Experience and Training
It is amazing to witness human courage, vulnerability and resilience expressed by my clients as I partner with them to explore and heal the difficult behaviours and emotions of their life experiences.
It is a delight to share the awe and satisfaction as they transform their lives in ways that allow for more authentic relationship with themselves, their loved ones and the world.
Creative Expression
I grew up with the notion that creativity belonged only to the artists, musician, actors and authors, and that creativity wasn't something for the ordinary folks.
When I was 17 my understanding of this completely changed when a friend, after listening to me wistfully complain about how I couldn't draw and had no ability, asked me point blank, "well, have you ever tried?" The truth was, not since I was a child.
Beginning with that conversation, I've approached my own creative expression very differently. I have followed my interests by trying any modality that I find appealing. This, in turn, led me to design jewelry for nearly 20 years, and to use creative expression as a form of self-discovery and healing.
My personal journey has led me to deepen my experience and skills as an expressive arts therapist. I have studied Focusing Oriented Art Therapy and continue to practice personally along with offering the process in groups
Mindfulness
I first learned to meditate in 1993, from there, I have studied Tibetan Buddhism with Ken Bradford and Non-Dual practices with John Prendergast. I am continuously tapping into and applying the steady wisdom and compassion I have learned through my own contemplative and expressive practices of meditation, movement and art.
I went on to teach mindfulness classes in a residential treatment center for addictions. I am interested in the intersection between mindfulness/presence and creative expression.
I have nearly 20 years of experience in creating educational materials and facilitating workshops in leadership skills, communication skills, team building, consumer education and job readiness. I have worked with diverse groups, from smaller non-profit organizations to large corporate settings.
Currently, in addition to my private practice, I provide art therapy to groups at a dual-diagnosis residential recovery program. I volunteer with the Women's Cancer Resource Center's free therapy program, providing therapy to low-income women diagnosed with cancer.
Education/Training
- MA in Counseling Psychology from JFK University’s School of Holistic Studies
- Existential Humanistic Psychotherapy
- Focusing Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT)
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- Somatic Regulation and Resiliance
- Reiki Master Level
- iRest Yoga Nidra teacher-in-training level one
- Myers-Briggs MBTI
Doreen Meister, MFT
Transformational Psychotherapy & Expressive Arts
Helping individuals, couples and families discover and express their unique self.