About

I am a depth-oriented psychotherapist.  Before coming to this calling, I pursued my initial passion for writing and poetry.  I obtained a Master of Fine Arts in Writing & Poetics at the first fully accredited Buddhist-inspired institution of higher learning in the United States, Naropa University.  Subsequently, I participated in the literary and poetry world, publishing and performing my work across the US.  During this time, I also taught as a professor of English and Writing at various colleges and universities for nearly two decades.

As I grew older, I yearned to see the world in all its complexity, vastness, and nuance.  Never one to shy away from my dreams, I packed my bags and left the country for several years.  During this period, I traveled to nearly every continent, spending time in over twenty countries.  This experience was invaluable, gifting me with wisdom and fostering in me a continued and deepened interest in culture and the human condition.  

I returned to the United States as I neared midlife, knowing I wanted to work closely with people to help them achieve wholeness and life satisfaction.  I truly believe it is possible for us all to enjoy the lives of our dreams.  Sometimes we may need guidance and motivation.  Often, we need to uncover the deepest layers of ourselves to get there.  For some, it can be challenging to turn within, to really explore the depths of self, as we live in a society replete with endless distractions.  One of my therapeutic goals is to help reacquaint clients with inner voice, amplifying it so it may always be heard above all the internal and external noise.  

After solidifying my decision to study psychology and counseling, I enrolled in Thomas Jefferson University’s Master of Science in Community and Trauma Counseling program, as I wanted to learn the best methods of helping trauma survivors.  I am convinced most people have moved through traumatic events, some of which may linger as haunting memories, blocking the path to living a truly fulfilling life.  As a trauma-informed counselor, I am sensitive to the needs of those who have lived through painful experiences of all types.  I will work with you to uncover and process any negative life experiences that continue to pose barriers between you and the life you want to live.

I also firmly believe excellent trauma counseling cannot completely occur with talk therapy alone.  Research shows trauma is stored in the cells of our bodies.  As a result, I may use elements of somatic experiencing and yoga therapy to help move you back into your body, as disassociation and somatic distance often result from traumatic experience.  I am currently studying Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing through the SEI’s three-year program.  I am also an 860-hour certified Yoga Therapist through YogaLife Institute in Wayne, Pennsylvania.  Additionally, I received my 200 hour Yoga teacher training certification studying under Surinder Singh at Vedangas Yoga in Rishikesh, India.  I also studied yoga, pranayama, meditation, marma therapy, Carnatic singing and Ayurvedic cooking and massage at yoga schools and ashrams throughout the Indian subcontinent.

I have not stopped my education, as I continue to work to be the best depth psychotherapist I can be.  I am currently working towards my Ph.D. in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, California, a school legendary for its motto of “tending the soul of the world.”  As a depth worker and Pacifica student, I integrate the methods of Depth luminaries such as Carl Jung, James Hillman, and Marion Woodman into my sessions with clients.  

Additionally, I am trained as a life coach, having studied coaching at the Mindfulness Coaching School, a school unique in its vision of linking the skillful means of Buddhist thought with ICF coaching.

Recently, I was certified in Dream Tending, a unique approach to working with dreams.  I am also trained in Harner Shamanic Counseling.  Also, as a poet, I enjoy incorporating expressive writing and arts into client sessions when appropriate.

Moreover, I am a lifelong student of mysticism, and find solace in the world’s great wisdom traditions, such as Buddhism, Alchemy, and Gnosticism.