I enjoy being part of a collaborative leadership team where we can practice how to redefine leadership using a non-hierarchical model.  Therefore I am President in title only. 

My background:  I have a body/mind/ spirit approach to psychotherapy integrating a psycho-dynamic orientation using diverse holistic modalities.  I have trained in SE, Jungian Sandplay Therapy, Gestalt,   Dreamwork, Buddhist Psychology, Restorative Justice, Nature Based Practices,  Expressive Arts, and Collective Trauma.  I love curriculum development and have extensive experience in developing training programs, offering workshops and retreats and leading international trips.  From 2011-2021, I was the Director of The  2 year training program in Interspiritual Counseling Program at One Spirit Interfaith Institute.  In addition to my private practice, I lead Restorative Justice Groups in various correctional facilities and work as a consultant to The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing where I offer retreats and design programs for various populations: BIPOC Leaders, Frontline Workers – Opioid Crisis, Essential Workers during Covid etc.  For 3 years, I was a member of The Social Justice Committee of The Guild.  

In addition to my private practice, my most recent involvement is designing curriculum programs for The Holistic Health Community for teens and other populations.   To learn more about me, visit my website: www. Theresebimka.com

I found the Guild through a colleague whom I had reached out to when I started my private practice and was looking to connect with other therapists in Greene and Columbia Counties. It has been an invaluable resource for me; I’ve been so touched by how willing members are to support one another whether it be for practical matters like insurance issues, training/certification opportunities or supporting one another in the “Working with Clients in Troubling Times” group.  I have seen how the community comes through for one another and welcome the opportunity to give back!

The Guild was instrumental to me in making the leap into full time private practice some years ago.  I love the legacy of supporting and mentoring clinicians, from sharing resources, ideas, and the practical aspects of the listserv.  

For seven years I coordinated a program for the medicaid service coordination waiver program, assisting families with obtaining eligibility and accessing resources, and later as the home service director interfacing with many community supports.  Following this, 10 years as a clinician in a county mental health clinic where I developed a program to increase community access to mental health services; placed behavioral health workers in primary care physician’s offices, including budgeting and staffing coordination; spoke about the need for integrated care in national conferences as well as local leadership trainings.  I later coordinated a housing access program as the SPOA coordinator for many years.

Growing up in the Adirondacks, I learned a deep appreciation for nature and living close to the land.  As an artist, musician, and homeschooling mom of two, I have nurtured in my practice grounding practices, energy work and accessing creative source material.  Combined with certifications in EMDR and Creative Arts Therapy, I offer a diverse array of approaches tailored to suit individuals needs.  I am licensed in NY, MA and RI, and offer telehealth services for individuals, couples, and groups; clinical supervision is also available, more information can be found at www.compositionfamily.com

We have a long history of volunteerism in the family, and recently my daughters and I created a nonprofit to further our volunteer efforts in NYC, the Capital District and the Hudson Valley www.compositionfamilyservices.org

After benefitting from being a member of the Guild for over 20 years, I am pleased to be joining the Board. The interdisciplinary nature of the Guild brings a unique quality to the organization. I look forward increasing membership involvement in activities that deepen connections among us and in particular restarting meet-ups for new members

I like giving back to the Guild because it has been such a great resource in my first few years as a therapist here. I think it is important to keep it alive and vibrant so that we can all stay connected and have a tangible sense of community. Our work as a board is to gently steer the organization, and keep creating opportunities for members to enrich their professional lives as well as give back to each other.

We all need community now more than ever, and the Guild is a place where I find it and can contribute to it.

Chris Tyler, LCSW on Psychology Today