People asked and Mia answered...
What are your credentials?
I have a master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University,
a fully accredited graduate school in Boulder, Colorado. Additionally I have studied EMDR for
trauma resolution, Hakomi, an experiential
psychology and Matrixworks, a collaborative,
group leadership model. Since 1997 I have been practicing and studying Buddhism.
Who goes to therapy?
As one client said, "therapy is an admittance of health." I welcome people who wish to learn more about themselves and how they relate to the world, their relationships and their own self. My clients tend to be people who are looking for more meaning, improved relationships and a greater sense of well being.
People often want to pay attention to depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, unresolved history or family of origin issues, trauma, spirituality, their personal style of being in the world including: children of alcoholics/addictions, and or divorce, sensitivity and coping strategies.
What is psychotherapy vs. counseling?
They are quite similar, and I tend to use the words interchangeably as each is informed by the advanced study of psychology and how the mind/body work. When used well psychotherapy and counseling can be of great benefit to individuals, and those with whom they interact.
Do I have to be Buddhist or meditate?
Absolutely not. People of any and all traditions are welcome. Buddhism is most akin to western psychology rather than any religious affiliation. It offers tools that may be useful, though not at all religious. For more than 2500 years Buddhism has been studying how the mind works, so it is a great complement to more traditional approaches.
What can I expect? Any techniques or special approaches?
Every session is different, yet there are themes based on the way I work with others. We will work in a client-centered way making use of the following methods for guiding you to increased understanding of yourself and your relationships: gestalt, Hakomi, cognitive and behavioral techniques, relaxation, mindfulness, body awareness, family and system relations, art, and movement.
In other words, we will explore what you choose to in a respectful and kind manner. Periodically we will review your goals to be sure you are getting what you need.
Any tips for finding a therapist?
Interview people. Ask questions. Feel the person out. I might ask: What's your approach? How do you view clients? If they call you a patient that's a tip that they probably have a medical model which may be more pathologically based. Do you have a mindfulness practice?
The therapist's personhood (who they are, how they approach life, their own commitment to learning and growth etc...) does effect the client, so keep that in mind. You could ask questions about this, if it seems important to you.
Think about what's worked well for you with previous caregivers. Ask questions that help you discern if s/he has the same qualities. Likewise, with the parts you did not like.
There's a useful set of articles at goodtherapy.org that you could browse for more ideas on this topic.
I offer to talk with people who are considering me as a therapist, on the telephone to answer these sorts of questions and whatever else they wish to ask without charge.
ContemplativePsychotherapy.net & hakomiinstitute.com both list therapists that have training similar to mine.
