ABOUT ME
The Guide
Former Detective • Zen Teacher • Trauma Therapist
Rooted in Zen, Guided by Compassion
I have been a practicing Buddhist for more than 20 years and serve as an Assistant Teacher at Open Mind Zen. Zen teaches us how to come home to this moment — to meet life with presence, acceptance, and an open heart. These principles naturally shape my counseling style.
Working with me means entering a space where you are heard, supported, and respected. My style is warm, open, and grounded — with room for education, insight, and even humor when it helps. Clients often tell me they feel safe with me quickly, and that the work feels both gentle and deep at the same time.
Wendy Hixon, LMHC, NBCCH
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, License MH16038), National Board-Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist (NBCCH), and Assistant Teacher at Open Mind Zen.
My career began as a Police Detective specializing in undercover investigations, where I regularly navigated high-stress and trauma-intensive environments. Seeking deeper balance and clarity, I began a committed Zen meditation practice in 2000, which led to my appointment as Assistant Teacher in 2023.
In addition to clinical counseling and hypnotherapy, I am passionate about exploring and teaching the integration of Buddhist principles with contemporary neuropsychology. My work includes facilitating Zen dialogue, providing spiritual counseling, guiding individual and group meditation, and instructing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs.
Drawing on this distinctive blend of investigative experience, clinical expertise, and contemplative practice, I guide clients and students toward greater resilience, insight, and lasting well-being.
Presence Heals
Healing begins in the present moment. When we slow down, breathe, and meet ourselves with kindness, the nervous system begins to settle. From this place of calm, clarity emerges.
The Body Holds the Story
The body remembers what the mind cannot always express. By engaging breath, awareness, and the parasympathetic system, we create the conditions for deeper emotional healing and release.
Change Can Be Gentle
Growth doesn’t have to be painful or re-traumatizing. With the right tools — mindfulness, hypnotherapy, somatic work, and compassionate guidance — healing becomes a process of unfolding, not forcing.
"I believe that healing is not only possible — it is your natural state."
Holistic Pathways to Healing
Beyond the Therapy Room
When I’m not working with clients or teaching, you can usually find me outdoors — hiking in nature, cycling, or spending time near the water.
I treasure time with my family, friends, and my beloved service dog, Waffles, who often brings a joyful softness to my days.
Connect
Facebook | LinkedIn | Open Mind Zen
© 2025 Wendy Hixon All rights reserved
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Mind-body therapy for calm, clarity, and healing. Integrating neuroscience, Zen wisdom, and compassion.