My Journey to the Mindful Way

There is a saying that "one teaches what they need to learn" and that is definitely true for me. Born to an Italian immigrant mother and a Cuban/Puerto Rican father I seemed to know only one mode of being: stressed. Like in many first generation American families, our mottos were: academic achievement is everything, always go above and beyond, and when in doubt, just stress more.

After a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome at age 24, I learned about the "relaxation response" as an antidote to the stress response. And then to begin quieting the mind and body. This new way of being became a quest. Alongside serving my students as a school psychologist in Texas, I learned to relax my body and mind. This was new. To pause... to check in with myself...

After returning to Virginia, and while again in graduate school, I put together a training program combining these concepts with cognitive behavioral therapy to teach stress reduction to people in the workplace. I remember one saying from a chart and feeling so good about the experience I had just had when suddenly I was rooted to the spot with the realization. It seemed incomprehensible to me in that moment, and I knew then that this was what I was meant to do.

I began integrating this incredibly powerful body of research and mindfulness principles into all of my work with clients, students, workplace employees, and into my everyday life. I participated in one of the first formal training experiences for professionals learning to lead MBCT Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy groups.

I ran my first MBCT group with a few of my clients and others who had been referred by their therapists. Seeing the shoes lined up outside my office, knowing all the people were inside in their stocking feet, ready for class, I felt a lump in my throat. It came from both a deep sense of gratitude to be able to do this work and also the question "Can I really help these people?"

As I continued leading the groups, I soon became amazed at how, for many people, the classes seemed to jump-start and move things forward more quickly in a way that therapy alone sometimes could not. And I rejoiced in the opportunity to learn anew, each time, the wonders of this body of knowledge and wisdom.

After the pandemic I decided to wind down my private practice and transition to focusing solely on the groups. So here I am, offering my experience, my knowledge, and my passion to help others learn what I am still learning myself... about healing, coping, and renewing.