Have you experienced homophobia, transphobia, or misogyny in your church or religion? Have you been rejected by your family or faith community because of your gender identity or sexual orientation and need a safe, non-judgmental place to process and begin to heal those deep wounds? Did you go through conversion therapy or a "pray the gay away" ministry program to try to "fix" your sexual orientation only to be left wondering if God could really love you as you are? It's an understatement that these experiences have been harmful to you; I will provide compassionate care and help you sort through the many emotions and questions you're carrying. Using a variety of therapeutic modalities, we will work together to help you find peace and greater self-acceptance as you navigate the complexities of healing from your religious wounds and trauma.
Perhaps you haven't experienced religious harm, but you find yourself doubting the faith you believed in strongly for many years—even your whole life—and don't know where you can process those doubts and questions without feeling judged. Or maybe you've already left your faith but aren't sure what to do or where to go next on your spiritual journey (if anywhere at all). You don't have to go through any of this alone. As a former evangelical pastor, I have been on my own "faith shift" journey for the past five years; I've experienced the angst and complexities of questioning and shedding beliefs that were once the bedrock of my life.
I'm a secular therapist who understands the "church world" well, as I was in it for nearly 40 years—most of the time in some kind of leadership role. I know what it's like to move from solid certainty to raging doubt; and the deep feelings of grief in losing my core sense of identity and belonging. I will walk with you on your journey of deconstruction (though it might feel more like unraveling) and offer you care and hope. Over time, you'll discover the joy and freedom of becoming your authentic self and begin to make choices and decisions based on your heart, mind, and gut, not from the "shoulds" of a system.
Along with being a therapist, I'm a certified spiritual director (I prefer "facilitator"). I will come alongside you with NO AGENDA for your journey. Your path will unfold organically as you begin to voice your questions and lean into your own intuitive sense of truth in a safe, non-judgmental space where all of your doubts, thoughts, fears, and other emotions can be expressed and explored. You alone will determine the direction(s) your path will go. It will be an honor to bear witness to and walk with you on your evolving spiritual journey.
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." (Anais Nin)
