About Me

I believe that each of us deserve to live meaningful lives,. We deserve to have rich and nourishing relationships. We deserve to know ourselves and be known deeply. Since my early 20s I have committed to the path of self-reflection. I have trained intensively with master therapists and committed to studying psychology with all of my being. I believe the dominate narrative about mental health can be misleading. Mental health is not just about our private, interior lives. It is about how we relate to world. How we relate to others. How we relate to our strengths, and shortcomings. It is a privilege for me to get to support others as they become more of who they already are. To watch them become more confident, compassionate, and trusting of their experience.

My Professional Background

In 2013, I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (License #111342) ). Additionally, I completed my doctorate in Transformative Studies. My research focused on the intersection of Buddhist philosophy and mental health.

I began working with clients in 2012. while receiving intensive training from a former affiliate of the John Bradshaw Center. There I gained in-depth knowledge of recovery from intergenerational trauma & shame. I received extensive training on healing the inner-child. This was a unique training in both its intensity and focus. Subsequent to that I worked with the impact of trauma in different settings; with folks exiting incarceration, with children many of whom were in foster care, families, and individuals. I have been through many other significant trainings and consider myself an integrative relational therapist.

My Story & Interests

My love of psychology and consciousness studies goes back to my early 20s. When I broke my collar bone playing rugby while at university, I began to question everything. My bubble had been burst, and this led to a period of rapid re-orientation.

I began to take courses on religion and psychology, volunteered abroad, and somehow I knew that conventional means would not bring me peace or happiness. That propelled me towards understanding myself in new ways, investigating through therapy, meditation, retreats, workshops, and eventually training to be a therapist. I was fortunate to have a very structured training when I began seeing clients. While it demanded a lot (specific trainings on modalities, individual therapy 1-2 x per week, group process 1-2x a week, individual supervision and group supervision) this training taught me how to show up with people and not let my own stuff get in the way. That was the expectation then, and it laid a foundation for how I approach my work as a clinician.

I have a longstanding interest and study of Buddhism. I studied with a contemporary nondual teacher for over 10 years and more recently I have been drawn to more traditional presentations of Buddhism. Currently, I’m working on an advanced certificate in Buddhist studies. I practice a Tibetan form of yoga, or perhaps more accurately a form of yoga that has been transmitted through Tibet.

I love participating in nature, breathing fresh air and being in the forest. I’m a birdwatcher and a hiker. If you feel connected to what I’m saying and want to see if we can work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Email me today at scott@scottmenasco.com , or visit my contact page to schedule a consultation