Family Counseling Center

Who are we?

STAFF

Rodney J. Shapiro, Ph.D., Lic. 7142

Rodney Shapiro is a nationally known teacher and clinician with over 25 years of clinical experience. He is widely published and has served on editorial boards for several family therapy journals. Before starting Networks in 1992, he developed and directed family treatment programs at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York, the V.A. Medical Center in San Francisco, and the California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco. He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco. He is also past-president of the Association of Family Therapists of Northern California. Dr. Shapiro's research and clinical activities have focused primarily on interactional dynamics and he specializes in working with adults (individuals and couples) in difficult relationship situations. His clinical work is based on an integration of psychodynamic, object relations, and family systems theory. In practice he utilizes interventions that facilitate positive behavioral and attitudinal changes. Many of Dr. Shapiro's referrals come from other therapists who recognize his expertise in assessing and treating complex family and couples' issues. Dr. Shapiro is known for his wisdom, warmth and humor - qualities that make him highly regarded as an administrator, therapist, and as a teacher and supervisor. Life as a husband, father and grandfather is joyful and challenging. What time is left is devoted to creative writing, literature, photography, music, cooking, and the loving care of numerous pets.

Jacqueline D. Shapiro, M.S., MFT., Lic. 24775

Jacqueline Shapiro is the Co-Founder of Networks Family Counseling Center. The Center was founded to promote her belief in offering quality clinical care to individuals and families in an affordable setting of warmth, acceptance and personal growth. Jacqueline completed her undergraduate work at SUNY Buffalo and her M.S. at the University of Rochester, New York. In Rochester she was Director of the New York State Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Project and Director of outpatient education services at Restart Drug Services. She also co-directed Elling and Reingold Associates, a clinical outpatient treatment program. Upon moving to California in 1983 she became Assistant Director of outpatient Services at Henry Ohlhoff Drug Services and Director of the Rape Crisis service in Burlingame. She has been an adjunct faculty member at J.F.K. University and taught at the New College and California Graduate School. In addition to her extensive private practice Jacqueline co-founded Networks Counseling Center in 1992. In her private practice she has specialized in substance abuse treatment, adolescent therapy, and group, individual and couples work. She believes in goal-oriented, interactive therapy with the aim of helping the individual/couple achieve their highest potential. She has done extensive work in group therapy and has been a clinical supervisor to many interns. Personal interests include love of her family, friends, dogs, birds and horse. Piano playing, reading, hiking and love of nature and outdoors round out a full and satisfying life.

Padma Ali, M.A., MFT., Lic. 39525

Padma Ali has extensive experience in providing therapy to individuals, couples and adolescents. She has a particular interest in working with couples with cross-cultural issues. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy encompassing body, mind and emotions. Padma integrates her education and experience in Life Coaching into her psychotherapy practice to offer unique symptomatic relief that uses individuals' inner strengths and natural resilience to promote growth and sustainability. She has worked in a number of settings including private practice, schools, non-profit agencies, crisis centers, and hospitals, both in the United States and in India. Padma is fluent in Asian Indian languages, including Hindi and Tamil. She has a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys her family and pets, reading, hiking and backpacking.

Ben Ron, M.A., MFT., Lic 37715

Ben Ron is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He joined the staff at Networks Family Counseling Center in May of 1996. Ben graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Science (1974) and from JFK University in Orinda (1995) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a certificate from the JFK Advanced Couples and Family Program. He trained with Dr Thomas Michaelles at the Bay Area Psychotherapy Association, before interning at Networks Family Counseling Center with Dr. Rodney Shapiro as his primary supervisor. As of July 2001 he is beginning his sixth year with Networks . Ben works with couples, families, and individual adults and children. He has led groups that have focused on topics such as the challenges of single parenting, and the art of parenting teenagers. He has lectured community groups, high school teachers and parents, and mother’s groups on family therapy and related issues. He has also taught medical students and psychiatry residents at UCSF. His presentations and teaching have been consistently evaluated as outstanding. Ben is married and the father of a teenage daughter and twenty-year-old son. He is a lifelong resident of the Bay Area. Prior to his decision to become a counselor, he owned and directed a very successful business in the city. Ben's business acumen and skill in work relationships have been a boon to the Networks staff. Somehow in his busy and productive life, he has also found time to teach folk dancing, and coach baseball.

Alison L. Saylor, M.A., MFT., Lic. 36585

Alison L. Saylor is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with fifteen years experience working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. Alison received her MA in clinical psychology in 1994, and worked in a variety of diverse settings before joining Networks in 2001. Her theoretical orientation is primarily self-psychology and object relations, including some cognitive interventions. She has advanced training in the use of hypnosis for depression, low self-esteem, phobias, trauma, addictions and habit change from The California Institute of Clinical Hypnosis. Alison specializes in improving communication in relationships, increasing self-confidence, improving ability to make positive choices, managing depression, and recovery from childhood abuse. She works with people at all stages of recovery from drugs and alcohol. Her couples work includes lesbian, gay and straight couples. Facilitating groups and being active in the group psychotherapy community has been a central part of her professional life and she currently runs a relationship oriented psychotherapy group. She also provides psychotherapy, consultation, and exam preparation for therapists in training. Alison bases her approach on client needs and goals, and believes that in addition to clear feedback and suggestions, insight and compassion are the most important elements in the healing process. In her other life, Alison is an accomplished musician and piano tuner.

Louisa Stone, MSW, L.C.S.W., Lic. 17334

Louisa Stone has been providing mental health and social work services to a diverse Bay Area clientele for over 16 years. She joined Networks in 2000, and played an important role in shaping its organizational structure. Louisa currently enjoys a thriving therapy practice of individuals and couples. She specializes in relationships, women's issues, self-care, stress reduction and health, anxiety/depression management, spiritual concerns, and issues related to sexual orientation (GLBT issues). She has particular training in body-oriented psychotherapy (Hakomi method), guided imagery, EMDR (which assists in the processing of trauma), life coaching, and Time Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy. As an undergraduate, Louisa studied a wide range of subjects in the humanities and social sciences, then graduated with a BA from Mills College, in Dance. She earned her Masters of Social Work at SF State University, worked for 9 years with the County of San Mateo, and was the Client Services Coordinator for the County AIDS Program. Louisa's style is warm, interactive, creative, down-to-earth, and practical, with interventions designed to fit the individual client or couple. She takes great satisfaction from seeing people grow and achieve their goals and dreams.

Jeffrey Meeker, M.A., MFT., Lic. 36128

Jeffrey Meeker has been practicing psychotherapy for nine years in San Francisco and Marin. His clinical experience began in New York and Los Angeles, after which Jeff completed his internship in San Francisco, primarily at Networks Family Counseling Center. Jeff's training background includes couples counseling, family crisis work, child play therapy and substance abuse treatment. Jeff works with individuals, couples, families, and children. He has a particular interest in couples counseling, and he has specialized knowledge and skill in evaluating and treating anxiety and stress disorders. Clinically, Jeff has an eclectic approach, primarily relying on cognitive behavioral, family systems, and intersubjective psychology. Jeff spearheaded the introduction of "National Screening Day" for anxiety disorders in San Francisco, utilizing Networks as a screening center. This developed into his organizing annual screening days for depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. While Jeff has worked primarily in clinical training and private practice settings, he has also functioned as an investigator of child abuse, he has led playgroups for children in a non-profit agency, and has counseled teens in an educational institution. Jeff is a former businessman and regionally ranked professional athlete. A long-standing interest in the impact of human relationships on quality of life evolved to the point where he decided to pursue a career in counseling. He is married, with two children, and resides in Marin.

Ruth Dummel, M.A., MFT., Lic. 38023

Ruth Dummel had six years of experience as a preschool teacher (1992-97). She received her MA degree in Counseling Psychology, from the University of San Francisco in 1995. Ruth started her counseling career path in 1993 by working with children in school based programs at Oakes Children's Center and the University of San Francisco Center for Child and Family Development. Prior to training at Networks Family Counseling Center, she did internships at Marina Counseling Center, Counseling Services for Drinking Drivers, Marina Middle School, and Milestones Human Services. After completing a three-year training program at Networks (1998-2001) Ruth accepted an invitation to stay on as a licensed staff member. She works with children, individual adults and couples. She is the primary therapist for a women's group that has been ongoing for several years. Ruth has clinical experience with issues of loss, abuse, anxiety and alcoholism and recovery. In her work she emphasizes the importance of maintaining empathic nonjudgmental relationships with her clients, and this has enabled her to work well with a diversity of people. She specializes in self-esteem issues. Personal interests include music and baking.

Carla Buchanan, M.A., M.S., MFT., Lic. 40844

Carla Buchanan is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her MS in Counseling Psychology at Dominican University. After interning at Family Service Agency of Marin, she joined Networks Family Counseling Center where she worked under the supervision of Dr. Rodney Shapiro prior to becoming a member of the Center's staff. Carla has also had an ongoing private practice as an educational therapist and brings to her psychotherapy practice eighteen years of experience working with families and adolescents. Carla works with couples, families, individual adults and adolescents, addressing a range of clinical issues which include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, childhood sexual abuse, parenting and relational problems. Her clinical approach is eclectic; she draws on family systems, cognitive behavioral and humanistic/existential models and is particularly interested in assisting individuals and families as they negotiate the inevitable developmental stages and transitions that are a part of every human life. Carla works with clients in an interactive, goal- oriented and collaborative fashion and views the therapist's role as a proactive one. Outside activities include running with her dog on Mt. Tamalpais, playing the piano and doing pottery. Carla sees clients in both San Francisco and Marin.

Marvin Zauderer, M.S., MFT., Lic. 43363

Marvin won't just nod and say, "How does that make you feel?" He combines an active style, a sense of humor, and a deep belief in his clients' capability to feel better. In his work with adults, couples, and children, he focuses on what is happening now, dipping into the past (and future) when appropriate. He is trained in a number of therapy approaches, including family systems, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral. He develops a specific strategy for working with a client by first getting to know the client and his/her goals, and then integrating approaches that fit best for that client. He asks for feedback along the way and adjusts the strategy when necessary. Marvin has expertise in a wide variety of issues, such as conflicting relationships, stress and anxiety, depression, job and career conflicts, parenting, and grief/loss. He was a volunteer grief counselor for several years before beginning his clinical training and receiving his M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University. His clinical training included three years working with adult and child clients at Family Service Agency of Marin, four positions as a elementary and middle school counselor, and four years as an MFT Intern at Networks, where his focus has been individual adults and couples. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist -- his third career change -- Marvin had a successful 15-year career in business, and received degrees from Stanford and Berkeley. He is married, with two children and one stepchild, and enjoys cycling -- riding, racing, and coaching -- in his spare time.

His website is http://www.marvinz.com/

Don Foree, M.S., MFT., Lic. 44449

Don is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He received his graduate degree in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University and spent many years as a Jesuit in various settings. During that time he was a teacher, administrator, swim coach, university counselor, director of a conference center, and pastor. For over thirty years he provided counseling to individuals, couples, and families, and worked closely with parents of young children, survivors of sexual abuse, and suicide prevention. Don has a particular interest in the interplay between emotional and spiritual experiences. He draws on his extensive academic training and life experiences when working with those who seek emotional and spiritual integration. He incorporates into his practice the wisdom of the Enneagram as well as western and eastern practices. Don is equally accomplished in his role as therapist for the majority of people who want a clinical focus and eschew spiritual matters. He adapts his practice to the needs of his clients while drawing from psychodynamic, humanistic and family systems modalities. He has offices in both San Francisco and Sausalito. Don is married, enjoys travel, music, reading, cooking, model railroading and the pleasure of his extended family.

Laurie Jacobs, M.A., MFT., Lic. 45030

Laurie Jacobs is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She first worked with Project FOCYS where she gained experience in working with a wide range of clinical problems. Her client population was extremely diverse in terms of cultural, social, and ethnic background. These clients included families, couples, children, teens, individual adults, several groups, and mandated clients. Later in her career, she was invited to join the staff at Networks. Laurie's practice includes individuals, couples, and families. She also specializes in helping teenagers and young adults deal with their developmental and psychological issues. Her therapeutic approach is based on establishing a genuine, trusting relationship with clients. This enables her clients to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment and leads to greater insight and positive life changes. Laurie lives in San Francisco and enjoys Bikram yoga, movies, and most importantly, being a therapist.

Her website is http://www.lauriejacobsmft.com

Naomi Sloane, MSW, L.C.S.W., Lic. 22275

Naomi Sloane is a San Francisco native and Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing Psychotherapy since 1998. She is a graduate of Simmons College School of Social Work and completed her training in a number of settings including Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, Emerson College Counseling Center, and with Dr. Judith Herman at Harvard Medical School's Victims of Violence Program. While living in Boston, Naomi had the opportunity to study with leaders in the fields of trauma recovery and body-oriented psychotherapy. She joined Networks Family Counseling Center in 2005 and currently has a steadily growing practice of individuals and couples. As a therapist, Naomi works in a very active and relational style, emphasizing holistic healing in the realms of mind, body, and spirit. She draws on background and expertise in various areas including trauma recovery, Internal Family Systems therapy, body-oriented psychotherapy (Hakomi/Sensorimotor), mindfulness practices, attachment therapies, and energy techniques. Naomi has special interest and extensive experience counseling both individuals and couples with issues such as depression, anxiety, substance use, physical and sexual abuse, eating disorders, self-esteem, body image, and chronic illness. As a therapist, Naomi works in a sensitive, respectful and relational style, emphasizing holistic healing in the realms of mind, body, and spirit. She is passionate about guiding clients on their journeys toward finding true compassion and acceptance for self, which she believes can cultivate profound growth and fundamental change. Personally, Naomi enjoys meditation, playing the piano, eating well, hiking with her dogs, and extreme weather.


CONSULTANT

Bates Huffaker, M.D.

Dr Huffaker received his M.D. at the Medical College of Wisconsin in July 1978. He is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He did his internship and psychiatry residency at California Presbyterian Medical Center in San Francisco. He joined the staff and served as Director of the Psychiatric Institute (inpatient department) from 1982-1989, and Director of Outpatient Psychiatry from 1989 to 1990. He is currently in private practice in San Francisco. Dr Huffaker has been the Psychiatric Consultant for Networks Family Counseling Center since 1993. He has been an invaluable resource as an expert on clinical psychopharmacology, and he has a rare gift for translating complex biochemical processes and medication information into language readily understood by those without medical training. He is also an exceptional psychotherapist. His emphasis on empathic understanding of patients, and his openness to diverse treatment modalities have made for a close and productive working relationship with the staff and interns at Networks.


INTERNS

Ann Parsons, M.S., MFTI

Ann Parsons is a graduate of UC San Diego and received her Masters Degree in Counseling from San Francisco State University in May 2008. She developed a strong interest in working with children and their families after working as a preschool teacher and earning her Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Cañada College. Ann has interned at the Family Service Agency of Marin where she specialized in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and working with families with children aged 0-5. She has experience working with individuals and couples, around issues including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, domestic violence, substance use, divorce, and parenting. Ann served as the Psychiatry program coordinator while at FSA Marin, and has also worked as a staff counselor at First Resort Pregnancy Consulting in San Francisco and Oakland. When she is not at Networks her interests include running, yoga, cooking, and watching movies.

Anna Paine, M.S., MFT

Anna Paine is an MFT Intern with a Master's of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University. Her interest in working with individuals, couples, and families began during her undergraduate career as a Psychology major at the University of California at Berkeley. Anna is currently supervised by Jacqueline Shapiro, Co-Founder of Networks, and works in San Francisco and Sausalito. Additionally, Anna works in the East Bay, treating victims of crime, and she has three years experience working from an integrative perspective with the Substance Abuse Recovery Treatment Team at Family Service Agency of Marin. She relates with a gentle, yet intentional style and uses an authentic, empathic, and collaborative approach in encouraging her clients' processes of healing and growth.

Background History

Networks was established in 1992. Rodney and Jacqueline, both well known for having developed and administered innovative and highly successful mental health programs, created a San Francisco center dedicated to providing high quality treatment that is responsive to current health care needs. Networks was designed to provide prompt and cost effective treatment based on an accurate evaluation of the needs of the client. Networks was also developed as a credentialed mental health training program, with clinical supervision by highly experienced staff members. Since its inception, Networks has contributed to the Bay Area community by offering workshops, talks, free screening for anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse, and eating disorders, as well as continuing education for health professionals. We work with schools and other agencies in San Francisco. Our newest office opened in 1998, and offers similar services for the Marin community.