Lisa Hartnett, D. C.

From a young age, I have always been inquisitive about life and its deeper meaning. At the age of twenty-two, my questions began to be answered. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and bedridden for a year. The doctor’s told me their was nothing they could do and that I would be like this for the rest of my life. Life, as I then knew and understood it, crumbled. I felt devastated and disillusioned, not understanding the challenge I was facing nor my way through it. This opened me to alternative ways of healing and propelled me to look deeper at myself for the first time. When I was exposed to the idea that illness is rooted in mental, emotional, lifestyle and behavioral causes, it helped me understand disease and the healing process.

After some healing and much exploration, life intuitively pulled me to Boulder, CO where I met my first Network Chiropractor and her partner. Their care and love catalyzed my healing and progress, changing me and my life forever. After experiencing profound healing and witnessing others open and transform under their care, I felt compelled to go to Chiropractic school. I enthusiastically wanted to help others heal through this powerful method that had opened and changed me so deeply. An undeniable fire and passion awakened in me, giving my life new meaning and purpose.

Little did I know how rigorous Chiropractic school would be. I thought I would learn about the magic and transformation I experienced in Boulder, CO. However, our education emphasized the medical and scientific perspectives, which left me always wondering and asking, "Why are these diseases manifesting in a person's life and what are the underlying causes?" My interest was in looking beyond symptoms and diagnoses to the spiritual, mental and emotional roots of someone’s illness or situation. I sensed that true change and healing could only happen on that level.

I also remember having a lot of fear of the Chiropractic school curriculum. Science classes were not my strength and something I had avoided in college. However, because of the passion that was ignited in me from my experiences in CO, to my surprise, I graduated Valedictorian of my Chiropractic class.

It was after beginning my Network Chiropractic practice, when I suddenly started to hear my cat talk. At that time, I was studying with a spiritual teacher who had similar abilities and sensitivities, and I was experiencing a lot of personal healing and opening in the process of being with him. I know that being around him helped awaken my sensitivities. Often, these sensitivities made me feel crazy, and he helped me find my way. It took years for me to understand my ability and to feel settled. The whole process was both disorientating and exhilarating. It felt as if an internal earthquake had shaken me, dismantling my sense of self and my experience of life.

I had always loved animals and had thought of going to Veterinary school, but knew that Western medicine was not my path. Now life was presenting me a different way to help animals by listening and seeing the deeper causes of their health and emotional issues. I am constantly moved when I feel animals open to me and trust me.

My skills and abilities to help people and animals have changed and grown through my life experience and many years of practice. I began practicing in 1999 in Albany, CA and later moved to San Rafael, CA. I am passionate about empowering people to know and experience their inherent healing energy and power, and to give voice to our animal friends.

I have been strongly influenced by my experience and classes in Somatic Experiencing and my many years of Buddhist practice. They both emphasize how to be present in the body and work with your experience. They teach you how to help yourself in practical ways with life’s many experiences and internal challenges. When you are present, you discover how your internal world is always changing. I have found that healing and insight happens effortlessly and naturally when I meet myself and others with awareness, love and acceptance.

I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Lisa Hartnett, D. C.