Dr. Eric R. Bergemann, PhD - Best Psychologist in Los Feliz

Dr. Eric R. Bergemann is a highly esteemed Clinical Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, in the Atwater Village, Silver Lake, and Los Feliz neighborhoods. With a deep-rooted commitment to fostering psychological well-being, Dr. Eric Bergemann offers a comprehensive approach to psychotherapy, seamlessly integrating his extensive academic training with years of hands-on experience in the field. His practice serves a diverse range of clients, including individuals, couples, and families, all seeking to navigate the complexities of mental health with professional guidance.

Academics

Dr. Bergemann’s academic journey is a reflection of his passion for understanding the human mind and his dedication to advancing the field of psychology. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, an institution renowned for its focus on depth psychology and integrative clinical practices. This rigorous academic background provided Dr. Bergemann with a solid foundation in both theory and practice, allowing him to approach psychotherapy with a unique depth of understanding.

In addition to his doctoral degree, Dr. Bergemann holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. This advanced training equipped him with the tools necessary to address a wide array of psychological issues, from anxiety and depression to complex trauma and relational difficulties. Furthermore, Dr. Bergemann’s academic pursuits extend beyond psychology, as he also holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Chicago. This distinctive combination of psychology and business has enabled Dr. Bergemann to understand the nuanced relationship between professional stressors and personal well-being, making him particularly adept at working with clients in high-pressure careers.

Clinical Practice

Dr. Bergemann’s clinical practice is characterized by a holistic approach to psychotherapy, where he views the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected aspects of the human experience. He works with a wide demographic, ranging from young children to older adults, each with their unique set of challenges and goals. His therapeutic approach is collaborative, emphasizing the importance of building a safe and trusting relationship where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment.

For more information about his practice and to explore his philosophy further, you can visit his official website and learn more about his services. Additional details can also be found on his Psychology Today profile and through the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute’s directory.

Mind-Body Connection

Central to Dr. Eric Bergemann’s practice is the belief that true psychological healing requires more than just intellectual insight. He emphasizes the importance of a deeper, embodied understanding of oneself, which is achieved through the integration of somatic therapies, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness practices. Dr. Bergemann has undergone advanced training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body-centered approach to trauma treatment developed by Dr. Pat Ogden. This specialized training enables him to help clients process traumatic experiences at a somatic level, facilitating long-lasting emotional regulation and healing.

Marriage and Couples Therapy

In addition to his work with individuals, Dr. Bergemann is highly skilled in couples therapy, particularly through the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT). Trained under Dr. Stan Tatkin, Dr. Bergemann helps couples develop greater emotional attunement and improve their relational dynamics. His approach to couples therapy is grounded in the understanding that healthy relationships require partners to be deeply attuned to each other’s emotional states, fostering a secure bond that can weather the challenges of life.

Spirituality

For clients interested in integrating spirituality into their therapeutic journey, Dr. Bergemann offers a unique perspective that blends traditional psychodynamic theories with Buddhist psychology and mindfulness-based practices. His work in this area is particularly focused on the intersection of spirituality, neuroscience, and psychotherapy, providing clients with a well-rounded approach to mental health that nurtures both the mind and spirit.

Author

Dr. Bergemann is not only a practitioner but also a respected researcher and author. His scholarly work has made significant contributions to the fields of psychology and neurobiology, particularly in the areas of empathy, trauma, and spirituality. His book, The Psychoneurobiology of Empathic Attunement, published by Lambert Academic Publishing, explores the neurobiological foundations of empathy and its critical role in therapeutic settings.

In addition to his book, Dr. Bergemann has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed chapters to authoritative texts in psychology. His co-authored article on Maternal Inheritance in Recurrent Early-Onset Depression, published in Psychiatric Genetics, delves into the genetic factors influencing mental health. He has also contributed to the APA Handbook of Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality, where he explored the integration of mindfulness, spirituality, and psychotherapy. His work on trauma and interpersonal neurobiology is featured in a chapter co-authored for Current Perspectives & Applications in Neurobiology.

Work in the Field

Dr. Bergemann’s professional career is marked by a series of roles that highlight his expertise and dedication to mental health. As the former Director of Professional Training at the Mindsight Institute, Dr. Bergemann worked closely with Dr. Daniel Siegel, a leading figure in the field of interpersonal neurobiology. During this time, he participated in regular study groups led by Dr. Siegel and Dr. Allan Schore, further refining his understanding of the brain’s role in emotional and psychological processes.

In addition to his work at the Mindsight Institute, Dr. Bergemann has made significant contributions to the non-profit sector. He served as the Clinical Director for the Los Angeles chapter of A Home Within, a national organization dedicated to providing psychotherapy to foster youth. His ongoing volunteer work with A Home Within since 2009 underscores his commitment to serving vulnerable populations and addressing the unique challenges faced by foster children and young adults.

Teaching

Dr. Bergemann’s teaching experience includes his role as an adjunct faculty member at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where he taught courses in Developmental Neurobiology. His academic expertise is complemented by a certificate in Couples Therapy and Human Sexuality from UCLA, further enhancing his ability to address a wide range of relational and psychological issues.

Dr. Bergemann’s post-doctoral training includes work at several respected institutions, where he gained extensive experience in clinical practice and research. He completed his post-doctoral training at the Reiss-Davis Child Study Center and Valley Community Clinic, focusing on the treatment of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. His work at the Linden Center, a non-public school for emotionally disturbed youth, provided him with valuable experience in addressing the complex needs of this population.

Research

In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Bergemann has conducted research in the medical genetics lab of Dr. Richard Boles at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This experience provided him with a unique perspective on the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders, which he integrates into his clinical practice.

Before pursuing a career in psychology, Dr. Bergemann worked in finance for Disney’s International Film division for a decade. This experience in the corporate world has given him a unique understanding of the psychological challenges faced by business professionals, which he now addresses in his practice by helping clients balance professional success with personal fulfillment.

His Practice Today in Los Feliz, Los Angeles

Dr. Eric Bergemann offers a broad range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of his clients. His practice is grounded in a holistic approach that considers the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. He employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, and mindfulness practices, to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals.

Dr. Bergemann’s expertise in the PACT methodology provides a framework for couples to deepen their emotional connection and improve their communication skills. He also has extensive experience working with young adults navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood, as well as business professionals seeking to understand how their work habits impact their personal lives.

Dr. Bergemann’s practice is conveniently located at:

Address:

3171 Los Feliz Blvd #307

Los Angeles, CA 90039

Phone:

(323) 863-6463

He offers both in-person and online video consultations, providing flexible options to accommodate the needs and preferences of his clients. Dr. Bergemann is committed to creating a therapeutic environment that fosters growth, healing, and lasting change for those in Los Feliz, Atwater Village, Silverlake, Burbank, Pasadena, and Downtown Los Angeles.