Avani G. Dilger is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Addiction Counselor Supervisor, a Somatic Psychotherapist, and a registered Dance/Movement Therapist, who has specialized in substance abuse treatment with adults, teens-at-risk, and their families.
She holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Cologne in Germany (1995) and a Master’s in Somatic Counseling Psychology/ Dance Movement Therapy from Naropa University (2001).
She has done extensive research and training in traditional and alternative approaches to substance abuse treatment. She founded “The Pure Trance Project”, a recognized, innovative addiction prevention program for German public schools that uses trance dancing and meditation as an alternative to substance abuse.
She currently teaches graduate students at Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado in the MA Somatic Counseling Psychology Program and in the MA Transpersonal Psychology Program and works as a substance abuse counselor for teens and families at Compass House, a non-profit agency in Boulder.
She is passionate about the creative potential of craving and addiction issues. She has developed a cutting edge class called “Natural Highs – Healthy alternatives to drugs and alcohol” that is used as substance abuse prevention and treatment. The format integrates traditional and alternative approaches to substance abuse and addiction issues and teaches teens and adults how to work in intelligent ways with their own brain chemistry through body/mind practices, dance, ritual, meditation, and the creative arts.
Avani Dilger is a trainer and consultant in the Criminal Justice System and has trained probation, parole, and corrections officers in Motivational Interviewing and Evidence-based Practices in Maine, Illinois, Nebraska, Idaho, Arizona, New Jersey, Florida, and Colorado. She is an expert reviewer for publications on teen substance abuse issues.
She is developing creative formats that allow people who live on the edge of society to share and celebrate their wisdom. She holds a weekly Philosophy Circle at the local Addiction Recovery Center.
Avani G. Dilger