A LITTLE ABOUMY BACKGROUND AND APPROACH
I have a PhD in Mythological/Religious Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology. After serving as a Washington state certified counselor for many years, my focus now, as coach-practitioner, is on the art and skill of life integration practices. This involves making use of psychological tools, both emotional and mental, while enriching the mix with ‘spiritual’ spice, i.e., whatever a person considers to be their zoom-out, larger view of life and living!
Regarding Depth Psychology
Depth or Transpersonal Psychology is based in the work of C.G. Jung, and many others. It emphasizes ways to explore one’s inner landscape against a universal/expanded backdrop, one that is not defined by cultural or short range concerns, thereby helping a person open to a larger sense of what it means to be human. The process involves internal exploration. The eventual outcome can be greater curiosity and compassion about who and what one is.
Internal Family Systems
In addition, I’ve received training in Internal Family Systems (developed by Richard Schwartz), an approach that helps a person bring more conscious awareness (and loving relationship) to their inner elements/parts/aspects. Experiencing these “inner lives”, and understanding more about the ways they influence one’s feelings and behaviors, leads to greater settlement and stability in a life, which in turn increases one’s ability to navigate the inside and the outside of one’s life, understanding more about how they go together.
Join me in an exploration of inner and outer dynamics!
Overall, I am fascinated with human psychological dynamics! Ever since I can remember, I’ve wondered about my own and others psychological make up, how we form psychologies, and how we are affected by what we form. To begin to know more about the filters through which we see life is everything. To see that we can then create new filters is life-changing! It allows for more flexibility and flow in the system. My own search continues to support a growing sense of inner peace, settlement, and self-sovereignty. My desire is to pass these and other benefits on to others, as best I can.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME ABOUT MY WORK
Being human is a challenge! We all struggle, and we all experience ups and downs in that struggle. At the same time, we are faced with a huge mystery as regards human life in general and our own Self-ness in particular. This mystery or enigma can be awe-inspiring. It can also be overwhelming. Going ‘big’ in this way is about seeing one’s life as a journey rather than a series of random events.
Helping others, as well as myself, to explore in this way is an endeavor I truly enjoy. Putting the pieces of the puzzle together in fresh, new ways promotes unexpected discoveries, bringing to light things overlooked and/or never seen before. I feel grateful to share in and be witness to this unfolding process, during which open-ended questions are pursued, compassion deepens and wisdom naturally expands… with the ‘endgame’ being greater joy and ease and well-being.
My hope is that clients discover more about what drives, delights, and scares them; what makes them feel dull and what makes them sparkle; and overall how they can be more engaged in the life they are living. As guide and practitioner, I am honored to be able to assist and accompany a person in this personal and transpersonal journey.
