photography:@michael75

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” -Albert Einstein

philosophy / approach

Whether in the therapy office or yoga studio, I support a holistic and naturopathic approach to healing. I am trained in existential, depth, and archetypal psychologies, as well social welfare.

From my perspective, “symptoms” as we traditionally call them are not to be identified, treated and eradicated. Symptoms are less a sign that something is “wrong,” and more a request from a part of the soul or psyche that has been neglected or repressed to be listened to. Therapy is one avenue of listening to the deeper parts of the self that have been shamed, forgotten and cast into shadow. With this perspective, therapy does not solve any problems, rather it reintegrates the repressed and neglected parts of the self so that people live more fully, wholly and meaningfully. 

Humans find a sense of flow in life (as opposed to suffering and resistance) when they, like other beings and elements in nature, are true to themselves.  As Einstein said (at least we think this is Einstein’s quote), “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” For a variety of reasons - family of origin issues, cultural limitations, traumatic events, etc. - many of us are running around (to follow the metaphor) repressing our true fish selves and impersonating monkeys. If we can understand our scales drying up not as a sign that something is wrong with us but rather as a call back to the water, then we emerge from therapy not only healed of our ailments but more fully integrated, expressed and whole.     

My goal as a therapist is to help people identify contributors (external and internal; past and present; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and mystical) to their habit state of “impersonating” and to foster the growth of the new, creative, integrated, and powerful Soul Self. I draw on the wisdoms of James Hillman, Carl Jung, Thomas Moore, R. D. Laing, Joseph Campbell, Maureen Murdock, Clarissa Pinkola-Estes, Ram Dass, Starhawk, yoga teachers, nature, meditators, intuitives, dancers, poets, musicians and numerous other artists. My primary goal is to help each client heal her/his body, psyche and soul and to embrace her/his true, full, authentic self. You know, as much as is possible.

About Angela

Here are a few important things to me about my history, how I see the world, and how I work with people. 

I was born in southern Oregon into a long legacy of blue-collar workers, strict religious expression, artistic repression, substance abuse, heart and lung disease, and…very importantly…love for the outdoors.  I have chosen a life path distinct in many ways from my direct ancestors, but my roots run deep and I still prioritize setting aside time to get lost in the woods. Often. 

I came to southern California at age 17 and began to wonder and wander and gather parts of myself that I did not realize I had lost. I received my bachelor’s degree in social services from a small, private university. My master’s degree in social work came from UCLA.  Most recently, I received my PhD of philosophy in psychology from Meridian University. Meridian’s curriculum, study designs, etc. focus on how myths, archetypes, creativity and shadow material contribute to emotional, mental, relational, and cultural suffering and healing. 

My first memories of existential questions - such as “What is eternity?” and “Does the universe end or continue forever?” - arrived at age five. I have always been drawn to existential, psychological, sociological, and spiritual wonderings. I love the body - being in it, dancing with it, and learning from its aches, pains and desires.  I have a background in athletics and dance and found (and was certified as an instructor of) yoga many years ago. I love art, music and bold creative choices. The times I experience any convergence of these loves of mine, my heart expands with laughter. What I offer