Mind activity
feeds on itself until it creates an enormous conplexity of
suffering. At the core of all mind activity is a search for
self-definition, but the mind searches in all the wrong places...The
permanence of your true nature is recognized to be the continuous
presence of awareness that was exactly the same when you
were five, fifteen, fifty, or ninety years old.
—Gangaji, The Diamond in your Pocket
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Philosophy
My approach to therapy is informed by three overarching
principles:
• that
there is a natural and innate force in us that wants
to unfold organically towards greater degrees of wholeness and integration;
driving us forward to fulfill our individual and unique
potential,
• that
therapy helps midwife this process by both reconnecting us to and removing
the blocks to this organic unfolding,
• that
the ultimate goals of therapy are to help reconnect us to our own innate
aliveness, to bring that aliveness into the world, and to find a deep compassion
for
ourselves
and others.
Influences
Before I became a therapist, I taught meditation for ten years. When I
decided to become a psychotherapist, I chose a graduate school that would
support my integration of spirituality with psychotherapy. To this end,
I attended California Institute of Integral Studies in 1979 and studied
Transpersonal therapies such as Psychosynthesis. In the course of things,
I learned how to work with mental imagery, guided visualization, and chakra
systems.
Soon into my internship, I developed a way of working that focused
my clients' attention on sensations in their bodies. In essence, I "stumbled" upon
working somatically. Impressed with the results, I began post-graduate
work in Focusing with John Welwood. From that point on, I was deeply
committed to a holistic mind - body - spiritual framework.
During
the 1980’s,
I continued my postgraduate education in the arenas of self-psychology
with Karen Peoples and addiction / codependency with David
Skibbins and Pia Mellody.
In 1988, I completed all requirements by the state of California,
took the necessary written and oral exams, and became licensed
to practice psychotherapy.
In the early 1990’s, I began my study of Hakomi
Body-Centered Psychotherapy. I was originally drawn to Hakomi
because I wanted training in the psycho-therapeutic application of
touch. I graduated,
fulfilling that goal, but in addition, found an elegant and comprehensive
method of working that tied together and deepened all that I had
previously studied.
I became enthralled by the depth, gentleness, and efficacy of
Hakomi. I continued my studies through the Hakomi Institute,
assisted in a number
of trainings and eventually was asked to join the teaching staff.
In 1999, I became certified as a Hakomi Therapist. In 2000,
I earned
my certification
as a Hakomi Teacher and in 2005 I was certified as a Hakomi Trainer.
I
continue to study advanced applications of the Hakomi Method.
During 2000, I studied methods for resolving trauma with
Pat Ogden, founder of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. In 2001, I took a three month training
in leading groups with Jon Eisman.
To this day, I continue to draw inspiration and guidance from Hakomi.
To learn more about Hakomi, check out the Resources section.
The Way I Work
I
work holistically, assisting and teaching my clients to listen to their
bodies and souls as well as their minds. My approach is gentle, respectful,
interactive, experiential, and collaborative.
Areas of Focus
I
see adults for individual therapy, supervision, and consultation. I run supervision groups, train therapists and lead trainings. I work with men
and women of all sexual orientations.
Over my twenty years of experience, I have worked with a wide variety
of issues including:
• relationships
and intimacy
• self-esteem
• spiritual
issues, meditation, relaxation
• creative inspiration and blocks
• life planning including goals and visions, financial management,
etc.
• sexual identity including sorting it out and coming out issues
• trauma & PTSD
• recovery from sexual & physical abuse
• ACA/codependency
• process addictions (sex, love, Internet, debting)
• compulsions and obsessions
• anxiety and depression
• procrastination
• chronic illness including HIV and AIDS
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