Gwendolyn West
Bio
Gwendolyn West (The Moonbow System) holds a master's degree in Human Development and Family Science from Kent State University and an M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University. Their work centers on treating complex trauma and dissociation, with a particular focus on creating accessible, equitable care for underserved communities.
As both a DID system and mental health professional, Gwendolyn brings lived experience and clinical expertise to their practice, challenging traditional approaches to healing. They are passionate about dismantling harmful aspects of "self-care culture" that can perpetuate individualistic solutions to systemic problems, instead advocating for community-centered healing and collective wellness.
Creativity serves as a cornerstone of Gwendolyn's approach to health and wellness. They believe artistic expression and creative practices are essential components of healing, not mere supplements to traditional therapy. Whether folding paper stars, drawing with colored pencils, or incorporating creative interventions into their clinical work, they understand that creativity offers pathways to wellness that academic approaches alone cannot provide.
