In 2006, during the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium in Washington, D.C., attended an Introduction to Mind-Body Medicine workshop, led by Dr. James S. Gordon, the Director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM). At the end of the session, Jim encouraged Sabrina to take the Center’s certification training. Sabrina responded with, “I am really searching for a doctoral program, and will not be pursuing any more certifications until I find one!”
Four years later, she received an e-mail from The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, announcing its affiliation with Saybrook’s School of Mind-Body Medicine degree programs. “My heart sang, while reading that e-mail from Jim”, Sabrina recalled, “Every cell in my body knew that I was headed to this program!”
Sabrina attended the Center’s Professional Training Program (PTP) and Advanced Training Program (ATP) with her fellow Saybrook students from the Fall 2010 cohort. These two trainings are integrated into first year courses in mind-body medicine for both master’s and doctoral students. She went on to complete her certification with the Center, by attending another ATP, running an additional group, and completing several months of individual supervision. Her certification groups were with adult children of addicts/alcoholics, and with women struggling with chronic sexually transmitted infections. Sabrina, is also a licensed Social Worker with a private psychotherapy practice, and has incorporated mind-body skills into her work with individuals and couples. Most importantly, she uses the skills as a part of her own daily practice of self-care.
Sabrina N’Diaye has now been named as a member of the faculty for the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. She will conduct a mind-body skills group in the Professional Training Program which takes place October 5-9, 2014 in San Francisco. She will be joined there by a second Saybrook PhD student, Michelle LaMasa-Schrader, who will be joining the Center intern program. A separate blog will narrate Michelle’s story.
Sabrina shared her excitement about serving as faculty with the CMBM. “The day I met Jim, I knew that I had found a new friend and mentor. I was also blessed with the opportunity to receive supervision and support from many members of the CMBM Senior Faculty, including Amy Shindal, MSW, Patricia Van Kley, PhD, and Lynda Richtsmeier Cyr, PhD. I am deeply honored that this team of amazing clinicians and leaders have chosen me to join them as a faculty member”.
“I am so grateful that the Universe sent Saybrook University to me via a CMBM e-mail—the past three years have provided me with the opportunity to stretch and grow as a student, therapist, and human being”.