Background
Education & Training
I earned my Master’s Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from Virginia Tech. I am a Master-level Reiki practitioner in the Usui tradition and lineage. Additionally, I have been extensively trained in mindfulness meditation, multicultural counseling, energetic counseling, and sandtray therapy. I wrote my Master’s thesis on using the chakra system as a holistic diagnostic tool for transpersonal art therapy and continue to research such themes today.
My counseling background includes working with adults, adolescents, and children in a wide range of therapeutic venues. These settings include a counseling center at a large state university, a day-treatment facility, an assisted-living establishment, youth services centers, community arts studios, children’s art programs, grade schools, and private practice. I currently see clients at the Community Center for Health and Wellness in Palo Alto, CA, where I am working under supervision toward becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California and a Nationally Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC).
Therapeutic Approach
My psychotherapy practice is rooted in the theory of transpersonal psychology. Transpersonal psychology is an innovative field that includes the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of being human, and also embraces our more universal identities and our spirituality. In my work, I bring unconditional acceptance, compassion, and the belief that we all intrinsically move toward health and wholeness. My strength-based approach focuses on psychological wellness rather than on pathology. I consider symptoms to be messengers, directing needed attention toward areas of imbalance in our lives. I work from a holistic model, employing a variety of techniques such as guided visualization, dream work, mindfulness meditation, art therapy, and energy work. I view my therapist role as being a witness, a guide, and an authentic presence to accompany you along your healing path.
*Supervisor, Deirdre Demorest, Ph.D. Psychology license #13669
