Preparation of Self

My focus, therapeutic presence and clarity are enhanced by numerous personal practices. My daily meditation practice of over twenty years supports me in accessing my inner wisdom. Tai Chi and the Feldenkrais Method assist me with balance and neutrality. Horseback riding and my relationship with my horse connect me with nature and support me in listening in a deeper way.

Experience

I have extensive experience in inpatient and outpatient treatment settings for psychiatric care, eating disorders, addictions and codependence, domestic violence, anger management, and Employee Assistance Program assessment and referral.

In 1992 I helped found the graduate program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Santa Monica. My courses included Group Psychotherapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as the year long Supervised Practicum for students in their initial clinical placements.

Advantages to working with Gordon

• 35 years of professional practice
• 27 years university faculty
• AAMFT Approved Supervisor
• Certified Supervisor & Therapist: Emotionally Focused Therapist
• Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
• Certified EMDR Therapist
• Immersion Trainings in Brainspotting and Gestalt Therapy
• Specialist in Spiritual Psychology

Location

My office is located in northern San Diego County in Solana Beach.

Education, Credentials, Professional Achievements

Education

• B.S., Psychology, Virginia Tech University, 1975
• M.A., Counseling Psychology, Professional School for Psychological Studies, 1983
• M.A., Applied Psychology, University of Santa Monica, 1990

Continuing Education

• Spiritual Psychology
• Three year post-graduate training in Gestalt Psychotherapy with Drs. Erv
  and Myriam Polster at APA approved Gestalt Training Center
• EMDR Levels I & II and advanced coursework
• Group Psychotherapy
• Developmental Model of Couples' Therapy with Dr. Ellyn Bader
• Cognitive Energy Psychology
• Brainspotting: Levels 1 & 2 and advanced coursework
• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy-EFT

Credentials and Certifications

• Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, MC20795, California, 1985
• Gestalt Therapist, Certificate of Completion, Gestalt Training Center, 1991
• Certified Group Psychotherapist, National Registry, 1994-2012
• Certified EMDR Therapist, 2002
• Certified EFT Therapist-Emotionally Focused Therapy, 2010
• Certified Supervisor-Emotionally Focused Therapy, 2012
• AAMFT Approved Supervisor, 2015

Professional Achievements

• Authored successful proposal resulting in funding for a residential
  psychiatric treatment center on behalf of Community Research Foundation,
  1985
• Founding Faculty, Counseling Psychology Program, University of Santa
  Monica, 1992.
• Mental Health Conference Coordinator, “Tapping the Power Within”
  featuring Jack Canfield. Organized for the California Association of Marriage
  and Family Therapists, North County San Diego, 1995

Outstanding Service Awards

• Employee of the Year, Community Research Foundation, 1985
• University of Santa Monica, 1994
• California Association of Marriage & Family Therapist, North San
  Diego Chapter, 1995