Student Resources

In the 2008–09 academic year, three MA intern counselors will be available to provide counseling to students at a sliding scale per session (no one will be turned away based on an inability to pay).

How to set up an appointment:

Please print and fill out the Intake Form or visit the Naropa Student Affairs office to pick up a paper copy.Review the counselor’s bios listed below and contact one of them directly to set up an appointment.

Grazia Di Giorgio MA, LPC – Director of the Counseling Center.

As a graduate of the Contemplative Psychotherapy MA program, Grazia has experienced life at Naropa as a student, as well as a faculty and staff member. A well-rounded professional with extensive experience as a supervisor, advocate and counselor, she brings her passion and her skills to the goal of supporting our students’ experience and overall well-being, and to the actualization of Naropa University’s vision in the world.

Her office is located in the Administration building, as part of the Student Affairs team. Call, e-mail, or stop by if you have any questions or comments about on-campus counseling services, referrals, local resources, life in general, or if you just want to say hello!

Please Note: The three on-campus counseling interns will be available to schedule counseling sessions from August 25, 2008. Grazia Di Giorgio will be in her office and available to students until July 10 and then again from August 18, 2008.

Ali Akalin

Ali Akalin is an on-campus counselor for the Naropa University student population. He is in the third year of his Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Master's program at Naropa. Ali is an international student from Turkey. Having grown up in Thailand and the Netherlands, he feels that he harbors a unique perspective regarding challenges that are faced in a variety of sociocultural settings. His experiences abroad have endowed him with tools that he believes are invaluable when working with addiction, grief, depression and major life transitions. During his last three years in the Netherlands, Ali was acquainted with the benefits of health based approaches to substance abuse, such as harm reduction and resource building. He fully believes that his experiences in Thailand, as well as his current studies at Naropa have helped engrain a contemplative attitude, which enables him to view healing as a connection with inner resources and innate clarity. This view is complemented by his previous training in Applied Behavioral Analysis, in the field of autism. Having both views allows Ali to maintain a healthy balance between directive and nondirective facets of therapy. Ali’s primary interest is the client’s capacity to make real meaning; which according to Ali is an integral part of healthy growth. He brings an existential framework to the therapeutic environment which seeks to honor and reconcile the dichotomy of individual diversity and universal commonality that is present in everyone.

Linda Hsieh

Linda is an on-campus counselor intern for Naropa students. She is in her third year of the Transpersonal Counseling Psychology master's program at Naropa. Linda believes in dynamic approaches to meeting individual needs of clients. Her client-led counseling style values loving kindness and self-acceptance with present moment awareness. Her therapeutic approach draws from Transpersonal Psychology, Gestalt, Multicultural psychology, body-centered approaches and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Linda has experience working with issues of depression, anxiety, existential questions, and life transitions. One of her primary academic focuses is the psychological effect of internalized oppression. For this she draws from her personal and professional background with race identity development, LGBTQ issues, women’s issues, and dynamics of immigrant generations. Linda is interested in supporting others on their paths as they navigate the vast universe on their journey to self-actualization.

Kimberly Powers

Kimberly is an on-campus counselor intern for Naropa students. She is in her third year of the Transpersonal Counseling Psychology master’s program at Naropa. Kimberly brings an authentic and compassionate viewpoint of therapy that incorporates a synonymous journey of growth and healing through body, mind, and spirit. Kimberly’s broad spectrum of interests include working with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, relationship and sexuality issues, stress management, and eating disorders. She brings a unique presence and style which encompasses hope, love, nature, being, individuality, and meaning which guides her openness to the therapeutic process. Kimberly invites her clients to embark on a journey with her in healing the heart and soul through relationship and connection.