My interest in the intersection of psychology and movement began during my studies at NYU’s School of Medicine and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in Dance. Now based in San Francisco, I’ve been a movement therapist in private practice since 1985, working throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. My somatic approach is wide-ranging which allows me to work with people through a myriad physical conditions and psychological challenges; these encompass everything from assisting infants first orienting to life, to guiding people through their dying process.

“Jennifer is an engaged , humorous, skilled and loving teacher”
~ Participant in Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (GIC) workshop, May 2021

Background

I am a professional Movement Therapist in private practice in San Francisco for over 39 years, working with a broad spectrum of clients who come to address a wide range of challenges. I am also a certified trainer and supervisor in Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy™ (DSP).

I travel often, teaching group trainings and presenting at conferences across the US and internationally. I work with people in-person in my spacious, private office in central San Francisco, and since 2018, also work extensively online on Zoom with individuals, teaching group trainings, and presenting at online conferences.

I taught for 15 years at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital’s Center for Sports Medicine in San Francisco. In addition to working individually with clients, I have taught at UC Berkeley, Bryn Mawr College, Mills College, Bard college, California Institute of Integral Studies CIIS, the Bay Area Gestalt Insitute BAGI, the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, the Gestalt Training Institute of Philadelphia GTIP,  Gestalt Associates International Training Intensive GATLA, and elsewhere across the United States, Canada, and Europe (see “Experience” below for more complete list). In addition to my medical, dance, and kinesiology background, I am a certified trainer and supervisor in Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy™ (DSP) and assisted founder Ruella Frank Ph.D, in teaching her certification programs in NYC and Europe.

I started learning movement therapies as a child from my mother, who studied directly with Joe and Clara Pilates at their original New York studio during the 1950’s.  I went on to study medicine at New York University’s School of Medicine, clinical anatomy, physical therapy, neuroscience, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Feldenkrais and Alexander techniques, Somatics, Ideokinesis, Body Mind Centering, and Authentic Movement. I began studying Gestalt Therapy intensively in 2002 and am now a certified trainer of Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy™ which is a relational and movement-oriented approach to psychotherapy within a contemporary Gestalt therapy framework. I have also studied Eastern healing methods such as shiatsu, various forms of yoga and breath work, and I hold a black belt in aikido.  I am educated in the hands-on techniques of myofascial massage, craniosacral therapy and Osteopathic principles.

In my first life I was a dancer and choreographer, directing and performing with my own dance company in New York City and throughout Europe, after having earned a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

“Jennifer has helped me in a very profound way. Her compassion, experience, and keen observations reassure and guide me as I heal and move more freely.”
~ 4th grade teacher and mother of 2 young boys, 2016

Assisting Ruella Frank, DSP Training, NYC, March 2019

Experience

I have taught at Mills College, UC Berkeley, Bryn Mawr College, Bard College, NYC Center for Joint Diseases, Gestalt Associates International Training Intensive (GATLA), California Institute of Integral Studies, the Bay Area Gestalt Institute, the Cleveland Gestalt Institute, The Gestalt Training Institute of Philadelphia, The Slovenia Institute of Family Therapy, the Slovenian Umbrella Organization for Psychotherapy (SKZP),  The Slovenia Institute of Family Therapy (SLOGES), Life Chiropractic College, New Dawn center for eating disorders,  SRH Heidelberg International University, ODC, Miami City Ballet School, Moving On Center, Canyon Ranch, the Claremont Resort, Chisenhale Dance Space, the Laban Centre, London Contemporary School of Dance, London Independent Dance, Manchester Metropolitan University, Tanz Quartier Vienna, Element Pilates studio Paris, Munich University for Sports-Science & Rehabilitation, Tanz & Schule In Munich, Tanz Werkstatt Europa, Joint Adventures, the Choreographer’s Atelier (a collaboration of choreographers, philosophers, & scientists), Better Future Today school for orphans in Cambodia, and many other venues.

Currently on the faculty at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (GIC),  I have been a featured lecturer at medical and psychology conferences such as the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, the International Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy (IAAGT), Tanz Medizin Symposium Deutschland, the National Association for Gestalt therapy DVG, Integrative Pediatrics Summit L.A. and TASC Network Pediatrics Association where I brings my knowledge of how we develop intellectually, physically and emotionally through movement, to the medical and psychology communities.

Better Future Today Orphanage and School, Siem Reap Cambodia

“In a non-intrusive way Jennifer enables you to meet yourself, while you learn to use your body more effectively, more fully, more comfortably”
~53 year old woman, Founder and CEO of a Fortune 500 communications company.