Today we’d like to introduce you to Eli Recht.
Hi Eli, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in San Diego in a multicultural Jewish family. This nurturing and supportive environment instilled in me the values of community, service to others, and a passion for critical thinking and curiosity. As an inquisitive and introverted kid, I became acutely interested in people, the human condition, and the meaning of life.
This interest carried me around the globe and through diverse fields, like philosophy, history, theology, neuroscience, and music. Most notably, my older sister – who always knew she wanted to become a therapist – inspired me to study psychology as a way of making sense of my world. I attended Emory University in Atlanta for my Bachelor’s degree and studied Psychology, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
After college, I worked at the groundbreaking Institute for Music and Neurologic Function in New York City. There, I served patients afflicted with language, movement, trauma, memory, and mood disorders, and witnessed firsthand the incredible healing power of music and music therapy.
Through my travels and studies, I gained extensive experience and knowledge but came to understand the shortcomings of the intellect. I had everything I could reasonably want in life, but I still wasn’t happy. I was suffering from intense anxiety and depression, which I later learned stemmed from subconscious trauma and the reality that permanent happiness can only be found within.
Inspired to investigate deeper existential and spiritual matters, I joined the local Self-Realization Fellowship, founded in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda, and practiced his Kriya Yoga meditation techniques. I also became a Certified Raja Energy Healer, engaged in my own therapeutic explorations, and recognized my calling as a counselor.
This led me to the amazing Pacifica Graduate Institute near Santa Barbara, where I earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from the lineages of Carl Jung, Carl Rogers, Joseph Campbell, Marion Woodman, and more.
During grad school, I began offering low-cost therapy at the lovely Center for Mindful Relationships in Banker’s Hill, where I was trained in a compassion-based modality serving adults, teens, couples, families, and groups. Later, I worked at Turning Point Crisis Center in Oceanside, where I managed crises, provided social service needs, and aided adults with severe mental illness, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
In 2020, amid the Covid pandemic and with the aid of many guides and teachings, I experienced a profound shift: the falling away of ego-identity and an awakening to my true nature. I discovered that just beyond our self-created mental limitations, there exists a unity of being that is the source and substance of all things. It can’t adequately be described, yet it’s always available here and now as our own intimate awareness-experience, flowing and unfolding endlessly.
These realizations have uncovered the peace, love, and wisdom that abide at our core. As a result, I know that my purpose is to serve – to help alleviate suffering, cultivate connection, guide people through the often-confusing journey of Life, and invite others to recognize our shared unconditioned essence.
Since 2021, I’ve had the good fortune of providing care to a diverse clientele at Good Therapy San Diego, which has offices throughout SD County. Among other awards, the practice was named the 2024 Healthcare Hero by the San Diego Business Journal. I’m currently a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, EMDR practitioner, Clinical Supervisor, and Encinitas Office Manager under the exceptional leadership of Katie and Adam Brooks.
I also recently launched an ecumenical and holistic Teaching service that focuses on facilitating Self-realization. Through this work, I have the great joy of supporting people from all walks of life – both locally and internationally – as they awaken to their spirit and source of ultimate fulfillment. All optional donations I receive for this offering are given directly to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all, which in my opinion makes it more beautiful and worthwhile. There are two main struggles that come to mind.
Although I always had adequate resources and a good support system around me, I was constantly unsure of myself and my life direction. I tried on a lot of different vocations because of my many interests – neuropsychology researcher, musician, energy healer, and more – until I stumbled upon counseling as a career.
I was also diagnosed with some serious physical and mental health issues, including ulcerative colitis, sciatica, anxiety, and depression, which took me on a years-long healing journey that was simultaneously frightening, educational, and rewarding. With the support of several wonderful local professionals – Francis Larocque, the late Martin Feisst, Dr. Jayagopal Parla, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Pratha, Lora Sorg, the late Dr. Thomas Parker, and Dr. Matthew Jarvinen – I uncovered the psychological and emotional roots of these ailments. Through their guidance, I was able to painstakingly wean off all medications and achieve complete healing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in working with anxiety and mood disorders, emotional challenges, trauma of every kind, relationship struggles, psychosomatic issues, and a wide range of existential and spiritually-oriented topics. Drawing from a variety of frameworks and techniques, I’ve been able to integrate my formal education, clinical training, and personal life experience into a unique blend of modern psychological insight with timeless spiritual wisdom.
My ultimate aim is to help people cultivate greater self-awareness, clarity, inner peace, empowerment, and intuitive inner knowing.
I’m proud of the high-quality, evidence-based, client-centered care I provide, which is nonjudgmental, collaborative, efficient, and cost-effective. I’m grateful to be connected with so many incredible colleagues, clients, students, and friends.
I’m also thrilled to have edited and helped publish local author Philip Weber’s two books, Grace Happens and Reflections of Consciousness, which are helping many people around the world reconnect to their essential being; and all of the profits from his books are donated to the Interfaith Community Services in Escondido, where Phil was a volunteer assisting the homeless and disadvantaged. Finally, I’m humbled that my teaching service raised over $14,000 last year for the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that we are all One. Everything is made of the same light of awareness. While our differences matter and deserve to be honored, we are ultimately one human family – regardless of age, race, gender, religion, culture, heritage, background, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, worldview, opinions, abilities, personality, environment, you name it.
I’ve come to see that every action we take has an impact on the whole. That every being on earth and every aspect of life is intimately and inextricably interconnected. That we all suffer in fundamentally the same ways, we all bleed the same color, we’re all in the same boat, and we’re all doing the best we can. And therefore, that Love/Compassion is the ultimate antidote to our trials and the most vital answer to our deepest questions.
Pricing:
- Psychotherapy/Counseling: please inquire at 619-330-9500 for GTSD rates (sliding scale is available based on need).
- Teaching: donations are optional and given directly to the local RCHS animal shelter.
Contact Info:
- Website: elirecht.com
- Email: [email protected]
- GTSD Website: goodtherapysandiego.com
- Eli’s Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eli-Recht/author/B0CR5HJMMC
- Philip Weber’s Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Philip-Weber/author/B0CQWS7JB2
