LInks

We are drawn by the irresistible pull of love and connection, yet we also long for inner peace and stillness. These apparent opposites seem irreconcilable—until we realize that our longing for intimate bonds and spiritual liberation emanates from the same sacred impulse. Pursuing a spiritual path while embracing our humanity moves us beyond our stuck places toward rich relationships and intimacy with all things.

In this innovative, practical book, John Amodeo shows how emotionally nourishing relationships and spiritual development are two sides of the same coin of awakening. He suggests that the Buddha’s teaching about the root of suffering is often misunderstood. It is not desire and attachment that cause suffering; desire is the fire that springs from the basic life force.

Drawing upon the science of attachment theory, Amodeo illuminates how suffering spreads when we’re disconnected from ourselves and others—and is fueled by clinging to an array of habits and beliefs that divert us from a deeper intimacy with life.

In a warm, conversational tone, Amodeo presents relationships as the ultimate spiritual practice. We move toward emotional and spiritual maturity as we mindfully uncover, welcome, and convey our deepest feelings and tender longings. Guiding us on this healing and transformative journey is this book’s purpose. By bringing loving-kindness to wha,

Individual/Couples Therapy (San Rafael, Sebastopol Area and Telehealth)

(707) 829-8948 (landline)

johnamodeo@aol.com

I work with individuals and couples who want to deepen their connection with themselves and create more satisfying, engaging relationships. We will create a safe place to unravel stuck places, move toward building or repairing trust (with yourself and/or others), deal with unsettling life transitions, and know and affirm yourself in a deeper way.

Authenticity is a key to trusting, intimate relationships, but first we must learn to connect with ourselves in an authentic way, accepting ourselves as we currently are. Being gentle with ourselves is a key, whatever our circumstances. Depending on your needs and wants, I will help you explore the following:

• Identify your authentic feelings and longings without judging them.

• Learn to communicate your feelings, desires, and boundaries in a respectful, non-aggressive way -- without distancing people through  blame, defensiveness, or criticism.

• Deal with hurt and broken trust in a way that can lead to repair and renewal.

• Heal from loss, rejection, and betrayal -- and keep your heart open for new love.

• Replace escalating cycles of attacking and withdrawing by learning to communicate genuine feelings and longings that underlie toxic anger and criticism; differentiate healthy anger from destructive anger.

• Develop self-soothing skills, and develop inner resources; cultivating the awareness and inner strength to be yourself and differentiate your needs and wants from what others want from you. Learn self-regulation.

• Create a climate that invites people toward you, rather than pushes them away.

• Identify and heal the subtle, toxic shame that may be holding you back.

• Develop relationship skills to create a climate for enduring love, trust, and intimacy.

• Embrace unavoidable sorrow when facing loss or betrayal in a way that promotes healing.

• Discover the hidden wisdom in your feelings; befriend feelings without getting lost in them.

• Communicate with your authentic, empowered voice without overpowering others.

• Connect with your experience in a bodily felt way, rather than trying to figure everything out in your head. Honor your spirituality without bypassing feelings. Bring more humor and lightheartedness into your life.

My fee for a 50 minute session is $250.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notice to clients and prospective clients:

Under the law, health care providers need to give clients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate, or visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

John Amodeo, PhD, LMFT (#MFC 14453)