Counseling Practice

Counseling Practice

Calming the busy mind and the troubled heart

Principal Areas of Focus

✴Anxiety Related Conditions
✴Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
✴Relationship
✴Anger Management

I work with individuals, couples and groups. I am also available for educational programs, presentations, and workshops for individuals, healthcare professionals, educators and clergy.

About My Practice

My work is grounded in the fundamentals of Mindfulness-Based Interventions and spiritual direction,(1) methods that have been clinically proven effective for a broad range of applications.

I believe that we all have the nature to be the best we can, that there is more that works for us than doesn’t, and that what we may consider our neurosis is in fact a sign of our genius. By learning to see clearly and be free from delusion, we are able to realize our potential for wellness in mind and body. We develop the emotional resilience and insight to stay present and respond more appropriately to whatever circumstance arises.

By not trying to change anything, but by observing the mind, body, emotions and perceptions just as they are, we are able to hold what arises without judgment or identification. When mindfulness and insight regarding our direct experience come together in this way, mental, emotional and physical well-being is restored, stress and anxiety are reduced, and a tolerance for uncertainty and unpredictability is cultivated.

The changes necessary for joy and peace in our life can naturally flow from this place of wisdom and compassion. From this place we are able to see more clearly the most appropriate and skillful action to take; from this place have the capacity to be more present with ourself and with others; from this place we may engage more fully in life with clarity and insight and balance.

Patrick Thornton, PhD, DAPA

818 Cherry Street

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Phone: (707) 584-8440

Email: mbi@patrickthornton.net

(3) Clinicians and mental health practitioners interested in reading about

“Grief Counseling, Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care,” click here.

American Psychotherapy Association (**)

Diplomate. ID# 12389.

Senior Member, Association for

Death Education and Counseling

For a Statement on End-of-Life Decision-Making, click here.

Counseling for Individuals with Life Threatening Illness & Their Families (3)

(home, weekend and evening availability)

“The Morning Fog Lifts”

Sea Ranch, CA

Other than physical pain, the number one fear a person with a life threatening illness has is that of being a burden to their family. In reality, when a family member has a life threatening illness, the whole family does. It is at times such as these that family and loved ones must change their schedules and make special accommodations. Difficult decisions must be made that effect the lives of each person, and the possibilities of loss extend to all aspects of their lives. These are difficult waters to navigate. Conflicted feelings arise because of the competing feelings of love and genuine caring on the one hand, and the necessity of each individual to attend to their own personal needs as well.

Finding appropriate resources to help address the psychological, spiritual, social and emotional needs at such times are limited. These are domains of concern for which I have the training, understanding, and close to 40 years of experience in helping individuals work through. Appointments may be made for individual family members, or for the entire family in my office or in the home. Times are available on weekdays and evenings. In addition, Limited appoints times are available for weekends and evenings.

“Coming Home”