My Story

When I was growing up, my mother's mentor, Yvonne Agazarian, used to teach about the importance of “moving from Explaining to Exploring." Yvonne had invented a form of experiential therapy for groups, where members were invited to report on their experience, in their bodies, in the moment. Because of Yvonne's influence, I had the chance to begin orienting to the inner world really early in life. In fact, I went to officially train with Yvonne when I was only eighteen years old (the moment she would let me!). A year later I began my spiritual study and learned a method for helping people 'tap into their hearts' for healing. I combined both and began offering sessions out of my dorm room in college, aimed at helping people to slow down, feel into their body, and process painful emotions. 

Let me share a story from this time: I was walking across campus, mind swimming with thoughts about finals, and this really handsome guy (that I knew of because he was the sort of ‘cool DJ’ on campus), flagged me down. He told me that one of his friends had described doing a session with me where she was able to finally cry tears that had been pent up. He said, “I think I need some of that. Could you hook me up?” Ha! “Mr. Cool” was asking me to help him to cry! 

I realized right then and there how great the need (and hunger) was deeper healing and self-discovery. This was long before Brene Brown and the mindfulness boom. But people were already seeking something more. So I started hosting trainers in experiential therapy, as well as spiritual / mindfulness practices, to lead workshops for the student body. 

However, I ran into a glitch. Because I was really excited about Systems-Centered Therapy (the form of experiential group work that Yvonne had created), I decided to have one of the lead trainers facilitate a workshop on campus. I loved the idea of my friends and I sitting in a circle, learning how to track emotions in our bodies, and connecting around shared experience. However, when the psychology department found out about my plans, they tried to block the event. In fact, during a meeting they called to discuss their concerns, the head of the department turned to me and said: “Emotions are dangerous.”   

Wow. I did end up having the event, among many others. But it was a wake-up call. Why was I learning more about psychology through studying literature in my English classes…and embodiment in my modern dance classes…then I was in any psychology course? I’ve always loved science, but was the idea of ‘research-based’ actually holding people back from exploring their inner worlds? Was my generation in need of a new movement?

I decided we were, and I wanted to be a part of it! So I set out with Step 1: exploring my own inner world. During my twenties I threw myself into spiritual retreats, meditated hours a day, and went through years of depth therapy. Step 2: as soon as I got my PHD, I began studying experiential therapies. 

First I delved into AEDP, then PACT couples therapy, then Somatic Experiencing. Later I got training in IFS and began my journey learning coherence therapy. Along the way I was deeply influenced by FOCUSING and HAKOMI, among other approaches. My love of emotion-focused and somatic work expanded as I learned about coherence, a fancy term for the IFS saying “NO BAD PARTS.” The concept of coherence really struck a chord, as I’ve always believed that we are all doing our best. 

I therefore took Bruce Ecker as my mentor and for the last six years have co-led two training groups with him. Bruce understands and is able to track the coherence of the human mind like no one I have ever met. His interest in science, and his leadership in linking transformational change to the brain’s natural ability for memory reconsolidation, has been such a gift to our field. 

It is safe to say that my life has been rich in the most precious resource there is: mentorship. That is why it has meant so much to me to give this back. I am so honored by the chance to pass along, and integrate, all that I have learned. So if you are wanting to help people on their journey, and would like a mentor to help you on yours…here I am!