Meet Dr. Kester
(she/they+)
Hello! My name is Dr. Bonnie Kester—feel free to call me Bonnie.
I have always had a dedication to working with people who deserved more of a voice and this grew in college. While completing my undergraduate degree, I double-majored in Psychology and Gender / Sexuality studies, with a minor in early childhood development. During this time, I interned at the campus counseling center where I learned how to advocate for survivors of sexual assault and relational violence, as well as educate my peers on consent, safety, cycles of abuse, and campus resources available to them.
I completed my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology through Antioch University New England in 2023. During this program, I worked with students and adults navigating a variety of challenges in life. I had the opportunity to provide therapy and psychological assessment within schools, colleges, and community mental health centers. Within these settings, I supported my clients while they navigated chronic trauma, neurodiversity, relationship issues, disordered eating, sexual assault, academic challenges, personality disorders, and gender and sexuality exploration.
During my internship at the University of Oregon Counseling Center, I solidified my passion for working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folx. I had the opportunity to lead several therapy groups focused on supporting LGBTQIA+ folks and this emboldened me to specialize in working with this community. Further, I gained experience in providing supervision, outreach, crisis support, and letter writing in support of individuals seeking gender-affirming care (HRT, gender-affirming surgery, etc.).
I have a passion for working with clients exploring their gender and sexuality. Whether this be working with folx who identify as transgender and queer, navigating our oftentimes harmful societal pressures, or cisgender straight men, exploring what it means to be a man, I am happy to explore with you the complexity of any and all forms of identity. I have also engaged in considerable trauma work, ranging from interpersonal and developmental traumas to severe and persistent sexual and physical violence. It is my strong belief that there is no experience of trauma, no matter how “insignificant” you may believe it is, that is undeserving of care and healing.
I feel that humor can be a great mode of connection, so I use humor in my practice where appropriate. I am not of the belief that psychotherapy has to be serious all the time, and utilizing humor can be a great method of making the harder topics more accessible and safer. I tend to challenge my clients, yet I value holding considerable space for gentleness. My main approaches to this work include integrating holistic and relational approaches to psychotherapy, LGBTQ+ affirming care, social justice-informed and trauma-informed work, empowerment-seeking, and strengths-based interventions. One of my long-term career goals is also to be a sex therapist, and I am excited to continue to learn more about sex therapy techniques and incorporate these into my work.
I enjoy witnessing and encouraging my clients to find what makes them feel empowered, to feel like themselves again, and to seek out the support needed to move them toward their goals. I help my clients to heal from past hurts, honor their authentic self, and live wholehearted lives that are in alignment with their values. Whether you're navigating relationship issues, questions about who you are, or low self-esteem, I want to help you thrive in life.
I look forward to meeting you and working together on your path to improved wellness!
Areas I Can Support You In
Gender Identity Exploration LGBTQIA+ Identities and Relationships HRT and Gender Affirming Care Support Navigating Non-monogamy/Polyamory Body Image Concerns Disordered Eating Relationship Issues Sex Therapy Trauma Neurodivergent Identities (ADHD & ASD)
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Level One Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
PSYPACT Provider
Education
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) - Antioch University New England
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology (MA) - Antioch University New England
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology & Gender / Sexuality Studies (BA) - Purchase College