I received a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (currently known as Sofia University) in 2012. I have also received certification in Psychedelic Integration, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Somatic Therapy, and as a yoga teacher. Prior to my personal therapy practice, I worked at psychiatric settings, community mental health, group rehabilitation homes, and correctional facilities. I have worked with migrants, minors and adults, patients detoxing from drugs and alcohol, and have facilitated integration groups for clients undergoing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. I have experience working with patients and clients of all ages, gender identities, racial backgrounds, and mental health issues. In my private practice, I currently focus on working with adult clients who are experiencing the impacts of complex trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as major life transitions, existential concerns, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and non-ordinary states of consciousness. Many of the therapeutic modalities that I use with clients are ones that have transformed my own life. I am passionate about sharing the tools and skills that benefitted me for the wellbeing of others, and for our collective healing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session, and in some cases the first few; are used to gather essential details so that I may better understand you and your unique needs. Likewise, this is a time for us to assess how are dynamic and what your distinct areas of focus may be moving forward. All that said, there is no truly typical first session as all persons are different and come to my door with their own history and specific challenges.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I work with clients from diverse communities who seek support for challenges related to racial and ethnic identity, major life transitions, and existential concerns. I also provide psychedelic integration support that is culturally sensitive, based in reciprocity and acknowledgment of indigenous cultures, and trauma-informed. Forgiveness, compassion, and patience for ourselves and unique healing processes are key to embracing our strengths and finding self-empowerment. These are valuable tools I hope to help you cultivate. Difficulties such as depression, trauma, anxiety, and issues related to family of origin are amongst my core competencies. I aim to widen the vista through which you see yourself and the world by helping to identify and challenge limited beliefs and thought patterns.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I currently work with adults experiencing depression, existential concerns, trauma, BIPOC issues, and those needing psychedelic integration. New Clients meet with me on a weekly basis, so it is best that you are able to set aside some time to do so. As therapy continues and things improve we can discuss meeting less frequently.
About Gerard Artesona
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Somatic
Talk therapy while useful oftentimes has limitations, as it may not allow everyone to look beyond their intellect. Somatic Therapies address this precisely by allowing the body to lend its wisdom, perspective, and insight. Our bodies hold as much of the story as our minds do, and through different exercises (resembling guided meditation) we can encourage a deeper exploration of your experience without rehashing stories you may have told yourselves and others many times. The information revealed can take the form of physical sensations, visions, memories, and other abstract motifs that get around the normal limitations of our waking mind and permit forms of insight otherwise unaccessible.
Transpersonal
My original inspiration to study transpersonal psychology was birthed from the depths of some powerfully transformative psychedelic experiences I had while in my undergraduate studies. To some great extent, I am very much still riding the inspiration they bestowed on to me back then. through this metamorphic catharsis I came to understand that spiritual experiences and non-ordinary states of consciousness held great healing potential and are very much indeed a legitimate part of the human experience. Whether its psychedelic integration, dreams, deja vu, precognition, or other sorts of phenomena, I consider it a honor to help you find how to live in balance with these experiences and how they can help make sense within the larger picture of who you are.