Training and Influences

Ruth has been a student of counseling and healing for most of her life, and it is from this rich mix of experience that HeartMind Integration and HeartMind Therapy have emerged. Here, not in order of importance, is Ruth's list of some of her key sources of learning and influence, and her comments on them.

The Foundation of the Sacred Stream, founded and directed by Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. (www.sacredstream.org). I studied closely with Isa from 2003-2006, completing her programs in Depth Hypnosis, Advanced Shamanism, Integrated Energy Medicine, and Huna (the shamanic tradition of Hawaii.) Isa's brilliant synthesis of core shamanism with the tools of hypnotherapy and energy medicine -- and the wisdom of Buddhism -- changed my life. I am forever grateful for her groundbreaking work and all it helped me to understand, access, and heal.

The Pathwork, a series of 258 lectures given by “The Guide,” channeled by Eva Pierrakos (www.pathwork.org). The profound psychological and spiritual wisdom contained in these talks -- all of which are available for free at the Pathwork website -- has deeply impacted my life and my work.

Focusing, a technique originated by Eugene Gendlin, Ph.D., in the 1970s, and subsquently refined and expanded by Ann Weiser Cornell, Ph.D. (www.focusingresources.com). I studied with Ann from 1996-2000, completing both her Focusing series (levels I - IV), as well as her innovative course, “Treasure Maps to the Soul.” Focusing offers an astonishingly simple yet profoundly effective structure for listening to all parts of the self -- including the body -- and developing an internal compassionate presence. I use the skills of Focusing daily in my life and work.

Corelight, founded and directed by Leslie Temple Thurston (www.corelight.org.) In her books, particularly The Marriage of the Spirit, and in her vast collection of audiotapes, Leslie lays out a detailed program for transformation, replete with both wisdom and tools. I have worked deeply with Leslie's methodologies for over four years, and also completed her Spiritual Warrior program and the first year of her Teacher Training Program.

Buddhism. Although my path has been eclectic, I have been deeply informed and influenced by the work of many Buddhist teachers and practitioners, from many lineages.

Poetry. I began writing poetry at age five, received an M.F.A. in Poetry Writing at age 23, published four books of poems between 1996 and 2004, and have taught poetry writing at the college level since 1997. Over the years I have read thousands of books of poems, and worked with hundreds of aspiring writers, as well as written many poems myself. I understand now that poetry gives me ways to both praise this beautiful world, and to grapple with the suffering and degradation so closely interwoven with the beauty. In this way, poetry was my first spiritual teacher, and the one with whom I have had the most enduring relationship.

Suffering. People close to me have grappled with addiction, mental illness, severe physical illness and many other challenges, and my effort to forge what Buddhists would call my “Right Relationship” to other peoples' pain has been a major part of my life. I understand now that I can serve as a conduit for the healing energies of the universe, and help people open to those energies if they are willing -- but my work is also to compassionately witness the choices people make, holding no agendas, judgments or blame for the ways we perpetuate our own pain.

Kidney Transplantation. In 1995, I donated a kidney to my partner Gladys. The experience of preparing for the transplant, going through it, and caring for Gladys post-transplant propelled me far more deeply into my exploration of suffering, and my understanding of the healing process.

Love. Intimate relationships have been my greatest teachers, both by breaking my heart and by expanding its capacity many-fold. On a personal level, my love relationships have inspired my deepest growth. On a larger level, all of my work is fueled by my love for this world.