Practice and Philosophy

Practice Description
I believe that experiential tools can offer gentle and profound contact with body, mind, emotions and spirit. Guided imagery, journaling, drawing, mandala, collage, clay, rites/rights of passage, meditation, music, and breathwork are included in my work.

My private practice and workshop spaces are designed for safety, comfort,
privacy and expressive work. Individual and couples Breathwork sessions
are usually three hours, allowing the process to unfold and close naturally.
Counseling sessions are an hour and a half.

Breathwork has helped many with chronic pain, anxiety, incest and abuse
issues and those with blocks in creativity, personal growth and peace of mind.
It also complements most 12 step programs, therapy, health care and spiritual
study. At your request, I am happy to work with other health professionals to
maintain the continuity and confidentiality of your care.

Philosophy
“Our breath is fuel to our Life Force. It feeds the flame of our Soul.
So many misunderstood experiences, thoughts and feelings have
distracted, distorted and blocked our natural evolution and expression.
The rest of our Self remains locked within, awaiting Breathing Space,
time and loving support."

Jill Gerken, Winter 1986

It has been said “We are Spiritual Beings having a Human Experience.”
I believe we all deserve time, space and companionship on our journey.
My desire is to be a “fair witness” for you and your process. In my practice
over the last 25 years, I have witnessed and experienced so many profound
expressions of Self and Spiritual Emergence. I continue to be awed and
honored by our personal process, evolution and healing.

License/Registration/Certification
• Certified Alcoholism Counselor 1982, CCDC II 2004 (Ohio)
• Certified Alcoholism Counselor 1988, CADC II 2002 (California)
• Certified Integrative / Holotropic Breathwork Practitioner, 1988
• Certificate in Transpersonal Studies, 1987
• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II - LCDC II

Educational Background
• BSN, University of Phoenix, 1996
• RN, LA County School of Nursing, 1975

Specialized Education
• Johnson Institute, Family Systems Theory, Treatment & Intervention 1977
• Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Menlo Park, Calif., 1987
• Esalen Institute, Dr. Stanislav Grof & Jacquelyn Small, Mystical Quest Addiction and Attachment, 1987
• Eupsychia Institute, Integrative Breathwork, Soul Based Psychology, Psychospiritual
• Integration Training, Certified 1988
• Grof Transpersonal Psychology & Holotropic Breathwork Training, Certified 1988
• Healing Touch Training: Levels I & II 1998

Professional Associations
• Association of Holotropic Breathwork International since 1988
• Eupsychia Institute Psychospiritual Integration Practitioners Group since 1988
• Friends of Jung – Claremont & San Diego 2004
• Institute of Noetic Sciences since 1986 (La Mirada group since 2003)
• NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals since 2000
• Women's Improvement Club, Corona 2005
• Claremont Wellness Professionals 2005

Speaking Topics
• Breathing Room: Self Care, Time and Sacred Space
• Breathwork as a 12-Step Recovery Tool
• Heroic Journey : Journal Writing Workshop
• Integrative & Holotropic Breathwork
• Intervention Planning for Families of Chemical Dependency
• Sanctuary: Breathwork for Incest and Domestic Violence Survivors