AAP Practitioners Directory

AAP	Association for the Advancement of Psychosynthesis

Note: Those using this directory, please read this disclaimer

Arizona

Janet Messer

drjanetmesser@yahoo.com

I offer counseling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples in my private practice. My counseling is rooted in psychosynthesis principles and also incorporates methods from other humanistic theories. I am certified in EMDR and use it as appropriate in working with people who have experienced significant trauma. I am also available for teaching workshops about psychosynthesis and have presented at conferences on topics related to psychology and spirituality. I am on many insurance panels.
Feel free to contact me if you want to know more about psychosynthesis in counseling.

California

Molly Young Brown

molly@mollyyoungbrown.com

www.MollyYoungBrown.com

I seek to guide people in clarifying meaning and purpose in their lives, and in bringing their gifts more fully into the world through phone coaching/counseling, on-line courses, workshops,and writing.
I studied with Roberto Assagioli in 1973 and have written two central books on psychosynthesis: Unfolding Self: The Practice of Psychosynthesis (1983, 2004), and Growing Whole: Self-Realization on an Endangered Planet (1993).
I have also been strongly influenced by "deep ecology" and ecopsychology, helping people find meaning by experiencing their interconnectedness with all life, and acting on its behalf. With Joanna Macy, I co-authored Coming Back to Life.

Ruth Carter

raggcm@comcast.net

We all have patterns of thinking, behaving and feeling - some that work for us and some that don't. Some patterns were learned in order to survive and some can be learned in order to thrive. Together with my clients, we develop life affirming goals that emphasize the strengths they needed to persevere as well as goals that support their blossoming. My work is eclectic, informed by my studies at the SF Psychosynthesis Institute, and EMDR and the Enneagram. I have been working with individuals and couples for the last 25 years and have a private practice in San Francisco and Marin.

Therese Caveney

T.Caveney@comcast.net

Therese Caveney, MA, MFT, received her MA from the University of Santa Clara. She has studied and taught psychosynthesis for over 33years. She has utilized her psychosynthesis training in her private practice with individuals and couples since 1979, with emphasis on inner family work as it pertains to life's transitions. Her initial work with adults abused as children is published in an article "Healing the Wounds of Adults Abused as Children: A Transpersonal Approach" (J. Weiser & Tom Yeomans ([Eds], Readings in Psychosynthesis Theory, Process & Practice. 1985).
Her recent booklet "Breaking the Chains of the Past" is a revised and expanded version of this work. She continues in private practice in Campbell, CA.

Mary Kelso

MKelso0627@aol.com

I have been integrating Psychosynthesis into therapeutic, educational and organizational applications for over 30 years and serve as a board member for Psychosynthesis International, as well as a tutor in the distance learning program. I am a past co-chair of AAP. As there is always someting new to learn from Psychosynthesis, I attempt to work with "a beginner's mind" daily.

Jacki Moseley

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with children, couples and individual adults with an emphasis on Self-realization.
I graduated from JFK University in 1996 and have had additional training with: Byron Norton, Ed.D. in Non-Directive Play Therapy; The Existential Humanistic Institute in Experiential Therapy; and with John Firman and Ann Gila in Psychosynthesis.
I also supervise graduate students working toward MFT licensure.

Peter Stonefield

peter@slgllc.com

www.slgllc.com

Peter has been using Psychosynthesis techniques to coach the evolution of individuals and organizations for over 20 years. He has coached over 300 executives and senior engineers and 200 teams. He co-developed a leadership development program based on the “act of will” that over 70,000 managers have participated in. He has developed and taught courses on Agile Leadership, Communications Agility, Knowledge Management and the Creative Process including Guided Imagery and the Purposeful Imagination. His client list includes Apple Computer, Baxter Laboratories, Dow Chemical, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, US Government, PPG, Sun Microsystems. He was the principal consultant to the winner of the US President's Quality Award for Managing Change.
He completed basic and advanced Psychosynthesis Training / Montreal, Amherst, Kentucky Center, and Synthesis Graduate School.
Publications:
- Pragmatic Psychosynthesis, AAP Journal 2003
- Natural Leadership; Association for Quality and Participation Journal, 1992
- Like Mushrooms We Grow in the Dark; Deming Users Group Journal, 1996
- Knowledge Bullies, How much are they costing you? What to do about it?; San Jose Business Journal, 2004
- Making It in an AND World; Association of International Product Marketing & Management, 2004
- Agile Leadership-Leadership as Stage Play; IN2Thinking Network Journal, 2005
- Light in a Bent Tunnel-the Creative Process in Personal and Organizational Transformation; IN2Thinking Network Journal, 2005

Ilene Val-Essen

info@QualityParenting.com

www.QualityParenting.com

For thirty years, Dr. Val-Essen has helped individuals, couples, children/teens and families as a licensed MFT in private practice. Her passion is to help parents bring out the best in each child - and discover the best within themselves. As the creator of the Quality Parenting program, based on psychosynthesis, she trains instructors worldwide. Materials are now available in Spanish, Dutch, Swedish and Japanese. Her book for parents, Bring Out the Best - in Your Child and Yourself, is based on this program. Dr. Val-Essen is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences.

Connecticut

Cynthia Pincus Russell

psynnie@aol.com

Where's Harry Sloan (Will Workshop) at Wainwright House
Primary Trainers; Bachs & Friedman at Berkshire Center Ps
Ps ed; Certification; many conferences
Areas of Interest; Many but esp. Patient experiences; have given many workshops,here and abroad on this, and Hartley films created and sold a video of it . Researched it 15 years. I also run the Ct Institute Ps.
Educational; Radcliffe BA cum laude;Columbia MSW;Union PhD
Trainer Ct Institute Ps; Bernie Siegel M.D.'s Health Professionals' Trainer, and Yale Psych. Clinical Faculty many years
Contributions; Workshops at many AAP Conferences, and many other conferences local & national
Publications; "Ps Lifeline" bulletin; 22 years on-going; also 3 books and a 3 page bibliography of other publications; a few examples;
,"Simplification of Life', Forum, London Instit. Ps., 1989
"Patient as Teacher" on line...Humanities in Medicine Journal, Yale Medical School 2001
" Establishing Ethics & Standards in Practice, AAP Bulletin, fall, 1997
"Mobilizing the Will", the Master Educator, 1990
" Untying Diagnostic Knots" Porceedings, AAP Conference, 1996
" What is Psychopsynthesis?", Bulletin of the Reiki Group 2001, also Bulletin of the Healing Arts Group of Bridgegport 2002

Illinois

Karen Pesavento

kpesave@mchsi.com

I see clients interested in personal growth, and teach classes in personal growth using the Psychosynthesis model.

I've been trained in Voice Dialogue and use it in my private sessions and classes.

Eileen Stephens

eilou120@yahoo.com

My first introduction to Psychosynthesis was with Dr. Betty Bosdell at Northern Illinois University during my Doctoral Program specializing in transpersonal psychchology. The Midwest Synthesis group continued the experience and practice. Psychosynthesis has been home base for both my personal life and therapy practice. This applied for 10 years in outpatient pain management psychotherapy, and biofeedback. I began a private practice in 1991, adding group education for experiential learning, and a trauma speciality with EMDR. My ongoing interest is in developing the understanding that we are spiritual beings, in body, learning with each other, and all other forms of life.

Kentucky

Marian Judith Broadus

jbroadus99@aol.com

www.Kycenterofpsychosynthesis.org

Mother of three grown children still first. Psychosynthesis Professional Training with the Kentucky Center of Psychosynthesis since 1981, and presently teaching and leading guided retreats. I have also trained with Anne and Tom Yeomans, Betty Bosdell, and Molly Brown; Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, specializing in trauma studies and women's issues; Meditation training since 1984 with Shambhala and on-going buddhist studies; AAP Steering Committee work since 1999, served as Co-Chair and currently on PDC and CE committees. Offering a healing urban private practice setting for healing, personal growth, exploration of purpose and service, with opportunities for rural retreat.

Vincent Dummer

vincentdummer@cs.com

Been trained by the London Institute of Psychosynthesis from 1979-1983. Been a co-director of the Kentucky Center of Psychosynthesis from 1983 till 1988. Produced video and audio recordings of psychosynthesis workshops and Psychosynthesis Video Portraits. Serves on the Psychosynthesis research committee and Professional Development Committee.

John H. Parks

drjhparks@alltel.net

Harvard Medical School, 1950., Psychiatry Residency Harvard Univ (55-59), Full-time Faculty, Univ of Virginia School of Medicine (60-66), Training in Psychoanalysis, Washington Psychoanalytic Institute(60-64), Community Mental Health, Central Kentucky (66-80). Member: PRF Board of Trustees (7076), Medical license, Kentucky since 1966.
AAP Lifetime Achievement Award (2000), Chairman of the AAP Professional Development Committee (PDC) since 2002. Steering Committee of AAP since 2004.
Current Interests: Psychosynthesis Training, Anthroposophical Medicine, Spiritual Direction, Interfaith Dialogue and Limited Consultation Practice

Massachusetts

Dorothy Firman

dfirman@comcast.net

www.synthesiscenter.org

Didi Firman is a professor of psychology and counseling at Vermont College and has been teaching psychosynthesis for over twenty-five years. She works as a psychotherapist in private practice, as well as a life coach. The Synthesis Center, home to Didi's work, is a collective of psychosynthesis practitioners offering community counseling, training and educational groups. Didi is the co-author of several books on mother/daughter relationships, including "Chicken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul" a collaboration with her mother and sister and Jack Canfield, board of advisor's member for AAP.

Jean Gran

jean@jeangran.com

www.jeangran.com

Lighting your way to a brighter financial future. Sign up for my free newsletter at www.jeangran.com and receive a complimentary money journal.
Jean Gran has a passion for helping individuals, couples, and small business owners claim their power and gain financial wellness through exploring and adjusting how they think and feel about money. She helps her clients create a healthy, sustainable relationship with money--from the inside out. With certifications as a Financial Recovery(SM) Counselor, Psychosynthesis Practitioner, and Life Coach (IAC-CC), as well a previous career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Jean brings a rare and powerful combination of professional credentials and experience to her financially healing work. In addition to counseling individuals, couples, and groups, Jean presents experiential workshops and creates educational products and programs to help others transform their relationships with money. Find out if Financial Recovery Counseling is right for you. Schedule a complementary, confidential, no-obligation, half-hour consultation. Jean works with clients throughout North America by phone and internet.

Jan Kuniholm

jkuniholm@roadrunner.com

Education includes degree in Philosophy from New York University, graduate studies at Harvard Divinity School, and Professional Training in Psychosynthesis at The Synthesis Center in Amherst MA.
Offers counseling services for personal and spiritual growth using psychosynthesis and teachings from philosophical and spiritual traditions.

Missouri

Gwin Stewart

DrGwin@hotmail.com

www.CenterForHopeOnLine.com

An experienced psychologist and addictions counselor, Dr. Gwin Stewart guides people toward healthier, fulfilling lives. She helps people explore their concerns, develop understanding and take control of their behaviors. Gwin is interactive and authentic, with deep respect for the connection of mind, body, and spirit.
Gwin approaches therapy, teaching, supervision, and consultation from an attitude of supportive encouragement. She uses Psychosynthesis principles to create a place where people can better themselves. Leaving the past behind, not worrying about the future, and living freely in the present.
The Center For Hope is a holistic integrative healing Center offering a variety of modalities supporting comprehensive growth.

New York

Ira Bindman

irabindman@aol.com

Psychosynthesis has enriched my psychotherapy practice for 25 years. I offer a gentle guiding approach to difficult emotional, psychological and spiritual issues. I help people heal from early trauma, deal with relationships and let go of behavioral patterns that no longer serve them. I trained in the Berkshire Center with David & Judith Bach and was a founder of the Psychosynthesis Institute of N.Y. I utilize guided imagery, past life regression and dialoguing to bring clients into a fuller awareness of themselves and their possibilities.

North Carolina

Hedwig M. Weiler

hedwig.weiler@gmail.com

www.psychosynthesiswis.org

Founder and co-director of the Psychosynthesis Center of WI.
Teach foundational as well as advanced Psychosynthesis Courses and Training. Conduct retreats, teach courses in meditation.
Work with individuals and groups in solo practice.
Serve on the AAP Steering Committee.

Oklahoma

Edwin L Miller

speople@sbcglobal.net

www.support-people.com

I trained one year with Carl Petering in 1987, two years with Molly Young Brown 88-89; I have participated in all regional conferences since 2001 and Trainer Development in 2003 and 2005 as well as other trainings.
I use psychosynthesis in group and in individual sessions to deepen spirituality, to enhance recovery from addictions, and to assist in healing trauma.

Virginia

Michael H. Brown

mbrownlpc@aol.com

www.MichaelBrown.org

A practitioner of Psychosynthesis since 1973, Michael has authored 25 articles and two books about its application in counseling, organization consulting and outdoor experiential education. Many of his writings, along with his poetry and mandala art, can be found on his website. Michael has made presentations at 60 conferences internationally, has conducted 160 weekend workshops and 200 outdoor retreats called the Wilderness Vision Quest. He is an avid gardener, hunter and musician and has composed 36 songs for guitar, recorder, and Celtic Harp. Michael is husband to Solange Brown, an internationally known watercolor artist, best known for her angel art.

Wisconsin

Jean McElhaney

jeanmcel@mwt.net

www.pauquette.com/CSP.htm

Psychotherapist, spiritual activist, workshop facilitator, and interfaith seminary student
Studied psychosynthesis with Hedwig Weiler of the Psychosynthesis Center of Wisconsin (3 year program plus additional graduate training)
Offer individual and group psychotherapy through Pauquette Center for Psychotherapy
Offer workshops on psychosynthesis and democracy, PS and spiritual activism, as well as on secondary trauma, spirituality and trauma, practitioner self-care, and nonviolence (inner and outer peace).
Professional focus in the area of sexual and other trauma as well as vicarious trauma

Carla Peterson

carlapeterson@clearwire.net

www.soulworkstudio.com

My training has been with Hedwig Weiler at the Psychosynthesis Center of Wisconsin, with which I am now affiliated and co-direct. I teach personal and transpersonal psychosynthesis in various venues, including Joy Farm in rural Chippewa Falls, and the Christine Center in Willard, WI. Psychosynthesis psychotherapy is offered through my practice at SouthWoods Counseling Clinic in Eau Claire, WI. Clinic phone is: 715-834-1000.

Maria Shea

mariakay@svtel.net

hudsonhealing.tripod.com

I offer couseling to individuals and couples through my private practice in Hudson & Spring Valley WI. My practice is rooted in Transpersonal and Psychosynthesis Approaches. I completed Year One training at the Psychosynthesis Institute of Minneapolis MN in 1997.

Canada

Shamai Currim

shamai@hourglass.net

www.hourglass.net/tritherapy

Trained at Psychosynthesis Pathways of Montreal with Olga Denisko

Worked as a therapist, educator, educational consultant, trainer, and administrator internationally
Private practice, Tri Therapy: Body, Mind, Soul, integrates Psychosynthesis with more than 12 other therapies
PhD dissertation The Five Forces: Working with Dissociative States attempts to prove that Psychosynthesis is a viable tool for working with individuals that have been abused - http://hourglass.net/tritherapy/5forces.pdf
Has been twice published in both The Synthesist Journal and Electric Dreams
Served on the AAP Steering Committee as: Conference Chair 2004, Treasurer, Secretary, SCE Liaison, and NA Centers Liaison
Put together the 2005 AAP members directory
Conference registrar 2008

Sweden

Lars Gimstedt

info@psykosyntesforum.se

www.PsykosyntesForum.se

Trained at the Psychosynthesis Academy in Stockholm, Sweden, 88-92. PS supervisor 2004. PsykosyntesForum (web: psykosyntesforum.se) offers psychosynthesis therapy as well as therapy and coaching in cognitive script therapy. In the PsF webshop visualizations on mp3, personality test, e-courses and more are available for download. All products are in Swedish and in English.

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