My passion for healing sprang to life in the early 70's while being a student in a pioneer undergraduate program called The Expressive Arts at Sonoma State University. Coined "self exploration through art," the two year program changed my life.  I learned that when people----no matter what age, gender, or socio-economic background--- are provided with authentic, unconditional support and are encouraged to develop compassionate awareness, they start to trust themselves at deeper and deeper levels. Creativity comes forth and develops along with self esteem and meaningful connection with others.

In that safe environment many hidden dreams came out into the open. I discovered that mine was to be a singer/songwriter and performer.  I had a guitar but no background in music or singing.  The school offered me a built in audience where I could experiment with performing,  get useful feedback when I asked for it, and receive authentic encouragement to find my own way. By the time I graduated I had enough confidence in my ability to create and enough trust in my capacity to learn whatever I needed to know without abandoning myself, that I moved into life fully committed to making my dream come true. 

I also emerged from Expressive Arts having gained direct access to four powers within: awareness, self acceptance, the ability to choose again and creative expression. Inspired by my own experience and witnessing others', I became passionate about the alchemy of these powers.  When combined, deep healing and transformation occurs.

After 15 years of writing songs, singing, performing, recording and teaching others the process, my interest in healing came foreground. Fostering awareness and observing many of the same principles I was already practicing, the field of psychology was a natural next step for me. I re-entered school at the graduate level and become a psychotherapist.

My therapeutic style pays close attention to what Gestalt theory calls "supported risking." We need to take risks in order to grow and experience aliveness.  We also need to feel grounded, self regulated and maintain a sense of self.  I help clients discover how to be on their "growing edge" risking with support.

My training in therapy draws from many modalities and theories (psychodynamic, somatic awareness and attention to our autonomic nervous system , Gestalt, emotionally focused therapy, attachment focus, mindfulness , the expressive arts, ) however, it is tailored to each person's needs.  My approach is client-centered meaning that I view our relationship as a collaborative venture.  I honor the unique expression and resourcefulness within each person helping clients to be empowered from where they are now.  In other words, I assist clients in "learning their own ropes"---recognizing and trusting their natural sense of pacing, ways of processing information and style of being in contact with others. This includes finding a balance between healthy structure in daily life and the spaciousness of being " off the clock" for soul and creative expression.

Education and Specialized Experience:

As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been in private practice since 1992. My practice serves families, couples, and adults who want to improve their relationships, feel passion and purpose in their lives, release pain and trauma, transform destructive behaviors, and who also want to build self trust and experience inner peace.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in the Expressive Arts, Sonoma State University; a Masters in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Los Angeles; four years of post graduate study, Gestalt Institute, Los Angeles; 15 years on-going annual Relational Gestalt Training, Pacific Gestalt Institute, Los Angeles; I am advance trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) a neurologically based technique designed to help people integrate  and move beyond unresolved trauma; I am advance trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), certification in progress.

In addition to private practice, my experience includes working three years as a family therapist in a hospital Eating Disorder Unit; one year as a group and individual therapist at the Matrtix Center (a cognitive behavioral treatment and recovery clinic for chemical dependency, primarily cocaine and alcohol); program director and expressive arts group therapist at ATOC (a psychiatric residential treatment program in Los Angeles).

I have also brought my work to the Alcohol and Drug Department at Santa Barbara City College for years in teaching a course I designed entitled, Finding Your Authentic Voice. This experiential course orients student counselors to the paradoxical change principle found in 12 step programs, emphasizing the necessity to develop awareness of personal process and authentic self through supported risk taking in singing performance.

With a thirty year background in the performing arts, my work has always included attention to the healing powers of the creative process and self-expression. In addition to practicing psychotherapy, I teach singing performance and have pioneered Miracle of Voice, a modality that opens the natural voice for healing and is directed by the wisdom of the body. 

Active memberships:

CAMFT-- California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists
CAMFT SB--- the Santa Barbara local chapter
GTILA--- Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles

ANNY EASTWOOD, LMFT
aeastwood(at)cox.net
805-637-5522