ABOUT STACIE

Like many of us, my journey to the path began with suffering, and I am deeply grateful for where it has brought me.

I have been practicing mindfulness for over 20 years, integrating meditation and yoga, and have been teaching since 2005. I graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2009, completed the Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy training in 2010, and have held a private psychotherapy practice in San Francisco for over 15 years.

My work sits at the intersection of Eastern Spiritual Teachings, specifically Buddhist Psychology and traditional Western Psychodynamic approaches.

There are many gates that lead to awakening, and for me, the most transformative experiences of my life have been through the gate of sorrow. My father, whom I had an exceptionally close relationship with, suffered a brain aneurysm and stroke at the age of 55 that left this brilliant and loving man unable to speak for the remainder of his life (he lived to be 70). Not only was he forever muted, but he had what is referred to as “locked in” syndrome, where cognitively he understood everything that was happening, but the highway between understanding and responding had been forever severed. To witness my dad, whom I loved so deeply, and who had been my savior in many ways, be rendered so helpless, was deeply painful. I was with him every day as his primary caretaker at the age of 26 for 3 years, until my mom passionately urged me to “get back to my life”.

But the life I knew before my dad fell ill, now seemed so hollow and insignificant. And I realized, that although this was the most devastating experience I had ever known, I somehow felt deeply content - knowing this was the most important thing I could be doing with my lifetime, despite most days ending in tears.

I believe this was my first initiation onto the path, my first awakening and true heart opening, to live a life full of meaning and purpose, to be of service, to offer my heart and wisdom as guidance and refuge as best as I am able.

Education & Training

New York University, Gallatin School of Individualized Study BA 1998

New York University, School of Psychology, BA 1998

California Institute of Integral Studies, Integral Counseling Psychology Program, MA 2009

Hakomi Institute, Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy Professional Training Level 1, 2010

Spirit Rock Dharma Institute, Buddhist Psychology Training 2022