My explorations in holistic health began in Berkeley in the 1970s. I completed yoga teacher training at the Iyengar Yoga Institute in San Francisco and Certified Massage Training at the Institute for Psycho-Structural Balancing in San Diego in 1980.

In 1986, I earned an M.A. in East/West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, with a pioneering thesis on the effects of stress and its management in living with HIV/AIDS. I also received certification by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America in 1983.

In the late 80s, I continued my study of yoga under the tutelage of T.K.V. Desikachar of Madras and also at the Kripalu Yoga Ashram in Massachusetts. In 1989, I developed an innovative program of stress management for people affected by HIV/AIDS under the auspices of the AIDS Committee of Ottawa.

Since 1987, I have been organizing and conducting Men In Touch retreats which offer men an opportunity to explore nurturing ourselves and one another through traditional body-mind healing practices, including yoga, tai chi, breath-work and simple, healing touch. These retreats have been held in British Columbia, Ontario, New York, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida and North Carolina.

After moving my private practice to Vancouver in 1990, I received funding from Health Canada to conduct a 2-year study on stress management strategies for people living with HIV, entitled Growing Positively Healthier.

In the past decade, I have been exploring the ancient Taoist and Tantric principles of integrating the erotic and the spiritual, and sharing my understanding with interested clients, both individually and in workshops. I believe there is enormous healing potential in this sacred-erotic alchemy, which is at last gaining recognition and respectability in the west.

More recently, I am excited to learn the many benefits of Personal Life Coaching, which I have studied at Erickson College in Vancouver, and through the Coach Training Alliance in Boulder. Life Coaching incorporates the latest research in psychology/neurology which builds upon the holistic East/West perspective is learned in the 80s. My work of helping people deepen their connection with their body and health through yoga, meditation and massage is now expanded to include harnessing their creative visioning capacity to build their optimum lives.

"Over the years, I have found the sensuous peace and relief that one finds under a big tree .... The quality of your presence, and above all your caring in dealing with others, has always been consistent and nourishing. Your teachings are subtle yet profound, respectful yet eloquent, humble yet inspired. You have created an awareness and a delight in my body, mind and soul that I am savouring every day, and that I humbly hope to maybe pass on to others on my path."
[from a long-time client/student upon moving away from Vancouver in 2003]

This poem summarises my vision and mission in life:

Learn Massage

Forever Oneness,
who sings to us in silence,
who teaches us through each other.
Guide my steps
with strength and wisdom.

When I return to forever
may the circle be closed
and the spiral be broader.

(an Aboriginal poet)

Stanley Park , Vancouver, Canada

778-786-3677 or toll-free 1-877-786-3677

sequoia7@ [domain separated to reduce spam] growinghealthier.com

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