DESCRIPTION OF CLINICAL PRACTICE

      The soul loves to hear what it already knows.
            -Wayne Muller

When we take the time to listen deeply, our souls reveal the truth, that which we already know. Recent brain research explains how we are easily triggered, responding from past habits, becoming distracted and losing our way. I often feel that my work as a psychotherapist is about helping my clients connect to their deepest wisdom. We humans need constant reminders to take the time to know what is important, what is sacred, and what path to follow. In quiet moments, when we listen to the inner silence, our soul resonates with a deep truth that has always been there, waiting to be remembered. The practices of mindfulness and of metta (loving-kindness) help us sit with all of who we are, listen deeply with non-judgment. I offer a safe environment in which each client can come to know the beauty and light of their Buddha nature and work through the places in which they get stuck.

I especially enjoy collaborating with couples in creating the best approach to improved relationships, as it is in our primary relationship that we are most challenged to grow. The therapy shifts between day-to-day problem solving and improving communication, and exploring previous experiences of each partner that may be contributing to present-day behaviors. I also enjoy working with families, particularly with adult children.

VIPASSANA/MEDITATION BACKGROUND
I attended my first Vipassana residential retreat with Ruth Denison in 1984. I have also attended retreats with Ayya Khema, Christina Feldman, Stephen and Martine Bachelor, Sylvia Boorstein and others. I presented Mindfulness-Loving Kindness through Action, a one-day workshop at SRMC. Buddhist practices and teachings inform every aspect of my clinical work.

RELEVANT CLINICAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
My work draws from training in a variety of theories and methods including couples, family and individual counseling, object relations, cognitive therapy, Buddhist psychology, psychodrama, sandplay, art and other expressive arts therapies. I am an adjunct professor at CA Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS).

I have over 20 years of counseling experience specializing in: couples/relationships, grief/loss, living with illness, spirituality, trauma/childhood abuse recovery, codependence/addiction, creativity and transitions. I am the founder and director of IMAGINE! Center for Creativity and Healing, a Registered Drama Therapist/Trainer, and Trainer, Educator and Practitioner of Psychodrama. I offer workshops on a variety of topics including: Steps to Forgiveness, Opening the Heart, and The Journey of Living and Dying.