About Miriam Marsolais

My Skills and Professional Approach

miriam1I am a licensed psychologist (PSY 18619) and Jungian Analyst practicing psychotherapy since 1994. I am also founder and Head Instructor of White Magnolia Tai Chi School (established 2001) in Kensington, California.

I work in collaboration with my clients as a companion and guide, bringing to each session my capacity for deep listening, active seeing, and well-informed interpretation. I also bring to each session insights gained from personal experience recovering from a severe burn injury and from my tai chi and meditation practice.

Depending on a client’s needs and interests, sessions may integrate insights from neuroaffective and attachment research, somatic studies, depth psychology, the history of spirituality, or exploration of spiritual experience incorporating insights from ancient wisdom traditions.

My approach has been sculpted by extensive academic and professional training in a number of therapeutic modalities:

 

I have completed degrees at Stanford University (B.A.S. Biology/ Sociology); the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley (M.A. Church History, emphasis: Christian spirituality); U.C. Berkeley (Ph.D. History, emphasis: medieval spirituality); the C. G. Jung Institute, Zurich, Switzerland (Diploma: Analytical Psychology).

My various trainings have each, in distinct ways, allowed me to explore the transition zone between our inner and outer worlds, and have given me effective ways to assist others in skillfully navigating this realm. When we get stuck in an internal reality, for whatever reason, it is like being in shackles. We do not have free access to experience outside of ourselves, experience which is essential for living a satisfying life. The natural, life-giving flow between one’s inner and outer worlds, between oneself and others, is blocked. Every person can access the inner resources needed to unblock this flow, to live more happily and with greater ease. Every person can embrace the freedom of joining, relinquishing, giving, receiving and moving forward in life with trust and joy.

Professional Association Memberships

American Psychological Association
California Psychological Association
Alameda County Psychological Association
Contra Costa County Psychological Association
Plum Blossom International Federation of Choy Li Fut / Tai Chi

Endorsements

What strikes me about Miriam’s work is her deep sense of presence within herself and thus deep presence with her patients – not just presence, empathy and compassion, but also knowingness. There is a sense that Miriam is able to see the landscape – to see clearly – that she knows the terrain, all the while discovering, open to the newness. Miriam’s patients have the safety of feeling in the presence of a guide who deeply knows the landscape of human feelings and human emotions. Respect and knowingness are in every move.

Diana Fosha, Ph.D.
Director, AEDP Institute
New York City

As a physician who has been fortunate enough to study at the White Magnolia Tai Chi School, I can attest to Miriam’s many wonderful characteristics that make her an ideal therapist. She is not only expert at connecting with people, but her own strength, groundedness, patience, and kindness make her a calm and healing presence and an ideal guide for anyone searching for balance in their life.”

Lily Huang, M.D.
San Francisco Free Clinic
San Francisco

For me, Miriam Marsolais embodies the idea of an open heart. She is deeply committed to emotional healing through a stance of respect, authenticity and wise compassion brought to life in psychotherapy through advanced professional training and particular clinical skillfulness. I am honored–and lucky–to consider her a colleague and friend.

Benjamin Lipton
Senior Faculty, AEDP Institute
New York City