Today we’d like to introduce you to Miriam Lamb.
Hi Miriam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am interested in the whole body-whole mind approach to medicine, mental-health, and healing. I have always been interested in how individuals are influenced by their-macro and micro-environments— their families, cultures, and societies. I believe that the question of defining oneself is not a simple one. I help individuals discover their higher selves and fullest potential and believe the therapeutic alliance is a partnership. I utilize creative and individualized holistic and traditional therapies to best suit client’s therapeutic goals. I have experience working in school systems/private practices/agencies in Orange County, the Central Coast, the Bay Area, Thousand Oaks, and Los Angeles.
I use modalities/approaches such as guided visualization; psychodynamic therapy; mindfulness; EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing); meditation; transpersonal/humanistic/
I work with clients to explore their unconscious belief systems, family concerns/patterns, and unique stories, all useful in helping clients achieve their goals and authenticity. I believe that the processes of releasing emotional pain; gaining insight; changing core beliefs; and deepening one’s spiritual evolution (if applicable) are completely intertwined. I uses a warm, conversational approach and believe everyone has the innate ability to transform and become the best version of themselves.
Prior to receiving a MA degree from Sofia University, I studied cultural anthropology and business/human resources. I pursued these fields to gain awareness about how people operate in various cultural, systemic, and corporate contexts. However, after working for several years in human resources and experiencing my own challenges, I began seeking a career path that would provide greater personal satisfaction. I chose Sofia University (formerly Institute of Transpersonal Psychology) because of its rigorous programs which integrate counseling, somatic modalities, culture, ritual, and spirituality.
Good health, optimal nutrition, positive relationships, and engagement in creative endeavors are essential elements to living a fulfilling life. This combination of factors is unique to every individual. I enjoy helping clients explore their goals to achieve a sense of well-being. I am interested n the integration of mental/physical health and the intersectionality of environmental, social, gender, racial, multigenerational and-socioeconomic factors in the healing process. I also address school/youth related issues such as bullying, racism, academic issues, ADHD, low self-esteem, and self-harm.
I have worked with diverse populations: (ethnicities, immigration statuses, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, genders, varying levels of ability). I have helped individuals champion and advocate for themselves who are grappling with chronic pain/illness, being hospitalized, and navigating the health care system.
I believe people are more than labels and diagnoses. I work with issues such as discrimination facing people of color, underserved communities, women, immigrants, persons with disabilities, and the non-binary/LGBTQ+ community; concerns facing “tweens”/teens (K-12); depression/anxiety; work/life issues; Covid-19 related issues; self-harm; multigenerational trauma; elder concerns; and health issues. I also address abuse/PTSD; immigration challenges; and Hollywood industry issues, I have participated in several somatic/metaphysical groups. My personal interests include practicing Reiki (I am a level 2 Reiki practitioner); and learning about EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques/”tapping”). Spirituality, shamanism, history; and writing in its various forms (especially poetry/songwriting/screenwriting/novel writing).
I enjoy local landmarks such as Griffith Park, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, (West/North)Hollywood, and want to explore Koreatown, Chinatown, and Little Ethiopia (I am a relative “newbie” here). My favorite movies are What the Bleep Do We Know, the Dark Crystal and Star Wars because of the themes which focus on overcoming fear over love. I am beginning to “jam” with friends in the studio to put my lyrics to music which address the human aspects of life. My goals this year and next are to learn how to play guitar/sing; and learn how to master Pro Tools for my lyric writing, I also plan on publishing my poetry/novel, and am pursuing songwriting projects. I see myself as a partner to my clients. as I believe life is about losing judgment and healing, sometimes from painful experiences. I believe there are opportunities for renewal and second chances.
I am almost finished pursuing a degree in public health and a certificate in health coaching.
During my spare time, I am finishing a fantasy novel geared toward teens that is about facing one’s fears. I also write poetry and songs. I enjoy dabbling in screenwriting as well. Many of the themes of my songs are about “overcoming,” societal issues, love, and the human experience. I enjoy science fiction/fantasy/cooking & cultural documentaries. I also enjoy dance, nature, Asian cultural ceremonies, K-dramas, Chinese/Egyptian/Native American art (and many others); and hot springs. I love all types of music and am a self-proclaimed “metalhead..” I enjoy Thai, Mexican, and Indian food and discovering local culinary treasures. I still play dress up and recreate my favorite music videos and love dancing to yes-heavy metal, amongst other genres. You can find me listening to classical, punk, new wave, jazz, neosoul, emo, Motown, world music, country, EDM, classic rock, hair metal, alternative, and 80’s music as well.
My favorite memory is getting my first job in California (Santa Cruz Mountains); winning front row tickets to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers (one of my favorite bands); and -almost- winning a music contest on VH-1 in the same week. Tickets were sold out for the show, but somehow I entered a contest and manifested the tickets.
To sum it up, I love learning about people and the entirety of the human experience. I hope to see the divisions in society mended so we can create a new collective potential. I hope to see new paradigms created in the mental health/medical fields. Life is too short to take people for granted. Life is love and beauty, but sometimes obstacles hinder us from achieving our fullest potential. Beauty is -your- life.
I can be found on Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram and LinkedIn.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I faced a five plus year severe yet largely undiagnosed health challenge which catapulted me into studying public health and working on an integrative health certificate. I was severely ill while tending to family health issues and grief/loss of family members. I believe in the ability of the human spirit to turn tumultuous situations around. While I was ill, constantly in hospitals, and seeing specialists, I chronicled my experiences and began writing a book. I met many people who helped me along the way; and sought out alternative and traditional therapy to heal. I learned a lot about my body and the power of the mind/body/spirit. I also learned not to take anyone for granted; and that laughter and levity can coexist with situations that are seemingly hopeless. I persisted with writing, as that has been a healing force for me. I have also experienced bullying and anxiety, so overcoming has been a word that has defined my life. These experiences have allowed me to have great compassion for people and were the catalyst for pursuing the work I do and love.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a licensed LMFT and love songwriting, novel writing, and poetry. I am also finishing a degree in public health and integrative health coaching. I practice remote therapy for agencies and am reopening my private remote practice.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite books are The Red Queen (Matt Ridley), Millennium: Tribal Wisdom and the Modern World (David Maybery-Lewis), You Can Heal Your Life (Louise Hay), The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz), and a Wrinkle in Time (Madeline L’Engle). I enjoy various meditation apps such as Aura, Insight Timer, and Calm. I enjoy browsing the web on various topics such as kundalini experiences, twin flames, Reiki, shamanism, spirituality, transpersonal/peak experiences, metaphysical topics, and songwriting.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: It is best to find me on Psychology Today. My new website is coming soon. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/miriam-lamb-thousand-oaks-ca/240990
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirnature_beauty_life/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buddhazenchic
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-lamb-29215/
