Dr. Renee
Hoekstra
Dr. Renee Hoekstra became a licensed clinical psychologist in Massachusetts in 2008 and has been in private practice since 2009. She has over 20 years of clinical experience including leading small groups to decrease suffering and improve quality of life, enable skill building and problem solving, and enhance connections with others.
She obtained a Harvard post-doctorate position, has done various workshops and speeches, and has several publications, including her self-published book The Emotional Extremist's Guide to Handling Cartoon Elephants.
How to Move Towards What Matters: Connection, Belonging, and Meaning
Living a meaningful life means living a life according to one's values, showing up where it matters, behaving with self-respect, and having fulfilling and meaningful connections with others. Join Renee for practical strategies, exercises, and questions for how to decrease suffering, utilize mindful practice, clarify internal confusion, and stay connected in a disconnected world.
What is Mindfulness and How Can It Reduce Your Suffering
An introduction to mindfulness as a practical tool for reducing suffering.
Making Space for Rumination, Self-Criticism, and Racing Thoughts
Practical strategies for a restless mind.
Parenting the Emotionally Extreme Teen
A workshop for parents navigating big emotions at home.
Who books Renee
"It has been a lifeline. Watching other people succeed has really prompted me to move forward. I appreciate Renee's honest feedback - she keeps us accountable, and we all know what's going on."Group Therapy Client
"The uniqueness of this space is being both challenged and supported. That's not something I do here, because that's not why I'm here."Group Therapy Client
"Renee comes from a place of love and support, but also challenges what I'm doing or saying."Group Therapy Client
Media & Publications
Books & PublicationsThe Emotional Extremist's Guide to Handling Cartoon Elephants
Self-published, 2013. Includes Renee's own watercolor artwork and graphic design.
Buy the book →The Practice of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Contributing chapter, "Functional Analytic Psychotherapy for Interpersonal Process Groups." Springer, 2010.
Preparing the New Client for Functional Analytic Group Therapy
Published in Group, Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society, Fall 2021, Vol. 45, No. 1.
Interpersonal Process Groups Redefined: A Behavioral Conceptualization
Published in Behavior Analyst Online, 2008, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 188–189.
Read here →ACBS International Conference
Presented on DBT and group therapy (2016) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy and groups (2017).