Wild Woman … is the
Life/Death/Life force …
she is intuition,
she is far-seer,
she is deep listener,
she is loyal heart …
She is the mucky root of all women.
She is the one we come home to.
~ Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Gretchen Stecher, MA, LPC
My life has been a heroine’s journey … I spent years in dark places stumbling among the undead. With the right support I clawed my way out of the abyss and began manifesting a life of freedom and joy.
Deeply influenced in the early 1990’s by Women Who Run with the Wolves, by C. P. Estés, I know in my bones that it is possible to move away from the misery of victimhood and grow into love for one’s self and others. I trust the process. I trust that all is well. I draw on spiritual guides and divine energy in my life and my work, seeking and supporting authentic expression.
My 20 years of 12 Step recovery includes membership in Adult Children of Alcoholics, Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous programs. Many of the principles in these programs permeate my inclusive perspective on spirituality, therapy and life. That said, I also know that 12 Step programs are not a great fit for everyone.
My body-based, compassionate, collaborative approach to psychotherapy includes mindfulness, deep listening, metaphor, creative expression, home play, humor and sacred ceremonies. Informed by Hakomi, I use parts work, trauma resolution, an attachment perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, and touch with permission when appropriate. I love discovering together what works for each person. I’m passionate about humans recovering their vitality and power!
In the 1980’s, I worked as an exit counselor and educator, helping people leave destructive groups (cults) that used mind control.
In 2001 I became certified as a sexual assault and domestic violence counselor and advocate in Massachusetts. I trained staff and volunteers, facilitated groups, and was actively involved in numerous community outreach programs and events to raise awareness about these very important issues. I worked primarily with women, often mothers, helping them cope with the consequences of the trauma and addictions in their lives. For 10 years I was an on-call advocate for all gender sexual assault survivors during hospital forensic exams.
In the ensuing years, I’ve been honored to have as clients adults with anxiety, developmental trauma, severe PTSD, grief and loss, numerous Adult Child of Alcoholics (ACOA) issues, grandparenting, relationship issues, and those seeking recovery from mind control used in destructive groups, among other challenges. Elders, with whom I have a special affinity, are also among my clients. Additionally, I’ve worked with various genders and sexual orientations, non-monogamous couples focusing on relationship dynamics, improving the family system and myriad aspects of parenting. As a lifelong learner, I continually deepen my skills by engaging in professional trainings and personal growth work.
I also assist with equine facilitated psychotherapy groups for women with trauma histories and substance abuse recovery. Amazed by the profound impact of horses in groups with humans, I continue to make myself available to participate in the healing process with these authentic, powerful creatures.
To know more about Gretchen’s life experience and lessons learned, check out her interview on Jean Church’s half-hour podcast: episode “Downside Up”