Anny Eastwood MA, MFT - Santa Barbara Psychotherapist
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. 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 on its own along with deep, meaningful connection with others.
In that safe environment many hidden dreams came out in 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, useful feedback when I asked for it, and 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. And what an adventure it has turned out to be!
I also emerged from Expressive Arts having gained direct access to three powers within: awareness, compassionate acceptance, 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, accompanying myself on guitar, piano and dulcimer, singing, performing, recording and teaching others the process, my interest in healing came foreground. Using 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 I like to call "supported risking." We need to take risks in order to grow and experience aliveness. We also need to feel grounded, safe and maintain a sense of self. I help clients discover how to be on their "growing edge" risking with support.
My approach to therapy is eclectic and tailored to each person's needs. It is client-centered meaning that I view our relationship as a collaborative venture. Together we build a safe space through respectful dialogue. 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 in their natural rhythms, ways of processing information, emotional experience, 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 exploration.
Education and Specialized Experience:
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been in private practice for eighteen years. My practice serves families, couples, and adults who want to improve their relationships, feel passion and purpose in their lives, release the pain of the past, stop destructive behaviors, build self trust and find inner peace.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in the Expressive Arts, Sonoma State University; a Masters in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University; four years of post graduate study, Gestalt Institute, Los Angeles; 10 years Relational Gestalt Training, Pacific Gestalt Institute, Los Angeles.
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 depedency, primarily cocaine and alcohol); program director and expressive arts group therapist at ATOC (a psychicatric residential treatment program in Los Angeles).
I have also brought my work to the Alcohol and Drug Department at Santa Barbara City College for the past 3 years in teaching a course 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 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
CAMFT SB--- the Santa Barbara local chapter
GTILA--- Gestalt Therapy Institute of Los Angeles
ANNY EASTWOOD, MFT
aeastwood@cox.net
805-682-7006
aeastwood@cox.net
805-682-7006
