What life events or challenges that you’ve experienced (could be minor, could be major) – whether you’ve experienced them directly or via someone close to you, have had any type of impact on your desire to pursue a career in psychology?

There is a history of ancestral trauma in my lineage as well as severe mental and physical illness in multiple family members. The available treatment approaches were very limited which inspired in me a desire to discover more effective and holistic forms of healing. 

How did those events impact you emotionally/morally? How, if at all did those events impact the way you view how our current system teaches us to treat patients with mental health challenges?

My first hand experience of the existing medical paradigm as misguided and broken ignited in me a desire to practice differently. 

When and why did you decide to actually focus on practicing Integrative Psychology, specifically, and how was your decision shaped by the experiences above?

After a confluence of losses which coincided with an astrological event called The Chiron Return at close to the age of 50, I consulted a professional astrologer for the first time. I was so impressed with her insight and wisdom that I was inspired to study astrology myself. This marked the beginning of an exploration of other holistic mind, body Spirit modalities which I added to my practice. 

What methods or practices do you utilize to help individuals get/feel better?

I use a combination of mind, body Spirit modalities including the relationship with me, therapeutic conversation, nutrition, treatment of environmentally acquired illness, and  mast cell activation, principles of functional medicine, supplements and medications, energy healing, shamanism, astrology and Tarot to help my patients. 

How did people react when you share this Integrative/Holistic approach with them – whether it be patients or other doctors?

Patients specifically seek me out because of my holistic approach. That is usually the way that find their way to me. They are often very relieved to find someone who does not think they are crazy when they talk about their spiritual experiences or describe what they have been through with the conventional medical/psychiatric system. I am mindful of my audience when it comes to sharing with other doctors. I am part of a community of holistic doctors who are similarly oriented with whom I can discuss and consult. Those who do not question the prevailing conventional medical psychiatric paradigm, cannot understand modalities that are outside of their mechanistic model of healing. We do not speak the same language.