In 2003 I studied Spiritual Direction at The Mercy Center in Buringame California, after years of seeing my
own Spiritual Director. I wanted to learn and develop my skills to become a director.
So too, for over fifty years I worked in many different levels of care within the field of mental health as a clinical therapist and administrator. My focus has been in working with adult co-occurring disorders. I have published multiple articles, and been involved with a number of the US Department of Health and Human Services SAMSHA 'TIPS' publications. I have volunteered as a Behavioral Health Disaster Responder, and continue to believe service work on boards and in the community is important.
Starting in undergraduate school I studied comparative religion, with an interest in Jungian psychology. I earned my unit 1 of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in 1978, working as a chaplain in a psychiatric hospital in Montreal, Canada. After that, instead of seminary, I entered my graduate studies in community counseling because of my clinical interest in directly working with people. In 2010 and 2011 I was awarded the Massachusetts Counselor of the Year, and Laura Roe National Alcoholism and Drug Counselor of the Year. These are the most prestigious awards in my field.
Spirituality has always been of interest and a part of my life. I attend the Episcopal Church and when I'm in Vermont, the Congregational Church. While spirituality may be different than religion, I have found the relationship we have with God, others and ourselves to be the essence of wellness. My understanding of grief; trauma; and the 12 Step fellowship program fits well with Spiritual Direction, and people seem to appreciate the ability to discuss such things in depth.
Since COVID, I have switched to working virtually, and this has made it easier for people to connect with me from different locations. Should you be interested to learn more, please call.