I am glad for this opportunity to share a short account of my development and therapeutic style. The challenge to grow and develop in all aspects of my life best defines and means the most to me.

I am a woman who has overcome serious illness, marched through a difficult divorce, sent two children to college, and returned to college myself to complete my Masters Degree and (soon) my doctoral degree in Psychology.

Dealing with cancer taught me to become more aware of the impermanence of life. I developed a strong desire for spirituality, which was born out of a long history of discontent in my life.

My spiritual striving has been a rebirthing experience for me. The inner expansion/ the shift I experienced and I am experiencig is due to stepping out of my comfort zone and my inner contraction. I learned to take charge of my life. I have had several moves from country to country, from home to home and finally taking on the challnege of remodeling my last home, which I hope to be my last move!

My fascination with human psyche and our inner reality has been a quest and deep interest of mine, which I decided to bring in to my professional life. I think becoming  a therapist is a lifelong journey. It is more than an education. It begins with the self and is integrated with an academic experiences.

Seeking and experiencing the highest caliber of trainings has contributed to my personal and professional development and has enabled me to contribute in turn to the profession and to society. I have viewed my continuing education not only as a chance to acquire more knowledge and skills but also as a long awaited opportunity to heal and grow.

I have worked in a battered woman's shelter; assisted a physician offering seminars in mindfulness; provided counseling to low-income clients. I provided counseling to women in a week long visit to Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, CA, one of the largest women's prisons in the world. Here is a short award-winning documentary avilable at (http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxpWf9h76uI)..)

In conclusion, by continuously augmenting my acedemic education along with other trainings I have striven to learn what makes a good and caring therapist and to become that therapist for my clients. I have developed a rich distinctive therapeutic style that blends both traditional spiritual practices with modern psychological treatments.