Carl West, LISW-S, LCSW, Psychotherapist, & Clinical Heart-Centered Hypnotherapist

Each step forms the mandala of life…

Some people are basically born knowing what they want to be when they grow up. I am not one of those people. Like a handmade work of art, my life has been unexpected in its latest formation though no less fulfilling than any previous vision that I have had. 

I grew up in a low income neighborhood in Cincinnati. My mother is Mexican American and my dad is a Caucasian guy from the South. Going to schools outside of my neighborhood, I never completely conformed to any one group of kids. I was always aware of those in society who were the “other” and learned from my parents that everyone has dignity.

From Catholic grade and high schools to a Quaker college, I also ended up learning about Zen Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and nature based spirituality as well. It became clear to me that, while having an intellect is essential, no less important is the human heart and a connection with the Earth. 

After college, I had a variety of blue collar jobs before I ended up getting Master of Architecture and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Cincinnati. This led me to working in a wide range of positions before landing in private practice. I have worked at a single person architectural firm doing construction and drafting to a large mulit-disciplinary design firm as a sustainability professional.  I have worked with everyone from veterans at the VAMC to new mothers at CCHMC. In 2023, I left a successful private practice as a co-owner to form my own practice, Healing Ring Therapy LLC.

If you can relate to any of these experiences and/or you are curious to learn more about yourself, please come join my circle of healing and form your own mandala of meaning with me.