I have learned from and been shaped by many theories and approaches, by talking with many other skilled clinicians and - probably most importantly - by the individual clients I’ve worked with over the years.
They have taught me varieties and potentials of life experience that have deepened my understanding, with the empathy that comes with that. My work is informed by psychodynamic perspectives of the many confluences of how we as individuals come to be who we are. I have studied and been influenced by Gestalt therapy, James Masterson’s work, the somatic therapies, trauma theory, the harm reduction movement, Buddhism and the social and community influences on self that have come from my work in community based treatment settings for over 20 years.

More recently, I have become interested in myriad approaches and thought streams regarding the complex impact of trauma on our body-mind-spirit selves. The study of dissociation has challanged my assumption that we live with a unitary consciousness but, rather, develop ‘parts’ of ourselves to deal with the truamas, demands, curveballs and stresses that our unfolding life presents us with. Developments and thinking regarding the neurobiological, somatic and psychological aspects of understanding trauma have greatly influenced my understanding as well as approach to treatment in recent years.

Some of my teachers, mentors and inspirators have been Patt Denning, Allen Schore, Bessel van der Kolk, Francine Shapiro, Pat Odgen, Issan Dorsey, Karla Clark, Janina Fisher, Maggie Phillips, Jakusho Kwong and Leonard Cohen. A bow to them all!