Questions & Answers

The sessions include meditation and other experiential exercises (from both psychological and spiritual traditions), a talk from me on one of the core themes we’re exploring together, and a period of time for conversation, the sharing of experience, and to ask any questions you might have. Though it can vary, experiential exercises, my talk, and conversation each represent about ⅓ of the overall session. 

Many cannot attend the sessions live due to other commitments. This is perfectly fine. You will be able to fully participate in the group and community – and in the healing relational field and group holding environment – by watching the videos at a time that’s convenient for you and engaging in the experiential exercises as you’re drawn. 

This is an important question. No, this is not a psychotherapy group. Due to the size and nature of the group, I will not be able to provide any sort of individualized diagnosis, assessment, or treatment of any psychological conditions. The purpose of the group is educational, motivational, and inspirational in nature, and not clinical. 

This said, we will be speaking about psychological healing and exploring the psyche in depth together, and we will address emotional wounding and other related matters, but in a way that’s educational. Many report experiencing the group and community as incredibly healing, or even therapeutic, please note that this is not a psychotherapy group. 

For similar reasons noted above, this is not a trauma support group in any formal sort of way. Unfortunately, we do not have the space or design to help any particular person who is struggling with traumatic or post-traumatic stress. Trauma will be addressed in an educational way, especially around the importance of a trauma-informed or trauma-sensitive approach to healing and spiritual work, but the treatment of trauma is beyond the scope of the group. 

This is not to say that those struggling with trauma cannot and do not benefit from the group, but to note that the group is not designed to work with anyone’s trauma in particular. If you are currently struggling with or have been diagnosed with traumatic or post-traumatic stress – or clinical forms of depression or anxiety – please consult with your mental health practitioner to discuss whether a group such as this is likely to be a good fit or not. 

Yes, in every session, I will invite conversation and questions from group members. You can come onto video and the mic with me, or you can ask questions in writing by way of the chat function. Per the note question above in #5, please note that our conversation and dialogue will be in the spirit of coaching, consulting, spiritual mentorship, and most of all, true friendship, and in no way implies or involves any sort of clinical or psychotherapeutic relationship. It is not the place to share deeply sensitive personal information, given issues of privacy and confidentiality. Please note that all group sessions will be recorded. While we ask those in the group to keep conversations private and confidential, there is no way this can be monitored; it’s important to understand this. 

I am trained in the psychology of religion, am I psychotherapist, and will share approaches, teachings, and practices from the fields of somatic, psychoanalytic, and depth psychologies (especially the work of Carl Jung); the world’s wisdom and contemplative traditions; the fields of relational neuroscience and trauma studies; and the teachings of the great mystics, alchemists, yogis, and poets of all times and places. 

I’ve been exploring the very rich and creative dialogue between these traditions and wisdom-streams over the last 35 years. 

I am not a member or practitioner or any particular tradition or lineage, psychotherapeutic or spiritual. Many traditions and lineages have been important and formative for me over the years and my approach is very much interdisciplinary and interfaith in its nature. Everyone is welcome. 

In my experience – and this has been reported to me by many others – more than the actual “teachings” we explore together, the things we learn, the theories, ideas, and concepts, there is something else that takes place when we come together in this way. It’s a bit mysterious and not always easy to describe with words, but my deepest intention and aspiration for our time together is to come into a dynamic, alive, loving, provocative field with one another, a true holding environment, where we can support one another – and receive support – to go deeper into our own healing and spiritual journey, in ways that are just not easy to do on our own. 

Much of this happens “in between” or “underneath” the words that are spoken, a real felt experience in the heart, and deep in the Soul, a felt connection with ourselves, with others, with nature, and with the Sacred itself, whatever that might mean to us. 

Being together, and deepening as a group and community throughout the year, for many is the most powerful and important and supportive aspect of the course; and the mystery of what happens within that interactional field, as we open into the mystery together. 

There will be a private Facebook group where you’ll be able to connect with others who are current members of the community. I know that some have developed lifelong friendships in this way. 

I do realize that a Facebook group is not for everyone and being part of it is in no way required. Please note that I will not be part of the group and you will not miss anything from me, in terms of teachings and guidance, if you choose not to join the Facebook group.