About Judy

From the perspective of my 30+ years as a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and relaxation specialist helping people heal from a variety of emotional and spiritual issues, I have come to realize that creativity, and the application of creative techniques, results in a significant decrease in pain and increase in joy.

I have been writing poetry since I was a child and several years ago realized that I could combine poetry, journal writing and counseling.  This realization led me to pursue a certification in poetry therapy.  It has been a joy to participate in helping so many people awaken to new discoveries through the expressive art of writing.  Counseling often focuses on problems, whereas, the expressive arts allows a lighter yet still in-depth approach.  Some have even continued independently to write and journal/poem-make to bring meaning into their lives.

My focus has now expanded even further to include the expressive arts and a creativity coaching practice, where I help foster the creative process for writers, artists, performers, and anyone who wants to foster their creative ideas.

Woven into all my pursuits is my meditation practice.  It is the foundation that allows my own creativity to flourish.  It has been present in listening deeply to clients, in leading them through relaxation exercises, when choosing a poem or writing that is just right for them, and when calming the mind to write my own poetry.  People often say, “I’d like to relax if only I had time”.  In sessions together, they can finally experience that elusive relaxing. The results for the mind, body and spirit are immensely satisfying for both of us.

I am a member of and facilitator for the Eden Poetry Circle, a member of UUFR Mindfulness Meditation Community, and a volunteer at the local independent bookstore.   Professionally, I am a member of the Federation Board of Poetry Therapist and on their credentialing committee.  As a certified poetry therapist I create and facilitate workshops for dealing with anxiety in the creative process and writing/poem-making in order to promote creative growth.

When not working, I enjoy traveling to the mountains of NC to hike, bird watch, write, and visit with friends.  The mountains continue to be a refuge and inspiration for my own creative pursuits.  And just as important, I have been blessed to share many of my poems with family and friends to enhance many of their special occasions.

My Certifications include:

• Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, certified by the American Nurses Association  (ANA).
• Clinical Hypnotherapist, certified by National Board of Certified Hypnotherapists (NBCCH).
• Bereavement – training by Grief Counseling Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.
• Certified Poetry Therapist – CPT by the National Federation Board of Poetry Therapy (NFBPT).
• Graduate of Creativity Coaching Classes led by Eric Maisle.

My Affiliations include:

• NC Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists
• National Association of Poetry Therapy  (NAPT)
• National Federation Board of Poetry Therapy (NFBPT) - Member of credentialing committee and board member
• National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists