Gordon Renwick, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
San Diego CA
In my many years as a helping professional, I recognize that unless I can help create a safe, non-judgmental environment, all my skills and knowledge will be ineffective. I therefore prioritize the therapeutic relationship, and strive to bring curiousity, attunement, presence, cultural humility and kindness to all my interactions with my clients. I emphasize the here-and now, but also appreciate the importance of a good history, so I can better understand how the past may manifest in the present, whether it be through belief systems, body sensations, feelings or behavioral patterns. I believe we have an innate drive toward growth, but are often blocked by past hurts, situational stressors, or simply not knowing the path forward. My interest in personal growth for others and myself is long-standing, and in 1997, I completed my dissertation on "The Relationship Between Zen and Buddhist Awareness Practices and their Effects on Self-Actualization." Despite my many years working as a psychotherapist, I appreciate the uniqueness of each client, learn from them, and work colloboratively to help them achieve their goals.
As a long-time meditator, I believe in bringing curiosity and openness to myself and others, and am guided by values of presence, honesty, kindness, courage, integrity and authenticity. I am also a lifelong martial artist, who has taught Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for many years. I have a long-standing interest in my own personal growth, not only for my own benefit, but also so I can bring more awareness, clarity and compassion to my interactions with others. Since 2020, I have been involved in clinical research on the effectiveness of psilocybin on treatment resistant depression (through Compass Pathways), and also on phantom limb pain (through clinical trials at UCSD). I also act as a mentor therapist interviewing, evaluating and training new psychedelic therapists.