About the Founder

Susan Mayer-Smith was born in Wisconsin in 1950, where she began college studies at the University of Wisconsin at age fourteen and competed as a champion gymnast.  She holds graduate degrees in Elementary Education (specialization in dyslexia difficulties in adults and children), Music and Performing Arts at the University of Wisconsin in collaboration with Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University at Marseilles, France.  She completed the three-year training program in The Vittoz Psychosensorial Method in France, and opened a practice in Santa Rosa, California, in 2004.

After 20 years in France, she now resides in California where she is a certified puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, which trains and offers guide dogs to the handicapped.  A classically trained flautist and concert pianist, she enjoys cooking, gardening, snorkeling and needlework. 

About the Faculty

Dr. Susan Mayer-Smith, Founder

Dr. Annick Leca, M.D., Ph.D. Psychiatry, Marseille, France
Private Psychiatric Practice, Marseille, France
President, Governing Board "Vittoz France"

Dr. Jean-Michel Fabrizio, M.D., Ph.D., Psychiatry, Marseille, France,
Private Practice, Marseille, France; Founder, Centre Culturel Chretien de Marseille

Dr. Lucette Chapelle, MD, Ph.D, Professor Neurology, Montpellier, France
Private Practice, The Vittoz Method, St. Germain-la-Montagne, France

Dr. Rene Sirven, Professor, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Montpellier, France
Private Practice, Pediatric Psychology, Montpellier, France

Mme. Martine Mingant, M.S., Physiology, Physiotherapy*, Bordeaux, France
Private Practice, Physical Therapy, Vittoz Therapy, Bordeaux, France

Mme. Christian Guyon-Gellin, Psychotherapist*, Certified Vittoz Method Therapist, Manosque, France

* Unlike in the United States, a graduate degree and stringent ongoing certification is required in France to carry the title "Psychotherapist."

About Vittoz Practitioners Worldwide

There are approximately 750 practitioners in 37 countries. Global activities and Vittoz certification are coordinated through the French-based Federation des Associations VITTOZ IRDC. For those who speak French, their site is a rich source of information on Vittoz history, techniques and texts