Meet Renée Burwell, LCSW, MPA, CST-S, CSE, a skilled psychotherapist and educator with specializations in sex therapy, psychedelics, and trauma. Her goal is to help individuals, families, and communities heal and become more aligned with their authentic self. Her practice, Pandora’s Awakening, offers services and educational outreach that help destigmatize mental and sexual health services. She is a skilled facilitator offering training and workshops to healthcare and social services professionals on mental health, sexual health, and reproductive justice. She has trained with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and is AASECT-certified as a therapist, educator, and supervisor.
What’s something we don’t know about you?
I’m pretty much an open book, but one thing most people don’t know about me is that I am learning to play the guitar and I enjoy going to the gun range in my spare time. I’ve found that both activities have helped me reflect on personal discipline and trust within myself.
What inspires or motivates you to get out of bed?
I am motivated by life and every day I get to experience a new day and experiences. Connections are very important to me. Building relationships with individuals new and old and the possibility to expand my mind and horizons get me out of bed each morning.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Culture is one thing I can’t live without. I can’t live without music, food, art, travel, connecting with different aspects of how we all live.
Where do your brightest ideas come from?
Most of the time it is during mediation. Sometimes it is while I’m in active meditation in silence, sometimes it is while driving or walking, but I usually obtain my best ideas when I am still.
How do you spark your creativity when you’re feeling in a rut?
I really like doing activities from the book “The Desire Map” by Danielle LaPorte. I also go back to mediation and freewriting to spark creativity.
Where is your favorite place to decompress & unwind?
In nature. If I’m able to go outside and see birds, butterflies, and plants I feel reconnected to self and what I call “source.”
When do you feel your best, and what do you do to stay in good vibrations?
I feel best when I’m around good people and good vibes. I try to really watch my “diet,” and what I mean by that is, I pay close attention to what I am consuming mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I try to make sure that I nourish myself with things that feel good to me in the present and for long-term benefit. I also try to maintain a practice of gratitude, so I am reminded of those things that nourish all aspects of my life.
Why did you choose Ampersand Studios as your workspace?
I liked the energy of the space. It felt really community oriented and in alignment with my goals to build a greater social media presence. I am new to Miami and it was important for me to connect with other creative and entrepreneurial individuals and groups. I also appreciated Ampersand’s focus on increasing diversity. This is really important for me in any business endeavors I am part of at this time.
Where can our community connect with you? Online at www.reneeburwell.com or on Instagram at @holisticsextherapist.
