Boulder Transformational Therapy

Education:

• M.A. in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, Naropa University, Boulder, 1997
• Certificate in Family Therapy, Denver University Graduate School of Social Work, 1990
• M.S. in Education, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1976
• Satir Model Family Therapy Trainings through Avanta, the International Family Therapy Network, 1987, 1990
• Certificate in Somatic Experiencing Trauma Resolution Therapy (SEP) through the Foundation for Human Enrichment, 1992
• Training in BODYnamics Developmental Therapy through BODYnamics Institute, Denmark, 1994
• Trainings in Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy through the Satir Institute of the Pacific, 1997-2004
• Training in EMDR, 2001

Background / Experience: 18 years in private practice in Boulder, 14 years teaching family therapy internationally, 8 years teaching graduate students counseling psychology, 2 years of training local therapists in the Satir Model of Therapy.

Professional Interests / Specialties:

• Helping COUPLES build or reclaim intimacy by improving clear communication, learning conflict resolution, enhancing personal growth and developing closeness
• Transforming TRAUMA from overwhelming experiences like abuse and accidents through Somatic Experiencing and EMDR
• Helping FAMILIES grow from crisis, transitions, and everyday challenges
• Assisting PARENTS in developing solutions for parenting challenges
• Supporting individuals and families through DIVORCE and developing healthy stepfamilies
• Resolving childhood issues through exploring family-of-origin dynamics
• Enhancing SPIRITUALITY
• Emphasizing safety, confidentiality, and empowerment

Licensure:

State of Colorado: Licensed Professional Counselor, #2011, July 31, 1998

Professional Affiliations / Activities:

• Faculty Member, Former Officer and Board Member of Avanta, the International Satir Family Therapy Network

• Senior Adjunct Faculty, Naropa University

• Red Cross National Disaster Mental Health Team helping families who lost loved ones in 9/11, New Jersey

• Faculty, The Asian International Satir Therapy Advanced Training Institute, Hong Kong
• Advisory Board, Douglas College Post-Graduate Family Therapy Certificate Program, Vancouver, BC 2005-6

Recent Publications:

"Alleviating Prejudice and Hate: The Strategies of Virginia Satir" 

This article is published in an on-line journal, The Satir Journal, in its inaugural edition. 

 Abstract: I share my experience of growing up with prejudice as a child in a mixed-race neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Then, as a Satir Model trainer, I offer how Virginia Satir commected prejudice to the erroneous hierarchical paradigm about human beings and their relationships.  I include a transcription of a therapy session that demonstrates how Satir connected these beliefs to feelings of vulnerability and low self-esteem.  I then compare this transformational strategy to contemporary social psychology research on transforming prejudice.

Satir Verbatim, cochair of editorial committee of this soon to be published volume of Virginia Satir's collected writings.

"How Satir Affected Me" (2006) in Honoring Virginia Satir and Her Legacy.  published by Avanta Network, Burien, WA.

 Presentations

• "The Effects of Trauma on Children's Development" an in-service lecture given to Child Advocates at Voices for Children, Oct. 31, 2006
• "Couple Enrichment", a workshop presented by invitation at the 2006 Satir Multi-disciplinary conference titled Virginia Satir's 90th Birthday and Her Global Legacy, Seattle, WA, Aug. 2006
• "The Relational Self", a workshop presented at 30th Anniversary Contemplative Psychotherapy Conference, Naropa University, Boulder, May, 2006
• "The Effect of Trauma in Early Childhood on the Development of the Self", a paper presented at the Child Psychology Round Table Symposium, Oxford University, UK, July, 2005
• "Enhancing Couples Communication Using the Satir Model", a one day training for couples, Kitchener, Ontario, July, 2005
• "Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy, Level One", a ten day training in the Satir Model given to therapists and graduate students, 2004-5, 2005-6 through the Satir Institute of the Rockies in Boulder, CO.  2007 in Vancouver, BC. through the Satir Institute of the Pacific
• "International Satir Advanced Counseling Practicum", supervisor of trainees in Hong Kong, China, July, 2004
• Teaching Assistant for the Foundation for Human Enrichment, trainings in Somatic Experiencing, 1998-present
• "Enhancing Your Communication Through Satir's Tools for Change", a four day workshop at the Power to Create Change Conference, Waterloo, Ontario, Aug. 1996 and at the Avanta Network Annual Meeting, Crested Butte, CO. 1997
• "Through Healthy Families to Healthy Individuals", a two week training for students and professionals, Humanitartian Institute, Riga, Latvia, E. Europe, 1998
• "Satir Works! The Satir Model: Applications in Counseling", part of an international series of two day trainings for mental health workers and therapists, Denver, CO., May, 1997

Courses Taught to Graduate Students at Naropa University

• Child Development in TPC Dept. 3 credit hours
• Family Systems in TCP Dept. 3 credit hours
• Child Development in MACP Dept. 2 credit hours
• Human Growth and Development in  MACP Dept. 2 credit hours
• Family Process in MACP Dept. 2 credit hours
• Therapeutic Relationships III in MACP Dept. 2 credit hours