Hello, and thank you for visiting my website! I am happy for the opportunity to tell you a little about myself and what enlivens me. I am passionate about learning, growing, and helping others to thrive! In all the roles in which I serve, my intention is to listen deeply to others, validate their struggles, and affirm their strengths. I love companioning people as they tap into their inner wisdom and chart their own course of resilience. I utilize a holistic approach that considers individuals as physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional beings, with an emphasis on mindfulness and somatic awareness. I especially enjoy working with people to increase their understanding of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are conditioned in their lives. My focus is on empowering people to overcome obstacles and find inner peace, and I incorporate my deep interest in enneagram studies, yoga philosophy, and spirituality in all I do.

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About my research:

     My dissertation research explored the enneagram personality typology system (EPS) and self-(type-)transcendence. The research question was: Is utilizing the EPS correlated with a higher level of self-transcendence than is found in the general population? My research is the only study to date that investigated whether self-transcendence is correlated with employing the EPS. The robust finding of my study was that utilizing the EPS as intended through knowledge of the system and regular engagement in contemplative practices correlates with the goal of the EPS: self (type)-transcendence.

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My bio:

       Rev. Dr. Andrea “Ani” Vidrine is a licensed clinical social worker and interfaith/interspiritual minister who companions people in enneagram mentorship, spiritual direction, and Pace groups (https://pace.group/).  She offers enneagram consultations and spiritual direction online and at her studio in Church Point, LA, continuing education workshops for social workers and counselors, facilitates retreats, officiates at ceremonies, and teaches yoga.  Ani utilizes a person-centered approach in her practice, with an emphasis on mindfulness and somatic awareness.  

        As an Interfaith minister, Ani is a community minister “without walls.”  She honors the Truth in each faith tradition and agrees with Mother Teresa’s philosophy about respecting different religions.  When asked about whether she tried to convert people, Mother Teresa answered, “Yes, I convert. I convert you to be a better Hindu, or a better Muslim, or a better Protestant, or a better Catholic, or a better Parsee, or a better Sikh, or a better Buddhist.  And after you have found God, it is for you to do what God wants you to do.” Mother Teresa wanted people to experience a close relationship with God as they understand God, thereby promoting love among people.  This is also Ani’s wish.  Her commitment, which is stated in her vows, is to listen deeply for the Truth in herself and others, to look for the innocence in herself and others, and to show up with an empty cup waiting to be filled by the abundant provision of Divine Love in this present moment, this holy moment.

         Ani began her spiritual formation at The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Washington, D.C. and graduated from their programs, Spiritual Guidance and Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats. She subsequently graduated from One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and received her ordination as an Interfaith minister.  Rev. Ani joined Shalem's staff in 2019.

         Ani earned a Ph. D. in integral and transpersonal psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, a master's degree in social work from Louisiana State University, and a certificate in natural healthcare science from the New England School of Natural Health Care. She studied massage therapy and acupressure at the Alabama Oriental Studies Institute in Point Clear, Alabama and gained two teaching certifications in the instruction of yoga. 

        Ani was a licensed massage therapist in private practice for 7 years, has taught yoga since 1997, and has organized and facilitated retreats since 1999. She has worked in an outpatient psychiatric clinic as a mental health counselor, as a case manager and counselor for dialysis patients, as a counselor for youths on probation, and as a clinical social worker, chaplain, and volunteer coordinator for hospice patients.

       Ani has provided continuing education for counselors through Trusted Provider Network (TPN), the Louisiana Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling, for dietitians through the Council on Renal Nutrition, and for social workers through the National Association of Social Workers/Louisiana chapter.  

       Ani was married to Aaron Hebert for 24 years until his death in September 2022 and has two grown sons, Zack and Joshua.  Hiking, biking, writing, singing, playing piano, playing Spades, and traveling in her tiny home are some of her favorite pastimes.