Buddhist Therapists in Tucson, AZ
My approach blends western scientific understanding of trauma and the nervous system with the living wisdom of Buddhist psychological inquiry.
Your situation is not unworkable. Darkness is an irrevocable element of a human life. What you make of this element is your contribution to the art of living, an art form that demands continual practice and growth. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to explore and reconnect with your inherent wisdom, clarity, and healing capacity. I work to assist you in shifting your energy from struggling against yourself to living intimately with the natural joy available to you in this life. Set down that which doesn't serve you and you will find room for what's here now, as well as what's to come.
My approach blends western scientific understanding of trauma and the nervous system with the living wisdom of Buddhist psychological inquiry.
Your situation is not unworkable. Darkness is an irrevocable element of a human life. What you make of this element is your contribution to the art of living, an art form that demands continual practice and growth. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to explore and reconnect with your inherent wisdom, clarity, and healing capacity. I work to assist you in shifting your energy from struggling against yourself to living intimately with the natural joy available to you in this life. Set down that which doesn't serve you and you will find room for what's here now, as well as what's to come.
I am a graduate of the Nalanda Institute's Contemplative Psychotherapy (specializing in Buddhist Psychotherapy) program which is dedicated to the scientific research and study of the Indo-Tibetan tradition as it relates to Western Psychotherapy.
Are you feeling stuck? Past practices and coping that once served the purpose of protecting you from further difficulties, often become obstacles to your well-being as well as interfere with your functioning in relationships and community. When caught in the cycle of stress and / or trauma you may build a narrative that involves blaming of others and / or shaming and blaming yourself. By seeing the contributing biological, psychological, and social factors and by taking responsibility for changing the things you are capable of changing, you begin to successfully navigate obstacles. I am here to help.
I am a graduate of the Nalanda Institute's Contemplative Psychotherapy (specializing in Buddhist Psychotherapy) program which is dedicated to the scientific research and study of the Indo-Tibetan tradition as it relates to Western Psychotherapy.
Are you feeling stuck? Past practices and coping that once served the purpose of protecting you from further difficulties, often become obstacles to your well-being as well as interfere with your functioning in relationships and community. When caught in the cycle of stress and / or trauma you may build a narrative that involves blaming of others and / or shaming and blaming yourself. By seeing the contributing biological, psychological, and social factors and by taking responsibility for changing the things you are capable of changing, you begin to successfully navigate obstacles. I am here to help.
I’ve trained in Buddhist, Christian and secular philosophical traditions for the past 30 years, in mindfulness and meditation for 18 years, and in the science of trauma and its recovery since 2016.
Whether you need to do some healing or just want some help sorting yourself out, we can do that together. Anything from the very small (counseling) to the very large (trauma-focused psychotherapy with Internal Family Systems or IFS), or doing energetic and somatic work (trauma and tension release exercises or TRE), I offer to follow or guide you on whatever journey you need to take. Part of this journey may be building skills or developing coping strategies. Another part may be forming a totally new relationship to whatever challenges you face, whether those challenges seem to be outside or inside of you.
I’ve trained in Buddhist, Christian and secular philosophical traditions for the past 30 years, in mindfulness and meditation for 18 years, and in the science of trauma and its recovery since 2016.
Whether you need to do some healing or just want some help sorting yourself out, we can do that together. Anything from the very small (counseling) to the very large (trauma-focused psychotherapy with Internal Family Systems or IFS), or doing energetic and somatic work (trauma and tension release exercises or TRE), I offer to follow or guide you on whatever journey you need to take. Part of this journey may be building skills or developing coping strategies. Another part may be forming a totally new relationship to whatever challenges you face, whether those challenges seem to be outside or inside of you.
On the outside, things seem okay. Inside, it feels like chaos. You've figured out you are neurodivergent – an ADHDer or late-diagnosed autistic. You’re grappling with what this means for you. Layers of trauma, people pleasing and sensory overwhelm keep you feeling stuck in a constant state of fight-or-flight. You juggle so much - work, relationships, family, your health. You feel unable to truly rest and feel calm – relaxed as your true, neurodivergent self, and connected to what lights you up in the world.
On the outside, things seem okay. Inside, it feels like chaos. You've figured out you are neurodivergent – an ADHDer or late-diagnosed autistic. You’re grappling with what this means for you. Layers of trauma, people pleasing and sensory overwhelm keep you feeling stuck in a constant state of fight-or-flight. You juggle so much - work, relationships, family, your health. You feel unable to truly rest and feel calm – relaxed as your true, neurodivergent self, and connected to what lights you up in the world.
Leslie McCormick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, R-DMT
2 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85701
Waitlist for new clients
You’re searching for meaning or purpose in life. Perhaps you want to trust your intuition more. You feel at a crossroads. You’ve been successful in your work but feel a bit unsatisfied. You’re stable but lacking joie de vivre. You’re a creative, but not feeling all that creative right now. You sense this isn't something your sharp intellect or talk therapy can help you with. You feel your body holds wisdom for you, but you don’t know how to access it. I put decades of experience in psychotherapy and depth, creative, and contemplative processes in service of guiding and witnessing your unfolding into a more authentic, at-peace you.
You’re searching for meaning or purpose in life. Perhaps you want to trust your intuition more. You feel at a crossroads. You’ve been successful in your work but feel a bit unsatisfied. You’re stable but lacking joie de vivre. You’re a creative, but not feeling all that creative right now. You sense this isn't something your sharp intellect or talk therapy can help you with. You feel your body holds wisdom for you, but you don’t know how to access it. I put decades of experience in psychotherapy and depth, creative, and contemplative processes in service of guiding and witnessing your unfolding into a more authentic, at-peace you.
I'm a therapist+musician who loves working with people on their journeys to healthier relationships and becoming their most authentic selves. I was raised fundamentalist and spent my childhood learning fire and brimstone theology and memorizing verses from the King James Bible. Needless to say I chose to leave the "sinners in the hands of an angry God" mentality behind when I grew up. The truth is, being hard on ourselves doesn't help us or anyone else. But compassion, love, acceptance and presence connect us to who we really are, and who we can become.
I'm a therapist+musician who loves working with people on their journeys to healthier relationships and becoming their most authentic selves. I was raised fundamentalist and spent my childhood learning fire and brimstone theology and memorizing verses from the King James Bible. Needless to say I chose to leave the "sinners in the hands of an angry God" mentality behind when I grew up. The truth is, being hard on ourselves doesn't help us or anyone else. But compassion, love, acceptance and presence connect us to who we really are, and who we can become.
Are you feeling stressed, sad, in pain, anxious…or all of the above? Do you think you "should" feel happy, but you don't--and you're not sure why or what to do about it? Or maybe you're grieving a loss or a trauma & feeling lost yourself. No matter what you're facing, I'm here to help!! Since 2007, I've counseled diverse people from all walks of life. I use empathy, honesty, humor, & compassion in all my work. Combined with your innate wisdom & your courage in starting this process, we'll develop a safe, supportive therapeutic alliance that allows you to heal your past & live a happier, healthier, & brighter present & future.
Are you feeling stressed, sad, in pain, anxious…or all of the above? Do you think you "should" feel happy, but you don't--and you're not sure why or what to do about it? Or maybe you're grieving a loss or a trauma & feeling lost yourself. No matter what you're facing, I'm here to help!! Since 2007, I've counseled diverse people from all walks of life. I use empathy, honesty, humor, & compassion in all my work. Combined with your innate wisdom & your courage in starting this process, we'll develop a safe, supportive therapeutic alliance that allows you to heal your past & live a happier, healthier, & brighter present & future.
You no longer need to feel isolated or ashamed of your feelings. I have created a safe place for you to explore your concerns with empathic understanding and acceptance. I have specialized in anxiety, depression and relationship issues since 1982. Does your anxiety interfere with daily activities and relationships? We will explore the root of your issue and give you tools to help you calm down and be in control of them. Perhaps you force a smile on your face but inside are feeling despair or separated from others and your surroundings.Together we will get to the root of these issues so you can have healthy, fulfilling relationships.
You no longer need to feel isolated or ashamed of your feelings. I have created a safe place for you to explore your concerns with empathic understanding and acceptance. I have specialized in anxiety, depression and relationship issues since 1982. Does your anxiety interfere with daily activities and relationships? We will explore the root of your issue and give you tools to help you calm down and be in control of them. Perhaps you force a smile on your face but inside are feeling despair or separated from others and your surroundings.Together we will get to the root of these issues so you can have healthy, fulfilling relationships.
I am available for Teletherapy sessions throughout the state of Arizona. I use a variety of techniques & experiential methods to help my clients change their self-defeating patterns and access & process underlying emotional blocks. I tailor my work to meet individual needs drawing primarily from the theories of Mindfullness-Based Cognitive Therapy as well as Gestalt, Adlerian & Jungian Therapy, My work is guided by the premise that each individual holds within them the capacity to understand and heal themselves. My role is to facilitate a connection to this capacity which allows my clients to feel more fulfilled & connected in life.
I am available for Teletherapy sessions throughout the state of Arizona. I use a variety of techniques & experiential methods to help my clients change their self-defeating patterns and access & process underlying emotional blocks. I tailor my work to meet individual needs drawing primarily from the theories of Mindfullness-Based Cognitive Therapy as well as Gestalt, Adlerian & Jungian Therapy, My work is guided by the premise that each individual holds within them the capacity to understand and heal themselves. My role is to facilitate a connection to this capacity which allows my clients to feel more fulfilled & connected in life.
Are you tired of feeling "stuck" in a repetitive pattern with your partner and it just won't stop no matter what you do? Do you have low sexual desire and are concerned it won't come back? Have you been told you have a sex/porn addiction? Are you polyamorous and having a hard time with jealousy or fear?
Are you tired of feeling "stuck" in a repetitive pattern with your partner and it just won't stop no matter what you do? Do you have low sexual desire and are concerned it won't come back? Have you been told you have a sex/porn addiction? Are you polyamorous and having a hard time with jealousy or fear?
If you are struggling with painful emotions, interpersonal problems, substance use challenges, or difficult life transitions, I am here to help. You will find that I work hard to understand you and to help you better understand yourself and your relationships. I believe that every person has an inner potential for healthy growth and development, and my role as a counselor is to facilitate that growth. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to share and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. I see clients by telehealth throughout Arizona.
If you are struggling with painful emotions, interpersonal problems, substance use challenges, or difficult life transitions, I am here to help. You will find that I work hard to understand you and to help you better understand yourself and your relationships. I believe that every person has an inner potential for healthy growth and development, and my role as a counselor is to facilitate that growth. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to share and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. I see clients by telehealth throughout Arizona.
My approach to working with clients is warm and collaborative. I believe our trust-building and mutual collaboration are foundational to the process of change. I take a non-pathologizing approach to mental health, seeking out the root of the issues at hand.
My approach to working with clients is warm and collaborative. I believe our trust-building and mutual collaboration are foundational to the process of change. I take a non-pathologizing approach to mental health, seeking out the root of the issues at hand.
Gloria Constance Mathiesen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, C-DBT
4 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85704
Gloria C. Mathiesen, MA, LMT, LPC, C-DBT, ERYT-500, Certified Aromatherapist, Usui Reiki Master/Teacher. Big or small, trauma is trauma, it is something that I enjoy helping people navigate through and come out of. Your story is important, and it is an honor when you share it with me. I am a big fan of Internal Family Systems Theory and integrate it with all other aspects of our work together. I believe we all share an internal world of "protective parts" and through them we can begin the healing process.
Gloria C. Mathiesen, MA, LMT, LPC, C-DBT, ERYT-500, Certified Aromatherapist, Usui Reiki Master/Teacher. Big or small, trauma is trauma, it is something that I enjoy helping people navigate through and come out of. Your story is important, and it is an honor when you share it with me. I am a big fan of Internal Family Systems Theory and integrate it with all other aspects of our work together. I believe we all share an internal world of "protective parts" and through them we can begin the healing process.
I specialize in working with couples and individuals just trying to find their way. Whether it's the loss of something or someone important to you, transitioning through relationship challenges, or navigating your past, present, and future chapters to improve your quality of life, I'm here to support you!
I specialize in working with couples and individuals just trying to find their way. Whether it's the loss of something or someone important to you, transitioning through relationship challenges, or navigating your past, present, and future chapters to improve your quality of life, I'm here to support you!
Things happen to us everyday which impact and change who we are and how we though the world. My twenty-five plus years of working in this field with individual's of diverse ages, cultures and back grounds have proven this to be true. I believe my role as a therapist is to support others in identifying "their" purpose while growing their mental, emotional and physical health. The passion for supporting others in the process of gaining insight and identifying positive changes toward their future is "my" purpose.
Things happen to us everyday which impact and change who we are and how we though the world. My twenty-five plus years of working in this field with individual's of diverse ages, cultures and back grounds have proven this to be true. I believe my role as a therapist is to support others in identifying "their" purpose while growing their mental, emotional and physical health. The passion for supporting others in the process of gaining insight and identifying positive changes toward their future is "my" purpose.
I offer a supportive approach rooted in psychodynamic and mindfulness-based models with a focus on trauma, anxiety and depression. Together we'll work towards the goal of building emotional well-being, and rooting out unhealthy internalized beliefs, and transform behavior patterns that no longer serve you into ones that offer support and self-esteem. Trauma needs to be witnessed and tolerated in a safe environment for you to learn that you already have the skills and knowledge within for transformative healing and self-discovery. Join me on this path of growth and resilience.
I offer a supportive approach rooted in psychodynamic and mindfulness-based models with a focus on trauma, anxiety and depression. Together we'll work towards the goal of building emotional well-being, and rooting out unhealthy internalized beliefs, and transform behavior patterns that no longer serve you into ones that offer support and self-esteem. Trauma needs to be witnessed and tolerated in a safe environment for you to learn that you already have the skills and knowledge within for transformative healing and self-discovery. Join me on this path of growth and resilience.
You are creative and successful in your career. You've worked hard to achieve; you use your training to help others. You've explored self-help and spiritual programs. Yet it feels like something is missing. You wake in the morning with a feeling of anxiety or dread. In your relationships, you react emotionally rather than respond consciously. Although people enjoy your company, you feel lonely and unhappy. You suspect that the old survival skills you learned to survive a painful childhood are no longer useful. You yearn to change and grow, to live with a calm mind and vitality, and to reclaim the joy that is your birthright.
You are creative and successful in your career. You've worked hard to achieve; you use your training to help others. You've explored self-help and spiritual programs. Yet it feels like something is missing. You wake in the morning with a feeling of anxiety or dread. In your relationships, you react emotionally rather than respond consciously. Although people enjoy your company, you feel lonely and unhappy. You suspect that the old survival skills you learned to survive a painful childhood are no longer useful. You yearn to change and grow, to live with a calm mind and vitality, and to reclaim the joy that is your birthright.
It’s okay to not have it all figured out.
Life gets messy. Sometimes it feels like you’re doing all the “right” things, but inside, something still feels off. Maybe you’re overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or just tired of pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through this by yourself.
I’m here to help you make sense of what you’re feeling, what you need, and take steps toward the life you actually want. No judgment. No pressure.
I show up as a real person in our sessions—not a distant expert. I’ll be honest, warm, funny, and supportive as we talk through what’s going on.
It’s okay to not have it all figured out.
Life gets messy. Sometimes it feels like you’re doing all the “right” things, but inside, something still feels off. Maybe you’re overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or just tired of pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to go through this by yourself.
I’m here to help you make sense of what you’re feeling, what you need, and take steps toward the life you actually want. No judgment. No pressure.
I show up as a real person in our sessions—not a distant expert. I’ll be honest, warm, funny, and supportive as we talk through what’s going on.
Stress and the pressures of life can be difficult, especially in a disconnected world. Are you struggling with loneliness, low self-esteem, or anxiety? Many times these issues lead to addictions, ADHD, insomnia/poor sleep, and relationship conflicts. Are you feeling stuck in life or in a situation that continues to repeat itself? Together we can address the issues most important to you on your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Stress and the pressures of life can be difficult, especially in a disconnected world. Are you struggling with loneliness, low self-esteem, or anxiety? Many times these issues lead to addictions, ADHD, insomnia/poor sleep, and relationship conflicts. Are you feeling stuck in life or in a situation that continues to repeat itself? Together we can address the issues most important to you on your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Radical Path Counseling offers modalities that catalyze deeper healing and growth; including EMDR, somatic therapies and Ketamine Assisted Therapy. My practice may be a good fit for you if you're interested in healing your relationship with your body, if you're experiencing grief or a major life transition, if you're neurodivergent, identify as queer or trans, are exploring your sexuality or gender identity or engage in alternative relationship styles.
Radical Path Counseling offers modalities that catalyze deeper healing and growth; including EMDR, somatic therapies and Ketamine Assisted Therapy. My practice may be a good fit for you if you're interested in healing your relationship with your body, if you're experiencing grief or a major life transition, if you're neurodivergent, identify as queer or trans, are exploring your sexuality or gender identity or engage in alternative relationship styles.
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Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.