Counseling Psychology Student and Alumni News and Wins!
At the heart of all USM’s Programs is the assertion that we are not just human beings with souls. Rather, we are divine beings having a human experience. This fundamental shift in approach remains at the core of USM’s Counseling Psychology (CP) Program—classes that fulfill the educational requirements for those preparing to sit for state licensing as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
We thought we would catch up with a handful of USM’s CP graduates to see where their leading-edge skills and Soul-Centered approach to counseling were being put to use.
CP Grad Teresa Renner (‘00) opened her own Counsling Center—and cycled from San Francisco to L.A.!Teresa Renner, CP Grad 2000, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of opening her own private practice as a Marriage and Family therapist. Her counseling center, based in Long Beach, CA, includes five therapists, and she regularly has a waiting list for appointments. This month also saw her fulfilling the heartfelt dream of cycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles as a part of the AIDS Lifecycle event—585 miles in 7 days! “This has been a goal of mine for three years, and this year I am finally doing it,” she enthused. “I have successfully raised almost $3,000, and am riding in the name of Robert Panico, a wonderful, intelligent, and passionate man who introduced me to the theater and critical thinking when I was a young girl. My thanks to USM for teaching me how to be patient, and take many three-foot tosses to reach this great achievement!”
Beverly Lubin, a CP grad from the class of 2000, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is currently working as a therapist in a residential home for teenage boys, and has two offices for her private practice: one in the Santa Monica area, and one in Larchmont. Together with another USM graduate, Beverly has formed the Pacific Institute for Cross-Cultural Learning, through which she conducts workshops dedicated to assisting people in mastering their cross-cultural lives in their home, workplace, and community. About her experience at USM, Beverly says, “USM changed my life. I am incredibly grateful to have had the USM experience and to be part of a growing heart-centered community.”
Tim Whetzel (‘02) is halfway towards completing his 3,000 hours of Internship and is currently working at the Coldwater Counseling Center in Studio City. “All my Internships have been a rich mix of working with individuals, couples, groups, and children,” Tim shares. “I continue to draw on the valuable resources and practical skills I acquired at USM, and feel privileged and grateful to share therapeutic relationships with my clients as they pursue their journey to wholeness.”
Andrea Gatov, who graduated from USM’s CP Program in 1997, has just celebrated five years of service as a therapist at Belloni Boys ranch, a residential treatment facility for juvenile offenders, ages 13-18. In addition to running three groups a week as well as seeing the boys one-on-one each week, she offers family counseling, which includes the parents and boys together, and a once-a-month Parenting Class!
The challenges of working within the correctional system are far outweighed by the joys that her work brings. She shared, “I love the letters, phone calls, and visits I get from past residents, who want to touch base and let me know how they are doing and to feel that connection again. They tell me, ‘Thank you for helping me to learn how to talk about what I am feeling.’ When I tell the boys that we are spiritual beings having a human experience, and they get it, I feel my connection to USM all over again! Thank you to all my fellow students who have fed my heart and my soul.”
Sophia Grace Torrez (‘00) is in the process of finalizing her licensing as a licensed therapist in Colorado. In the meantime, she is also teaching English to migrant workers and offering support to a group that offers legal services in the area of immigration. She is also practicing as a Reiki master, reflexologist, and massage therapist. Sophia wanted to share with her USM community, “Even though I am a thousand miles away, I still feel deeply connected to USM. Blessings to all of you!”
CP Grad Steven Shaps (‘97), is now a licensed M.F.T. practicing in Santa Monica.Steven Shaps (‘97) is now also a licensed M.F.T. with a private practice in Santa Monica. He also sees managed care patients in Sherman Oaks and adolescents at north Hills Prep School. In addition, Steven is a presenter at Northridge Medical Hospital, where he lectures on Anger Management, Stress Management, and Self-Nurturing skills.
Steven shares, “Working with adolescents is the most challenging and offers the greatest learnings for me. This is where my own painful memories come forward from my own teenage years. Thanks to the depth of training at USM, I can continually come back into my loving.”
CP Grad Heather King (‘98), has taken her Soul-Centered counseling skills to a worldwide audience via the Internet.Heather King (‘98) has moved away from the traditional arena of counseling and into the world of “virtual” counseling! She explains, “I have become the ‘resident counselor’ for a women’s online community that spreads beyond the U.S. and into Sweden and Trinidad. I work with the tools of Self-Forgiveness, Ideal Scenes, reframing, and working on the four levels of consciousness. The feedback I receive is wonderful. It is testimony to how ready the world is for USM’s practical, life-changing approach to healing. Go USM!”
Monika Summerfiled (‘01), enjoys time off from facilitating groups in both English and Spanish by spending time at Joshua Tree.Monika Summerfield, a CP grad of 2001, is moving from success to success. Since graduating from USM, she has been working as a clinical therapist counseling families, couples, and children, as well as facilitating Anger Management and Personal Empowerment groups in both English and Spanish.
“I am very grateful for maintaining well-paid employment and witnessing healing and improvement in the lives of so many of my clients,” she shared joyfully. Her USM skills still lie at the foundation of her approach to life. “I have completed my 3,000 hours of required practice, and continue to use the wonderful USM skills and tools to move through any fears or blocks I encounter as I study for the State Licensing exams. My Ideal Scene is passing with grace and ease!”
Monika also received certification as a Kundalini Yoga teacher in 2002, achieving yet another heartfelt dream. “Combining yoga and therapy is such an enriching way to support healing and the release of mental and emotional blocks.” Later this year, Monika is opening the doors to her own counseling center in Newport Beach, where she will offer Spiritual Psychology and Kundalini Yoga therapy—providing services in five different languages!
Congratulations to all our Soul-Centered Counselors as you carry the principles and practices of Spiritual Psychology more widely into the world—may you continue to grow from success to greater success!
If you are a Counseling Psychology student or graduate interested in sharing your wins and/or your learnings through USM’s Spirit of Wisdom online newsletter, please write directly to Johanna Jenkins, Counseling Psychology Program Director, at the University. We welcome your news!
