Nathaniel Gilbert, M.A, L.P.C.
Boulder , CO
About me: My passion for contemplative practices , meditation and martial arts, inform my work with people everyday. Quakerism, Buddhism, and the martial art of Aikido helped shape my approach to counseling. Directing a theatre camp for 19 years let me work in expressive arts teaching youth. I am committed to work with clients using directness and humor!
Licensed Professional Counselor
Crisis and Addictions Services
Mental Health Partners, Boulder , CO
2008-2018
M.A. , Contemplative Psychotherapy
Naropa University ,
2008
Fourth Dan, Aikido
Boulder Aikikai, under Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei,
1997 to current
Founding Director , Windsock Theatre Camp
The Weathervane Theatre, Whitefield , NH
1997-2015
I worked at Mental Health Partners for 10 years on the crisis team, an amazing model of how to engage with clients in crisis compassionately. The supervision I received there was generous and highly attuned to my needs and the needs of the client: qualities I replicated as a clinical supervisor for interns , trainer for new hires, and as a shift supervisor myself for many years.
I graduated from Naropa University with a Masters degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy (“MACP”at the time, currently “Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology”) This intense program of meditation, self-reflection and practice in therapeutic relationship challenged and impacted me deeply. I continue to work as clinical support professional and guest instructor with the program.
Aikido is a spiritual practice in motion. I continue to practice and teach regularly as it offers an experiential study of relationship under intensity. Every practice is an opportunity to encounter our strengths and weaknesses, aggression and love, in a safe container.
As a teacher of youth in theatre for many years I learned the importance of play, humor, and relaxed precision. Directing the program and performances , juggling music, dance, scriptwriting , and loving care for the amazing kids and staff, took a lot of calories! But I learned to balance process with product, and got to be a part of an ecstatic , joyful expression.