Who We Are

 My first loves were John Denver and my guitar, then Marion Zimmer Bradley and Tolkien, then Shakespeare. But when I discovered Joseph Campbell and Jungian psychology, I broke up with them all.  The work of Carl Jung, especially as practiced by Marion Woodman, fostered a practice that serves the deep wisdom of the psyche by tending to the hurts, joys, fears, and hopes of being in this world.  This work integrates somatic psychotherapy, expressive arts, poetry, and the teachings of Buddhism and other spiritual traditions.

Because my work is deeply relational, and I am teller of stories from my own life (when they serve), I'll tell you a little more about me: I am a cisgender, straight, affirming ally of the LGBTQ community. I am a singer, songwriter, and poet. I am the mother of a grown son, have been mothered by a generous and sweet woman, and am a sister to two fabulous women. I've lost both parents, and two marriages--heartbreaks I will never forget. And, I've found love again after spending quality time alone in the belly of the whale. I know the territory. I know how to get out.  And, every day I'm still learning. 

 After 20 years of psychotherapy practice, I have developed a specialty in counseling artists, healers, teachers, writers, musicians, helpers, and all who are committed to their inner journeys. Millennials and Gen Z who want to save the world, but are still working on saving themselves. Couples navigating the endless rough patches of long term relationships. Men and women coping with the aftermath of long ago trauma. Mid-and later-lifers wondering how to finally forgive their parents and get on with who they want to be...next.  
These are folks who have seriously come to realize that love, fulfillment, and wisdom starts on the inside. Sometimes, the work is done individually. Sometimes in the context of couples therapy. Sometimes, it's not work that is needed, but PLAY! Recovering the ability to be curious, creative, and calm are medicinal. 

Bob came to his profession with a desire to "change the world" and an intuitive understanding of how the arts were essential to healing. He also saw how social structures affected personal growth and development.  He was an early champion of student-centered education versus the industrial model focused on rigid conformity.  In that spirit, he created his own undergraduate degree at University of Michigan in "Artistic Therapy", and then obtained an MS in Clinical Psychology before completing his Master's in Social Work. As a musician, he has stayed true to the belief that creative self-expression is necessary to self-fulfillment.   

His career path led him to work with the developmentally disabled in residential care, and incarcerated populations in state prison. He has developed a deep understanding of how trauma leads to "bad" behavior in the eyes of society, how prison systems retraumatize inmates, and how our attitudes toward developmentally disabled persons restricts their engagement in the world. In addition, Bob has worked with the elderly and other diverse groups in community private practice. Bob's history with his own disability has afforded him insight and empathy for the challenges of the disabled. 

In addition to being committed  to expanding his clinical repertoire, Bob is a devoted guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Having played in bands since he was a teenager, he understands the deep love musicians have for their art, and the profound challenges of being a creative person. Due to his experiences on production teams, Bob is uniquely qualified to work with those in the film industry. 

Bob has received training in DBT, EMDR, IFS, and other trauma based approaches. His interpersonal practice focuses much more on Somatic and non-verbal approaches to therapy and healing "a la" Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk.  Bob is particularly interested in working with post-prison clients, those with developmental disabilities, adults working on attachment issues and specific traumas, as well as artists, musicians, and writers in search of their creative soul. His personal strengths include a deeply grounded presence, patience, and a keen intellect that perceives the many layers of the human soul.