Please read on…….

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

I am a registered, clinical social worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers. I have been a practising counsellor (MSW) with individuals and families for over thirty years. During this time, I entered what is commonly called ‘second half of life’ and all the changes and questions that go with it. I became more committed to the view: ‘healthy psychology is healthy spirituality’ and ‘healthy spirituality is healthy psychology’. This led to my decision to pursue further education. To this end, I completed a two-year Jungian-based spiritual direction program (2014). I provide a counselling practice that is spiritually attuned, and a spiritual direction practice that is psychologically attuned.

With the educational qualifications and professional designations that enable me to practice, I adhere to the Code of Ethics as outlined by the Alberta College of Social Workers, and the Guidelines for Ethical Conduct as outlined by Spiritual Directors International.

COUNSELLING:

My practice is built on family of origin theory and therapy. Our family of origin is a primary force behind how we feel, think and behave in many contexts – consciously and non-consciously. We benefit from exploring personal and collective experiences that affect our sense of self and how we show up in the world.

One goal of family of origin work is to name and release from unhealthy inter-generational beliefs, patterns, wounds, stories and secrets that keep us from exercising personal agency and taking full responsibility for our life as it is now. When we disentangle from the ‘ties that bind’ we can self-differentiate (‘grow-up’ in simple language) with greater inner freedom. This enables us to more consciously choose and participate in relationships that honor authenticity and reciprocity. Then we can live into what we are built for: to create meaningful connections and community.

Family of origin work is a particularly useful process when dealing with:

historical wounds and inherited trauma
some mental and physical health issues
grief and loss
healing old relationships (letting go or renewing)
changing relationship patterns and roles within and beyond family
life transitions
more holistic commitment to a life that matters

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:

This ancient and contemporary practice embraces countless definitions. Two of my favorites are:

‘Simply put, spiritual direction is helping people tell their sacred stories every day’. (Spiritual Directors International Website)
‘We help people with life and death’. (Anil Singh Molares, Executive Director, SDI)

The spiritual direction I offer is InterSpiritual. I honor and learn from the wisdom teachings of many spiritual traditions. Also, I companion individuals self-identifying as spiritual independents who grapple with the same questions as many other people, but do not limit their exploration to one path, one belief system, one creed, one god-image.

What brings a person to spiritual direction is unique to them, however here are some of the more common reasons:

To deepen existing spiritual experiences and explore meaningful spiritual practices.
To challenge the ‘old story’ of literal beliefs and practices, and then listen to the stirrings that want to re-energize the life of Spirit and Soul.
To explore a newer, more creative spiritual path.
To discern a path forward as an important life decision is being made.
To explore the invitations for growth and healing from grief and loss, betrayal, doubt, loneliness, depression, anxiety and anger.
To develop an authentic practice of compassion (to self and others) and be in service to repairing the world.