MEET OUR SPONSOR
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Marisa Moeller, Ph.D.:
Owner of The Alternative Therapists Partnership |
Meet Marisa: Marisa Moeller, Ph.D., is the owner of The Alternative Therapists Partnership, Inc. which offers a number of specialized holistic healing modalities. Marisa holds master’s degrees in English and psychology and a Ph.D. in psychology. She is a Reiki Master and holistic health therapist and is certified in several areas, including creative and expressive arts therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, and professional and life coaching.
Marisa is also very involved in her community. She has been a Girl Scout leader for years and is a regular volunteer for Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. She loves to read and collect antiques, and she owns an antique shop in Amenia, NY, the town where she also resides with her husband and daughter. |
Myrna Beth Haskell, managing editor, talked with Marisa about her practice, her therapeutic philosophy, and how a love of the arts has influenced her as a therapist.
Tell me a bit about your journey. How has both your educational background and your life experience contributed to your decision to found The Alternative Therapists Partnership?
It all started when I got a job with the Department of Social Services in New York City. I was assigned to the Child Welfare Administration. A friend from college applied to the job for both of us, and, to my surprise, I was hired. I had a master’s degree in English, not social work, therapy or counseling. However, I found that I loved the job - working with people and, especially, with the children. So, I went back to school to get another master’s degree in the field and subsequently enrolled in a Ph.D. program.
It all started when I got a job with the Department of Social Services in New York City. I was assigned to the Child Welfare Administration. A friend from college applied to the job for both of us, and, to my surprise, I was hired. I had a master’s degree in English, not social work, therapy or counseling. However, I found that I loved the job - working with people and, especially, with the children. So, I went back to school to get another master’s degree in the field and subsequently enrolled in a Ph.D. program.
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When I opened my own practice in New York City, I began to notice that people hungered for alternative ways to heal and thrive. I discovered that traditional forms of therapy, such as cognitive psychotherapy, can help, but they don’t warm the soul like alternative therapies do. I knew there had to be more I could do to help my clients. So, I began to research other forms of treatment. I furthered my studies, trainings and certifications in many non-traditional, alternative healing modalities, and I also began working on a second Ph.D. in this area.
My practice is now located in Rhinebeck, NY, but I still see some clients in New York City. Today, almost all of my practice revolves around alternative healing modalities. I wanted to also provide a venue where other healers could offer services. The Rhinebeck Healing Arts Barn (the location for The Alternative Therapists Partnership) provides a place for other healers to call home. I have a wonderful group of people who offer their services to clients here. |
The Alternative Therapists Partnership at the Rhinebeck Healing Arts Barn
in Rhinebeck, NY |
What does holistic healing mean to you?
Holistic healing is both an art and a science. It focuses on the person as a complete being. It regards body, mind, spirit and emotions as all being interconnected. It integrates both conventional and alternative healing modalities in order to promote optimal health.
It also employs a team approach where client and holistic practitioner (or healer) work in tandem to address the possible causes of different conditions. It is not a practice which simply treats symptoms. It recognizes that health is actually an overall state of being, where the individual is either in balance or out of balance.
Ultimately, each individual is responsible for his or her own health and well-being. With holistic healing, we learn that we all have incredible, innate healing powers. The holistic practitioner works with a client to ensure that the keys to coming back into balance are discovered.
Do clients tend to choose more than one type of therapy?
I offer whatever it is the client is looking for and whatever method may work best for that individual. Some clients want to try different forms of healing and some just one. Others find that they need to try them all before selecting something to stick with. The choice is strictly up to the client.
I find that most clients are looking for a better way to cope with stress and life’s challenges. They are looking to learn about new ways to function - or a new set of tools for functioning - that they can carry with them when they leave our space. Then, they apply these tools and methods to their daily life.
Do you find that it’s best to utilize a variety of therapy types to provide an interconnectedness with body, mind and spirit?
For me, there can be no other way to work. We are all pulsating beings of energy sharing this planet and existence. In order to help an individual heal, we must first recognize this.
What are energy balancing services?
Like holistic healing, energy balancing is both an art and a science. We know from quantum physics that all things in the Universe pulsate with energy. Wavelengths and vibrations within the body are no different than those found within the Universe.
We share this energy with everything and everyone around us. Energy balancing helps us recognize this. It is a give and take - an ebb and flow. Energy balancing allows the individual to explore the vast, multi-dimensional nature of the human experience and how subtle energies shift and influence us.
The holistic practitioner can assist the client in experiencing this in a number of ways. Reiki is one example of a hands-on, healing technique which promotes stress reduction and relaxation. It was originally from Japan and is based on the concept that life force energy flows through the holistic practitioner’s hands into the recipient’s energy field. Strong, positive, free-flowing energy is needed to provide optimal health and well-being.
Art is an integral part of your life, and many of your clients happen to be artists and musicians. Can you tell me how a love of the arts has shaped you as a therapist?
Art has always played a fundamental role in human existence. It reflects values and concerns, individually and collectively. Art is visceral - it evokes emotions that some don’t even know they have. The art-making process itself can be calming, relaxing, or even distracting. For me, art is meditative.
Because art has done so much for me, I wanted to give back in some way. I began volunteering at Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. The center holds exhibitions for artists and provides outreach programs for the local community.
Having clients who are artists, musicians, actors and dancers has helped me to grow as a therapist as well. The creative process awakens emotions which otherwise may not be tapped into.
I offer healing modalities that incorporate different art forms. A number of my clients find that when they engage in any form of art, they can truly express themselves. Some of the workshops we offer: Soul Collage® , Zendoodling, Vision Books and movement classes.*
#WheresYourSanctuary: Where do you find joy, peace, strength or fulfillment? In a place, a person, a hobby, a quiet moment alone? We would love to know what feeds your soul and fuels your fire.
I would have to say that my sanctuary is at home with my family.
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*See more on Soul Collage® and other services HERE.
Holistic healing is both an art and a science. It focuses on the person as a complete being. It regards body, mind, spirit and emotions as all being interconnected. It integrates both conventional and alternative healing modalities in order to promote optimal health.
It also employs a team approach where client and holistic practitioner (or healer) work in tandem to address the possible causes of different conditions. It is not a practice which simply treats symptoms. It recognizes that health is actually an overall state of being, where the individual is either in balance or out of balance.
Ultimately, each individual is responsible for his or her own health and well-being. With holistic healing, we learn that we all have incredible, innate healing powers. The holistic practitioner works with a client to ensure that the keys to coming back into balance are discovered.
Do clients tend to choose more than one type of therapy?
I offer whatever it is the client is looking for and whatever method may work best for that individual. Some clients want to try different forms of healing and some just one. Others find that they need to try them all before selecting something to stick with. The choice is strictly up to the client.
I find that most clients are looking for a better way to cope with stress and life’s challenges. They are looking to learn about new ways to function - or a new set of tools for functioning - that they can carry with them when they leave our space. Then, they apply these tools and methods to their daily life.
Do you find that it’s best to utilize a variety of therapy types to provide an interconnectedness with body, mind and spirit?
For me, there can be no other way to work. We are all pulsating beings of energy sharing this planet and existence. In order to help an individual heal, we must first recognize this.
What are energy balancing services?
Like holistic healing, energy balancing is both an art and a science. We know from quantum physics that all things in the Universe pulsate with energy. Wavelengths and vibrations within the body are no different than those found within the Universe.
We share this energy with everything and everyone around us. Energy balancing helps us recognize this. It is a give and take - an ebb and flow. Energy balancing allows the individual to explore the vast, multi-dimensional nature of the human experience and how subtle energies shift and influence us.
The holistic practitioner can assist the client in experiencing this in a number of ways. Reiki is one example of a hands-on, healing technique which promotes stress reduction and relaxation. It was originally from Japan and is based on the concept that life force energy flows through the holistic practitioner’s hands into the recipient’s energy field. Strong, positive, free-flowing energy is needed to provide optimal health and well-being.
Art is an integral part of your life, and many of your clients happen to be artists and musicians. Can you tell me how a love of the arts has shaped you as a therapist?
Art has always played a fundamental role in human existence. It reflects values and concerns, individually and collectively. Art is visceral - it evokes emotions that some don’t even know they have. The art-making process itself can be calming, relaxing, or even distracting. For me, art is meditative.
Because art has done so much for me, I wanted to give back in some way. I began volunteering at Barrett Art Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. The center holds exhibitions for artists and provides outreach programs for the local community.
Having clients who are artists, musicians, actors and dancers has helped me to grow as a therapist as well. The creative process awakens emotions which otherwise may not be tapped into.
I offer healing modalities that incorporate different art forms. A number of my clients find that when they engage in any form of art, they can truly express themselves. Some of the workshops we offer: Soul Collage® , Zendoodling, Vision Books and movement classes.*
#WheresYourSanctuary: Where do you find joy, peace, strength or fulfillment? In a place, a person, a hobby, a quiet moment alone? We would love to know what feeds your soul and fuels your fire.
I would have to say that my sanctuary is at home with my family.
---
*See more on Soul Collage® and other services HERE.
Marisa was Sanctuary's expert in October 2018.
See how she answered readers' questions about dealing with life's major transitions.
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See how she answered readers' questions about dealing with life's major transitions.
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Your "Meet Our Sponsors" page will remain on our site throughout the duration of your sponsorship.
