bidwell consulting
psychotherapist • meditation teacher • musician •author
healing through music, mindfulness & practice
The work of Jan Bidwell — social worker, musician, meditation teacher and gestalt therapist, exploring the connection between awareness, sound, breath and emotional healing.
Jan's New Book Now Out!
Tactical Mindfulness: Polyvagal Strategies to Cultivate Steadiness
Achieve a steady inner state, even in the rockiest of times.
"Jan is an old friend and a long time dedicated practitioner. Her sincerity, discipline and knowledge are all offered here in her writing. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to share space with her." -Krishna Das, Devotee of Neem Karoli Baba
“Jan offers accessible strategies for transforming mental habits and achieving lasting well-being.” -Lori Taggar, PhD, Psychologist
"Jan Bidwell writes from the kind of experience few of us ever collect in a single life—a deep commitment to activism in the messy business of politics matched to an equal ardor for the value of contemplation and self-inspection. Her experience alone would commend the wisdom she offers but there is more than that too. There is both gravity and tenderness, ferocity and faithfulness, and in grappling with our humanity, there is a chance to learn more about ourselves from all that she teaches." -Douglas Brooks, PhD
• gestalt therapist • meditation teacher • musician • author
Jan Bidwell is an author, meditation teacher, musician, and a licensed clinical social worker trained in Gestalt, who has worked as a first responder, and front line worker. Her work explores the transformative relationship between mindfulness, music and the human nervous system.
Through original music, writing, meditation instruction, and decades of clinical experience, Jan creates experiences that help individuals reconnect with themselves, cultivate awareness and restore balance in their lives.
Her work bridges creativity and healing – using sound, focused awareness, and contemplative practice to support emotional well-being and personal transformation.
Music becomes a doorway into mindfulness – allowing the listener to slow down, listenen deeply and experience the restorative power within .
Jan Bidwell is also a published author who’s writing explorers the intersection of mindfulness, emotional resilience, healing, and personal insight, her book draws from decades of experience as a Gestalt psychotherapist, meditation practice, and creative expression. With thoughtful guidance and reflective exploration, Jan invites readers to examine the patterns that shaped their lives and discover new possibilities for growth, awareness, and transformation her work offers readers, practical wisdom as well as deeper reflection on mindfulness, emotional well-being, and the human experience.
music for healing and reflection
Music has the power to calm the nervous system, deepen meditation, and open emotional space for reflection and healing. As a musician and composer, Jan Bidwell creates music designed to support mindfulness practices and contemplative listening.
Her recordings blend melody, rhythm, and spacious soundscapes that encourage stillness and presence. Many listeners use Jan’s music during meditation, relaxation, or quiet reflection as a way to reconnect with their inner awareness.
other services
meditation and mindfulness practice
Meditation has long been central to Jan’s life and work. Through mindfulness practice, individuals can develop greater awareness, emotional balance, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Jan teaches meditation as a practical skill to calm the nervous system, build present-moment awareness, respond to stress more skillfully, and cultivate compassion and clarity.
Whether beginning a meditation practice or deepening an existing one, these teachings offer accessible tools for everyday life.
psychotherapy & emotional healing
Jan Bidwell is a licensed clinical social worker with more than forty years of experience in psychotherapy. Her work integrates mindfulness practice with an understanding of how emotional experiences are held in the nervous system, helping individuals develop self-awareness, emotional balance, and resilience.
Her approach may include:
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Trauma-informed psychotherapy
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EMDR therapy
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Mindfulness-based therapeutic practices
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Nervous system awareness
workshops, teaching, and public programs
Jan Bidwell offers workshops and presentations that blend music, mindfulness, and emotional awareness to help individuals and organizations build resilience, creativity, and presence in everyday life.
Topics may include mindfulness and nervous system awareness, tactical mindfulness for resilience, the role of music in emotional regulation, and meditation for stress and clarity. Each program combines teaching, music, and experiential learning to create meaningful and engaging experiences.