Dr. James Bramson

Author: drbram

  • Applying Mindfulness Practices to Everyday Real Life

    Group Sharing and Training in Leading-edge, Mind-body Healing Methods

    with

    Michael Mayer, Ph.D.

    Sponsored by The Mindful Alliance Center

    When: Ongoing Tuesday mornings (or agreed upon by the group)

    Where: Exact Contra Costa Location in Lafayette will be given when you register

    Fee: Each 1 and ½ hour group is $75

    Register: Dr. Michael Mayer 510-849-2878, 925-623-3540; or Orinda Psychological Services 925-254-7913

    In these difficult times in which we live, are you feeling anxiety, stress, and dealing with other related emotional issues? These issues can impact our relationships with others, our work, and our sense of Self. In this ongoing group we’ll build a sense of community as we share the trials and tribulations of our lives. In each group you’ll learn leading edge psycho-spiritual methods for coping with troubled times, such as:

    •  Mindfulness based stress reduction techniques
    •  Communication Methods: To work through issues with others, and to increase real contact by learning the four elements of constructive communication
    •  Utilize bodymind (somatic) approaches to regulate emotions
    • Learn a narrative approach to work through your problems

     

    * After the first group meeting, there is a 12 week commitment to insure group cohesion.

    To get a sense of some of the practices that we may draw upon, please see Dr. Mayer’s publications:Trials of the Heart: Healing the Wounds of Intimacy (1996);Bodymind Healing Psychotherapy: Ancient Pathways to Modern Health (2007);  Energy Psychology: Self Healing Practices for Bodymind Health (North Atlantic/Random House, 2009); and The Path of a Reluctant Metaphysician, Stories and Practices for Troubled Times (2012).

    Michael Mayer, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and Tai Chi teacher. He presents his approach to bodymind healing at professional conferences, national/international workshops, universities, and hospitals. Dr. Mayer was a co-founding faculty member of John F. Kennedy University’s Transpersonal Psychology Program and he is a co-founder of, and a practitioner at, The Health Medicine Center, a multi-disciplinary medical clinic practicing integrative health-care. He is author of twenty publications on mind-body healing including six books. His Bodymind Healing Qigong DVD is being used in training of trauma therapists by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Medical Director, The Trauma Center, Boston University School of Medicine.

  • Counseling Fees

    You are responsible for full payment of all psychological services.

    Fees are payable at the beginning of each session. For your convenience you can also pay on-line (Paypal) @ drbramson.com. A monthly billing summary can be provided upon request (call Linda Griebel/Biller @ 619-224-6343) that you can submit for insurance reimbursement after making your session payment.

    The fee for a 45-minute individual therapy session is $215.00. Couples sessions are $245.00 (45-minutes) or $268.00 for an extended session (60-minutes).  Each group session is $85.00. If group sessions are missed you are still responsible for the fee as long as you continue to be a group member (this holds your slot). There is a $20.00 charge for all checks returned by the bank. Fees are periodically reviewed and changed. You will be given a 60-day notice of any fee increase.

    The time I have for seeing patients is valuable and limited; therefore, I must charge you for your appointments if missed or canceled less than 24- hours in advance (one business days). Most insurance companies do not reimburse for missed sessions. 

    Cancellation Policy:     If less than a 24- hours cancellation notice given (e.g. one business days — call Friday for Monday cancellation) prior to your scheduled session you are responsible for the full fee.

    It is your responsibility to contact your insurance company and discuss the specifics of your mental health benefits prior to your appointment. As courtesy for you, my billing office will bill your primary and secondary insurance carriers.

  • My Approach

    I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) an Adlerian solution focused approach in treating patients. There is an emphasis on helping individuals maximize their strengths to achieve significant short and long term goals. This endeavor should improve self-confidence, provide access to submerged feelings and change unproductive thought patterns in order to construct meaningful, creative solutions for lasting inner peace and positive relationships. My approach is mindfulness based. It stresses purpose driven awareness, being present, courageously observing and facing difficult thoughts and feelings, somatic awareness, value clarification and thoughtful action.

    My treatment model encourages insight, personal responsibility, and manifesting opportunities for growth, transformation, health and wellness.  This integrative wellness approach considers the physical, intellectual, spiritual, cultural and emotional aspects of being human. I honor the confidentiality of my clients and my personal philosophy is “where empathy meets expertise.” I particularly enjoy working with individuals, couples, families and groups, providing neuropsychological evaluations, career counseling, executive coaching and training professionals in the field of psychology.

    A Candid Interview with Jim Bramson Psy.D – Part 1

    A Candid Interview with Jim Bramson Psy.D – Part 2

  • Mindfulness and Self Realization (Monday Group)

    A group experience facilitated by Dr. James H. Bramson

    Cognitive Behavior Therapy Solutions for:

    • Meaningful and sustaining relationships
    • Satisfying and fulfilling work
    • Finding your purpose
    • Defining yourself
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Life transitions
    • Addiction & codependency
    • Trauma & grief

    Why Group?
    When Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is applied to a confidential group setting new ways of thinking and behaving quickly emerge. Multi-perspectives are shared in a supportive, safe and collaborative milieu.
    How CBT Works
    CBT combines two very effective kinds of psychotherapy, Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive therapy teaches you how certain thinking patterns are causing your symptoms. Behavioral Therapy helps you weaken the connections between troublesome situations and your habitual reactions to them. When used together, you have a powerful tool for minimizing or eliminating your symptoms and living a more fulfilling life.
    Where: 89 Moraga Way, Suite B, Orinda, CA 94563
    When: Mondays 12:30 – 2:00 pm
    Cost: $60.00/Group
    Call: Dr. Jim Bramson: 925-285-2429
    James H. Bramson (PSY-19459; LCS-19040) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Organizational Consultant, Executive Coach, trainer, experienced clinical supervisor who has been running groups since 1985.

  • Mindfulness and Self Realization (Tuesday Group)

    A group experience facilitated by Dr. James H. Bramson

    Cognitive Behavior Therapy Solutions for:

    • Meaningful and sustaining relationships
    • Satisfying and fulfilling work
    • Finding your purpose
    • Defining yourself
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Life transitions
    • Addiction & codependency
    • Trauma & grief

    Why Group?
    When Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is applied to a confidential group setting new ways of thinking and behaving quickly emerge. Multi-perspectives are shared in a supportive, safe and collaborative milieu.

    How CBT Works
    CBT combines two very effective kinds of psychotherapy, Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive therapy teaches you how certain thinking patterns are causing your symptoms. Behavioral Therapy helps you weaken the connections between troublesome situations and your habitual reactions to them. When used together, you have a powerful tool for minimizing or eliminating your symptoms and living a more fulfilling life.

    Where: 89 Moraga Way, Suite B, Orinda, CA 94563
    When: Tuesdays 5:00 – 6:30 pm
    Cost: $60.00/Group
    Call: Dr. Jim Bramson: 925-285-2429
    James H. Bramson (PSY-19459; LCS-19040) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Organizational Consultant, Executive Coach, trainer, experienced clinical supervisor who has been running groups since 1985.

  • Awakening to life & death

    A 45-day odyssey to become fully balanced and alive

    March 29th – 31st, April 12th-14th, May 10th-12th

    This program invites you to experience 45 days in 2013 as if they were your last. Seminarians will meet one weekend a month for three consecutive months — in a beautiful Russian River Retreat Home (Absolute Zen) to explore the following aspects of living, loving and dying mindfully.

    • Assessment of Life Satisfaction & Purpose
    • Meditation Techniques for Centering and
      Letting Go
    • Choices and Consequences
    • Building Your Intimacy Legacy in Relationships
    • Getting Clear: What Do You Most Want To Do
    • Exploring Your Ideas about Death
    • Awakening The Heart – Forgiveness, Gratitude, Compassion
    • Death & Rebirth (The Buddhist Wheel)
    • Healing Yoga and Breath Work (before your last breath)
    • Sensing the Value of Your Life

    Click here to download a PDF flyer for this workshop

     

    Meetings place – Absolute Zen Retreat Home (Guerneville). Details will be provided

    Meeting Time: Meetings will take place during three consecutive weekends, beginning Friday (5:30 P.M.) and ending Sunday (12:00 P.M).

    Cost: $1,185.00 ($395.00/per weekend) if paid in full by March 1, 2013. This includes a $100.00 discount.
    Registration cost after March 1, 2013 – $1,285.00.  The balance due after the deposit can be made by April 12, 2013.

    Deposit:  $650.00 due by March 1, 2013 to hold your spot.

    Cancellation Policy: Full refund prior to March 28, 2013 less $100 processing fee

    Lodging:

    1). Russian River Studios (russianriverstudios.com) for $69-$89 per night. They have eight rooms each with a kitchen, as well as a pool and a gallery. Another affordable option is the Ferngrove Cottages (ferngrove.com).

    2). Favorite higher end places (based on past feedback): Applewood Inn, Boone Resort & Spa, and West Sonoma Inn & Spa (all in Guerneville).

    Dr. Bramson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY-19459), Social Worker (LCS-19040) and Executive Coach who has been providing therapeutic services since 1985, and organizational consultation and executive coaching since 1995. He utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach with a special emphasis on mindfulness training, meditation, and neuroscience. Phone: 925-285-2429

  • Mindful Alliance Center: International Workshops (For Professionals)

    I am the founder of  Mindful Alliance Center an educational program dedicated to the trans-cultural exploration of our Humanity through aware and open travel. More information and registration can be obtained by going to www.mindfulalliancecenter.com.

    The programs being offered explore the biological, psychological, political/cultural, and spiritual dimensions of being human. Led by a Faculty that includes Doctors of Psychology, Doctors of Chiropractic, Indigenous Teachers, Artists, College Professors, and Instructors of Yoga.

    Continuing Education Units will be provided for provided for select trips and professionals (psychologists, nurses, social workers, marriage and family therapists). Please inquire as to which workshops have been officially approved for CEU’s (and your given license) by contact me at  drb@drbram.fatcow.com.

    LOCAL WORKSHOPS (FOR PROFESSIONALS)

    The professional training/workshops that I provide domestically (Bay Area, San Diego) include the following:

    • Mind, Body & Spiritual Healing: An Integrative Model
    • Conflict Resolution For Couples: Being the Partner You want
    • Mindfulness Training (Application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Work, Love, and Life)
    • Leadership: The Path of the Warrior with Heart
    • The Organizational Shaman
    • If Buddha Ran Your Company
    • The Mindful Clinician: Being the Therapist You Would Want
    • Building A Meaningful & Successful Clinical Practice – Without Managed Care
    • Coping with Difficult People at Work

  • Resume

      Download a .PDF copy of this resume

      James H. Bramson, Psy.D., LCSW

      Orinda Office:
      89 Moraga Way, Suite B
      Orinda, CA 94563
      San Francisco Office:
      Mills Building
      220 Montgomery Street, Suite 1028
      San Francisco, CA 94104

      Tel: (925) 285-2429  Fax: (925) 429-9259

      Drbramson.com; Mindfulalliancecenter.com

      Summary of Qualifications

      Psychological Evaluations/Training/Supervision:

      • Currently supervise doctoral interns at the Wright Institute (Berkeley) in the use of psychological assessments and instruments (including the administration, scoring, interpretation and use of Clinical, Neuropsychological, Fitness for Duty, and Vocational batteries).
      • Have performed Fitness for Duty Evaluations and Violence Risk Assessments for Integrated Insights, the Health & Human Resource Center & various medical experts in the San Diego region (beginning in 2000).
      • Have worked as a consulting (clinical) psychologist for Bernard Rappaport, M.D. and numerous other forensic psychiatrists in the San Francisco Bay Area (since 2004).
      • Expertise in the scoring, interpretation, and the application of reliable, validated, evidence based psychological assessments (including complicated PTSD, Employment, Personal Injury, Malingering, Deception and Violence Risk Assessment Cases).
      • Completed an APA Approved Pre-doctoral Internship at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center (San Diego) in Clinical Psychology & Neuropsychological testing. Specialties included assessing Traumatic Brain Injury – TBI, Addiction/Dual Diagnosis, PTSD, and Alzheimer’s cases.
      • Did Post-Doctoral internship in neuropsychology and educational testing for The Family Enrichment Center in San Diego (2000-2003).
      • Experienced organizational assessment specialist. Expertise includes the use of 360 degree wrap around testing, pre-screening hiring/testing, Fitness for Duty Evaluations, and Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) substance abuse assessments.

      Organizational Development/Consulting:

      • Accomplished trainer and organizational consultant to Fortune 500 companies in the area of conflict resolution, team building, organizational change and cultural sensitivity.
      • Experienced Account Manager for External EAP programs, including EAP, Inc (Colorado), HHRC (San Diego) and Wells Fargo Corporate Headquarters (San Francisco).
      • Provided CISD training for American Airline employees following 9/11; and students/faculty following shootings at Granite Hills and Santana High School(s).
      • Former Adjunct Professor at Alliant International University (Organizational Psychology).

      Clinical Training/International Training/Supervision/Peer Consultation:

      • Director of Mindful Alliance Center (formerly IHTI). Train Clinicians in the area of Mindfulness and Neuropsychology (Bali, Burma, Australia, Turkey, Greece and the U.S.A).
      • Created a successful private practice and consulting firm in San Diego and Orinda, California.
      • Clinical Supervisor for Bay Area Psychological and Training Institute (Lafayette, CA) and the Wright Institute (Berkeley, CA) – Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
      • Approved Trainer for the Buddhist Society (Mindfulness Chapter) of the Australian Psychological Society and the IMCA (U.S.A.).
      • Former Hospital Program Director (Dual Diagnosis Adult/Adolescent Programs).
      • Facilitate a Monthly Peer Consultation Group for Psychologists, MFTs, LCSWs, and interns (Orinda, California).
      Private Practice – Orinda Group (www.drbramson.com) Director 2005-Present

      Provide evidence based clinical, neuropsychological, vocational, fitness for duty, malpractice, educational, and dual-diagnosis (addiction) assessments for individuals, forensic psychiatrists, attorneys, hospitals, and educational institutions. This includes expertise in the administration, scoring, interpretation and use of reliable and valid diagnostic tests and measurements, and structured clinical interviews — to offer opinions regarding the onset, duration and frequency of psychological disorders and functional impairments for treatment planning and diagnostic purposes.

      Specialties:

      Neuropsychological/Psychological Testing

      Traumatic Brain Injury Cases (TBI)

      Violence Risk Assessments/Fitness for Duty Evaluations

      Disability Evaluations

      Personnel Screening (Pre-hire screening, 360 Degree Wrap Around Testing)

      Forensic Assessments

      Pain Management

      Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

      Vocational/Educational/Career Testing

      Mindfulness Training, Buddhist Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

      Psychotherapy: Group, Family, or Individual for adults, adolescents and couples

      Depression (Major/Bipolar), Addiction

      Disorders: Anxiety & Panic, Body Dysmorphia, Sexual Dysfunction

      Coaching & Career Counseling

      EMDR, Thought Field Therapy, Biofeedback

      Group Therapy

      Mindful Alliance Center (Formerly IHTI) Director 2007-Present

      Specialties:

      Oversee daily operations of business (program development, training faculty, marketing, finance, and strategic planning).

      Trained Americans and Australians in Mindful Communication for Couples, Mind-Body-Spiritual Integration, Mindful Stress Reduction.

      Teach Non-Violent Communication and Conflict Resolution.

      Lead seminars in meditation, breath work, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

      Train clinicians interested in Mindfulness practice.

      Provide key note addressees, consulting, coaching and skill based training in Mindfulness work for corporations.

      Consulting Solutions, LLC Director 2002-2006

      Specialties:

      Specialties:

      Executive and Management Coaching

      Leadership Training and Development

      Mediation, Risk and Conflict Resolution

      Team Assessment and Building Strategies

      Managing Corporate Diversity & Change

      Human Resource Consulting, Evaluation, and 360 degree feedback

      Integrated Insights EAP Manager/Consultant 1999-2004

      Specialties:

      Team Building, Executive Coaching, and Conflict Mediation.

      Applied two decades of healthcare knowledge to provide expert consultation and trainings.

      DOT Former Manager of diverse corporate accounts: gas and electric, municipal, defense, high-tech, academic, health care from 1999-2002.

      (Department of Transportation), SAP (Substance Abuse Assessment), and CISD (Crisis Debriefing trainings).

      Managed EAP contracts for over two hundred companies.

      Related Experience:

      Consultant, Clinician, and Other Positions:

      Consultant, Clinician, and Other Positions:

      Private Practice (Psychotherapist) San Francisco, Orinda, San Diego

      		 2000-Present
      Integrated Insights EAP Program

      Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Account Manager
      1999-2004
      EAP, INC.  

      EAP Program Coordinator, Clinician
      1995-1997
      Wake County Public School District

      Student Assistance Program Coordinator
      1994-1995
      Value Behavioral Health

      Account Manager/ Employee Assistance Professional

      1993–1994
      Parkside Medical Services

      Adolescent Program Manager & Next Step Program Coordinator
      1988-1991
      Lansing General Hospital

      Program Manager, Adult Inpatient Substance Abuse Program
      1986-1988

      Academic & Teaching Experience:

      Mindful Alliance Center (formerly Integral Health & Training Institute)

      Co-Director, Workshop Facilitator and Educational Specialist

      2007-Present
      Alliant International University

      Adjunct Faculty: Doctoral Program in Organizational Behavior

      2003-2005
      Aims College

      Instructor, Chemical Dependency Treatment & Assessment Consultant
      1995-1997
      University of Northern Colorado

      Instructor, Supervisor of Counseling Psychology Master’s Level Candidates

      1995-1997
      University of California San Francisco

      Treatment Outcome Research Specialist
      1991–1992

      Education:

      Psy.D. Counseling Psychology, Merit Scholar University of Northern Colorado
      1999
      M.A. Clinical Social Work/Social Service Administration, Merit Scholar University of Chicago
      1990
      Public Health Administration (Transferred from the University of Michigan to the University of Chicago) University of Michigan
      1989
      B.A. Employee Relations Management/Economics, Honors Michigan State University
      1986
      B.S. Psychology, Honors Michigan State University
      1984

      Pre-Doctoral APA Internship/Post Doctoral Internship:

      Kaiser Permanente (San Diego)

      APA approved internship. Training in the area of Clinical Psychology (Adult/Children) and Neuropsychological evaluations.

      		 1999-2000
      Family Enrichment Center (San Diego).

      Specialized training in individual, family and group therapy, and neuropsychological and educational testing for children, adolescents and adults.

      		 2000-2003

      Licensure:

      Clinical Psychologist in the State of California (PSY–19459)

      Clinical Social Worker in the State of California (LCS-19040)

      Affiliations:

      American Psychological Association

      National Association of Social Workers

  • Organizational Clients

    • Hewlett Packard (Colorado)
    • Sun Microsystems
    • RR Donnely (Colorado)
    • Barney & Barney
    • Marsh U.S.A.
    • Time Warner/AOL (N.Y.)
    • Symbios Logic (Colorado)
    • Kodak (Colorado)
    • San Diego Gas & Electric (California)
    • Sempra Energy (California)
    • Nissan Design Center (California)
    • Edison International (California)
    • I-Bus (California)
    • Breg Corporation (California)
    • Maxwell Tech (California)
    • Jalet Metal Construction, Inc. (California)
    • Qualcom Corporation (California)
    • Bruno, Mack, Barclay Law Firm (California)
    • Lake Arrowhead Water District (California)
    • Castro Valley Sanitation District (California)
    • Sausalito Marin City Sanitation District (California)
    • Southern Orange County Water Authority (California)
    • City of Greeley (Colorado)
    • City of Temecula (CA)
    • Dixie Line Lumber
    • Action Instruments
    • Solar Turbine
    • City of National City Fire Dept. (CA)
    • City of Imperial Beach (California)
    • City of San Diego (California)
    • City of Escondido (California)
    • San Diego State University (California)
    • San Diego State Foundation (California)
    • Michigan State University (Michigan)
    • University of California at San Francisco (California)
    • University of California at San Diego (California)
    • Mira Costa College (California)
    • Palomar College (CA)
    • AIMS College (Colorado)
    • University of Northern Colorado (Colorado)
    • Wake Public Schools (North Carolina)
    • The Salk Institute (California)
    • Burnham Institute (CA)
    • MP3.Com (CA)
    • Webside Story (CA)
    • Elan Corporation (CA)
    • Dura Pharmaceuticals (CA)
    • Alaris Medical Services (CA & North Carolina)
    • San Diego Comic Con International (California)
    • City of Encintas Life Guards (CA)
    • High Technology Solutions (CA)
    • Guidant Corporation (Minnesota)
    • Guidant Corporation (Indiana)
    • Guidant Corporation (California)
    • Sonic Automotive/First Auto (CA)
    • Wells Fargo (CA)
    • California Coastal Credit Union (CA)
    • Pt. Loma Credit Union (CA)
    • First Bank of Chicago (ILL)
    • Radiology Medical Group (CA)
    • Radiology Medical Partners (CA)
    • Palomar Technologies (CA)
    • Watkins Manufacturing (CA)
    • Helix Water District (CA)
    • Illumina (CA)
    • MAAC Head Start (CA)
    • Diocese of San Diego (CA)
    • Peterson & Company (CA)
    • Poudre Hospital (Colorado)
    • Weld County (Colorado)
    • San Diego County (CA)
    • Vista Hill Foundation (CA)
    • Cubic Corporation (CA)
    • Granite Hills High School (CA)
    • Santana High School (CA)
    • Integrated Insights (CA)
    • EAP, INC (CO)
    • United Health Care (CA)
    • Lansing General Hospital (Michigan)
    • Lutheran Health Care (Chicago, IL)
    • Parkside Medical Services (Chicago, IL)
    • Dynabil (CA)
    • American Airlines (CA)
    • PIMCO Advisors (CA)
    • Anthony’s Fish Grotto (CA)
    • San Diego Humanes Society (CA)
    • Sea World (CA)
    • Mission Valley Credit Union (CA)
    • Kaiser Permanente (CA)

  • Fees

    All Services Billed @ $525.00/hour – including testing, scoring, interpretation, consultation, communication with other professionals, and driving.

    Deposition (In-Office) billed at $575.00/hour.

    Deposition (Outside-Of-Office) billed at $600.00/hour.

    72-Hour Cancellation Notice Required for All Scheduled Appointments and Deposition Meetings. (Note: For Monday appointments notice would need to be given by Thursday)

    Any further questions do not hesitate to contact me @ 925/285-2429 or email me at jhbramson@aol.com or drb@drbram.fatcow.com.