What is Spiritual Counseling?

I’m a trauma trained therapist and I offer individual therapy for sensitive souls, ages 18 years old and up. I blend EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Holistic Health principles, nervous system regulation and Spiritual therapy. My clients and I chart a clear path to help them heal from anxiety, people pleasing, trauma, PTSD/C-PTSD, grief and more. So, where does Spiritual counseling come into this, and how does it help? Well, as a wise person once said, “We are spiritual beings living in a physical body.” The more we can understand our spiritual aspect, the more whole we may feel.

First of all, spiritual counseling is not at all religious. I use a combination of Buddhist and yogic philosophies to help clients reframe many of the difficult experiences they have been through in life. Cultivating Buddhist concepts of Self-Compassion, Radical Acceptance, Mindfulness, Karma, Dharma and more, can be comforting and help us understand that suffering is a normal part of the human experience. As a 300-hour trauma informed yoga instructor and Certified Sound Healer, my clients and I can discuss their aura (the energetic field that surrounds us and protects us) and their chakras, the 7 main energy centers of the body. By doing this, clients can gain a better understanding of their energy systems and where in their bodies they are holding unwanted stress, trauma or emotions, as well as healthy ways to release these. Using Sound Healing in session can further help in releasing these stored energies and restore health and balance to the body and mind. Finally, by bringing in metaphysical concepts and tools, such as healing crystals, astrology, the Enneagram, numerology, and oracle and tarot cards, we can explore other aspects of self that can be helpful in healing.

Spiritual Counseling is not for everyone and that is ALWAYS respected in my therapy practice. These modalities and tools are only used if the client feels they are helpful to their treatment goals and healing. I also give homage and respect to the traditions and lineages that I am borrowing from, to use these tools and honor the sacred lineages, traditions and spiritual systems that these concepts originate from. I keep a “beginner's mind” and realize that my knowledge is limited, at best, and that it is an honor to introduce clients to these concepts.