As a therapist I have worked with children, teens and adults in in-patient psychiatric hospitals, partial hospitalization programs, group homes, a cancer center and in outpatient therapy settings. I was co-founder, with my dear friend and mentor Jane Avila, of an art therapy agency in Fort Worth, Texas, where I also served as Clinical Director and Vice-President of the Board.

I began meditating in 2002 and in 2003 I began studying the healing art of mandalas with Judith Cornell, Phd. I was fortunate to assistant Dr. Cornell for a five day residential retreat “Mandalas, Circles of Healing” at The Crossings in Austin, TX in 2005. I was delighted to have a one-person show of my mandala artwork at the When art gallery in Truth or Consequences, NM in 2006. I have led numerous workshops on creating mandalas for healing as well as workshops utilizing process art for self-growth and well-being.

I am also trained in mind/body modalities including HeartMath and Brainspotting as well as modalities found in Energy Psychology such as Reiki, Quantum Touch, New Consciousness Energy Healing, Five Elements Clearing, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) “tapping” (EFT training completed through the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology). And I have used Flower & Gem Essences for my own wellbeing and for my family’s health since 2010. In 2011 I presented “Beyond Talk Therapy: Energy Medicine and Alternative Healing Modalities” at the Annual Conference of the Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

During the year 2012 I spent 9 months in retreat in the high desert of New Mexico, in which 6 months were spent in silence in a meditation cave. Along with my late husband, Jim Rush, I have led meditation groups and taught classes on meditation, contemplative practices, and Buddhism, and led silent meditation retreats at Camp Mitchell on Petit Jean Mountain.

I have received training in and practice numerous meditation techniques such as, Insight Meditation, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Compassion Cultivation Training and Somatic Meditation. I participate in on-going training in Western and Eastern Psychology to continue to deepen my understanding and skills.