My name is Kerry Alyson Parks (ki/kin). My pronouns represent an animist framework and acknowledge our interconnectedness with all living beings including but not limited to rivers, mountains, rocks, stars, and soil. I am a mother, co-parent, grief tender, medicine woman of the Sami peoples of Scandinavia, and a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (R-LMHC #21856). I identify as a feral and compassionate queer, non-binary being, committed to showing up, holding space, and leaning in with real talk. I am humbled to steward others as they journey towards remembering, reparenting, reclaiming, and moving towards embracing themselves as sovereign beings who are worthy of love and deep connection.
Born in the upper Midwest, I have lived in NYC, San Francisco, CA, India, Asheville, NC and Gainesville, Florida is where I currently call home. The sky and ocean are my constant companions where I am reminded of my soul’s truth and longing; deeply embedded in the constellation of my heart. I have witnessed marginalization, oppression, heart openings, repair, and surrender on these stolen lands of the Timucua and Seminole indigenous communities. I am a feeler and a healer.
We are at a precipice of great change as we welcome Pluto stationing in Aquarius for the next twenty years. We will bear witness to incredible expansion which will entail falling apart and reorganizing in a manner that values all voices, all colors, all genders, and beliefs. Rebuilding begins with repair, which is a collaborative, and trust-based approach. This is at the heart of my offerings.
I received a BS in Health Science from the University of Florida with an emphasis on holistic wellness. I have always valued wellness of all spheres, mind, emotions, body, and spirit. I received a M.Ed. / Ed.S. degree in Mental Health Counseling from UF. I work through a transpersonal, humanistic, and somatic lens and lean towards eco-conscious, and animistic frameworks. My person-centered approach is centered on culturally responsive practices that empower clients to manifest their authentic selves.
I work concurrently at UF’s Counseling and Wellness Center where I provide individual and group counseling. At present, I am unable to see current University of Florida students. I have held space for teens, adults, and elders. I am well versed in major depressive disorder, spiritual and existential crises, terminal and chronic health related conditions, suicidal ideation, PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, relationships, aging, menopause, transitions, and LGBTQ+ identities.
In addition, I am a massage therapist and a lifelong learner and practitioner of healing traditions (e.g., Reiki II, mindfulness, stone medicine, and sound healing). I have studied Compassionate Inquiry with Dr. Gabor Maté and utilize his approach to deepen my awareness of trauma informed interventions. I have explored psychedelic integration therapy and completed experiential trainings in the US and abroad over the last 20+ years. I am a member of UF’s Center for Spirituality and Health and have taught Mindful Living at UF multiple times over the years.
