Biography - Gwen Hanner
Gwen Hanner began Jai Dee Yoga and Wellness Studio as an adventure in adding more movement and healing modalities to her ongoing psychotherapy practice, and as tribute to the beauty and spiritual growth she has experienced in Thailand. Scientific studies continue to prove what Gwen has understood and respected for years–the healing power of mind-body therapies. She is excited to cultivate physical and mental wellness in the community through these powerful practices.
Gwen is a licensed mental health counselor, MH 2387, who has been practicing in Seminole Heights since 1995 and in the Tampa Bay area for over 22 years. She received her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida and specialized in the areas of Wellness and working with individuals with disabilities and minority populations–assisting individuals with permanent injuries and chronic illness in finding their greatest potential.
Currently Gwen has a private psychotherapy and wellness coaching practice at Jai Dee Yoga and Wellness Center. Gwen is certified at the expert level in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Heart Centered Hypnotherapy. Gwen specializes in the treatment of trauma and emotional stress, unresolved behavioral patterns, emotional blocks, relationship issues, weight management, stress management, chronic pain and chronic illness. Gwen provides Wellness Inventory Facilitation for coaching in the areas of healthy choice making and optimal health in personal Wellness. She teaches classes in meditation and group therapy and provides corporate Wellness training. Gwen is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and the Heart–Centered Therapies Association
After discovering yoga and meditation at an early age, Gwen began a dedicated yoga practice in her 20s after the sudden death of her father left her with debilitating panic attacks. Her regular yoga practice completely relieved her panic disorder—and in combination with self-hypnosis, helped her end a pack-a-day cigarette habit. Gwen has continued her practice of yoga and has received her Yoga Teacher Training from LeShan Barrios, eyrt and Ananda Yoga.
Gwen’s regular visits to Thailand with her husband David have led her to expand her knowledge as a healer, Thai style. She received Vipassana meditation training at the Northern Insight Meditation Center, Wat Rampoeng, a 600 year old Thai monastary. She is certified in Thai massage from the Thai Massage School, Shivagakomarpaj. Gwen and David also study Thai language, speaking and writing
One of Gwen’s most rewarding experiences was earning two certificates in Amateur Mahout Elephant Training from Thailand’s National Elephant Institute Forest Industry Organization. She and David completed this training for their love and admiration of domestic Asian elephants and interest in indigenous elephant handling, a practice in danger of disappearing as the animal’s role dwindles in the Thai economy.
Gwen continues her studies in meditation and Buddhism in Thailand as well as through the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Karma Triyana Darmachakra Center in Woodstock, New York and in Tampa with its local chapter, KTC who practices on Sunday mornings at Jai Dee’s studio. Gwen is also finishing advanced training in trance psychodrama at The Wellness Institute in Issaquah, Washington.