Born and raised in Eastern Europe and Siberia, Irene completed BS/MS study in Pharmacology and received a Master’s in psychology with emphasis in addiction counseling. During Irene’s academic and professional study, she gravitated towards Somatic therapeutic modalities, Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Art therapy, Depth Psychology. Her non-traditional studies include entheogenic research from a variety of sources, apprenticeship with a Shaman in Druid College, Sound therapy, Breath work, and Psychedelic integration practicum for clinicians. Irene has lived in the United States since 1998, owns a private psychotherapy practice and is the lead psychotherapist for the Blue Portal facilitating retreats overseas. She is an affiliate of MAPS, and a graduate of Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at JKFU in California. 

Gia is an Associate Somatic Psychotherapist, licensed Massage Therapist and Yoga and Embodiment Teacher/Educator. She graduated from JFK University with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, emphasis in Somatic Psychotherapy. Gia’s therapeutic orientations include grief tending and processing, self-compassion and self-care, mindfulness, meditation, breath focus, embodiment/movement, imaginal and visualization work, ritual and ceremonial somatics, art therapy, group facilitation, and eco based healing. Gia is currently finishing her Associateship at a community mental health clinic in California, both one on one and in group settings. Gia’s greatest influences and tools for personal growth and facilitation include a rich relationship with nature, ritual, poetry, ancient/indigenous history, and art. She believes by attuning to the natural world around us and within us, we are able to  access our memory of connection rather than separation. It is her wish to build community by creating and holding space in which people may arrive as they are and feel confident that they are well supported.