Academic Degrees (in chronological order)

  • B.A. major in Psychology, minor in Theatrical Directing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 1985

  • Master's in Social Work, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, 1987

  • Program Completion, Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy, New York, NY, 1995 (12 years licensed in NY and RI - no longer practicing)

  • Certification, "Expressive Arts Educational Facilitator,” Expressive Arts Institute, Holistic Counseling Post-Graduate Studies, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI, 2007

  • B.A. Studio Art (metalsmithing/drawing/painting), Rhode Island College, Providence, RI, 2009

  • Certified as an “Optimize Coach” with Optimize Enterprises (a 300 hour long comprehensive coach training program), 2022

Other Relevant Studies:

Over 37 years of continuing education trainings in psychological theory, mental health counseling, clinical subject matter, practice methodology, massage therapy, and philosophic studies, a sampling of which includes:

  • “Ethical Responses to Client Trauma” professional training with Katherine Paras, M.S., LPAT, 2024

  • “Transformative Justice: Engaging in Anti-Carceral Social Work Practice” training with the Center for Excellence in Social Work at the Facundo Valdez of Social Work, 2024

  • “Human Sexuality” professional training through Aspira CE, 2024

  • “Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy” professional training with MITC, Albuquerque, NM 2023

  • “The Healing Journey of Spiritual Autobiography” professional training with Katherine Paras, M.S., LPAT, 2022

  • “Human Animal Interactions: Implications for Social Work” professional training Emerson Grey, MSW of New Mexico Highlands University, Facundo Valdez School of Social Work, 2022

  • “Integrating Religion and Spirituality in Counseling with Katherine Greig, MSW, Ph.D, 2022

  • Certification as an “Optimize Coach” with Brian Johnson, “a comprehensive coach training program based in ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools”, 2021-2022

  • “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” professional training with Patricia Juarez, MS and Reyna Puentes, MA from the Psychology Department at the University of Texas at El Paso, 2020

  • “B School” (values-driven business education for entrepreneurs) with Marie Forleo, 2020

  • “Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA)” with Brian Serna, LPCC, LADAC, via the NM Opioid Hub, 2019

  • Advanced Creativity Coaching Program with Eric Maisel, Ph.D., widely regarded as the foremost creativity coach in the United States, Completion 2017

  • "Brief Solution-Oriented Therapy" with Dennis Bumgarner, ACSW, LCSW, 2017

  • Immigrant & Refugee, Cultural Diversity and Freedom from Stereotypes" training with the Healthcare Training Institute, 2016

  • "Women of Resilience Conference" presented by "Creativity and Madness of Santa Fe", 2016

  • "Beyond 'How Does That Make You Feel'" (Narrative Therapy Training) with Don McAvinchey, LISW, 2015

  • "Zen Brain, the Neuroscience and Path of Transforming Addiction" with Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D, Al Kazniak, Ph.D, David Loy, Ph.D, Lawrence Barsalou, Ph.D, and Do-On Robert Thomas at Upaya Zen Center, 2013

  • "The Heart of Truth: Radically Practicing Inside the World" with Reverend John Dear and Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D at Upaya Zen Center, 2013

  • "Trauma Resiliency Model" with Trauma Resource Institute, 2013

  • "Food For Thought: How Nutrients Affect Mental Health and the Brain" with Merrily Kuhn, Ph.D, 2012

  • "The Neuroscience of Trauma and EMDR for Stabilization" with Linda Curran, MA, MPH, LPC, CACD, 2011

  • "The EMDR 8-Stage Protocol for Reprocessing Traumatic Memories" with Linda Curran, MA, MPH, LPC, CACD, 2011

  • "Seeking Safety Implementation Training" with DATA (The Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of Rhode Island), 2009

  • "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training" with The Providence Center for Counseling and Psychiatric Services, 2001

  • "Obesity and Eating Disorders Studies" with DATA of Rhode Island, 2000

  • "12 Core Functions of the Substance Abuse Counselor" Program with DATA of Rhode Island, 2000

  • "New England School of Addiction Studies Conference", Eastern Connecticut State University, 2000

  • "Utilizing Stages of Change - Motivational Interviewing" at DATA of Rhode Island, 2000

Current relevant membership: ACT - Association for Contextual Behavioral Science

In addition:

  • Continuing education program at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) in Providence, RI focusing on drawing and painting, the arts and healing, and ceramics

  • Scholarship recipient for the "Social Action and Crafts" session in drawing/painting/multi-media at the Penland School of Crafts, Penland, NC

  • Intensive study program in "Trauma Touch", therapeutic touch for trauma survivors, at the Colorado School of Healing Arts, Lakeville, CO

  • Somatic studies participant at the "Sixth International Somatics Congress", San Francisco, CA

  • Certification in massage for pregnancy and birth with both Elaine Stillerman of "Mother Massage" and Niara Healing Arts, both in New York, NY (honored to assist in multiple birth experiences as a professional massage therapist)

  • 5 year member of a Vipassana Meditation community in Brooklyn, NY, and daily meditation practitioner for over two decades.

  • Studies in theatre and performance art at HB Studios, Pearl Repertory Company, Michael Howard Studios, New York, NY and with the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Williamstown, MA, 1987-1993

  • Leader (1993) and participant (2014) of the Julia Cameron group curriculum entitled, "The Artist's Way".

 

 Geena Tommasi, BFA, MA, LCSW

I come to the work of Integrative Psychotherapy and Coaching with a professional background in private practice psychotherapy, clinical social work, the arts (visual, written, and performing arts), social activism, and professional licensed massage therapy. 

***That said, to my mind and without a doubt, my best and most important learning has come from simply living this life, in all of its beautiful imperfections.