Somatic Psychology
Jude Wallesen, M.A.
Welcome and thank you for visiting my site while you explore options for entering therapy.
It can be daunting to find someone who you feel safe with to explore issues even or especially when they may be challenging you at times during the course of your therapy. I encourage you to read and accustom yourself here with some general things about me and my work, but then to email me with questions and to schedule a brief phone call. It’s there where we’ll determine how I can help you.
About me
I am a licensed mental health professional since 1994 with a masters in Psychology from Antioch University in Seattle, Washington. I practiced for years in the Seattle area before moving to Southern California to study yoga with Master Yoga Academy. My passion has always been to work with the body as well as the mind, and studying and practicing yoga and meditation has complemented my work as a somatic psychotherapist. I immigrated to Guadalajara in 2002 to develop wellness programs for employees, athletes, and children. In 2016, I returned to practicing somatic work with individual clients full time. The pandemic set the stage for learning to work somatically online, and I found it is possible! In 2017 I received my citizenship in México, making me a dual citizen and able to see clients all over.
Professional background
B.A. Communication with a minor in Dance from Boise State University (Boise, Id)
M.A. Psychology from Antioch University (Seattle, Wa)
Community Mental Health and Crisis Outreach Intervention
Private practice working with adults and couples
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy – practitioner and trainer
The Chopra Center for Well Being – 6 years developing and implementing wellness programs (San Diego, Ca)
E-RYT 500 (retired)
Director of Wellness Programs for various populations (Guadalajara, Jal)
Trauma informed studies with the Trauma Research Foundation (in process)
Thousands of hours of continuing education studies since 1994
Professional associations
Licensed mental health Counselor in the state of Washington
LH 00006123
Washington Mental Health Counselors Association
Member
Psychologytoday.com
Profiled Therapist
View profile
Clinical support for English speakers with CADE (Clínica de Ansiedad, Depresión, y Estrés)
Therapeutic Approach
Primarily, I present myself as a Somatic psychotherapist, so while we explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, we’ll also pay attention to what your body is saying and use the body to affect experience; this is referred to as working from “the bottom up.” Increasing self awareness and learning to act with congruence with what you find is key. This is a gentle approach driven by you. I am also skilled in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, relational, dialectical behavior, internal family systems, and trauma informed approaches. I use various approaches depending on the needs of the client.
I work with adults, couples, and children age 14 and older. I do the majority of my work in English although I am bilingual and see Spanish-speaking clients as well. I work with issues such as anxiety and depression, trauma, PTSD (and complex), personality and mood disorders, and couple concerns. I also work with immigrants and expats and the bicultural issues that can affect their mental health. I have experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and the issues they face especially in the current atmosphere.
Benefits of Online Thereapy
Skeptical at first and clinging to good old in-person therapy, I resisted seeing clients online till the pandemic made it impossible not to. The benefits I see are as follows:
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions
