In-Person in Pacifica, CA 94044
Online in California
I’m a therapist because I believe in the healing strength of being with: Being with our feelings, our present moment experience, and each other. So often, we walk through life feeling alone and disconnected. Therapy is a place for you to unfold and expand into a life that feels more authentic and spacious, a place for you to experience connection and transformation.
Clients who work with me often describe me as warm, thoughtful, and creative. In addition to what you might think of when hear the words “talk therapy,” I also incorporate art, movement, and mindfulness into our sessions. I view my clients and myself as co-collaborators in the therapy process, and work with you to create a space that feels supportive and safe. I take a non-pathologizing approach, honoring the strategies that got you to this moment, and supporting you as you unfold into your authentic self.
Client Focus
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Gestalt Therapy Encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. It helps people integrate different parts of themselves for wholeness.
- Hakomi Method A mindfulness-based approach that helps clients notice unconscious patterns in their body and mind. It emphasizes compassion and non-judgment.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: Through body-based talk therapy, we explore your present moment experience via your thoughts, emotions, sensations, memories, and body movement. We honor where you are moment-by-moment and give your body and mind space to feel and heal.
Education & Credentials
Maureen Backman AMFT, MA, MS
- Female
- Practicing Since 2020
Education: I received my first Master’s degree in 2010 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Rehabilitation Psychology. In 2021, I graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a Master’s degree in Integral Counseling Psychology.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee $140 (individuals) - $180 (couples)
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I have a limited number of sliding slots available. Contact me for more information.
- Out of Network
Maureen Backman Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Pacifica, CA 94044
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: Webcam (Zoom)
I bring my whole self as a therapist and a human into my sessions. We’ll gently explore your experience - honoring the strategies that have gotten you to where you are, and learning where there’s room for expansion and growth. We’ll work together on finding resources to help you feel supported and grounded, both in session and in your life. We’ll focus on your experience in the here and now, and work together to create new experiences that heal and nourish. We’ll befriend the body, learning to honor the wisdom in your sensations and emotional experience. Most importantly, you won’t have to go it alone - I’ll be with you each step of the way, helping you learn to trust your experience and feel a greater sense of your own self.
For Couples: Experience Connection
People often come to couples therapy feeling disconnection - disconnection from their partners, disconnection from themselves, and disconnection from their relationship. I help couples identify their core desires in their relationship and how they want to feel with their partner. Using mindfulness as a tool, we gently explore patterns in your relationship and learn how create a more positive cycle of interaction. I guide couples through interactive, experiential exercises so they have new, reparative experiences in session with each other. This type of therapy can lead to deeper connection and healing that includes body, mind and spirit.
You may be wondering whether therapy is for you. Can you bring your full self into session? Will all of your parts be respected and welcome? My practice welcomes you, and I look forward to co-creating a space that fits your unique being. I believe therapy should be accessible to all minds and bodies and affirm neurodiversity, sexual and gender diversity in my work. I welcome your access needs and will work with you to create a space that fits your being.