In order to understand where Dafos came from, you’ll need to suspend a little disbelief. For many, this story might sound like mystical mumbo jumbo—and honestly, that’s a fair reaction. I tend to be skeptical of anything that doesn’t align with my logical framework. Still, I want to share the brief story behind the name, because it remains an important part of the foundation of my work.
I was attending a retreat while working on a chapter of my certification in GIM (Guided Imagery and Music). The theme of this particular intensive was Myth and Archetype. Among the many activities we engaged in was the creation of a mask—an immersive, week-long process of gathering inspiration from nature and internal imagery to give shape to something symbolic.
At the end of the week, we participated in a ritual intended to breathe life into our masks. We were invited to wear them and allow whatever needed to come forth… to come forth. From this experience, Dafos emerged.
In something akin to channeling, a deeper, livelier voice boomed forth from within me and addressed the group: “Speak your truth.” There was a moment of collective stillness—almost a calling-out—and then a back-and-forth between the trainers and this voice, discussing what I, Woody, needed to remember. While I don’t recall every word, the core message was clear: I needed to get out of my own way.
On the drive home, that voice lingered. An internal dialogue began with this new persona, which felt like a face for something deeper—a well of internal wisdom rather than an external spirit. That conversation sparked the vision for what would become my therapy practice. It helped me realize that I needed to stop blocking my own path and allow something more integrated and creative to emerge.
The practice was envisioned as a space where the sacred and the profane could coexist in a therapeutic setting. It would reflect my passions for spiritual and wisdom traditions while also embracing my personality, love of media, and interest in gaming. Dafos Therapy was meant to offer a kind of “user’s choice” model—a flexible, experiential space for healing that honored both depth and individuality.
So I returned home and began creating Dafos Therapy: a place for those seeking transpersonal or spiritual therapy, as well as those drawn to “geek therapy” grounded in media and gaming. Now, nearly two years since our launch, Dafos Therapy continues to meet facets of that original vision—and keeps evolving.
What that growth looks like going forward remains open. I envision a dedicated space offering therapeutic RPGs, shamanic therapy, mindfulness classes—an ecosystem that embraces both ritual and play. At its core, Dafos Therapy is collaborative. I work with each client to discover what meets their needs. For some, that’s traditional talk therapy. For others, it may involve guided imagery, music, visualization, ritual, or skills-based modalities like CBT or DBT.
Ultimately, I hope to foster meaningful, personalized relationships that support people in growing into their fullest, most authentic selves. As we continue to grow, I welcome your feedback. Together, we can keep shaping Dafos Therapy into a space where healing, insight, and imagination are all welcome.
