Health, Feature, Health & Wellness

Discover the Presence in Your Life!

In our modern society with all its many distractions, stresses, and over-stretched schedules there is a movement to practice mindfulness to enjoy our lives more.

But what is mindfulness? Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD—the founding Executive Director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School—defines mindfulness at the core of all practices. It is simply “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” 

Just how do we do that?  We are programmed to analyze and determine if we are doing things “right.” When we pause to be “mindful,” there is a part of us that often asks, “am I doing it right?” Remembering to be non-judgmental can be difficult. The practice of taking note—moment by moment—and dropping the judgment without our inner critic, is indeed doing it “right.” If there is judgment, take note.  In the next moment, there may be no judgment. Just the act of acknowledging our judgment patterns, we begin to achieve clarity of thought in what may seem to be a chaotic thought pattern.

The 5-3-1 Daily Mindfulness Practice is a simple, yet profound daily mindfulness practice that anyone can practice. :

• 5: Five times each day, spend a few minutes focusing on your breath. A quiet place is ideal for beginners, but this can be done anywhere. Take deep abdominal breaths. Exhale a little longer than the inhale breath. The body will calm naturally and easily.

• 3: Think, write, or say three things for which you are grateful. This practice gives rise to positive thoughts that increase energy and creativity.

• 1: Once each day, do one action that is self-compassionate. Appreciating “you” for being a human on this planet. Hug yourself, give yourself a pat on the back, speak kindly to yourself in tone and message. Talk to yourself as you would to someone you care for. This inner resource creates a balance that is key to living a more fully present and happier life.

These practices can be tailored and explored to be unique to each individual.  Learning what resonates with you about the practice of mindfulness, is actually mindfulness. The benefits are great.  Begin without judgment and discover the moments of calm clarity, serenity and most of all, the presence of your own life!

Rebecca Burke | Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness Specialist | Comprehensive Wellness, Walnut Creek, CA

Rebecca Berke, BCH, is a board-certified hypnotherapist and mindfulness specialist. As a Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness Specialist at Comprehensive Wellness, she works with clients on stress management, a variety of habit control issues as well as performance anxiety and transformational coaching. Her experience in dance provided her the knowledge of the powerful mind/body connection. She is also the Associate Director of the Diablo Ballet School.

Jul 02
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FREE WORKSHOP: Girl Talk – Take Control!

By Behavioral Health, Events, Health & Wellness, Women's Health

Let’s Talk About College
More than academics, it’s a whole new world.

Join us for a fun and informative evening where we will talk about living your new college lifestyle.

Learn about how to stay safe on campus, have important conversations about sex, and develop tools to manage stress and approach test-taking,

Monday, July 8
6:00-8:00pm

1450 Treat Boulevard
Walnut Creek, CA 94597

This event is FREE and open to the public.

RSVP Today

Patty Geraghty, MSN, FNP-BC, WHNP, is a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience.  She is a fun and engaging speaker, nationally recognized for her contributions to women’s health.

Rebecca Berke, BCH, is a board-certified hypnotherapist and mindfulness teacher/coach who facilitates self-leadership in positive ways. Her talent lies in the ability to help clients create clear and confident visions for their lives.

Jun 11
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SPECIAL OFFER: Summer Energy Healing

By Behavioral Health, Promotion

Brighten Your Energy Field
and Bask in Your Inner Glow

Summer is the time when we tend to feel more active and energetic. Yet, we can also feel overwhelmed, stressed and fatigued when we are out of balance. We can easily become “overheated.”

During these summer healing sessions we will: 

  • rebalance and re-energize your life force energy 
  • support you in setting healthy boundaries 
  • align you with your inner strength and creative life goals
  • rejuvenate your mind and body for optimal health, harmony, and joy this season

Schedule your Summer energy healing session with Denise Arline, MA, and receive 25% discount through June 21st—Summer Solstice.

*Offer valid through June 21, 2019. Discount applied at the time of payment.

Book your Energy Healing Session!
Summer Energy Healing

Denise Arline, MA, is an Energy Medicine Practitioner, Reiki Healing Master, and Holistic Life Coach. She holds a Masters Degree in Transformative Healing Arts from JFK University and advanced training in various healing modalities. With years of experience, Denise supports her patients in clearing blocks and restoring their natural energy flow and vitality.  This allows her patients to feel more empowered, energized and able to create positive change in all areas of their lives.

Schedule FREE Consultation
May 08
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CLINICIANS IN THE COMMUNITY: Rebecca Berke, BCH, at Oakwood’s Commit to Get Fit Event

By Behavioral Health, Clinicians in the Community, Health & Wellness

Rebecca Berke, BCH, will be presenting “Mindfulness into Total Body Alignment” at Oakwood Athletic Club’s 2019 Commit to Get Fit Event.  Using the Powerful Mind/Body connection Improves health, well-being, energy and creativity. We all have the resources within us to tap into a sense of calm confidence to release the negative cycles. A very doable and practical daily practice will be explained to use inner resources to achieve a more fully present and happier life.

Monday, May 13
6:00-7:00pm

Oakwood Athletic Club
4000 Mt. Diablo Boulevard
Lafayette, CA

Rebecca Burke | Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness Specialist | Comprehensive Wellness, Walnut Creek, CA

Rebecca Berke, BCH, is a board certified hypnotherapist and mindfulness teacher/coach who facilitates self-leadership in positive ways. Her talent lies in the ability to help clients create clear and confident visions for their lives. She aligns them through the mind/body connection with cohesive and confident engagement with their natural gifts and strengths.