About Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, ABPP

Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, ABPP is a licensed psychologist (PSY13822) and board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology, co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Diplomate and Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and is a trainer and consultant for the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior. He is the author or co-author of numerous scholarly articles and chapters on cognitive-behavior therapy and related topics, as well as seven books. Dr. Tompkins treats adults, adolescents, and children with anxiety disorders (panic, worry, phobias, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety), stress, insomnia, body-focused repetitive behaviors (trichotillomania, skin picking, nail biting), elimination disorders (enuresis and encopresis), and Tourette’s and tic disorders.   For an appointment, call 510.652.4455 ext. 3 To learn more about Dr. Tompkins, visit his profile here.
14 10, 2025

Stress Less Hack: Walk in the Woods to Relax

By |2025-10-14T01:04:57-07:00October 14th, 2025|Stress Less|

Spending time in nature is a great way to keep your balance.

Not only that, but getting outdoors is good for your mental and physical health.

Japanese researchers have studied the benefits of “forest bathing,” which is a poetic way to say “a walk in the woods.”

Time outdoors can decrease your blood pressure and stress hormone levels, […]

29 09, 2025

Stress Less Hack: Bend and Breathe

By |2025-09-29T22:54:54-07:00September 29th, 2025|Stress Less|

Bend and breathe is another quick breathing technique.

It’s a great way to clear your head, relax your body, and boost your energy.

Try it when you first get out of bed in the morning:

  1. Stand and slowly bend forward from the waist with your knees slightly bent. Let your arms dangle close to the floor.
  2. Inhale […]
15 09, 2025

Stress Less Hack: Plan for Good Sleep

By |2025-09-15T21:29:56-07:00September 15th, 2025|Stress Less|

Most teens don’t get enough sleep during the week because they’re up late studying and then up very early for school.

That doesn’t leave much opportunity to sleep, plain and simple.

To create more time to sleep, move some of your morning routine (for example, shower, making your lunch, organizing your backpack, selecting your clothes) to the […]

26 08, 2025

Stress Less Hack: Ditch the Device for the Real Thing

By |2025-08-26T01:55:08-07:00August 26th, 2025|Stress Less|

Boredom can signal that you’re hungry for social input.

Human beings are social creatures, so it’s only natural that when you’re alone and bored, you’ll crave social interaction, but try for the real deal.

Get off your device and speak to people rather than resorting to quick texts, calls, or virtual meetings.

Furthermore, use those calls and texts […]