Dr. C. Picara Vassallo

My own personal quest for healing began at a young age.  I was chronically sick with strep throat, sinus and bladder infections, digestive problems and by 18, hypothyroidism and depression.  This began my interest in the human body and how healing occurs. 

Simultaneously, I had a fascination with spirituality, eastern philosophy, and psychology. In my free time, I practiced yoga, studied various self-healing techniques, meditated, and looked for practical ways to live a healthier, happier life. 

It was through working with acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists that I began to feel a drastic improvement in my health. Most fascinating to me was seeing that healing often happened subconsciously and sometimes spontaneously. Healing was not only physical but also emotional and spiritual.  My health can not be separated from who I am, how I show up in the world, who I'm in contact with, and the decisions I make.  The more I focused on being in harmony with my true self and with my environment, the more I healed. The wisdom of Thea Elijah rang true to me; "You can be you or you can be sick."

My spiritual life deepened when I became involved with Sufism, which opened me up in ways that no other system had.  Not only was my connection to myself of vital importance in my healing but so was my connection to something greater.  Call it what you will: the Divine, the Universe, Source, God… as I surrendered more and more to it, as I allowed to hear it’s whispers in my intuition, as I allowed my ego to start to fade and the veils of old behaviors and past traumas start to melt away, my awareness of who I am and the truth about the world around me became more and more clear. From this place, I make wiser decisions, I follow my inner knowing, and I live more authentically.  

Watching years of patient’s often unknown, old subconscious behaviors and traumas fall away and their inner and outer lives transform is an indescribable pleasure. My life is changed by that work as much as their’s is. 

I still struggle at times with  life challenges and inner demons, but many of my previous physical symptoms are gone, including my thyroid disorder which has been resolved for over a decade.  My health isn't always perfect and my path is not always easy, but it is my path. It has brought me more in touch with my destiny, my truth, my happiness, my love. I know the tough spots in life are gifts, opportunities to access my true nature, to grow more fully into my life as only I can.  They also allow me to relate to client's struggles making me a more empathetic, insightful and compassionate health care practitioner. 

I often ask myself: How do I make every interaction, every moment, a healing moment? How do I find a way to help others to find healing in every aspect of their life?   How do I bring my personal experience and the wisdom I've gained to benefit others? These are the questions I passionately strive to find the answers to in my practice. 

When I'm not with clients, you can find me meditating, chanting, reading, playing with my frisky Sphynx cat, eating exotic international cuisine, cooking and baking, riding my motorcycle, practicing yoga, and weight lifting. I love having new experiences and traveling internationally. 

I look forward to meeting and working with you! 

In gratitude,

Dr. Picara