One-on-one support

I believe structural oppression is real and highly damaging to our souls, minds, hearts, and bodies, especially those of us who identify as BIPOC and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Though I have a lifetime of experience living with gender discrimination, as a straight cisgender white woman I can’t fully know what it’s like to be a person of color and/or a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

But it breaks my heart to see the ways that racism, homophobia, transphobia, and the many other “isms” of this world have harmed so many people I love.

It is my heart’s desire that all people can be safe and free to live openly and joyfully as their own authentic self. That’s the fundamental reason why I’m here doing this work. So I’ve worked hard to be a respectful, supportive ally of folks in marginalized communities. 

If we work together, I promise that I will listen deeply to you about what your life is like and what you need. I will believe you and and believe in you.

And if you ever feel like I’m not getting it, or if I say something unskillful or hurtful, however unintentionally, I sincerely ask you to tell me as soon as possible, so I can stop, shift, and do better as a partner in your healing and growth.

No. I do not provide counseling, therapy, or psychotherapy services. I’m not a good fit for someone going through an acute mental health crisis or seeking care for ongoing mental health challenges.

However, many people seek out therapy not because of an acute mental illness, but because they feel like their lives aren’t working, and they don’t know what to do about it.

If that sounds like your situation, though I don’t offer therapy, I may well be able to support you in making significant positive changes in your life.

It depends. Together, you and I will figure out what you need, and how I can best support you.

Some clients arrive with specific, clear goals. For example, say you’re looking to do some focused work around exploring a career change. We might decide to set up a package of, say, 2 meetings a month for 4 to 6 months, to support you in getting in touch with the deep needs underlying your desire for change, exploring possibilities, and beginning to take action.

Other clients arrive seeking an ongoing relationship of spiritual support for whatever comes up in their lives. For many people, the sense of being held in a consistent, safe, supportive container is exactly what will help most. It can be such a relief to know you’ve got regular sessions on the calendar, and you can always bring whatever is happening in your life, to explore and sit with what it all means.

If that sounds like you, we might decide on a monthly meeting time that can continue as long as you want.

Ultimately, it’s about discovering just the right kind of support for you, so that you feel supported, affirmed, and energized.

Each session of individual work lasts about 60 minutes. Ideally, we’ll find a consistent, regular time that works for your schedule.

As for how often, we can figure that out together. We can meet monthly, biweekly, or even weekly, depending on what will best serve you right now.  And we can change up the frequency as your needs evolve.

Yes, I work exclusively via Zoom, or phone if you prefer.

Partly this is for practical reasons—it allows me to work with people anywhere in the world as long as they have a cell phone or an internet connection.

But also, many people find they actually prefer doing this kind of work remotely. There’s a focused purity of energy in working one-on-one online that may help you drop down into your heart more easily.

And because you get to choose where you are physically when we meet, you may feel freer and more empowered than you would meeting in someone else’s physical space.

Plus, there’s no commute, and you don’t have to worry about running into anyone you know in the waiting room!

That depends on what kind of support you’re looking for. If you’re interested in working on specific goals, I’ll invite you to decide on some actions you want to experiment with as you work toward those goals. Each time we meet, you’ll create your own next steps that you’ll commit to trying before the next time we meet.

The details are entirely up to you. It could be just thinking about a powerful idea that came up for you that day, or talking with someone to explore a new possibility, or trying on a new behavior—whatever you believe will help you get closer to what you really long for in your life. 

And don’t worry, if life gets in the way and you’re not able to do what you intended, that’s ok! In that case, I might ask you, what got in your way, and what can you learn from that? But I’m not here to judge or reproach you in any way. I’m here to support your growth and learning, gently and with confidence that you’ll make progress in your own good time.

I will hold what you tell me in strict confidence. I won’t tell anyone we’re working together or disclose any details about our work together unless I am legally required to do so.

To help others dealing with similar challenges, or in consultation with trusted colleagues as part of my professional development, I may occasionally share broad themes, questions, or insights that emerge in our work. But I will always change any details that could possibly identify you.

You, however, are always free to share whatever you want about our work together.

From me, you can expect that:

• I will honor you as a person who is sacred, whole, creative, competent, and resourceful.
• During our sessions together, I will be completely focused on you and support you to the best of my abilities.
• I will listen with an open mind to any question or request that you have for me, and I will respond with curiosity and compassion.
• I will respond promptly to emails, texts, and phone calls and tend to any logistical needs you may have in a timely manner.

I ask that you as a client:

• Show up for our sessions and participate fully to the best of your ability.
• Be curious and open to learning about yourself and your world.
• Be kind to yourself.
• Let me know as soon as possible if you’re concerned or uneasy about anything that’s happening in our work together.
• Share your joys, celebrations, and successes as well as your struggles.