We heal when we tell our stories, together, and we are truly heard...
take a listen: https://youtu.be/raFPyCL0rVY?si=prHYM4fk-I7L1vJw
Greetings and welcome. I am an integrative clinical health psychologist and co-founder and former director of behavioral medicine at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School. Currently I am the Director of Residency Wellness at USC/LA General, Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California and I have a clinical practice. I hold memberships with the International Network for Integrative Mental Health and the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health. I have been blessed to have been taught by, and work along side, many indigenous wisdom carriers who have deeply informed my work and how I live. I assist in the revisioning of medicine retreat conference each year and I am forever grateful to my teacher, Deena Metzger, https://deenametzger.net/pages/, for the sacred way she lives and works for social justice, exquisite compassion, truth telling, and healing on behalf of all beings. My upcoming book, The Spiritual Heart of Psychotherapy which speaks of the importance of healing from a holistic, traditional, conventional, and spiritual lens is soon to be published by Routledge. On the national level, I have been the co-chair of the clinical committee of the consortium of academic health centers of integrative medicine and I have been the psychologist representative for the task force developing core competencies for integrative pain medicine and I now direct the LEAPS program, a leadership program for medical, and other healthcare, students learning to be integrative medicine practitioners. With over 35 years of experience working with distressed physicians/healthcare professionals, as well as children, teens, and adults suffering with chronic illness, chronic pain, and other sorts of trauma, I incorporate music and sound healing, mindfulness-based practices, creative arts, narrative therapy, connecting with the natural world, spirituality, dream work, play, ceremony and ritual, and group (heart council) work as key elements to easing suffering. Whenever I can, I take groups out into the natural world to remember our deep connection to the earth, each other, and to ourselves. I believe, and know, that psychotherapy can be healing if a sanctuary of trust and safety is created. It is sacred and holy work. The guiding principle for my work is encouraging a deepening relationship with the innate gifts of one’s own soul and I am honored to accompany so many on their sacred journey.
With gratitude, Tobi