About Dr. Iris M. Steine

My background and path

Alongside my clinical work, I completed a PhD and postdoctoral research on the long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences, stress, and trauma. That work still shapes how I listen. You can read my published research on Google Scholar.

For several years I also worked in the tech sector in a research role. Along the way, it became clear to me that I wanted to return to more meaningful work centered on human connection, and on helping people through the challenges in their lives.

I am a Registered Psychological Associate affiliated with the Integration Collective.

My training and supervision

In my home country, Norway, I am a fully licensed clinical psychologist, with more than five years of post-licensure experience across public and private healthcare. I trained in clinical psychology at the University of Bergen. I also hold a PhD in Psychology, with clinical and academic research work focused on childhood adversity, trauma, abuse, neglect, and their longer-term effects.

In California, I practice as a Registered Psychological Associate (registration 94029954) under the supervision of Dr. Cheryl Tien, licensed clinical psychologist, PSY 36121, while I work toward licensure here.

What therapy with me is like

I care about helping people understand themselves more fully and move through painful experiences with more self-compassion. Over time, that can bring more clarity and a greater sense of freedom.

Therapy with me is a place where you can bring everything you are carrying. I try to meet you with presence, openness, acceptance, and care, so that hard feelings, big questions, and the deeper parts of your story can be explored honestly.

My approach to therapy

I work in a warm, collaborative way. Together we look at how past experiences, relationships, feelings, and reactions in your body may be shaping what you are facing now.

I draw on several approaches, informed by research on trauma and stress.

We shape the work around your needs, goals, and pace.

Some help us understand emotions.

Some help us look at patterns of thinking.

Some help us get to know the different parts of ourselves.

Some focus on the body.

Who I work with

Many of the people who find their way to me are thoughtful, capable, and used to carrying a great deal on their own. I welcome clients of any sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or belief system.

I also understand some of what expats face: being far from people who have known you for years, questions about where you belong, and building a life between cultures.

Having worked in the tech sector myself, I know the pressures many people there carry. Work that never switches off. Blurry lines between work and home. Constant uncertainty. Over time, that strain can turn into burnout, anxiety, and low mood, especially when rest is hard to protect.

I also work with people who have had an experience involving unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), or who find that information about UAP has raised questions about the world as they knew it. You can talk about it with me, without being dismissed or pathologized.

Outside of work

I recharge outdoors and take every opportunity to get out into nature, whether enjoying the natural beauty of California or traveling to explore new places. I love learning, and I read widely across the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and technology, with physics, astronomy, psychology, and health among my favorite subjects. Music matters a lot to me, and I sing with the Threshold Singers of the East Bay, offering gentle songs to people who are nearing the end of life. I also love cooking and baking, and I enjoy going to talks, events, and concerts across a wide range of topics and genres.

Finding the right fit

Finding the right therapist is a personal decision, and a sense of fit matters. If something here resonates with you, you are warmly welcome to reach out. You can book a session directly, or start with a free 15-minute consultation to see how it feels.

I offer online therapy across California and in-person therapy in downtown San Francisco. If you live in the Bay Area, you are welcome to meet in person or online. Sessions are $220 per hour, and low-fee options are available at $170. Insurance is not accepted, but I can provide a bill that you can send to your insurer to see if it can be covered.

Get in touch

I know it can take courage to begin therapy. A few words about what brings you here is enough.

You can use the form, send an email, or leave a voicemail.

Email: drirismsteine@gmail.com

Phone: +1 510-545-3111

Connect

Dr. Iris M. Steine
Registered Psychological Associate, registration 94029954
Supervised by Dr. Cheryl Tien, licensed clinical psychologist, PSY 36121

Insurance is not accepted.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.

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drirismsteine@gmail.com

+1 ‪510-545-3111‬

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