There are times in our lives when life feels that it’s too much. This can happen at times of transitions like losing someone we love, encountering an illness, facing a career change, moving countries or home, or just for no outside reason.
Often during those times we don’t have enough support or answers. I aim to serve as a guide through transformation during those times.
I work with individuals, couples and families using an integral approach, working with challenges by restoring the balance between mind, body, and spirit.
In sessions we will focus on working in ways that appeal to you most, whether it’s talking, noticing emotions and sensations, mindfulness, or expressing yourself through movement, drawing, or other ways. With difficult experiences that are sources of trauma, we will work to create safety in your body and mind allowing you to address these experiences.
The relationship between you and me is one of the most important aspect of the therapy. If we don’t connect, the therapy isn’t going to be that effective (this has been shown by studies as well). One of the primary goals of our work together will be establishing trust and safety that will allow you to grow and transform. This safety includes full respect and aiming to understand your culture, identity, and beliefs.
Finally, I find that everyone has a reserve of strengths and resources, even in the most difficult times. We will nourish and build these existing resources.
It’s exploding, isn’t it? It feels like everywhere you click there is an AI search summary, an AI assistant, ChatGPT, or Claude right there to help you, to answer your questions, and to support you. The headlines vary from shouting “it’s a cataclysmic disaster!” to
“it will solve all the major problems in the world!’
But quietly, in the privacy of our own screens, so many of us are turning to AI for emotional support, because it feels like it’s there and so helpful. It makes so much sense. And… maybe you are wondering if that’s ok, maybe you are wondering whether it’s going to get you where you want to go or, in the end, it will lead you away from yourself. Or maybe you want both, the AI and a human, supporting you… I suspect a lot of people will end up doing that.
As a therapist and a human, I am fascinated by the effect that AI is having on our consciousness. I am researching, thinking, and working to understand how AI can support the world’s wellbeing instead of leading us to a more impoverished world, on an emotional and physical levels.
Here is my latest Substack article
Curious about understanding when and how AI can help with emotional wellbeing and when it’s best to talk to humans or a therapist? Curious about collaborating on understanding AI’s impact on human consciousness? Reach out, either as a client or a colleague. [email protected]
I am running a discussion group for clinicians on this topic.
I do not use AI in my therapy and coaching practice for discussing clients. At all. I don’t use an AI note taker or chat with AI about any client related issues. I don’t record my sessions. I don’t use it for my writing, beyond spell checking. I only use it for work that’s not directly client-related (such as formatting slides or casual topic exploration). To understand how AI works on a personal level, I use myself as a guinea pig for gaining experience.
However, I want to fully respect my clients’ wishes to use AI, and want to make sure that clients feel comfortable and not judged by me when they do discuss how they use AI. This comes from my fundamental belief that the non-judgement and trust between me and my clients is vital to healing.
I don’t use AI in my clinical practice because I feel that I don’t fully understand and trust the use of data that goes into any AI platform, and I want to safeguard my clients’ data to the highest degree possible.
The purpose of the group is to create a space for clinicians to share, brainstorm, and learn about the rapid and major shifts that the widespread use of AI is having on our clients and on clinical work.
Are your clients using AI? Are you reading the news on AI contributing to people completing suicide? Are you feeling worried, fascinated, or behind? Come talk about it, and let’s be together in this. This group is free.
Reach out of you are a clinician interested in participating: [email protected]
Menla Mountain House and Dewa Spa
Phoenicia, NY
December 6-9, 2026
Facilitated by Dr. Laurane McGlynn and Leeza Pachepsky
Rediscover the art of hibernation and slowing down. Build new connections in a safe and supportive community.
A workshop to turn toward your body’s wisdom for healing and renewal.
Description
Do you feel at home in your body? Is your relationship with it one of deep friendship, uneasy coexistence, or perpetual conflict?
This workshop is an invitation to gently explore your connection with your body—through movement, rest, and shared presence. Together and on our own, we’ll play, explore, and rest. This is a space of full permission to show up just as you are, and from that place see how you learn, flourish and get nourishment and rest.
All bodies, all abilities, and adults of all ages are welcome. No prior experience needed.
The workshop includes
Details
Next date TBD
Flow Rehab Studio, Pinole, East Bay
Tea and snacks provided
Please wear something comfortable to move or lounge in. Bring a water bottle, and a journal if you enjoy writing.
Payment
Sliding scale: $20–40
No one turned away for lack of funds.
This workshop is an opportunity to slow down and arrive more fully into presence and connection in community. We will ground into the elements through mindfulness practices, deepening our relationship to the land, the water and ourselves. From that place of connection to elements and self, we will connect with others through gentle verbal and somatic exercises, to deepen a sense of belonging and community. Learn more about hosts: Leeza Pachepsky (pachepsky.com) and Suzanna Mannion (heartsaliveyoga.com). Harbin Hot Springs, Yurt 20
Free with admission to Harbin – just show up!
Right now I work mostly online. My office is located in Temescal, Oakland, California.
I am happy to have a free 15-30 minute consultation with you. You can reach me at [email protected], or call/text 510-679-1317.
My fee for individuals it is $160-200; and for couples and families it is $180-240. I provide lower sliding scale based on your need and my availability. I am also happy to provide you with a list of sliding-scale clinics in the Bay Area.
