Meet Dr. Weedn
Sonnee D. Weedn, Ph.D. is a clinical and forensic psychologist in private practice in Novato, CA. She has been in practice since 1980. She has recently added a satellite office in her hometown Newport Beach, CA.
In addition to her psychology practice, Dr. Weedn provides continuing education and training programs for mental health professionals.
She has created and produced a wide variety of retreat programs and workshops, ranging from couples enrichment to spiritual development. Having studied with many leaders in behavioral/mental health care, as well as wisdom keepers from many traditions, Dr. Weedn applies traditional wisdom to a dynamic format.
Since 2004, Dr. Weedn has provided in-depth psychological assessments of patients at chemical dependency treatment centers. Her reports and recommendations guide individualized treatment planning and interventions designed to maximize treatment outcomes and guard against episodes of relapse.
Dr. Sonnee Weedn
Curriculum Vitae
Education
1988
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology
California Graduate School of Family Psychology, San Rafael, CA (Acquired by American School of Professional Psychology 7/99) Doctoral Dissertation: “Brothers and Sisters of the Mentally Retarded: A Retrospective Descriptive Study”
1973
M.S. Counseling Psychology
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
1969
M.S. Elementary Education
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
1968
B.S. Social Studies (emphasis on Anthropology)
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Doctoral Internships
1988 - 1990
Post-doctoral Intern at Redwood Psychological Services Center, Petaluma, CA
1985 - 1986
Pre-doctoral Intern at Petaluma Valley Hospital, Phoenix Program (inpatient treatment of chemical dependency), Petaluma, CA
Licenses and Credentials
1991
Licensed Psychologist - PSY12188
1983
Marriage and Family Therapist - MEl8670
1976
Administrative Services Credential
1973
Pupil Personnel Credential (Lifetime)
1969
Standard Elementary Credential (Lifetime)
Specialty Certification
2012
Certified Emotional Transformation Therapist (ETT)
2011
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist
2003 – present
National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists
1999
Level II Training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
1997 – present
Certified by the Board of Governors of the APA College of Professional Psychology in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders
Honors and Awards
2014
Eric Hofer Book Award for Making Advances: A Comprehensive Guide to Treating Female Sex Addicts.
2013
Clark Vincent Award from the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) for a literary and research contribution to the profession of Marriage and Family Therapy (received in conjunction with Alexandra Katehakis, MFT and Jill Vermiere, MFT).
2012
Bronze Award from eLit Awards in the category of Biography for Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women.
2012
1st Place in Reader’s Choice Reader’s View Award in the category of Humanities for Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women.
2012
2nd Place in Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the category of Cultural Diversity for Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women.
2012
2nd Place in Royal Dragonfly Book Awards in the category of Memoir for Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women.
2012
Bronze Award in Book of the Year contest in the category of Women’s Issues for Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women.
2012
Honorable Mention at San Francisco Book Festival in the category of Biography/Autobiography for Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women.
2009 – present
By invitation to The National Women’s Leadership Forum for Women Treating Addiction
2002
Awarded the Lady Vera Scholarship by the Angeles Arrien Foundation for Cross-cultural Education and Research. This fund receives no applications, but scouts and awards scholarships as an unexpected blessing to those who have talent and promise and carry an altruistic spirit. This scholarship provided seven days of intensive training in transformational leadership. With Angeles Arrien, Ph.D. and Patrick O’Neil.
Board Appointments
2015
Open Recovery – The National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Addictions – Bay Area
2005 – 2011
National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Addictions – Bay Area Chapter
2010
Check to Share Foundation (supporting victims of sexual abuse or rape)
2005–2009
California Women’s Commission on Addictions
Advisory Boards and Committee Memberships
2011 – present
President of the Board of the Sonnee Weedn Institute for Integrated Therapy, (SWIIT – www.swiit.org)
2005 – 2011
National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Addictions – Bay Area Chapter
2011
The Reach Foundation (Newport Beach, CA)
2010 – present
Promises Treatment Centers (Malibu and West Los Angeles, CA)
2010
Spirit2Spirit (The Refuge, Ocklawaha, FL)
2008 – present
Member of the Continuing Education Committee for The Ben Franklin Institute, Cave Creek, AZ
2008 – present
Chairman of the Continuing Education Committee for Promises Treatment Centers, Malibu, CA
1999 – 2010
Administrative Director of Continuing Education - Sierra Tucson, Tucson, AZ - Directing the delivery of continuing education for Registered Nurses, Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists in the area of group psychotherapy, couples therapy, dream interpretation, the integration of spiritual issues into psychotherapy and eating disorders, addiction, etc.
Clinical Experience
1980 – present
Private Practice, Novato, CA providing: brief and long-term outpatient psychotherapy to individual adults, adolescents, children as young as twelve years of age, seniors, couples and families; assessment and treatment of chemical dependency; consultation to churches, schools and school districts, physician groups, family businesses, private business and community organizations in the areas of team building, organizational behavior, conflict resolution and stress management; group psychotherapy, including three ongoing, long-term women’s groups and two ongoing, long-term mixed gender groups.
Providing psychological evaluations for adolescents and adults and including the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, Rorschach: Comprehensive System, MMPI-II, MCMI-III, MACI, MMPI-A, TAT, Bender-Gestalt and drawings. Assessments provided for City and County of San Francisco, Marin County Child Welfare Department, Child Protective Services of Marin and Sonoma Counties, Workers Compensation, State of California, Board of Registered Nursing and by referral from other mental health professionals, attorneys and insurers.
2014 – present
Providing qEEG assisted neuropsychological assessment, to develop a brain-map for accurately diagnosing mental/behavioral health issues and provide Neurocoach treatment to enable repair.
2014 – present
Consulting Clinical Director – Windward Way Intensive Outpatient Program and Sober Living Environments – consulting on matters of maintaining clinical excellence and integrity, and program development, Newport Beach, CA.
2006 – 2009
Director of Clinical Services for The Mayflower Center, San Rafael, CA Providing inpatient treatment for men who have relapsed subsequent to treatment for alcoholism or other chemical dependencies. Providing psychological assessment for every admitted patient.
2004 – 2005
Providing psychological assessments for over 135 patients at Bayside Marin, San Rafael, CA, an inpatient facility treating chemical dependency, patients with dual diagnoses, and chronic pain patients.
1985 – 1986
Phoenix Program at Petaluma Valley Hospital, Petaluma, CA. Clinical psychology internship at inpatient treatment facility for chemically dependent adults. Provided individual, group and couples therapy on inpatient ward; lectured; performed psychological evaluations; designed and directed aftercare program for patients out of the hospital for 90 days or more.
1981 – 1982
Catholic Social Services, Santa Rosa, CA, Marriage, Family, Child Counselor internship. Provided outpatient treatment for wide variety of clientele.
Teaching and Consultation Experience
2016
By invitation of Onsite Workshops to facilitate monthly alumnae group meetings.
2015
By invitation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical Society) – Presenter at the 3rd International Conference of Men-Tsee-Khang and requested to speak on the topic of “Remedies for Disturbing Factors in Body-Mind-Life.”
2014
By invitation, in conjunction with Fordham University’s inter-disciplinary consortium (affiliated with the Graduate School of Social Studies), consultant in long-duration space travel – psychological aspects of crew selection, monitoring and maintenance of mental health on the flight to Mars projected for 2030.
2014
Presenter for Elements Behavioral Health, “Psychosynthesis and ntegrative Psychology: An In-Depth Study with Emphasis on Cross Cultural Considerations and Experieince (including ethical considerations)” September 28 - October 9, (India – Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamsala, Jaipur, Agra).
2014
Producer with Terry Eagan, M.D., Beata Lundeen, et.al. for the Prayer for Compassion event at Avalon Malibu, raising over $50,000 for the Tibetan Children’s Villages and the Men-Tse-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute), June 14, 2014, Malibu, CA
2014
Presenter with Col. Yvonne Cagle, M.D., NASA, “Space for Dreams,” and a book-signing, by invitation of the Discovery Science Center in conjunction with The Pacific Club, June 12, 2014, Newport Beach, CA.
2014
Presenter for Sovereign Health Group, “Spirituality for Recovering People,” a half-day continuing education program, May 10, 2014, San Clemente, CA.
2014
Producer and Presenter with Elements Behavioral Health and the Sonnee Weedn Institute for Integrated Therapy, “Wise Women: Leadership Training for Senior Clinicians (25+ years of experience),” a 4-day continuing education program, March 14-17, 2014, Santa Fe, NM
2014
Producer and Presenter with Elements Behavioral Health, “Sensing the Sacred: The Warrior’s Way,” with Lench Archuleta, January 18,2014 Petaluma, CA
2013
Presenter for Sonoma County Bar Association (Family Law Practice Group), “Allegations of Sexual Abuse in Child Custody Cases,” December 14, 2013, Santa Rosa, CA
2013
Panel Member with Jamison Monroe of Newport Academy at a screening of the award-winning documentary about teen-age and young adult drug abuse, Behind the Orange Curtain, discussing the film and conducting a question and answer session, September 26, 2013, Mill Valley, CA
2013
Presenter, Produced by Elements Behavioral Health, “The Challenge of Finding Intimacy and Spirituality in Our Addicted Digital World”, May 3, 2013, Little Rock, AR, a one-day continuing education program.
2013
Keynote Address, “Keystone Treatment Center Alumni Reunion” April 12, 2013 Philadelphia, PA
2013
Producer and Presenter, “Psychosynthesis and Integrative Psychology: An In-Depth Study with Emphasis on Cross Cultural Consideration and Experience (including ethical considerations)” February 22, to March 7, 2013 India – various locations.
2013
Producer and Presenter, “Winter Renewal and Creating a New Year Focus: A Retreat for Women” January 12, 2013 Petaluma, CA
2012
Presenter, By invitation of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH) "Group Psychotherapy for Female Sex and Love Addicts" with co-presenters Alexandra Katehakis, MFT and Marnie Ferree, MFT.
2012
Presenter, By invitation of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH) “Spirituality for Recovering People” with co-presenter Rev. George McLaird. This presentation included a section on the ethics of t reating diverse populations.
2012
Producer of an evening of Shamanic Healing Music with Tito La Rosa, Sausalito Presbyterian Church, Sausalito, CA
2012
Producer and Presenter, with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock, “Raise Your Voice: African American History in Oral Tradition.” A one-day continuing education program sponsored by Promises Treatment Centers, Novato, CA.
2012
Producer and Presenter, with Lench Archuleta, “ Group Psychotherapy as Transformational Experience: Diverse Populations.” A one-day continuing education program sponsored by Promises Treatment Centers, Sonoma, CA.
2012
Producer and Presenter, with Keith Arnold and Lench Archuleta, “Spirit Journey: Group Psychotherapy as Transformational Experience.” A one- day continuing education program sponsored by Promises Treatment Centers.
2011
Producer and Presenter, with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock, “Raise Your Voice: African American History in Oral Tradition.” A one-day continuing education program sponsored by Clearview Treatment Center and Sierra Tucson Hospital, Venice, CA.
2011
Producer and Presenter, with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock, “Raise Your Voice Again: African American History in Oral Tradition.” A one-day continuing education program, sponsored by Promises Treatment Centers and Elements Behavioral Health, Tiburon, CA.
2011
Presenter, by invitation of Cirque Lodge, Newport Academy, and Ascend Recovery, presentation of Psychological Assessment: Your Best Treatment Guide, a continuing education presentation for mental health and addiction professionals at Cirque Lodge Resource Room, Beverly Hills, CA.
2011
Producer and Presenter, in conjunction with Promises Treatment Centers and Elements Behavioral Health, Spirit Journey, a one day retreat featuring Keith Arnold, Joseph MacDonald, and Dana Patterson.
2010
Presenter, by invitation of The Ben Franklin Institute, national presentation of The Use of Dreams in Individual and Group Psychotherapy, Tucson, AZ. Taped for national distribution for continuing education for mental health professionals.
2010
Producer and presenter, in conjunction with Promises Treatment Centers and Elements Behavioral Health, “Taking Flight,” a one day retreat featuring Elena Avila, R.N., M.S.N., (curandera), Keith Arnold, and Dana Patterson.
2010
Producer and presenter with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock, “Raise Your Voice Again: African American History in Oral Tradition.” A one-day continuing education program, sponsored by Promises Treatment Centers and Sierra Tucson.
2010
Interview, Love Addiction, a taping for Fox News, Los Angeles, CA.
2010
Producer and presenter in conjunction with Promises Treatment Centers, “Spirit Journey II: Further Along the Good Red Road,” a one-day retreat, featuring Keith Arnold, Dana Patterson, and Albert Sombrero.
2010
Producer and presenter in conjunction with Promises Treatment Centers, “Spirit Journey,” a one-day retreat, featuring Keith Arnold, Dana Patterson, and Albert Sombrero.
2010
Producer and presenter, in conjunction with Sierra Tucson, “Waking From the Dream of Winter,” a one-day retreat for women, with Luisah Teish and Dana Patterson.
2009
Producer and presenter, in conjunction with Promises, Sierra Tucson, and The Mayflower Center of "Raise Your Voice: Creating a Vocal Community," featuring Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock.
2009
Featured presenter for The University of Wisconsin Center for Health Enhancement System Studies (CHESS), "Advancing Recovery" program, a teleconference promoting evidence-based practice improvement to improve large-scale systems change. Presentation on the use of psychological testing in the treatment of addiction.
2009
Producer and presenter, in conjunction with Promises, Sierra Tucson and The Mayflower, “Raise Your Voice: Singing in the African American Tradition,” a day dedicated to learning African American history in the oral tradition, featuring Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock.
2009
Producer and presenter, in conjunction with Promises and Sierra Tucson, “Finding Balance,” a three day, two night retreat, featuring Keith Arnold, Albert Sombrero, Dana Patterson, and Luisah Teish. Petaluma, CA.
2009
Producer and presenter, in conjunction with Sierra Tucson, “The Women’s Medicine Wheel,” a one-day retreat for women.
2009
Featured presenter at Women's Association for Addiction Treatment - Marin County Chapter. Presentation on Group Psychotherapy as Transformational Experience, Corte Madera, CA.
2009
Administrative Director of Continuing Education at Promises Treatment Center, Malibu, CA. Directing the delivery of continuing education programs for psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Registered Nurses, and allied health professionals in all areas related to clinical practice.
2009
Member of Advisory Board at Promises Treatment Center
2009
Chairman of Continuing Education Committee and consultant to The Ben Franklin Institute, AZ.