LifeWorks clinical staff is an interdisciplinary team of psychotherapists who are also respected and published authors and researchers. Here is a sampling of the work they have contributed to the field including research, videos, awards, guides, books and journal articles.
Current Staff
Research and Publications
Selected Work
Co-author: “Dimensions of sexual orientation and rates of intimate partner violence among young sexual minority individuals assigned female at birth: The role of perceived partner jealousy”, View article in the National Library of Medicine.
Abstract:
Bisexual people are often stereotyped as being untrustworthy and greedy in their intimate partnerships. These stereotypes may spark jealousy and conflict in these partnerships. This project examined the associations between dimensions of sexual orientation, perceived jealousy of one’s partner, and experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences of bisexual, queer, and pansexual folks who were assigned female at birth (AFAB). Authors: Dyar, C., Feinstein, B.A., Zimmerman, A., Newcomb, M.E., Mustanski, B., & Whitton, S.W. (2019). Published in final, edited form as Psychology of Violence (July 2020).
Co-author: “Non Monosexual Stress and Dimensions of Health: Within-Group Variation by Sexual, Gender, and Racial/Ethnic Identities,” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7188068/
Abstract:
There is ample research devoted to the unique health outcomes of those that are non-monosexual or attracted to more than one gender. This group is often faces erasure, stigma, and consequently, higher levels of health concerns such as depression and anxiety. This article examined the stigma experiences of non-monosexual AFAB folks as a whole. It also looked at how stigma and health outcomes differed by various groups (bisexual, queer, and pansexual). Authors: Dyar, C., Feinstein, B.A., Stephens, J., Zimmerman, A., Newcomb, M., & Whitton, S.W. (2019).
Cindy Trawinski, Psy.D, Dipl.PW
Co-founder & Clinical Psychologist (2012-present)
Video Production
Using Awareness in the Creative Process, Trawinski, C. (2011)
Using Awareness in the Creative Process, Trawinski, C. (2011)
How do we create? What is the artist, child or inventor doing in the moments of creation? How do we recognize, know and follow our experience in such a way that something new is created or discovered?
In this 17 minute video, Cindy Trawinski demonstrates the experiential painting process developed by Michele Cassou, and attempts to “meta communicate” about her experience — that is, while painting, to report on her sentient awareness, of the interaction with the paint, the painting as well as subtle inner sensations and fleeting associations she has. In the last minutes of the video, she uses a form of inner work developed by Arnold Mindell to unfold her perceptions and associations to an element of the painting.
An unpublished thesis on the study of creative process including the video research are linked below:
- Trawinski, C. (2011) Who or What Creates: A personal reflection on painting. Unpublished thesis. (PDF, 10MB)
- Using Awareness in the Creative Process (view on YouTube), by Cindy Trawinski. The video was made by Cindy Trawinski in 2010, in partial fulfillment of the requirements of Diplomate program in Process Work at the Process Work Institute in Portland, OR.
Digital Projects
DeepWell: an audio library of inner work exercises
In 2021, Cindy Trawinski launched www.DeepWell.xyz, an online library of audio recordings contributed by process-oriented facilitators from around the world. Each recording is an inner work exercise, a guided process of self-exploration that relies on noticing, articulating and following one’s experience in order to solve problems, find a new point of view, work on relationship conflicts or make decisions. The website is a resource, support and tool for learning & practicing awareness skills.
DeepWell’s inner work exercises go beyond meditation and offer the listener a chance to go inside and deepen their relationship to less known parts of themselves, to bring those parts into their everyday consciousness and make them more accessible resources. Inner work exercises connect the listener to their own inner motives, values and wisdom. Inner work helps develop a well or repository of awareness and emotional skills as well as new capacities to accept, embrace and support diverse and less known parts of themself, changing their relationship to themself and their world.
Research and Publications
Selected Work
- Co-author: Henrich, R. & Trawinski, C. (2016) Social and therapeutic challenges facing polyamorous clients (1), Sexual & Relationship Therapy.
- Trawinski, C. (2011) Following My Creative Process. Unpublished article.
- Trawinski, C. (2011) Who or What Creates: A personal reflection on painting. Unpublished thesis. (PDF, 10MB)
- Trawinski, C. (1991) “Author’s Reply to Response by John Thibodeau, Ph.D.” Society for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Bulletin, vol. 6/3:37-38.
- Trawinski, C. (1990) “An Analysis of a Shift in Intervention Style.” Society for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Bulletin, vol. 5/3:5-19.
Rami Henrich, LCSW, Dipl. PW
Co-founder, Supervisor & Psychotherapist (2012-present)
Research and Publications
Selected Work
- Author: Henrich, R. (2011). Following a Path of Heart: Psychological, relational and social issues of polyamorists. Unpublished manuscript.
- Co-author: Henrich, R. & Trawinski, C. (2016) Social and therapeutic challenges facing polyamorous clients (1) (PDF), Sexual & Relationship Therapy.
Former Staff
Cate Morrow, AMFT
Psychotherapist (2021-present)
Research and Publications
Selected Work
Co-author: Pre-Cohabitation Conversations for Relationships: Recommended Questions for Discussion – Moving in together is an important transition in a relationship.
This article presents discussion questions for partners to explore prior to moving in together, with a focus on three categories: relationship negotiations, household rules, and communication. In response to the majority of cohabitation literature focusing on white, hetero, and monogamous relationships, special consideration is given to the topics of race and culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationship structure. These conversation questions can be used both by therapists with their clients, as well as for direct use by partners in a relationship.
Diane Duan, M.A.
Psychotherapist & Clinical Psychology Doctoral Intern
Research and Publications
Selected Work
Author: “Somerville, MA Legally Recognizes Polyamory”: A Qualitative Exploration of The Polyamorous Experience.
This dissertation paper explores the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of 23 polyamorous individuals living Somerville, Cambridge, and Arlington, MA after the first legislative action passed that allows an individual to register for domestic partnership status with more than one partner. The findings indicate that the participants felt positively about this step towards greater inclusion and validation of non-traditional family structures, but that further progress must be made in expanding the scope of the rights and privileges granted. The paper will be made available on the Proquest database in 2023.
Elizabeth Duke, Psy.D.
Clinical Director (2019-2022)
Clinical Psychologist & Supervisor (2015-2019)
Research and Publications
Selected Work
- Chapter author: Ethical Practice with Consensually Non Monogamous Clients, for CNM Handbook for Clinicians The Handbook of Consensual Non-monogamy: Affirming Mental Health Practice (Diverse Sexualities, Genders, and Relationships) by Michelle Vaughn and
- Chapter Author: An Act of Worship Existential Perspectives on Fetishes in Eros and the Psyche (anticipated publication 2022)
- Contributor to the Audible book Love Without Sex by Sophie Johnson
- Contributor to the CNM Facesheet (PDF) for APA Division 44 Taskforce on Consensual Non Monogamy
Hayat Nadar, Psy.D.
Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor (2020-present)
Awards and Recognition
2022
Dr. Nadar’s research was selected as a winner of the prestigious award, National Louis University 2022 Outstanding Dissertation Award in the category of Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Research and Publications
Selected Work
Author: Exploration of the Link Between Migration and Acculturation Related-Stress, Attachment Style, and Psychological Distress in Arab Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylees focused on the relationship between diaspora and attachment style in refugees and asylees. Dr. Nadar’s impactful research has garnered attention and accolades and is making significant change possible worldwide.
Lead Researcher: Arab Perceptions of the West (PDF), this report (2006) is the result of a study commissioned by The Kuwaiti Ministry of Islamic and Cultural Affairs, with the guidance of Ameen PR, a leading Kuwaiti media and communications firm. It was later published as book by the same title.
Green House Fellows
Ari Groner, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Digital Projects
A List for Us
The List, https://www.thelistforus.com/, was created to collect and showcase resources that are beneficial for trans+* individuals, their families, allies, and providers.
This project began with Ariel (Ari) Groner, a licensed clinical social worker, and the assistant director at the Juniper Center. As a therapist focusing her work on supporting the queer community, she would note resources to share with clients by recording them in a spreadsheet. Over time, this spreadsheet grew and she would share it with anyone that reached out looking for resources, whether they were a client, parent, or fellow provider. This collection become known as “The List” and she aspired to expand a simple Google sheet into a full-fledged website.
*trans+ is used as an umbrella term to include all gender and sex minorities
Courtney Remacle, LSW
Green House Fellow, Cohort 7 (2022)
Research and Publications
Selected Work
Co-author: Expanding the Circle of Care
An implementation guide for harm reduction and syringe access services in rural and tribal communities, based on the work of Gwayakobimaadiziwin Needle Exchange Program, in northern Wisconsin. This may be the only harm reduction guide in existence that is specific to working with rural and indigenous communities and written by community members rather than state/county health departments or NPOs. You can learn more about the program at: https://www.badriverharmreduction.org/