Shortly before my ordination to the priesthood, while sitting at a bonfire on the rocky shore of Lake Superior, Wendy asked me, "Who will you serve?" Without thinking, I answered her version of the Grail question, "Who does the Grail serve?" I answered, "I serve the brokenhearted."
Who are the brokenhearted?
~ Those who are struggling with life-threatening or chronic illness;
~ Individuals who have lost a loved one or abandoned by God;
~ Those who feel unforgivable because of the past.
My approach to spiritual or pastoral counseling and healing is not psychotherapy as the term is used today, but with its original meaning in Greek: therapeia, to heal or minister to, and psykhe, the soul, mind, or spirit. It is an integrative approach that incorporates a variety of healing methods, including Jungian-oriented dream work, clinical hypnosis, qigong, and ritual. Qigong (pronounced chee gung) is a system of healing from China dating back 3000 years or more. Qi is perhaps best described as the energy that flows through and around all things. I think of it as divine energies. Qigong involves learning special breathing exercises, gentle physical movements, imagery, and energy work similar to Healing Touch or Reiki.
As a clergy member in a sacramental tradition, I view healing the whole person: mind, body, emotions, and spirit as a central mission of the Christ tradition. Therefore I include prayer, and if desired, the sacraments of anointing of the sick and reconciliation (confession) as part of this integrative psychotherapy approach.
I see my work as gently guiding those who seek spiritual counseling toward wholeness by helping each person experience a deep shift in which they can draw upon their own healing energy and inner wisdom. This shift can alter the body, relationships with others, the world, and the Divine. I view healing in the sense of its original meaning—wholeness. I do not offer mental health counseling.
I also offer retreats and workshops throughout the year. These retreats combine insights from psychology, the wisdom of ancient and modern teachers, qigong, and various spiritual practices. See the News and Events page for information on upcoming retreats.
Who are the brokenhearted?
~ Those who are struggling with life-threatening or chronic illness;
~ Individuals who have lost a loved one or abandoned by God;
~ Those who feel unforgivable because of the past.
My approach to spiritual or pastoral counseling and healing is not psychotherapy as the term is used today, but with its original meaning in Greek: therapeia, to heal or minister to, and psykhe, the soul, mind, or spirit. It is an integrative approach that incorporates a variety of healing methods, including Jungian-oriented dream work, clinical hypnosis, qigong, and ritual. Qigong (pronounced chee gung) is a system of healing from China dating back 3000 years or more. Qi is perhaps best described as the energy that flows through and around all things. I think of it as divine energies. Qigong involves learning special breathing exercises, gentle physical movements, imagery, and energy work similar to Healing Touch or Reiki.
As a clergy member in a sacramental tradition, I view healing the whole person: mind, body, emotions, and spirit as a central mission of the Christ tradition. Therefore I include prayer, and if desired, the sacraments of anointing of the sick and reconciliation (confession) as part of this integrative psychotherapy approach.
I see my work as gently guiding those who seek spiritual counseling toward wholeness by helping each person experience a deep shift in which they can draw upon their own healing energy and inner wisdom. This shift can alter the body, relationships with others, the world, and the Divine. I view healing in the sense of its original meaning—wholeness. I do not offer mental health counseling.
I also offer retreats and workshops throughout the year. These retreats combine insights from psychology, the wisdom of ancient and modern teachers, qigong, and various spiritual practices. See the News and Events page for information on upcoming retreats.