Under The Sun: Jane Zimmerman, marriage and family therapist

As a therapist, Jane, do you consider yourself in the wellness profession?

Yes I do. My clients are definitely seeking wellness, emotional and spiritual. There is lot of fear and anxiety right now, and what people bring into my office is very mixed. For many it comes down to how does one fine peace amid life’s aggression and sadness.

Sounds like there is no shortage of people with troubles.

Being human in these times is tremendously challenging; current events can be so painful.

You’ve been in your profession a long time. Are the troubles different today?

Relationship troubles haven’t hanged much, but I can say that money has become a much bigger issue. People are worried about not having enough and people’s sense of security feels more threatened. And people struggle with the issue of livelihood, even people with a lot of money. Money forces everyone to struggle with meaning, so money is often “in the room” during sessions with clients.

Any other differences?

The frequency of divorce; as compared with 35 years ago people are giving up on marriage more quickly, particularly younger people. The idea of “for better or worse” has given way to just changing partners. There’s a lot of adjustments needed today due to new family arrangements.

Sounds like hard work. Does therapy help?

I feel whatever the circumstances there is the possibility of wellness, equilibrium and ease. Wellness is a state of mind, and not necessarily a matter of good physical health. Developing the capacity for compassion, deeper understanding and willingness to “let go” and release all contribute to wellness. And, I should add, so does being curious. Based on the feedback I get, therapy does help. Just talking, being attended to and being heard helps; it reduces isolation and opens up some space.

How did this work begin for you?

I began working with Margaret Dale in 1978 at the Sonoma Valley Family Center, and concentrated on working with teenagers. Working back, I arrived in Sonoma Valley in 1972; before that I was in Mexico for a year, in San Francisco for two years prior to Mexico, went to college in Cleveland, Ohio before that, and grew up in Great Neck, New York.

You’ve seen a lot of change in the Valley in that time I assume?

The biggest one is the growth of the wine business. The past was all about Sebastiani. And there’s been a huge influx of upper-income residents. In 1976, Sonoma was “artsy” and “farmy” — no stop lights at all — a real country town. Kids rode horses to the Plaza! It was friendly, rural, beautiful, and a rather unsophisticated town. On the Plaza you could get everything you’d need; there was a drug store, a food market, a tailor shop. The restaurant food is better now, and there certainly is no shortage of places for wine tasting.

I understand you teach yoga, too.

Yes, and of course it has its connection to wellness. Yoga brings together body, mind and heart. I teach at Sonoma Hills Independent Senior Living; class participants range in age from 65 to 92; the average age is 88! Yoga helps them feel better, more at ease, and their balance and mobility improve. They are really fun and we all laugh a lot. Humor is a big part of wellness.

Interview by Larry Barnett