After 20+ years working with trauma as a physical and somatic therapist, I got my masters in psychological counseling in 2010 in order to incorporate and strengthen my work with developmental trauma and to be able to work with couples.
I practice body oriented psychotherapy because I have found it to be the most helpful approach in working with both physical and emotional trauma. My somatic training dates back over 20 years to Lomi school. I then studied extensively with Dr. Peter Levine, Kathy Kain, and Randy Churner. I completed advanced craniosacral training in 2002. I also studied trauma with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute in 2005 and later completed training with the Hakomi Institute. I am a Certified Facilitator for Living Inquiries and have studied Healing Shame with Sheila Rubin and Bret Lyon.
I found that one of the most important resources for healing trauma comes from being in a supportive relationship. With this in mind, I completed couples training at the EFT Institute in 2011. I allow the client's own organic process lead the way, while I hold the space with compassion and discernment.
I have practiced Buddhist meditation for 35 years. I have studied nondual spirituality and have incorporated the essence of these teachings in my work. I live in the forest in a straw bale house off the grid in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with my wife, Nina, and three dogs, Maggie, Hanna, and Badger.
Education
BS in Physical Therapy, University of Puget Sound, 1983.
MA in Counseling Psychology, National University, 2010.
License, Certifications & Awards
Licensed Physical Therapist, CA.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA.
Additional Training
Lomi Body Work Training, 1990-1991.
Somatic Education Training, 1992-1996.
Advanced Craniosacral Therapy Training, 2002.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute Trauma Training, 2007-2008.
Hakomi Institute Professional Training, 2008-2009.
EFT Couples Counseling One Year Training, 2011. Living Inquiries Facilitator Training, 2015 Healing Sexual Shame and Healing Shame in Couples, 2017