facilitating growth
About Me
EDUCATION
M.A., Transpersonal Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy
Naropa University, Boulder, CO May 2003
B.A., English Literature, Studio Art Minor
University of Scranton, Scranton, PA May 1995
LICENSES
National Certified Counselor (NCC) #299478
OR Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #2407
SPECIALIZED TRAININGS AND EXPERIENCE:
Jungian Psychology- I adapt Jungian principles to personal growth coaching work, specifically, active imagination, shadow integration work and dialoguing with "parts" or sub-personalities.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)- I draw from ACT theories to assist clients in clarifying their values, incorporating effective mindfulness techniques into their daily lives and taking action steps that align with their values.
Meditation Training- I began formal practice and study of Tibetan Buddhism in 2000 at Naropa University in the Shambhala tradition and in 2007 with Lama Pema and Lama Yeshe at Kagyu Sukkha Choling in the Karma Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu lineages. I assist with practical application of: meditation, basic goodness, basic intelligence, maitri, positive unconditional regard, Tonglen, and compassionate action. I approach personal & spiritual growth work with the aspiration that it benefit all beings.
Authentic Movement, Psychodrama, Expressive Art Therapy & Wilderness Therapy- Even via Skype, I guide folks in experiencing the benefits of these approaches to the work. When possible, in-person and group sessions are ideal for reaping the full benefits of nature -based and expressive arts exercises.
Some Narrative:
I am fascinated, perplexed and inspired by the human heart and mind. As far back as I can remember, I sought to understand how feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations impact human behavior. It's always been in my nature to work toward integrating the apparent contradictions that I perceive in myself, my relations, and the world at large. (For example, "why do 'good' people hurt each other?" and "how can poverty and abuse be so prevalent in societies so rich in resources and knowledge?")
As a young adult determined to transform cycles of violence and poverty in the world, (bless my little heart), I quickly learned that I needed to find some powerful tools to manage my own thoughts, feelings and impulses. It was while working at Mercy Center in the South Bronx that I first felt the power of Mercy. For me, this was the beginning of learning how to love and accept my whole self...and have compassion for my own suffering and limitations. In doing so, I was better able to assist others on their individual paths toward greater health, wholeness, and empowerment. I discovered Pema Chodron's teachings, and began practicing meditation, mindfulness and other compassion practices. Around the same time, I discovered that the ways in which I had been doing art to manage stress and increase my self awareness were part of a developing profession within the Counseling Psychology field called Art Therapy.
This led me to attend and graduate from Naropa University with a Master's Degree in Transpersonal Psychology and Art Therapy in 2003. Simply put, "Transpersonal" Psychology acknowledges the spiritual aspects of human development. As a Life Coach, I am honored to incorporate my Naropa training along with 10 years experience as a Master's Level Mental Health Clinician and Professional Art Therapist working mostly with survivors of trauma and abuse. In total, I bring 20 years experience in the fields of personal and social transformation and expressive art. I do my best to live a life that supports growth, authenticity, balance and vitality. In doing so, I am able to offer services that are sustainable for me and beneficial for others.
Gunk & Gratitude
I want to acknowledge that personal and spiritual growth work at times feels uncomfortable and messy. It takes great courage...great heart, and it engenders respect and humility. I want to thank all of my teachers, some of whom I did not recognize as teachers at the time that the lessons were being imparted.
Coaching is not Counseling
* Even though I hold a State of Oregon License as a Professional Counselor, I do not provide mental health counseling currently. I respect the mental health profession and the fact that there are times and situations that warrant mental health services. In our initial consultation, we will discern if Coaching is appropriate for you at this time.
*In some situations I am able to work as an Adjunct Art Therapy Coach if you are well established with a primary Licensed Mental Health Clinician and the three of us agree upon the goals and limits of the relationship.
M.A., Transpersonal Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy
Naropa University, Boulder, CO May 2003
B.A., English Literature, Studio Art Minor
University of Scranton, Scranton, PA May 1995
LICENSES
National Certified Counselor (NCC) #299478
OR Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #2407
SPECIALIZED TRAININGS AND EXPERIENCE:
Jungian Psychology- I adapt Jungian principles to personal growth coaching work, specifically, active imagination, shadow integration work and dialoguing with "parts" or sub-personalities.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)- I draw from ACT theories to assist clients in clarifying their values, incorporating effective mindfulness techniques into their daily lives and taking action steps that align with their values.
Meditation Training- I began formal practice and study of Tibetan Buddhism in 2000 at Naropa University in the Shambhala tradition and in 2007 with Lama Pema and Lama Yeshe at Kagyu Sukkha Choling in the Karma Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu lineages. I assist with practical application of: meditation, basic goodness, basic intelligence, maitri, positive unconditional regard, Tonglen, and compassionate action. I approach personal & spiritual growth work with the aspiration that it benefit all beings.
Authentic Movement, Psychodrama, Expressive Art Therapy & Wilderness Therapy- Even via Skype, I guide folks in experiencing the benefits of these approaches to the work. When possible, in-person and group sessions are ideal for reaping the full benefits of nature -based and expressive arts exercises.
Some Narrative:
I am fascinated, perplexed and inspired by the human heart and mind. As far back as I can remember, I sought to understand how feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations impact human behavior. It's always been in my nature to work toward integrating the apparent contradictions that I perceive in myself, my relations, and the world at large. (For example, "why do 'good' people hurt each other?" and "how can poverty and abuse be so prevalent in societies so rich in resources and knowledge?")
As a young adult determined to transform cycles of violence and poverty in the world, (bless my little heart), I quickly learned that I needed to find some powerful tools to manage my own thoughts, feelings and impulses. It was while working at Mercy Center in the South Bronx that I first felt the power of Mercy. For me, this was the beginning of learning how to love and accept my whole self...and have compassion for my own suffering and limitations. In doing so, I was better able to assist others on their individual paths toward greater health, wholeness, and empowerment. I discovered Pema Chodron's teachings, and began practicing meditation, mindfulness and other compassion practices. Around the same time, I discovered that the ways in which I had been doing art to manage stress and increase my self awareness were part of a developing profession within the Counseling Psychology field called Art Therapy.
This led me to attend and graduate from Naropa University with a Master's Degree in Transpersonal Psychology and Art Therapy in 2003. Simply put, "Transpersonal" Psychology acknowledges the spiritual aspects of human development. As a Life Coach, I am honored to incorporate my Naropa training along with 10 years experience as a Master's Level Mental Health Clinician and Professional Art Therapist working mostly with survivors of trauma and abuse. In total, I bring 20 years experience in the fields of personal and social transformation and expressive art. I do my best to live a life that supports growth, authenticity, balance and vitality. In doing so, I am able to offer services that are sustainable for me and beneficial for others.
Gunk & Gratitude
I want to acknowledge that personal and spiritual growth work at times feels uncomfortable and messy. It takes great courage...great heart, and it engenders respect and humility. I want to thank all of my teachers, some of whom I did not recognize as teachers at the time that the lessons were being imparted.
Coaching is not Counseling
* Even though I hold a State of Oregon License as a Professional Counselor, I do not provide mental health counseling currently. I respect the mental health profession and the fact that there are times and situations that warrant mental health services. In our initial consultation, we will discern if Coaching is appropriate for you at this time.
*In some situations I am able to work as an Adjunct Art Therapy Coach if you are well established with a primary Licensed Mental Health Clinician and the three of us agree upon the goals and limits of the relationship.