I have been working with people in therapeutic and teaching environments since 1989, and have been certified in Core Energetics and Core Soma since 2003. I am an Independent Clinical Social Worker licensed in Washington, California and Oregon. I have taught in Graduate program and in classrooms and also led many groups and workshops.

Through Core Energetics I have been able to tap into my own aliveness and that of clients in ways incomparable to the many other approaches I have studied. With very careful observation and work I have learned how to help people integrate the changes that come during expansive moments to allow access to that state on a continual basis, and to find our way back when we are distanced from our deeper self.

Although the developmentally based and energetically informed theory of Core Energetics is the container and informer of all that I do, I incorporate a wealth of understanding from trauma therapies and interpersonal neurobiology, along with indigenous practices which I have practiced for several decades.

I am also an Herbalist and my interest in and love of nature, physical health and the health of the planet also infuses my endeavors.

Traditional psychotherapy seeks congruence in a person's thinking, emotions and actions/life choices. Body oriented psychotherapy goes further with its understanding that, along with thought and emotion, the physical body is also profoundly affected by our life experiences.

For example, imagine a small child who becomes afraid. He will suck in his breathe, cutting it off at the diaphragm. His shoulders lift and tense, his neck shortens. The eyes bug out in alarm. This posture prepares him to flee or fight as necessary. When the danger passes and the child is soothed and reassured, his muscles relax, he can let out his air and take a new full deep breath, taking in life, sustenance, and the relationships available to him. Now he can move forward and be present to whatever life has to offer.If the child doesn't have the comfort to allow his system to relax, the tension can persist in the muscles and over time will affect his body posture. The emotion and experience of fear and alarm may become frozen in the system. The young developing body reinforces and sustains the experience of fear and distrust. This can effect the child's personality and his perceptions of the world around him. He may grow up thinking there is danger when no threat is present. His life is limited from within by the old experiences held in the system.

Body-oriented therapy brings awareness and release to the blocks on all levels of being: in the mind, body, emotions and the choices we make. Together we can bring awareness to your issues and employ your will to effect change and open to greater possibility in your life.

SEATTLE SCHOOL OF BODY-PSYCHOTHERAPY is a 3 year certification program set up in a way that people can come from afar to participate 3 times a year. There is a Counseling Skills tract for those students who aren't licensed therapists.

In my practice at BODY-PSYCHOTHERAPY OF SEATTLE I provide both group and individual therapy. "Intensives" of several open ended sessions scheduled within a short time period such as a weekend are sometimes available. This is good for out-of-towners or people wanting to accomplish a large piece of work.

Group is a wonderful adjunct to individual therapy and gives us an opportunity to explore and create the deeper connection that we all long for (see section below). Group Prices vary.

Individual sessions are tailored to your specific problem or life situation using a combination of psychodynamic psychology, bioenergetic exercise and expressive work. Cost for regular sessions is $125.

In group we explore our own ability to risk and to be open to others.
The groups are a combination of exercise and process work.
The exercises energize and open our physical system.
It is a playful way to explore different attitudes and feeling states and sets the stage for the work we do each session.

Along with process-oriented therapy we use other modalities for the work and take advantage of the extra energy provided by having a group of people. The group provides a supportive, non-judgmental environment to explore the issues that come up in our lives and in our interactions with one another.

Group is a wonderful adjunct to individual therapy and gives us an opportunity to explore and create the deeper connection that we all long for.

DREAM GROUP and WEEKLY PROCESS GROUP AlSO AVAILABLE Call for information.