kelly blaser mft   

ABOUT KELLY

I am a Dharma Teacher, Founder of DharmaBridge, a Yoga/Meditation Instructor, a writer, and a Licensed Clinical Marriage Family Therapist with a somatic approach. 
 
MEDITATION/DHARMA
 
I was introduced to yoga and meditation as a child, as my mother practiced (and practices!) regularly in my midst.  After a tumultuous adolescence, I found the clear waters of the Dharma path when I was in my early 20's.  Vajrayana and other Buddhist teachings have been formative for me, as well as Trika Shaivism and Sri Vidya, and the initial taste of awakening begun in 1997 with the Zen teachings of Cheri Huber initiated what has been by far the most impactful process of my life.  In addition, I have been strongly influenced by the teachings of Douglas Brooks, Christopher Hareesh Wallis, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Lama Tsultim Allione, Pema Chodron, Sally Kempton, and Laura Amazzone.  
 
MARRIAGE FAMILY THERAPY
 
As a Marriage Family Therapist, I am constantly curious about how change truly happens. I have thus studied, researched, and written about how those philosophies apply to the therapeutic relationship, and how Westerners can utilize them to initiate healing and insight.  I have been influenced by humanistic psychotherapy, somatics, particularly Hakomi, as well as Internal Family Systems and Gestalt. I practice EFT when appropriate, and have a significant ground in NVC. Additionally, the study of Shaivism, Buddhism, and mindfulness has shaped my therapy practice. 

YOGA

I watched and felt my mom's yoga and meditation practice throughout my childhood. But it wasn't until 1989, when I was 19, that I found my own relationship with yoga, and it gave me a ground that I had never before felt. The practice (under the tutelage of Julie Kimball, Iyengar Instructor) was a remarkable refuge from mental conundra and unresolved confusions, and I stepped into it with my whole being.  I was initially certified as a yoga instructor in 1997, at Mount Madonna Center, and continued my studies primarily in the Iyengar tradition, with Kofi Busia. From those roots in precise anatomical alignment and therapeutics, I branched out into a more flowing, slow, vinyasa style. I now primarily teach what I would call a deep, slow flow with attention to alignment. I have taught yoga philosophy, advanced asana, and yoga therapeutics modules, for Anusara Trainings, for the BAYoga Program, and for the Mount Madonna Teacher Training Program. Beyond Iyengar, my primary influences have been the Anusara and Prajna schools of Yoga. My main teachers of asana have been Kofi Busia, Laurie Broderick-Burr, Sianna Sherman, and Tias Little.
 
For information on private instruction, trainings or events, please contact kelly@kellyblaser.com