Spiritual Guidance and Counseling
In the beginning, the Torah teaches, the first question asked of the first human is “Aiyecha? Where are you?” This question resonates across the ages.
Our work together begins with these questions: Where are you at this moment? What concerns, issues or pain brings you here today? I am open to hearing and exploring whatever is important to you, including but not limited to: spirituality and spiritual direction; problem solving; parenting, couples, families, relationships; work and career; lifecycles and life transitions; aging; grief and mourning; sexuality and identity; preparing for the end of life.
My practice of spiritual guidance and counseling is informed by the Jewish spiritual tradition and the best practices of the contemporary world. You need not identify as Jewish or religious in any way to benefit from deep and compassionate listening – every person deserves to be heard, seen, and held safely. Together, we look for the themes and threads of your narrative and ask: Is this the story I want to tell? Can I tell it differently? What are the next steps towards wholeness, spiritual growth and greater fulfillment? We can explore your story and, if appropriate, consider other ways to think about the past as well as meaningful decisions and actions that can affect the present.
For some clients, one or two sessions provide guidance and tools for them to move forward; others meet with me for several sessions and may return periodically to discuss their progress and further their work. I do not provide psychotherapy. My short-term, issue-focused spiritual counseling approach has been effective and meaningful for over forty years. I would welcome the opportunity to share it with you; please be in touch to schedule a session.
The Voice in the Fire
Preparing to pray is in itself a prayer.
Or so I say. I will begin tomorrow.
Having fled here, though none pursue. Fled where.
Within, far, to the desert place, the sorrow
Place. For what I have done. For surely the matter is known.
But see, turn aside, look, the thorn tree, the heart
Is not consumed; burning, it does not burn
To ash. It has a voice: Friend, pilgrim, start
Now on your way. You can't save your prayer for the world
to come, vagrant one, it is your call, the knowing
To turn and answer, Wilderness of God,
Hard mountain, I am here. A pilgrim going
To the farthest place is praying, or too can pray
If the place be near, since going is the way.