Broad holistic training.
Ms. Braren is a multifaceted clinician, alternative healer and change-advocate.
Braren was mentored by pioneers of progressive mental health modalities at CIIS and PGI.
A significant part of her training included learning from those who researched and integrated the use of medicinal psychedelics in their clinical work producing a powerful, lasting, positive impact.
She is currently completing a PhD focused on shaping the new wave of addiction recovery reform and psychedelic assisted therapies.
Honoring academic rigor and ancient spiritual wisdom
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Braren earned her BA from California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco - the epicenter of the progressive mental health movement. It is also the home of the first recognized psychedelic certificate program for licensed clinicians (Program Link). She attended two masters programs. Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute (PGI) and Documentary Filmmaking at Antioch University (AU). She is currently completing a PhD in Sociology with a focus on creating large scale change in the mental health sector. She is also the co-author of two forthcoming books on the topic.
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Braren has train d under and collaborated with Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, author of Harm Reduction Psychotherapy and founder of Center for Optimal Living, Dr. Gabor Mate, author of The Myth of Normal, Dr. Carrie Wilkens, author of Beyond Addiction and founder of Center for Motivation and Change. Braren is a founding board member of the International Guild of Guides and participates in a dozen professional organizations related to advancing access to effective mental health modalities.
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Braren was always drawn to mysteries of the earth, the power and potency of unseen forces, and the sacred ways of our ancestors. At age 12, as a member of the Rainbow Medicine Society (a spiritual organization for youth of native descent) she was given the opportunity to spend time a reservation with tribal elders. There, in the container of ancient wisdom, she was introduced to the potent, powerful healing impact of earth medicine and ceremonial healing. For the next 30 years she fed this deep curiosity, shadowing healers all around the world. Her apprenticeships in Native American, Shipibo, Toltec, Aztec, Yoruba & Santeria settings informs her practice.
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Braren has four biological sons and two foster daughters. Decades of parenting have deepened her curiosity and enriched her understanding of human development theories. She chose alternative education models - democratic, Waldorf, and Reggio-Emilia - that focus on nurturing the whole human. Her youngest son attends Westside Waldorf, in Pacific Palisades, CA and her eldest lives in Sonoma County where she runs a nature and play-based preschool and parent coaching practice - Bloom Parenting.
Meet Dr. Hannah Saltzman
Hannah was raised in France and received her PhD in Clinical Psychology in California. Her approach to healing and mental well-being is client-centered and compassion based. With fierce kindness and curiosity, Dr. Saltzman provides a warm, affirming, yet challenging, environment to foster meaningful and long-lasting change. She is a Clinical Psychologist at Braren Psychospiritual and the Clinical Director of our affiliate retreat organization - Pacific Entheo Center.
Meet Wilson Moreno
Wilson earned his BA from UC Santa Barbara in Sociology with a minor in Spanish. He has extensive experience supporting organizational administration. As Clinical Coordinator he manages all inquiries, new clients, schedules, and billing. He also supports our retreat affiliate, Pacific Entheo Center at our MX retreat center. He is also a board member and volunteer with American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).