For individuals, families, or communities who are navigating the intersection of religious identity and sexual identity. When these areas align, there is so much hope for what might be. But when they are in conflict or seen as incompatible, it can create intense distress within an individual and in our closest relationships.

When that distress, individually or relationally, does not rise to the level of clinical therapy services, consultation is a great way to find a safe setting within which to seek guidance, wrestle with personal convictions, and approach others with integrity and confidence.

Relationship consultations are helpful in both becoming more self-aware as well as more interpersonally aware.

What might you do to become more aware of your ‘self’ - how you manage your emotions so that you can respond to others from a grounded and confident stance that maintains your integrity?

What might you do to become more aware of others and your environment - how can you cultivate curiosity, or the ability to allow others to be different and distinct without pushing them away, or ways to set appropriate boundaries in your relationships?

Perhaps consultation in this area could be one piece of that process.

Often religion and spirituality are an incredibly valuable resource for our mental health and the relationships in our lives.

But at times, these two areas of our life - our faith and our lived human experience - just collide and we have difficulty resolving them without feeling we need to choose. Sometimes, our faith communities can become the most harsh voices in our lives, causing harm and prompting shame and fear.

I seek to walk alongside those along this journey. When the distress and difficulties do not create clinical levels of distress, consultation is helpful in having someone who can guide and offer options and reflection on our experiences.

It is possible to hold strong opinions and beliefs about what is good and right and true, yet still maintain genuine community and relationships with those we disagree with. Unfortunately, we don’t have many examples or models showing us how to do this.

I provide individual and relational consultation in situations when there is difficulty in maintaining important relationships amid differences. While there may not be a simplistic formula for how to do this, there are ways to approach and engage others who are different while maintaining your integrity. In fact, it may even deepen your personal convictions as well as your relationship intimacy, if you are willing to do the hard work.

Spiritual Direction is also known as Spiritual Friendship, Companionship, Guidance. In some religious traditions it is well known, in many it is a relationship that very little is ever taught or modeled. I have attached a brochure here to provide more information and background.

I have been trained by the Shalem Institute, and have practiced as a Spiritual Director since 2014. My desire as a Director is to come alongside others as they grow in their awareness and attentiveness to the presence of the Divine in their daily life. I have found that this journey enhances all areas of our lives.