Southwestern College Santa Fe, NM
1998 Grad, Gretchen Wachs, M.A., LPCC
Having worked as a visual artist for most of my life puts me in a unique position as a creative psychotherapist, as I am no stranger to the deep psychological work that goes hand in hand with true creative investigation. This works in reverse as well, and I truly find the practice of psychotherapy every bit as creative as painting. We are all works in progress.
Although I graduated in 1998, at the time I elected to return to my studio, continuing to paint and sculpt and raise my son.
Several years ago I became licensed as an LMHC, and have gone on to do post-graduate studies in family therapy, studying systems as well as narrative therapy, as I believe it is necessary to consider our lineage as we do the work of psychotherapy. I have also trained as a life coach. I see clients in my studio near Tesuque, NM where I offer a wide array of art experiences as well as straight on therapy. I also share an office in town. I have worked with individuals, couples and families.
My son, Ryan (who was born while I was studying at SWC) went to college in the fall of 2012, and 2013 was a year of big changes and tremendous opportunities for growth, as I embraced my creativity and vision, and moved beyond limiting beliefs and patterns.
