Rev. Therese Bimka
Description
Professional Background
Therese works as a spiritual director and psychotherapist in private practice in the Hudson Valley, and previously served as director of The Interspiritual Counseling Program at One Spirit Interfaith Alliance from 2011 to 2021. She is an experienced facilitator of retreats and workshops exploring a broad range of psycho-spiritual and creative themes.
Training and Specializations
Her advanced studies include trauma-informed teachings, guided visualizations for health, mindfulness meditation, Buddhism and Psychology, Expressive Arts, Jungian Sandplay Therapy, Soulcollage, Restorative Justice, and Collective Trauma, among others.
Experience and Community Work
Therese has led workshops and retreats for organizations, training institutes, educational institutions, government facilities, congregations, and community-based nonprofits. She also offers programs at The Forest Sanctuary, her retreat center in the Hudson Valley. In addition, she has led international journeys to The Goddess Temples of Malta and Sacred Sites in India, and is currently planning a return women’s trip to Egypt in 2024.
Community Projects
Therese is actively engaged in community social action initiatives with colleagues and Dharmakaya, including The Hungry Ghost Training and Retreat for Frontline Workers addressing the Opioid Crisis and The BIPOC Leadership Weekend, an annual event since 2021.
Artistic Practice
Alongside her teaching and healing work, Therese is spending more time in her art studio at The Forest Sanctuary, where she plays, dreams, and communes with creation.