Akhila E. A. Kolesar, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist (PSY25015)
CV: Akhila Kolesar
Akhila Elizabeth Ann Kolesar, Ph.D.
Mailing Address: 912 Cole St. #239 San Francisco, CA 94117
415.650.6261
LICENSE & CERTIFICATIONS
Clinical Psychologist, CA License #25015
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, awarded 2010
M.A., Transpersonal Psychology, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, awarded 2007
B.A. with Honors, Ecopsychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, awarded 2004
PRESENT CLINICAL POSITIONS
Director and Clinical Psychologist, Sacred Wheel Psychological Services, San Francisco, CA
July 2012-present
Providing depth-oriented, humanistic, somatic, and integrative psychotherapy to adult individuals and couples with a range of psychological needs including stage of life issues, anxiety, depression (uni- and bi-polar), identity issues, relationship concerns, nontraditional relationship structures, developmental and acute trauma, compulsivity problems, and adjustment issues
PAST CLINICAL POSITIONS
Primary Supervisor, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA
June 2016-August 2018
Supervising Master’s in Integral Counseling students doing their first year practicum at Pierce Street Counseling Center.
Supervising Psychologist, Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA
June 2012-December 2014
Provided clinical supervision to postdoctoral fellows and psychological assistants pursuing state licensure, as they provide individual and group therapy to populations mandated to treatment as a condition of their parole, probation, or pretrial status. Prelicensed clinicians provide services including evidence-based treatment in social habilitation and relapse prevention, recidivism analysis, and risk assessment using clinical interview and a variety of instruments.
Supervising Psychologist, Stepping Stones Center for Autistic Spectrum Disorders,
San Mateo, CA
June 2013-August 2014
Provided clinical supervision of first year practicum trainees working with children with autism spectrum disorders using Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy.
Staff Forensic Psychologist, Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA
September 2011-February 2014
Provided individual, couples, and group treatment as social (re)habilitation and relapse prevention with a mandated forensic population including those who have committed sex offenses, have substance abuse problems, and individuals on federal pretrial, probation, or state parole. Conducted intake assessments that include clinical interview, client history, Abel Assessment of Sexual Interest (AASI), Structured Risk Assessment- Forensic Version Light (SRA-FVL), Level of Service/ Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI), STABLE-2007, and ACUTE-2007.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA
September 2010-August 2011
Provided social habilitation and relapse prevention with a mandated forensic population including criminal sex offenders and substance abuse felons, many with histories of violence. Facilitated groups and individual treatment sessions, with frequent interaction with law enforcement, probation officers, parole agents, and community case management services.
Primary supervisor- Mary Perry Miller, Ph.D.
Secondary supervisor- Tom Tobin, Ph.D.
Psychological Assistant, Stillpoint Center for Depth Psychotherapy, San Francisco, CA
October 2009-June 2012
Provided individual depth-oriented psychotherapy to high-functioning adults with a range of psychological needs including anxiety, depression, identity issues, relationship concerns, trauma, adjustment issues, motivational problems, and others. Participated in weekly 3-hour group consultation in addition to bi-weekly supervision and training, organize community outreach and presentations, and network with local professionals and community groups to establish ongoing support and therapy groups. Received training in Jungian theory, Lacanian theory, and sandtray from center supervisors.
Primary supervisor- John McLaughlin, Psy.D.
Secondary Supervisor- Charlotte Lewis, Ph.D.
Pre-Doctoral Intern, Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, Santa Cruz, CA
September 2007- September 2009
Provided individual, couple, child, and family therapy at a non-profit community counseling agency serving an ethnically and sexually diverse, often low-income, client population. Worked with clients presenting with a number of psychological and interpersonal concerns, including drug and alcohol dependence, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, adjustment issues, identity problems, and trauma. Coordinated agency’s Rainbow Counseling Program, an LGBTIQ competency training program for clinicians and mental health outreach to the LGBTIQ community of Santa Cruz County. Wrote and applied for grant opportunities related to the LGBTIQ program, and facilitated psycho-educational support groups for Queer and Questioning women students at the University of California, Santa Cruz Lionel Cantú GLBTI Resource Center. Participated in agency’s seasonal training seminars in assessments and ongoing trainings in a variety of clinically related topics.
Primary Supervisor- Rick Allen, Ph.D.
Secondary Supervisor- Cathy Curtis, LCSW
Practicum Trainee, Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, Santa Cruz, CA
September 2006-September 2007
Provided individual, couple, child, and family therapy at a non-profit community counseling agency serving an ethnically and sexually diverse, often low-income, client population. Worked with clients presenting with a number of psychological and interpersonal concerns, including drug and alcohol dependence, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship problems, adjustment issues, identity problems, and trauma. Participated in the agency’s Rainbow Counseling Program training for clinicians and inter-agency brainstorming groups designed to target LGBTIQ population.
Primary Supervisor- Rick Allen, Ph.D.
Secondary Supervisor- Eileen Cavalier, MFT
Practicum Trainee, Ravenswood School District, East Palo Alto, CA
September 2005-June 2006
Provided individual, group, and family counseling services to children in an ethnically diverse, underserved region of the Bay Area. Primarily served children enrolled at San Francisco 49ers Academy, a continuation middle school for students with behavioral, emotional, and academic special needs. Worked one-on-one with children struggling with trauma, community gang violence, domestic violence, anger, impulse control, depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol dependence.
Primary Supervisor – Janice Walton, Ph.D., MFT
Secondary Supervisor – Steve DiCerbo, MFT
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Guest Lecturer, Graduate Level Psychotherapy
Christ University, Bangalore, India
March 2015, March 2016
Guest Lecturer in Clinical Psychology core class. Faculty- Raksha Kartik, Ph.D.
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Multicultural Psychology and the Family
California Institute of Integral Studies, ICP Program, San Francisco, CA
Semesters: Summer 2014, Spring 2015, Summer 2015
Graduate level instructor
Dean of Program- Barbara Morrill, Ph.D.
Trainer, Practicum and Intern DidacticTraining Series
B.A.A.R.T., San Francisco, CA
December 2013- June 2015
Clinical Director- Helen Geller, Psy.D.
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Guest Lecturer, Philosophy of Ethics
Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
April 2010
Guest lecturer in Business Psychology core class. Faculty- Aneel Chima, Ph.D.
Trainer/Faciliator, Rainbow Counseling Program Clinician Competency Training Series Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, Santa Cruz, CA
January 2007-Septemer 2009
Once each year, conducted an 8 week competency training series in working with LGBTIQ issues, compiled a 350 page reader for participants, and organized guest speakers. Supervisor- Rita Flores
Trainer, Staff and Intern Didactic Program Training Series
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, Santa Cruz, CA
April 2010, April 2009, April 2008
Conducted 2 hour training in The New Queer Consciousness organized by agency. Supervisor‑ Rita Flores
Trainer/Co-facilitator, Multicultural Awareness Weekend Intensive
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA
November 2006, October 2007
For two consecutive years, assisted in teaching Multicultural Awareness Weekend Intensive, a mandatory class for all incoming students. Responsible for all aspects of class, including creation of course reader, direction of activities, group facilitation, answering questions and explaining concepts. Supervisor‑ Luisah Teish, Ph.D.
Class Co-Designer, Research Pod in Diversity Issues
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA
September-June 2007
Co-created Research Pod: Diversity Issues, an experiential research class designed to explore actual institute data while introducing students to the sensitive study of multicultural issues and marginalized populations. Supervisor- Ryan Rominger, Ph.D.
Teaching Assistant, Proseminar in Somatic Psychology
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA
March- June 2007
Responsible for multiple aspects of class environment, including preparing and presenting parts of lectures, class demonstrations, group facilitation, answering questions and explaining concepts. Read and provided feedback on students’ work, including participation in class exercises, presentations, and final exam papers. Supervisor‑ Virginia Dennehy, Ph.D.
RESEARCH POSITIONS
Research Assistant to faculty, Judy Grahn, Ph.D.
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA
May-August 2009
Acted as principal assistant to ITP faculty, Judy Grahn, Ph.D., on her lesbian heritage project. Performed database searches and secured both common and obscure literature, acted as technician during recorded interview sessions, updated archival material to usable medium, consulted researcher on various project content. Supervisor- Judy Grahn, Ph.D.
Diversity Research Pod- Research Assistant
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA
September 2006-June 2007
Participated on a research team examining the relationship between explicit inclusion of diversity issues in academic courses and students’ and faculty’s experience of cultural sensitivity while at the Institute. Performed and wrote literature review, co‑developed research design with professor overseeing the project, conducted syllabi audit, prepared research measures for distribution to subjects, collected data, ran and interpreted statistical reports, and wrote final report. Presented findings with research team to various administrative bodies at the Institute and also at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education, Orlando, FL, 5/08. Supervisor- Ryan Rominger, Ph.D.
PUBLICATIONS
Kolesar, A. E. A. & Pardo, S. T. (2019). The religious and philosophical characteristics of a consensually nonmonogamous sample. International Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 38(1), 99-117.
Pardo, S. T. & Kolesar, A. E. (2017). Romantic relationships with transgender partners. In K. Nadal (Ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Psychology and Gender. SAGE.
Kolesar, A. E. A. (2014). Polyamory and the spiritual histories of multiply partnered people. In Tara Long (Ed.), Integral and transpersonal sexology: Human sexuality and intimate relationships from an integral, transpersonal, and somatic sexological perspective (pp.87-99). Alphen aan den Rijn, South Holland, The Netherlands: Lulu International Publishing.
Kolesar, A. E. A. (2010). Spiritual identities of multiply partnered people. Dissertation Abstracts International- B, 71/10. (UMI No. 3419247)
Rominger, R., & Kolesar, A. (2008). Diversity related bibliography and resources. Retrieved on June 10, 2008 from American Psychological Association Division 2: Society for the Teaching of Psychology website http://www.teachpsych.org/otrp/resources/resources.php?category=Diversity
Kolesar, A. E. A. (2007). Making meaning in the moment: The meeting of existential-humanism and the Jungian concept of synchronicity. In Myrtle Heery (Ed.), Unearthing the Moment VII: Papers Presented for Completion of Courses I-IV (pp.45-56). Petaluma, CA: International Institute for Humanistic Studies.
Kolesar, A. (2005). Ecopsychology as an approach to natural healing within the process of group psychotherapy. Proseminar in Group Process Course Reader. Palo Alto, CA: Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.
PRESENTATIONS
Kolesar, A. (2024, June 16). Shadow work: The portal of nightmares. Spiritweavers Gathering, Cave Junction, OR.
Kolesar, A. E. A., Pardo, S. T. & Bicknell, S. A. (2024, March 16). Introduction to Family & Systems Constellation. San Jose, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2024, February 10). Shadow work: The portal of nightmares.
The Dreaming Summit: A Benefit Event for Bridging Spirit. Online program: https://bridgingspirit.org.
Kolesar, A. (2023, June 18). Shadow work: The portal of nightmares. Spiritweavers Gathering, Cave Junction, OR.
Kolesar, A. (2023, March 23). Managing climate anxiety in the age of negative news. Monthly presentation produced by Movement Genius. Online program: https://www.movementgenius.com.
Kolesar, A. (2015, May 20). Sexual identity and sexual minority issues in the treatment relationship: Building competency in working with LGBT and gender-variant clients. Intern Training Series at BAART Programs, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2014, December 17). Cross-cultural psychotherapy and managing microaggressions. Intern Training Series at BAART Programs, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2014, July 16). Cross-cultural psychotherapy and managing microaggressions. Intern Training Series at BAART Programs, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2014, March 12). Sexual identity and sexual minority issues in the treatment relationship: Building competency in working with LGBT and gender-variant clients. Intern Training Series at BAART Programs, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A (2013, December 11). Human-centered treatment: Exploring choice and responsibility in mandated psychotherapy. Intern Training Series at BAART Programs, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2013, October 8). Cross-cultural therapy and the management of microaggressions. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2013, June 11). Human-centered Treatment: Exploring choice and responsibility in mandated psychotherapy. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2013, January 15). Maladaptive and adaptive interest in non-monogamy. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2012, October 23). Microaggressions: making the invisible visible. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2012, October 9). Microaggressions and cross-cultural issues. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2012, August 14). Human-centered Treatment: Exploring choice and responsibility in mandated psychotherapy. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2012, July 24). Microaggressions and cross-cultural issues. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2012, January 17). Maladaptive and adaptive interest in non-monogamy. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. (2011, December 13). Sexual Identity and Sexual Minority issues in the treatment relationship. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Sprott, R., Cookson, K., Hutchins, L., Kolesar, A., Ley, D., & Robinson, M. (2011, August 5). Bisexuality within a polyamorous relational orientation. Panel presentation on Bisexuality and Polyamory at the American Psychological Association’s National Convention, Washington D.C.
Kolesar, A. (2011, April 19). Competency in working with sexual minority populations. Post-doctoral Fellow Training Series at Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA.
Kolesar, A. & Tartaro, J. (2011, March 6). Intergenerational dialogue on transgender issues. Presentation at the Association for Women in Psychology Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
Kolesar, A. E. A. (2010, August 12). Spiritual identities of multiply partnered people. Poster presentation at the American Psychological Association’s National Convention, San Diego, CA.
Brooks, C., Kolesar, A. E. A., & Tartaro, J. (2010, February 12). Queer(ing) spirituality: A collaborative exploration of the lived experiences of queer spiritual orientation. Presentation at the Association for Women in Psychology Conference, Portland, OR.
Brooks, C., Grahn, J., & Kolesar, A. E. A. (2009, March 14). Wave to web: Shifting feminist metaphor; connecting discourses of self, community, and the sacred. Presentation at the Association for Women in Psychology Conference, Newport, RI.
Kolesar, A. E. A. (2009, January 15). Making the sexually invisible visible: Clinical implications of polyamory and sexual orientation. Poster presentation at the American Psychological Association’s National Multicultural Conference and Summit, New Orleans, LA.
Rominger, R., Kolesar, A. E. A., Seddighzadeh, H., Chandrashekar, R., Astarte, S. & Perry, A. (2008, May 29). Leading institutional change: Graduate students’ institutional research facilitating diversity development. Presentation at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education, Orlando, FL.
Kolesar, A. E. A. (2008, April 28). A roundtable discussion on combating the –isms in institutes of higher learning.Presentation and discussion at the UC Berkeley, School of Public Health Conference on Building Inclusive and Multi-culturally Competent Health Organizations: A Healing Approach to Addressing the –Isms, Berkeley, CA.
AWARDS
Counseling Services Intern of the Year Award, 2009
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, Santa Cruz, CA
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Intentional Nonmonogamy and Adult Attachment, Antiracism and Spiritual Abolitionism, Identity Making, Urban Ecopsychology, Spirituality and Meaning-Making, Integration of Expanded States of Consciousness, Ceremony and Intentional Ordeal, Criminal Desistance, Sexual and Gender Expansiveness, Psychology of Integrated Health, Counseling and the Process of Human Growth, Family and Systems Constellations
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
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GAYLESTA: GLBT Therapist Association of the Bay Area, CA, 2006 - present
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Bay Area Open Minds 2014 - present
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The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), 2014 - present
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Northern California Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy (NCCEFT)
2015 - present
TRAINING SERIES IN PROCESS
Relational Touch: Healing Relational Developmental Trauma, with Shirley Dvir. San Anselmo, CA. Sept. - Dec. 2025
MASTER TRAINING EXPERIENCE
Advanced Consultation in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, with Jamie Bachman, MFT & Sarah Ackerman, MFT. Online.
June 2021 - present, Monthly consultation group
Experiential Training in Constellation, Ceremony, and Dreamwork with Sarah Maclean Bicknell. Online & in person in Seattle, WA.
Mar. 2020 - present
Advanced Consultation in Somatic/Attachment Work, with Karen Rachels, MFT. San Francisco, CA (transitioned to online in 2020)
Dec. 2013 - present, Monthly consultation group
Unearthing the Moment: Training in Humanistic Existential approaches to therapy, with Myrtle Heery, Ph.D., of the International Institute for Humanistic Studies. Petaluma, CA.
June 2006-present, Twice yearly weekend intensives
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Foundations of Relational Somatic Healing: Bonding Beyond Attachment, with Shirley Dvir. Oakland, CA. Jan. - May 2025
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Beyond IFS Consultation Group, with Bob Falconer, PhD. Online.
Feb. - May 2025
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Systems Constellation Facilitation Training, with Francesca Mason Boring, of All My Relations Constellations. Seattle, WA. Mar. 2024 - Oct. 2024
Advanced Flash Technique, with Philip Manfield, PhD. Online Sept. 21, 2024.
Safer Together: Working with Trauma and Dissociation in EFT Couples Therapy with Jamie Bachman, LCSW. Online Dec. 15-16, 2023.
Flash Technique: Basic Principles and Protocols, with Philip Manfield, PhD. Online Sept. 30, 2023.
Decolonizing Ceremony, Relationship-Building & Indigenous Reciprocity. Workshop presented by Chacruna. Online
Sept. 21, 2023
At the Crossroads of Trauma Therapy: Integrating EMDR, Structural Dissociation, Attachment Repair & Parts Work, with Rachel Walker, MFT. Online
Sept. 14-17, 2023
Ethics Module: Ethical Issues and Client Expectations in Non-ordinary States of Consciousness-Assisted Psychotherapies. Polaris Insight Center. Online
June 4, 2023
Integration Module: Integration in Ketamine-and NOSC-assisted Therapies: Theory & Practice. Polaris Insight Center. Online
Feb. 24, 2023
Supervision in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, with Shana Ree Gann, MFT. San Francisco, CA (transitioned to online in 2020)
Oct. 2018 - Sept. 2022
From Trauma to Dharma, Level 2, with Manuela Mischke Reeds, MFT and Hakomi Institute of California. Online
Nov. 2020 - May 2021
From Trauma to Dharma, Level 1, with Manuela Mischke Reeds, MFT and Hakomi Institute of California. Online
May - June 2020
Supervision in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, with Beth Jaeger-Skigen, LCSW. San Francisco, CA.
Oct. 2015 - Feb. 2019
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Beyond Core Skills, with Rebecca Jorgensen, PhD, Sarah Ackerman, MFT, & Jamie Bachman, LCSW. San Francisco, CA.
Nov. 2018 - June 2019
Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind: Year-long Immersion in Interpersonal Neurobiology with Bonnie Badenoch, PhD, MFT. Berkeley, CA
Jan. - Nov.2017
The Heart of Trauma: Healing the Embodied Brain in the Context of Relationships, with Bonnie Badenoch, PhD, MFT. Oakland, CA
July 16, 2016
Group Consultation in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, with Shana Ree Gann, MFT & Adam Eigner, PhD. San Francisco, CA.
Sept. 2015 - July 2016, Bi-Monthly consultation group
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Core Skills Series, with Rebecca Jorgensen, Ph.D. & Mark Kaupp, Ph.D. San Francisco, CA.
Jan.- July 2015
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) 4-day externship, with Susan M. Johnson, Ph.D. & Rebecca
Jorgensen, Ph.D. San Francisco, CA.
Oct. 20 - 23, 2014, Externship
Consultation Group in Internal Family Systems, with Cathy Curtis, MFT. Santa Cruz, CA.
Apr. 2007 - Sept.2009, Bi-monthly supervision group
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Co-President, Bay Area Open Minds Board, San Francisco, CA
June 2020 - June 2023
Dream Group Facilitator, Village Green via Mighty Networks, Online.
Oct. 2021 - Dec. 2022
Member-at Large, Bay Area Open Minds Board, San Francisco, CA
June 2018 - June 2020
Member, Queer Youth Task Force, The Diversity Center, Santa Cruz, CA
January 2007 - June 2009
Participate in volunteer committee of representatives from various community organizations concerned with the health of Santa Cruz LGBTIQ youth.
Chairperson, Student Liaison Board, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
July 2007 - June 2008
Served as Chairperson for body of student liaisons by organizing bi-monthly meetings, interfacing between Institute administration and students, facilitating quarterly Town Hall Meetings, and acting as point person for student concerns.
Representative, Student Liaison Board, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
July 2006 - June 2007
Served as liaison between cohort and administration by disseminating information, reporting on student concerns, and overseeing action items.
Member, Diversity Committee, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
September 2004 - June 2008
Participated in bi-monthly meetings, event organization, collection of student resources, and management of Diversity bulletin board. Key committee organizer during 06-07 academic year.
Member, Diversity Action Team, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
October 2005 - June 2007
Co-created new board at Institute consisting of representation from student, faculty, staff, and administrative bodies. Participated in bi-monthly meetings, event organization, and establishment of mission, goals, and assessments.