To better explain Long Boat Counselling I have answered some frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is Spiritual Counselling?

Spiritual counselling recognizes that we are whole people, with emotional, physical and spiritual aspects. Most counselling techniques work only with the emotional aspect and like the ten blind men with the elephant, the counsellor is reduced to guess work about the true cause of the problem.

Spiritual counselling is based on the truth that we live in a world that is interconnected and interdependent. Self-reflection then can be accomplished by soul catching in the outer world. Then the Other becomes our most important and erudite teacher.

Spiritual counselling is an experiential approach to disarming the ego which protects the self from change and challenge. This is done by a variety of unique techniques which must be experienced to be understood. The techniques involve reading the omens of the moment and catching soul with inner and outer guidance. It also involves my own psychic vision as a holistic healer. Sometimes I may access past lives, read charkas or any of wide a variety of other skills developed over twenty years of training with the River. (Read the River Books: Book One!)

Does spiritual counselling have a method?

Yes, it has a very specific method which is precise, but which is flexible enough to accommodate everyone. This method has three basic phases.

First- recognition of the unintegrated aspects of ourselves.

 This is sometimes the most frightening and difficult part of the therapy. It entails honest personal reflection, the counsellor at this stage is a supportive witness to the process. The client will go only as far they are able to at any time. There is no pushing, the client drives every step of the way.

Secondly these aspects are integrated by a commitment to action, formulated out of new aspirations and awareness

These actions may be every day actions, simple undertakings such as setting up a shrine, doing a ritual in a power spot or simply having coffee with a friend. Or they may be turning points of greater decisions. The progress at this point depends on the motivation of the client.

Finally, the client is lead to freedom.

 But before freedom and liberation, there may be tremendous fear and intense emotional pain. However, once the unintegrated aspects are brought into awareness, they can become allies and then serve to help us awaken.

Spiritual Counselling is an on-going, conscious participation in the sacred business of co-creating the world. With time and training, we can come to understand how the sacred and the every day become one.

How is Spiritual Counselling different from other counselling techniques?

Spiritual Counselling leads straight to the problem without interference and obscuration from ego. It avoids misleading chatty talk which is often just a cover for ego dissimilation.  It has the freedom of using a myriad of techniques depending on what the situation calls for. Sometimes the client may be healing childhood trauma, but not all unintegrated aspects come from our parents. There may also be past life shadows, or ancestral memory, which like hungry ghosts take control of our lives without our conscious knowledge.

What is the process of Spiritual Counselling?

The process is a structure entirely agreed upon by the counsellor and client. Progress is directed by the soul catching of the session. The client may see the counsellor as often as they want. Generally, a week between appointments is advised.

Every session is ended with a home assignment, work which the client agrees they must do before the next session is completed. In this way, the therapy is an effective balance between thinking and doing. Most therapies focus on the talking/thinking aspect and forget to incorporate the aspect of action which is essential for any awareness to be meaningful. Once the commitments are achieved, then another session may be booked.

There is no set program for the counselling. There are only set programs for the workshops, but even then, each person will work according to their own needs and yearnings.

What kinds of problems can be brought to Spiritual counselling?

Soul is the existential foundation of our being. All problems and conflicts originate in imbalances of soul. Even seemingly purely physical and emotional concerns have foundation in the spiritual. Usually it is most effectual to begin at the source and work from there. Upon examination, other practitioners may be called upon to give their expertise in their area, but that will be the choice of the client.

Some examples of concerns, which are been treated effectively by Spiritual Counselling, are depression, anxiety, autoimmune diseases, career changes, money and relationship conflicts.

Can I be of any religion or spiritual tradition?

Resoundingly YES!

Spiritual counselling is sensitive to whatever structure or mirror the client feels most comfortable with. Soul catching is beyond human made religious structures. It is immediate, intimate and deeply real and personal-what ever your terms are.

What are the rates?

We strive to keep the standard rates of our counselling services accessible to everyone who needs them. We start at $40/hour, but a sliding scale can be arranged for the unemployed or fixed income. Sometimes product or service trades can be arranged also