About David
![[A photograph of David smiling in front of a brick wall.]](assets/images/david-heliotis-therapist-headshot-2022-brick.jpg)
My journey into this work began in 2012, when I volunteered at the Berkeley Free Clinic as a peer counselor. In the clinic’s training, I learned the foundations of person-centered counseling skills and developed skills in active listening and holding people in non-judgmental positive regard. In my years at the clinic, I worked with Berkeley’s homeless community, UC Berkeley students, and other’s needing to feel heard. My experience at the free clinic affirmed my capacity to be a counselor, and I attended Sonoma State University for my Masters in Counseling.
While working towards my degree, I worked at the Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic, which specializes in mindfulness-based and somatic (body-aware) psychotherapy. At Lomi I learned how to go beyond just listening to my clients. By engaging more directly, I could support people in having deeper experience of their whole self – their thoughts, emotions and sensations. As a therapist, I see great change begin to happen when people come to know and accept their whole selves.
Trainings, Education
I received a Masters in Counseling from Sonoma State University in 2017 and have completed the following trainings:
- Group Therapy Training Program at The Psychotherapy Institute (2023-2024)
- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Immersion (2022)
- Re-creation of the Self with Jon Eisman (2019)
- With Theresa Beldon and Kitty Chelton (2016-2019)
- Somatics and Bodynamic Developmental Stages
- Somatic Couple Therapy
- Working the Body Knot
- Hakomi Pro Skills I (2018-2019)
- Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic Therapist Training (2016-2017)
- Peer Counselor training at the Berkeley Free Clinic (2012)
Experience
I've been working as a counselor since 2017. I've worked with individuals, youth, and couples at the following clinics:
- Private Practice - Berkeley, CA (2023-Present)
- Bay Area Center for Psychotherapy - Berkeley, CA (2021-2023)
- Eden Counseling - Castro Valley, CA (2021-2022)
- Blue Oak Therapy Center - Berkeley, CA (2017-2021)
- Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic - Santa Rosa, CA (2016-2017)
Before 2017, I volunteered as a peer counselor at the Berkeley Free Clinic from 2013-2015.
Schedule Now
I am currently accepting new clients.
If you're interested in working with me, call, text, or email to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.