Israel “Rulik” Perla, PhD, MFT

My professional work includes psychotherapy with clients in private practice, supervising and training therapy interns, and adding human dimension to the working of high-tech companies.

Since 2009, I have supervised individuals and groups at the Alameda Crisis Center and offered consultation for their group leaders. I also supervise both individuals and groups in my private practice and run a consultation group for recently licensed professionals who do not need supervision any more yet appreciate consultation and support in their new practice. Between 2010 and 2014, I supervised both individuals and groups at the JFK Holistic Counseling Center.

I was born in Israel in 1955 and grew up during several wars. As all Israelis I served in the army for three years. For my undergraduate work I studied Music and Philosophy at the Tel-Aviv University.

Later I became a software engineer and worked professionally on many aspects of software design in England, Belgium, Italy, Israel and the United States.

In 2002 I graduated from John F Kennedy University, with MS in Counseling Psychotherapy and found my vocation.

I trained and mentored with Eric Greenleaf PH.D, Stephen Gilligan PH.D, and Gary Hoeber MFT.

I am an associate of The Milton H. Erickson Institute of the Bay Area and a member of CAMFT.

My PhD in Clinical Psychology from Meridian University can be reviewed here.

Teaching Courses

Enhancing our Therapeutic Toolbox – 8 weeks training series for therapists (4 hours each week) on a variety of therapy tools that can help work in any modality. Fall 2020, fall 2021

Brief Therapy methods and techniques – One day introduction and demonstration of various approaches to trauma. Emphasis on Ericksonian therapy. 2016, Mexico

Couples Therapy – One day training to therapists, focused on experiential approach and including NVC introduction. Yearly, in various locations in Mexico, since 2018

Dissociation – 3 hours introductory training to therapy interns – online, 2020

Psychotherapy and Spirituality – 3 hours training for therapy interns. Oakland CA, yearly 2012-2018

Facilitating Group Therapy – 3 hours training for therapy interns. Oakland CA, yearly 2012-2018

Working with Multi-Cultural Couples – 3 hours training for therapy interns. Oakland CA, yearly 2012-2016

Using Mythology in Psychological work – 3 months community college course. 2 hours weekly classes. Introducing Mythology, mainly the Greek Pantheon, as psychological archetypes that enable inner work. Yuba County, 2004

Recognizing the Inner Multiplicity – 8 weeks training for therapists, on recognizing parts, accepting inner contradictions and learning to talk with parts. Online, 2020