DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL PRACTICE
I work with individuals and couples to transform the pain and confusion caused by early and later traumas by damaging patterns and emotions. Using non-judgmental attention and guided inquiry, together we begin to untangle many "stuck" places in both the mind and heart. My approach to healing in these last 15 years of clinical practice combines 30 years of mindfulness practice with skillful additions from Western psychotherapeutic techniques and perspectives. I've been blending the healing essence of both these paths. I enjoy working with both beginning and advanced Dharma practitioners in resolving various life, relationship, or spiritual challenges. My work often results in the feeling of having ease in the heart and of more space, or openness in the mind. With genuine openness and careful attention, the deepest wounds, even those stemming from unconscious patterns, can reveal and resolve themselves. Toxic, obsessive emotions and thinking patterns can finally soften, transform, or dissipate. With the right psychological tools, anyone with patience and interest can discover crucial distinctions between letting-go and avoidance, or between non-attachment and indifference. This is the very self understanding that leads to healthy self acceptance and a calmer, more spacious and joyful sense of oneself.

VIPASSANA/MEDITATION BACKGROUND
Since 1978 over 50 ten day retreats and 3 two to four month formal vipassana practice periods in U.S., Europe and Asia. Much of my early practice was guided by Ruth Denison and her focus on the impermanent nature of existence through moment to moment awareness of sense experience and conscious movement. Later I was guided by Sayadaw U. Pandita who emphasized intensive one-pointedness training within a strict monastic context to deepen insight into the nature of mind and body phenomena. My most recent 15 year practice has been Dzogchen under the guidance of Venerable Tsok Nyi Rinpoche, who emphasizes resting the mind within a non-conceptual, open awareness. Each year I continue to attend several Dzogchen retreats of various lengths, as well as spending at least a month of personal intensive retreat practice.

RELEVANT CLINICAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
I'm a licensed MFT and have been practicing psychotherapy full-time for 15 years. I studied Phenomenology at Goddard College in the late 60's. I did graduate training in clinical psychology at JFK University with both individuals and families. I was trained in Self Psychology, a Western approach to disorders of the self structure quite compatible with Dharma. Later I mentored with several Bay Area master therapists. Since then, I have been gaining experience and trainings in several brief and long term approaches to a wide range of clinical issues. I currently include Jungian thought in my own developing style of East/West skillful means. I also treat difficulties stemming from various forms of trauma and abuse, all kinds of gender or identity issues, many mood, or personality disturbances. Also, difficulties and deficits with attention are a specialty, with all ages.