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. I am currently working on a book on healing and how to bring back the sacred into the therapy room. Stay tuned for The Spiritual Heart of Psychotherapy. 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.
Tobi