(805) 882-2424 x 106
mdunn@ftisb.org
Education, Professional Training & Publications
B.A. in Business, California Polytechnic State University, 1978
M.A. Counseling Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 1984
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (20006, State of California)
Treatment Philosophy & Approach
I believe that symptoms can best be understood in context and I seek to help individuals, couples, and families become aware of how their issues make sense, and can therefore be resolved. Based in the ancient philosophy, “Feed a starving person and you feed them for a day, teach them to feed themselves and you feed them for a lifetime,” I see my role as a guide to help steer each person or relationship toward discovering their own solutions.
Professional & Volunteer Experience
I started out in private practice in 1984 but migrated to the group style practice at the Institute within a couple of years and have been a member of the FTI staff for 40 years.
I have in-person availability in both Los Olivos and Santa Barbara and I offer tele-health sessions as well.
I have taught courses at the secondary school level as well as Master Degree courses at both Antioch University and Pacifica Graduate Institute.
I directed a high school-based counseling program involving individual, family, and group therapy with youth and I have led wilderness therapy groups in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I am also a past member of the Dunn School Board of Trustees.
Specialties & Areas of Expertise
My areas of expertise include working with adolescents, couples, families, and the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I have advanced training in EMDR and was fortunate to study with Dr. Francine Shapiro, who discovered the EMDR method.
I have been helping clients with PTSD, Phobias, Self-Esteem Issues, Depression and Anxiety/Panic through the use of this method since 1993.
Personal Life
I live in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley where I enjoy exploring the outdoors, long distance running (53 years and counting), and creative writing. My wife and I have been together for 45 years and we love to travel and visit with family, our children, grandchildren and friends.