Dear Friends,
I hope this email finds you well.
If this reaches you, it’s because our paths have crossed in the mindfulness or psychotherapy communities, or because you’re a valued member of my circle of friends and family.
I’m writing to share some exciting news about my psychotherapy and meditation practice. I’ve recently launched a new website: andreastarn.com.
The website is a resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about mindfulness-informed psychotherapy as well as mindfulness meditation teaching and coaching. It includes information about my background, approach, and services.
I’ve also included a blog on the website, where I will be sharing information and resources about mindfulness, mental health, and well-being.
I hope you’ll take a look at the site and let me know what you think.
In addition, I have a few other updates to share.
I have an in-person event coming up on Saturday, June 24th (flyer with details attached). Drawing inspiration from the natural world and the cycles of the seasons, I’m co-teaching a half-day retreat with my friend and colleague Brenlee Reida, LPCC. The start of summer is the perfect time to set intentions for growth and to cultivate joy and abundance! If you’re in the Bay Area, especially the East Bay, we invite you to join us in welcoming the season with meditation, mindful movement, and experiential practice based on summer themes of light, love, manifestation, and hope.
I recently completed the two-year, intensive Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) led by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. MMTCP is co-sponsored by the University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Institute, Sounds True, and the Awareness Institute. It’s a relatively new program and is already the gold standard for training and certifying mindfulness meditation teachers.
The classes are taught by Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, and many other leaders in the mindfulness community. The program also includes mentorship, peer engagement, and practicum teaching.
This process has been engaging, sustained, and quietly transformative, affirming and deepening my commitment to these beautiful practices.
Since to teach we must also be learners, and to heal, also patients, another recent enriching experience has been completing the Spirit Rock Buddhist Psychology Training, led by the wonderful psychologist and dharma teacher Matthew Brensilver. This 5-month training provided an opportunity to explore the relationship between mindfulness, Buddhist teachings, and scientific research in depth along with a group of fellow practitioners of the healing arts. Inspiring food for thought about ways to balance wisdom and compassion as a therapist, teacher, and practitioner.
Finally, I continue practicing clinically at Gateway Psychiatric Services. Depression and anxiety have been unsparing visitors in these difficult times, and I’m grateful to collaborate with Medical Director Peter Forster, MD and a team of gifted colleagues in working to support people around the very significant emotional challenges faced by so many of us these days. I’m grateful for the interest the clinic has taken in the mental health benefits of mindfulness and am working on integrating more mindfulness-related resources and content onto our website and blog, yet another engaging endeavor!
I hope to hear from you soon.
Sending many good wishes,
Andrea Starn