Our Philosophy of Counseling

Process Oriented Psychology (Process Work)

Our approach is eclectic and draws on many different schools of psychology and spirituality such as Gestalt, Bioenergetics, Tantra, relationship and sex therapy, and the Shamanic and Crazy Wisdom traditions.

While we integrate many different schools of thought, primarily, our work is inspired by and based on Process Oriented Psychology (often called ‘Process Work’), as developed by Dr. Arnold Mindell.

As a Jungian Analyst, Dr. Mindell started developing Process Work in Zurich in the 70s, initially by researching the connection between illness and the unconscious mind.

Since then, after more than 30 years of research by Arny and Amy Mindell and associates, Process Work has expanded its applications into areas varying from body symptoms, dream and essence (sentient) work to conflict resolution, personal development to facilitation for groups and organizations, working with relationships and families, to working with processes around death and coma.

Sources of Inspiration and Influence

Process Work draws on the philosophies of Taoism, Zen, Alchemy, the work of C.G. Jung, Shamanism, Indigenous traditions, and Quantum Physics.

The underlying Process Work philosophy is that there is an inherent meaning in experiences that trouble or disturb us. In that context, all experiences are seen as potentially useful: there is intelligence and creativity embedded in our problems, symptoms and conflicts.

In Process Work, we emphasize becoming aware of this inherent intelligence or wisdom, so that it can be accessed and give us a choice about if and how we want to utilize it.

Process Work as an approach doesn’t prescribe fixed formulas or a one-size fits all approach for all relationships and in all situations. Rather, the emphasis is on developing your awareness of the inherent wisdom in the relationship, how to process and work with this unique direction, and how to unfold it into our every day lives.

Please note that our credentials are Masters (Niyati) and MSW and Diplomate in Process Oriented Psychology (Robert) and that we are not licensed counselors and we do not diagnose and treat mental disorders. If you are in need of a licensed mental health professional, we’d be happy to refer you to a licensed counselor.