"By using the symbolic language of archetypes, you work directly with the blueprint of the Soul to resolve conflict, enliven joy, retrieve life mission and purpose." - Dr. Charles Bebeau

•  Dream analysis, exploring reoccurring myth, archetypes and symbols

•  Hypnosis, trance work, breath work, focusing and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

•  Experiential, transcendental and body-centered psychotherapy

•  Reconnecting with your Source, Primal Energy, Id, Collective Consciousness, Essence, Chi

•  Acting as facilitator to enhance your natural ability to heal yourself

•  Safe, honest and confidential environment for expressing yourself without judgment or fear

This particular psychological model interested me as it emphasized a non-judgmental nature regarding alternative religions and it emphasized a universal faith in the ultimate goodness and wholeness of the human psyche/soul. I was also drawn to studying psychology, as I knew I wanted to be of service to others and thereby honor my own process, spiritual growth, awareness and sense of purpose.

In 1986, I moved to Boulder and continued pursuing my interest in Jungian and Integrated Psychology. My current therapeutic style developed by combining several therapeutic models and techniques. The focus of my work is on honoring the process and unfolding of the archetypes and soul . This directive allows the client to make sense of often painful blocks and transform this suffering into future wisdom and resource. Through examining recurrent issues, clients are respectfully encouraged to uncover pertinent archetypes or patterns of behavior within the unconscious mind. An archetype is a primordial image, symbol or form, an innate reflection of the instinctive or unconscious. These universal patterns or images connect all humans on a very deep, eternal and spiritual level, often referred to as the collective consciousness.

Accessing and connecting to these archetypes or patterns can be very healing and empowering. These innate images can be identified through delving into the unconscious by using varying meditative states such as hypnosis, NLP, focusing or by assessing dreams, symbols and myth. Identification and awareness of unconscious patterns ordinarily leads to greater insight and subsequent change. It can also lead to a deeper knowledge of one's purpose and will help with our search for meaning, creativity and inner guidance.

I place great importance on somatic experiencing and on body-centered psychotherapy . Our culture disproportionately values reasoning and intellectual ability above affect and feeling, sometimes disregarding the emotional aspects of our being. My goal is to reawaken the natural balance and harmony between reason and emotion by encouraging clients to be more present in their bodies and accepting of this aspect of themselves. Honoring, acknowledging and accepting emotion allows these feelings to pass through us rather than interfere with and preoccupy our lives. We all share the ability to access the unconscious (feeling, body-centered) and conscious (rational and intellectual) aspects of our psyche and can learn to bridge the connection in order to live more peaceful and centered lives.

I believe that I act as facilitator, guide or shaman in the therapeutic setting and that you are the one that holds the wisdom and secrets to your own self-realization and psychological expansion. I believe that we enter a spiritual space, what Jung called the holy technique , whereby both client and therapist collaborate in order to be transformed and healed. My purpose as a therapist is to respectfully encourage your innate ability to heal yourself and fully experience life with love, gratitude and joy.

I can act as guide or facilitator to help you uncover the true meaning and purpose behind your process and journey. Together, we can find the reoccurring issues behind the problems in your personal life, relationships and family through identifying your prevalent archetypes and symbols. I can help you redirect your energy and find the meaning behind the anxiety, depression or alienation you may be experiencing. Let me help you trust your inner guide and wisdom and reveal the incredible person you already are and meant to become. By trusting in yourself you will enhance your life, creativity, personal effectiveness and anticipate co-creating a wonderful world and existence.

Therese Kallstrom, M.A. & C.A.T., is a Jungian Psychotherapist and Artist. She has a private practice in Boulder, where she counsels individuals, couples, families and adoptive children/families. Therese has developed the Creative Expressions Program , an art-inspired interactive workshop to increase communication with children and their parent/s. She co-created P.R.I.D.E! Interactive Role-Playing Workshop, (presented at the Colorado Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families, summer 2005). Co-founder and president of The Equinox Program, intended to increase communication amongst children and teenagers with the assistance of horses and trained equine specialists.

Creative Expressions Program is a 10-week, individualized workshop, developed to increase effective communication between children and their parent/s. The workshop is designed to address questions and concerns that adopted children may have around their unique cultural heritage and distinct family situation. The program was specifically designed to be interactive and experiential , and to involve the children in a creative and thought-provoking process. The goal is to allow children to explore and integrate personal and cultural identity. The Art becomes a metaphor for accomplishment and self-sufficiency reflecting the child's natural internal growth and evolution. In the past, this workshop has been modified to accommodate children processing other issues, such as divorce, transition, communication difficulties and grief.

The program allows children to communicate, express and clarify feelings through Interactive Psychotherapy, in a safe environment, free of judgment and fear. Creative Expressions allows children to be fully engaged and yet feel safe and have fun. Traditional "talk therapy" is sometimes ineffective with children and teens. Their inability to verbalize feelings can leave them unresponsive and perhaps feeling powerless. By following the Jungian model of connecting with the unconscious through art, I encourage children to explore the source and the intent of their deeper emotions. My primary goal is to empower children through experiencing the creative process .

Imagination, invention and discovery, often increases self-awareness, sense of accomplishment and intension. Each workshop is specifically designed to address pertinent issues that may arise for children, in a respectful, supportive and playful manner. The goal of this journey is to allow your child to love and embrace his/her individuality and to help find characteristics, gifts and traits that are truly unique and special. A secondary focus is to promote opportunities to increase and enhance communication and trust between parent and child , during the process and post-workshop.

Adoptive children and their families often face a myriad of challenges due to their unique and diverse situations. Some professionals discount the effects of adoption upon children, neglecting issues that may have long-term effects on their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Being aware of the potentially higher risk of this population, can allow the adoptive parent to be proactive and perhaps circumvent difficulties in the child's psychological and social development. (Verrier). Common experiences:

•  Trust, attachment, intimacy, emotional connection and relationships

•  Fear of rejection, abandonment, expressed as neediness or aloofness

•  Anxiety and physiological responses due to stress and inability to express feelings

•  Withdrawal, alienation and isolation

•  Mood swings, exaggerated behaviors and acting out

•  Need to regain control

According to adoption specialists (Verrier, Riley, Meeks), these issues are often latent or unexpressed during early childhood and only resurface during early adolescence when children normally explore their identity and individuality . Teaching adoptive children to express their feelings at an early age by learning age-appropriate communication tools can avoid complications during their teen years and later in their lives (please see Creative Expressions Program ).

It is often beneficial for the adoptive parents to attend counseling in conjunction to the adoptive child. Adoptive children may have specific issues, which are very complex and produce a variety of unexpected behaviors. An advocate can be supportive and educate you in the complexities and common patterns experienced by the adoptive child and prepare you to react in a positive, constructive and loving manner. My goal is to help you understand and cherish your child's uniqueness and create a family environment that promotes support and connection.