Every approach to the work of spiritual counseling is shaped not only by the practitioner’s training and theoretical orientation, but also by who they are, their own life commitments, and by their understanding of the process. When looking for spiritual consultation, it’s always a good idea to ask about these things. Here are some brief statements about how I approach my work.
Spiritual Direction. Frankly, I don’t like the term, but it is the coin of the realm so I use it. I prefer “Spiritual Listening,” because the Holy Spirit is the true director. I see this work as our entering into a collaborative relationship in which you and I work together help you discover and drink deeply from the well of the living Spirit within you. What I bring to the conversation will be my background in Jungian psychology, dreamwork, the Internal Family Systems process, my own ongoing lifetime journey of growth and learning, and an approach I developed which I call “nonviolence for the soul.” If interested, you can read more about that in my book, Praying in the Dark: Spirituality, Nonviolence, and the Emerging World (Cascade, 2022).
As a professional trained in both theology and depth psychology, I draw on the resources of both disciplines in my work. Theologically, I am shaped by my Quaker heritage and my Christian commitment. I trust that we all have a rich store of inner wisdom that we can access in our efforts to overcome obstacles to healthy living.
Together we will explore the language, conceptual frameworks, and practices of spirituality that are most suited to your personality and religious formation. Your beliefs, hopes, fears, questions, and doubts are all important to this process and will be treated respectfully. Although spiritual direction is not psychotherapy, the insights of psychology are often very helpful in discerning which practices are most likely to help you find your way to an authentic and vital spiritual life.