Junelle Barrette Porter - Licensed Therapist, Counselor and Psychotherapist for Santa Rosa

Have you ever wondered about the twists and turns in your life that led you to where you are today? When I was studying theatre and education in college, I never dreamed my path would lead me toward a career as a therapist. Yet as I look back in hindsight, it isn't that much of a surprise. I've always been curious about how people find solutions to their problems and challenges.

The first turns in the road

I taught elementary school after college and later landed a job at the University of Denver teaching for the School of Education and offering CEU classes for teachers. I believe that we teach what we want to learn and I found myself submitting proposals to teach classes that had more of a psychological bent such as Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Self Esteem, and Creativity. Finally the obvious became clear and I changed direction away from Education and toward Psychology.

And then the BIG turn

Sometimes when I make a change, I make it big! Not only did I leave my career, but I moved to California to attend the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. I wanted to study Transpersonal Psychology, because it addresses the spiritual aspects of our nature and humanity along with mainstream psychology. I was like a kid in a candy store! I graduated from the institute in 1984 and received my Marriage Family and Therapist License in 1988.

On the open road

It's hard to believe that I've been a therapist for 24 years now. For me, one of the best things about my profession is that the learning never stops. I love that! And my teachers are often the wonderful people I have the pleasure to work with.

As for my life away from work ... occasionally an acting opportunity will sneak up on me that I can't resist - so I do scratch that itch every now and then. I'm blessed with wonderful family and friends and love to nurture those relationships. I enjoy being outside and I love it when my heart is beating aerobically and I'm breaking a sweat!

A little more about my work

I've been working with individuals, couples and groups as a licensed therapist for over 24 years. What's most important to me is helping you feel alive and vital. When your sense of aliveness is in place, problems can come and go through a swinging door and your inner resources will direct your actions and keep you on course. When that isn't in place, the door gets jammed and problems mostly come, stay, grow and breed. That's no way to live. Warm and caring by nature, I bring depth and a high regard of humor to my work.

Over the years Object Relations, Attachment Theory, Somatic Work, Mindfulness, Carl Jung, Psychodrama and Energy Therapies such as EFT and Psych K have informed my work. With my background in theatre, I enjoy weaving expressive arts into the mix whenever it seems useful.