Contemplative Therapy

Jodi is a graduate of Naropa's Contemplative Psychotherapy Graduate Program. Naropa University’s concentration in Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology master's degree is a counseling program that grounds itself in the Buddhist contemplative wisdom tradition and includes current humanistic psychological approaches to give insight and skills to show up fully for one's self and others.

I had the privilege of engaging in a 3 year intensive study with a Dharma teacher in the Plum Village Buddhist tradition. This deeply informs the way I think about how the mind works and the art of healing and transformation with clients. Where appropriate, I offer teachings and practices that I have learned, in conjunction with traditional Western modalities. I also invite the integration of clients' own spiritual practice(s) into their healing work.

I completed my master's degree in contemplative psychotherapy (now titled Buddhist Psychology) at Naropa University. This included a great deal of study beyond traditional therapy programs to learn Buddhist philosophy and practice meditation and mindfulness techniques. We embodied these practices beyond just intellectual understanding by undertaking two-week-long meditation retreats every semester, during which we would implement what we were learning to better understand it within ourselves.

Masters of Clinical Mental Health - focus on Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology

Contemplative practices include contemplation, meditation, and yoga, and are usually part of a larger worldview and way of life, optimizing well-being. These practices offer psychological and psychosomatic benefits. Through contemplative therapy, we can train and develop the mind, resulting in enhanced mental capacities, well-being, and maturity. This training therapy can heighten calm, concentration, insight, and joy.

Buddhism + psychology is an incredibly powerful combination for personal growth. Buddhism provides the analogy and wisdoms for living a life free from suffering — we are lotuses that transform the murky mud of our world and its challenges into nutrients for growth — psychology provides insight and guidance into the process of human development and offer tools for change. Up for the challenge? I will dive deep with you to tackle the most fundamental questions about life and who we are.

With a master's degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy, I specialize in using mindfulness and present-moment awareness to help you explore your thoughts and emotions with compassion. This approach allows us to uncover patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back, creating space for deeper understanding and healing. By fostering a connection with your inner self, we can work together to find clarity and cultivate personal growth.

With a master's degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy, I specialize in using mindfulness and present-moment awareness to help you explore your thoughts and emotions with compassion. This approach allows us to uncover patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back, creating space for deeper understanding and healing. By fostering a connection with your inner self, we can work together to find clarity and cultivate personal growth.

Contemplative therapy addresses our need for mindfulness and spirituality. Acknowledging and creating a place of safety, trust, and a place where you can be free to share whatever is on your mind with no judgement. I help you go deep into your psyche to find answers - your truth that may be buried so far down with layers of confusion, second guessing, filled with anxiety wondering what you really want and who you really are.

My degree focuses on a contemplative approach to therapy, and I find using mindfulness and contemplative activities while out in nature only amplifies the experience.

I am trained in contemplative therapy. While I can teach meditation, I often do not in individual therapy. The contemplative approach is rather to cultivate awareness, curiosity and friendliness toward ourselves. Easier said than done. We are often harder on ourselves than others. Through my own meditation experience and social justice work, I bring a nonjudgemental attitude that fosters safety and openness to all the parts of your experience.

Frequent use of contemplative therapy techniques.

Contemplative psychotherapy operates on the belief that all people have natural wisdom within them, and this wisdom can be used to achieve healing and self-awareness. I believe that all people are gifted and creative beings, but sometimes those gifts get buried under years of trauma or other pain. It is my great privilege to help you heal your pain and tap into that inner wisdom for optimal living.

I have a meditation practice of nearly 30 years that helps inform my work with the reflection and mindfulness training in Contemplative Therapy.

Find balance through mindful practices to directly heal and change your energy.

I graduated from Naropa University in the Contemplative Psychology program. Currently work as a professor at Naropa in the Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Program. My approach is rooted in the contemplative tradition. This approach is acceptance based, present moment centered, and works by recognizing the wholeness of my client. Who you want to become is already within you, let's uncover who you are together.

As I am animated by the contemplative traditions, my intention for you is no less than that you learn to live in an abiding awareness of your own preciousness.