Brianne comes with a background as an instructor in environmental education, wilderness therapy, and snowboarding.  She’s been enjoying a deeply rewarding practice in massage therapy since 2009 and is passionate about birth as a trained doula.  She is a student, practitioner and instructor of Tibetan Buddhism in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

Brianne has a Master’s degree in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling from Naropa University and is also a Meditation Instructor there. Her practice blends together an integrated therapeutic approach that addresses the Whole Self.  Bri is extremely grateful for this work in witnessing the healing that takes place in people’s bodies, minds and souls.

Brianne is also an ordained Minister of Walking Prayer Starseed Clan in Earth-based Wisdom traditions through the Center for Sacred Studies.  She aspires to provide more Spiritual Counseling and guidance towards healing and optimal wellbeing for individuals, families and the Earth herself.  Please see that website at www.awakenedheartshealingarts.com

Brianne was honored to work as a therapist for the Colorado Women’s Center in Boulder for several years where she loved helping to empower women before moving back to her beloved San Juan Mountains in the Fall of 2021.  Her work with women still continues to nourish her on the Western Slope, but is not limited to physical location now that telehealth therapy has made distance work available via zoom, which is amazing!

Jane of many trades, Master of some

Experience and Qualifications

PRESENT AND RECENT TRAININGS

2020 – Present

~Magical Activism and Ritual Skills course, with Starhawk

2021 – Present

~ Breathwork and Ancestral Healing, with Lauren Morlock of Lolunaris

2023 – Present

~ Mother Mary Speaks, with Kaia Ra and the Sophia Code Dragon Tribe

Summer 2022 – Present

~ Vajrayana and Sutrayana Hinayana course, with Dharma Ocean Tibetan Buddhist lineage

Fall 2022

~ Sophia Code Circle, Divine Feminine Christ Consciousness Movement

Winter 2023

~ The Living Song; Empowered Voice and Soul of Songwriting, with Ayla Nereo

2020 – 2022

~ Minister of Walking Prayer training, with Center for Sacred Studies

Summer 2022

~ Wild Medicine Retreat, with Julie Peterson of Singing Springs Botanicals

Summer 2021

~ River Course, with Dr. Joe Tafur of Modern Spirit and The Fellowship of the River

Spring 2022

~ Working with the plant spirits of Ayahuasca and Huachuma, with Puma Quispe Singona

2021

~ Chrysalis Conscious Heart Integration: Gestalt and Internal Family Systems, with Uri Talmor

Winter 2021

~ Courageous Dreaming, with Alberto Villoldo of the Four Winds

OTHER TRAININGS

Winter 2020

~ Permaculture Design Course, with Starhawk and Earth Activist Training                                       

Summer 2019

~ Theta Healing Training, with Polina LeRoy of Theta Healing Institute of Knowledge                                                   

Fall 2018 – Spring 2019

~ Meditation Instructor Training, with Naropa University                                                                          

Aug 2018

~ Collaborations with the Natural World Training, with Katie Asmus LPC                                                                                    

Fall 2016

~ EMDR Training, with the Maiberger Institute                                                                       

Fall 2011; Jan-Dec 2013

~ Holistic Doula and Midwifery training, with The Matrona and Leonie Lange                                            

Winter-Spring 2009 

~ Massage School, 1000 hours, with the Finger Lakes School of Massage                                                 

Feb-May 2006

~ Outdoor Educator Semester-Wilderness First Responder, with the National Outdoor Leadership School                                                         

FORMAL EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, 2014 – 2017  Naropa University, Boulder, CO

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Environmental Studies, 2001 – 2005   Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL

My story

I grew up playing outside with my friends and family in Minnesota. Having a contemplative disposition, I knew at a young age that I was meant to help people and help keep the Earth beautiful.  In high school I found inspiration in the revolutionary nature writers of the Transcendentalist movement and in college created the perfect combination of these passions by double majoring in Philosophy and Environmental Studies at Eckerd College.

My professional life started off working as an environmental education instructor for kids before doing a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) program where we learned to guide trips in the backcountry.  This introduced me to the world of Wilderness Therapy, where I worked as a field instructor leading teenagers on trips in Southeast Alaska and Northern Minnesota.

In 2009 I went to Massage School and started practicing at the Omega Institute – a beloved community I like to think of as a sort of Eutopia/Hogwarts/Adult summer camp.  From there I took my massage career to amazing Telluride, CO for about 7 years, where I worked as a snowboard instructor as well.  I was also gifted the opportunity to do bodywork for Lizard Head Cycling Guides, an awesome gig where I enjoyed riding and working some incredible tours of the Southwest.

In 2011 I received my doula training, which opened my eyes to the social/political/spiritual/philosophical/psychological implications of birth as a sacred rite of passage.  I felt called to continue learning the Wise Woman Traditions and studied with a master herbalist/midwife in Peru, then did a year long midwifery course with the Matrona.

I carried this passion for birth while pursuing my Master’s degree in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling at Buddhist affiliated Naropa University.  My thesis looked at using Mindfulness and EMDR therapy to prevent and treat birth trauma – essentially helping to promote a secure attachment bond between mom and baby that has a lasting imprint towards positive relationships and holistic health throughout life.

In my practice I consider myself a Transpersonal Doula – guiding and facilitating clients through uncomfortable transitions by encouraging and empowering the ability to Be with whatever the present moment brings, in order to skillfully move through it.  Ecopsychology and Ecofeminism largely inform the theory and practice of True Nature Therapeutics.

I have a strong commitment to fulfilling my highest purpose of Protecting the Sacred, and by offering my services to facilitate healing for others so that all beings may be liberated.  My daily practice and active lifestyle are what keep me nourished, balanced, and tapped into Source.

Bri relaxing in an alpine meadow filled with wildflowers
Bri in tutu as bodyworker for cycling tours
Bri meditating at Druid Arch
Bri with her snowboard on Gold Hill, Telluride