all approaches lead to san diego
As an interesting side note, most of these therapeutic approaches (i.e., humanistic, EMDR, ACT, and SE™) have deep connections to Southern California, particularly San Diego County. The late Carl Rogers, PhD, a distinguished American psychologist and pioneer of client-centered therapy within the humanistic psychology movement, once held his psychotherapy practice in La Jolla, CA. EMDR emerged from the innovative work of the late Francine Shapiro, PhD, during her doctoral studies at the Professional School of Psychological Studies in San Diego, which later merged with the California School of Professional Psychology—my alma mater. Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) was crafted by the esteemed trauma expert, Peter A. Levine, PhD, who practiced for many years in the coastal town of Encinitas, CA. Equally noteworthy, Steven Hayes, PhD, the founder of ACT, has roots in El Cajon, CA, where he spent his formative years.
During my doctoral program, I had the unique opportunity to study humanistic psychology under the guidance of David Cain, PhD, who was an esteemed colleague of Carl Rogers, and who continues to have an active practice in San Diego county. Furthermore, I had the honor of enhancing my knowledge through several live, in-person post graduate trainings with both Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Steven Hayes.
Another fun fact
Dr. Seuss and San Diego
Theodor Seuss Geisel, known worldwide as Dr. Seuss, left an indelible mark on children's literature with his whimsical characters and imaginative stories. While he spent much of his life in various locations, Dr. Seuss had a significant connection to San Diego, CA. In the late 1920s, he embarked on his career as a cartoonist and illustrator in the city, contributing to publications like the San Diego Union Tribune and creating his first nationally syndicated cartoon series, "Birdsies and Beasties." Later in life, Geisel and his wife, Audrey, settled in La Jolla, a coastal neighborhood in San Diego. It was during this time that he wrote some of his most beloved works, including "Green Eggs and Ham" and "The Cat in the Hat."