About Me
My first encounter with a method of healing that "worked" for me came in the form of body-oriented psychotherapy and the work of Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks. Through one of their students, I learned about the transformative power of breath, and of regarding the body as a source of wisdom, as well as the power of telling the truth. When I made my choice to pursue the field of psychology, I knew that my course of study had to be inclusive of these means of healing.
I earned my Masters in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2004 with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy (body-oriented psychotherapy). While an intern, I became exposed to the field of ecopsychology – the incorporation of the natural world as a dynamic and relational element in the psychology of human beings. As an avid hiker and former Outward Bound Instructor, this spoke to me deeply. I felt myself as both an animal and a conscious mind, influenced by my surroundings and nourished on a soul level by my time outdoors.
As a therapist, I strive to offer a safe and grounded place where you can feel what needs to be felt, speak what needs to be spoken, and create the kind of contact with yourself that feels honoring, kind and respectful. Our first relationship is with ourselves, and many of us need some love and support to be able to have the kind of relationship with ourselves we like.
I often say that I am kind to my clients so they can in turn be as kind to themselves as I am. The most powerful healing moments I have witnessed have nearly all been possible because someone is able and willing to hold themselves where they are hurt the most and stay, offering presence and gentleness to their wound.
My spiritual pursuits have been fueled by both my connection to the wilderness and by the teachings found within the mystical traditions of many of the world's major religions. As a religious studies major in college, I had been a student of religion in an academic sense. In my early 20's my study became experiential, and I began a path of finding an ongoing relationship with the divine. My spiritual life influences my psychotherapy practice in that I bring an awareness of our soul-nature to therapy. To quote "Poem," by Mary Oliver: "Spirit likes to dress up like this: ten fingers, ten toes, shoulders and all the rest."
I have been a licensed professional since 2008 and have been working with clients for the past seven years. My professional affiliations include the Board of Behavioral Sciences, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). I am an active member in both the San Francisco and Marin branches of CAMFT.
Jessica Wolk, MFT
License #MFC 45896
(415) 339-8180
jhwolk@gmail.com
I earned my Masters in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2004 with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy (body-oriented psychotherapy). While an intern, I became exposed to the field of ecopsychology – the incorporation of the natural world as a dynamic and relational element in the psychology of human beings. As an avid hiker and former Outward Bound Instructor, this spoke to me deeply. I felt myself as both an animal and a conscious mind, influenced by my surroundings and nourished on a soul level by my time outdoors.
As a therapist, I strive to offer a safe and grounded place where you can feel what needs to be felt, speak what needs to be spoken, and create the kind of contact with yourself that feels honoring, kind and respectful. Our first relationship is with ourselves, and many of us need some love and support to be able to have the kind of relationship with ourselves we like.
I often say that I am kind to my clients so they can in turn be as kind to themselves as I am. The most powerful healing moments I have witnessed have nearly all been possible because someone is able and willing to hold themselves where they are hurt the most and stay, offering presence and gentleness to their wound.
My spiritual pursuits have been fueled by both my connection to the wilderness and by the teachings found within the mystical traditions of many of the world's major religions. As a religious studies major in college, I had been a student of religion in an academic sense. In my early 20's my study became experiential, and I began a path of finding an ongoing relationship with the divine. My spiritual life influences my psychotherapy practice in that I bring an awareness of our soul-nature to therapy. To quote "Poem," by Mary Oliver: "Spirit likes to dress up like this: ten fingers, ten toes, shoulders and all the rest."
I have been a licensed professional since 2008 and have been working with clients for the past seven years. My professional affiliations include the Board of Behavioral Sciences, and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). I am an active member in both the San Francisco and Marin branches of CAMFT.
Jessica Wolk, MFT
License #MFC 45896
(415) 339-8180
jhwolk@gmail.com
