“The part of us that we close away for safe keeping —the messy and unpredictable part of us, the vulnerable part of us— it is that very part that holds the key to our personal empowerment and self-expression. ”

Dr. Shara Brun (2024)

This is true for me too.  I think it’s important to acknowledge that along with the training listed below, at the core of my work is a sensitivity and compassion that came from my own experiences of suffering; of violence, trauma, neglect, oppression, betrayal, confusion…surrender, reaching out, getting support, affirmation, learning, letting go, recovering, growing, and succeeding.  My experiences carved out new capacities in me again and again, so that I eventually decided to clarify what I had learned through training, in order to support others.

Resonant Self Counseling is the private practice I began in 2012 to do this.  Since then I have dedicated myself to passing on the guidance and support that others have given to me.  In this way we can all help one another and by doing so, make a better world.

 

Credentials and Training

  • PhD in Depth Psychology with specialization in Somatic Studies, Pacifica Graduate Institute (2021)

  • MA - Masters degree in Counseling (2013) The Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education master's program at the University of Colorado Denver

  • LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor

  • Certified in Clinical Supervision (BPI 2021)

  • Gestalt and Applied Existential Psychotherapy (AEP) training in group processing at the Boulder Psychotherapy Institute with Dr. Betty Cannon (2012 - present)

  • Certified in Applied Existential Relational Therapy from Boulder Psychotherapy Institute (2016)

  • Bachelor's degrees in Philosophy, and Sociology cum laude from CU Boulder (1999)

Other Studies…

  • 10 years of classical study and training in piano

  • 10 years of study in jazz theory, composition and improvisation with mentor Art Lande

  • 15 years of study in vocal technique, performance, improvisation and toning with several different mentors, groups and choirs

  • 15 years of teaching private piano and voice lessons to all ages

  • 15 years of study in West African rhythms and dance

Music is a powerful of tool for exploration, self-soothing, self-expression and self-empowerment.  My time spent focusing on creative work developed my ability to listen deeply and honed my ability to discover and dissolve old habits and stories impeding authenticity and flow.

What Feeds Me…

  • Being of service and in relationship in the world—as a mom, as a student and a teacher, as daughter and sister and friend.

  • Finding beauty and synchronicity in the world every day…little things, big things, Mother Nature—it fills me with wonder and awe.

  • Learning new things and sharing them (resulting in the lists above!)

  • Music, good food, BIG belly laughs, and intentional acts of kindness

“Shara and I began working together two years ago and can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am today had I never met her. I immediately felt safe and cared for by Shara. She does a really beautiful job of connecting the dots of your life and offering up a reflection of yourself so that you can see yourself in a light that you may have never known existed. She is a great listener and always amazes me when she remembers tid-bits I had told her in the past, like she understands the puzzle of my life and knows how to help me figure out how to build it. On top of counseling I have done Shara’s voice workshop and Shadow workshop. Both were excellent. She really understands her work and how to use it to help people.”
— Susan K.