Founder Of Living Well Transitions Passes

Bill Sell, MA, LPC, CGP, founder and Executive Director of Living Well Transitions, died March 10, 2008 at his home in Boulder after a long illness. He was 47.

A pioneer in the development of independent living programs for young adults, Bill launched Living Well Transitions in 2004, and turned the innovative therapeutic and counseling program into a successful resource for clients who need help in social skills advancement, community networking and educational and vocational support.

With more than 20 years experience in young adult treatment communities, Bill designed the program to help clients create a healthy and happy life for themselves by using cognitive methods to teach responsible adult behavior. He also used therapeutic methods to create awareness of internalized feelings and external behaviors. His independent living model provided, and will continue to provide, an opportunity for clients to transition into adulthood in a real world setting. Bill's indelible legacy will continue to transform the lives of families and young adults through the ongoing work of Living Well Transitions.

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado and nationally certified in Group Psychotherapy (CGP) through the American Group Psychotherapy Association, Bill was also an adjunct faculty member of Naropa University in Boulder, where he taught in the Psychology and Religious Studies Departments. He also created a series of continuing education workshops for graduate students on dissociation and trauma. Bill's presentations on diverse topics such as "Aggression and Impulsivity: Leading Adolescent Talking Groups" and "Psycho-Dynamic Group Therapy With Non-Voluntary Clients," were acclaimed nationally and locally.

A 1984 graduate of West Chester University in West Chester, PA., with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bill received a Master of Arts in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University in 1988. An accomplished musician, his passion for songwriting was matched only by his life-long zeal for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is survived by his wife, Tamara; daughters Julia (23), Caroline (15), and Avery (11); mother Marilyn; siblings Leslie, Susan and Michael, many nieces and nephews, and numerous other family members.

Services will held Thursday, March 13 at 5pm at the Boulder Shambhala Center, 1345 Spruce St., Boulder, CO. His cremation will be held Friday, March 14, 2008 at Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to either a scholarship fund for his children (send checks to "Scholarship Fund", 2236 Nicholl St. W, Boulder, CO 80304); or to Jinpa Foundation, to build a retreat cabin in his name. (send checks to "Jinpa Foundation" 2200 Topaz Dr. Boulder, CO 80304)